The Member Reporter Blog

Christmas Spirit on the Go.

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:19:00 GMT

It all started when I was passing Kathy Kessinger’s office and she asked, “Rene, would you like to do some volunteer work for a couple of days?”

On his 99th birthday, I went to visit Vincent James Montesano. Linda Allen, a homecare provider, invited us to Mr. Montesano’s apartment in downtown Los Angeles. Linda has been caring for Mr. Montesano for nine years and I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful work that she provided for Vincent.

The Prediction has been Fulfilled.

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:29:00 GMT

An African American, 47-year-old Barack Obama radically changed the history of the United States on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 9 p.m. On this day, he was declared President of the most powerful country in the world.

He overwhelmingly won this election with 70 % of the Latino vote. After a final hour of the electoral process and with more than 365 electoral votes, McCain called Obama to congratulate him and to recognize his defeat.

December San Bernardino Rally.

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:19:00 GMT

For those of you who could not attend, our rallies just keep getting better!

Our rally in December brought even more people together. We had about 80 people this time. We also had a different emphasis. When it came our turn to speak, we presented the supervisors with a giant facsimile check for $59 million dollars.

Budget Cuts.

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:42:00 GMT

Members of SEIU united on a trip to Sacramento where we protested against the Governor’s proposed budget cuts. We also spoke with legislators, including Mary Hayashi and her Chief of Staff, Mr. Jasperson.

The Chief of Staff informed us that they needed 54 votes to pass a tax revenue bill. They also needed the Republicans to vote for tax revenues and also to vote against the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to long term care programs. There is a 28 billion dollar deficit, and the money to fill it should not be coming from the IHSS program.

San Bernardino Candle Light Vigil.

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:11:00 GMT

On November 26th, a candle light vigil was held in San Bernardino. Homecare workers and union members met at the San Bernardino union office on Arrowhead Avenue. At 4 p.m. we all walked down to the county offices to fight for our new contract and healthcare coverage.

Oakland Member Reporter Training.

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:28:00 GMT

Thursday, November 13th marks the day that member reporters attended training in the beautiful city of Oakland. Among those in attendance were: Sherry Liddell, Brenda Blannon, Roland Alsup, Mao Ling Sieu, Yuan Mei Jiang, Ouyang Kelian and Francisco Daza.

English, Spanish and Chinese speakers were able to come together in an effort to enhance their reporting skills. Member reporters learned about the various types of news leads, and practiced writing the opening paragraph to a story using different methods that were taught. Brenda Blannon executed her writing with skill as she wrote a contrast lead, which was given as an assignment. Brenda also volunteered to read her contrast lead out loud to everyone in attendance at the training.

San Bernardino Rally.

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:30:00 GMT

The County of San Bernardino is working to cut our wages, hours, and benefits. In response to this, we must all fight. Supporters of caregivers gathered at the San Bernardino union hall on November 18th to fight these cuts. Our spirits were high as we gathered at the union hall before we spoke at the city council meeting.

We held a brief press conference and expressed our case to the press outside of the city council building. Tom Csekey, a staff member from local 6434, and union members spoke at the union hall, the press conference, and in the council meeting.

Weekend Warriors, California to Nevada.

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:49:00 GMT

Shirley Leonard

One hundred union members from several locals, traveled to Northern Nevada as volunteers for the Member to Member campaign on behalf of Barack Obama’s race for the presidency.

Friday, October 24th, volunteers departed from local 721 and headed for Las Vegas. On the way there, we picked up other members from the San Bernardino office, and we also had briefing and training to prepare us for the volunteer work.

Workers Meet to Join Forces.

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:19:00 GMT

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On November 8th in Oxnard, California, the first joint Tri-County and LA County Latino Caucus came together to celebrate the unity and diversity that give strength to the workers of locals 721 and 6434.

The celebration was sponsored by a diverse group of labor caucuses: the Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Lavender, Social and Economic Justice and African American.

Mark Ridley-Thomas Walk.

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:06:00 GMT

Donna Davis

October 25th, 2008 marks the day that the Alliance for a Stronger Community held a walk for Mark Ridley-Thomas, who ran for LA County Supervisor. Early in the morning, volunteers gathered in Culver City to collect their materials for precinct walking. Dedicated volunteers went door to door in Los Angeles neighborhoods, armed with flyers that contained valuable information about Mark Ridley-Thomas and his remarkable accomplishments.