• The EC/TK-12 Council is hosting a Special Education Summit on February 22 - 23 at the new CFT Bay Area Office located at 2100 Powell Street, Emeryville. Let’s try to get some folks to go. Let Moni know who is interested. 

• The CFT March Summit will bring members together to organize around our union’s work to address ongoing challenges in public education and other key issues. March 14th-16th will include Division Councils, State Council and the CFT Leadership Conference.

  • The conference will be held in person at the Grand Sheraton Sacramento Hotel.  

  • State council will be held at the Elks Tower.

  • Attendees will have the opportunity to sharpen leadership skills by attending useful plenaries, a legal update, and workshops on a variety of topics. There will be organizing, political, racial and social justice strands to give members the skills and knowledge to address the systemic racism in our society and in the educational community.

• 
  

• Support the SDR Project! 

• (read all info about this, please)

The completion of the Serramonte Del Rey Neighborhood Project will be a win-win for our District and the City of Daly City, generating badly needed revenue for the School District's educational programs (salary for staff is included!), while creating much needed housing for the community. We are very close to getting the approvals needed by the city of Daly City, but WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET THIS TO THE FINISH LINE!

Please show your support for this innovative project by doing one, or ALL, of the following:

• Attend the Daly City Council Meeting on Monday, January 22 @ 7:00 pm POSTPONED

• Write a letter in support of the project to the Daly City Planning Commission or Daly City Council. Those letters can be emailed to cityclerk@dalycity.org with the subject, “Public Comment.”

Planning Commission and City Council Meeting Location

City Hall

333 90th Street

Daly City

Please sign up to get links to form letters and reminders for meetings by CLICKING HERE!

If you have any questions, please contact Tina at tvanr@jeffersonunion.net or (650) 550-7954.

INFO FROM our AFT 1481 Exec Board Mtg:

• District Committee is trying to design more flexibility, to maximize revenue, letting developers deal with union worker issue

• As of today, there will NOT be a requirement for the whole project to be done with Union labor (although some of it must use union labor) but they are encouraging local labor and practices that are good for workers such as health benefits

• Monica has made a statement at the Board Meeting about this

• District + Moni have been in conversation with Carpenters Union

• This is complex as unions sometimes don’t always have the best hiring practices, either - they often import workers from other states, etc…

• Also, this project will take a long time to come to fruition, thus, most of us will not see the benefits. However, we need the project to happen as we have loans out that need to get paid, etc…

• Folks need to make their own decisions about if they want to attend on Monday

Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings,

We want to bring your attention to an important Op-Ed published in yesterday's New York Times on the role of Labor in shaping the use of artificial intelligence (AI). As we start another year fighting for workers' rights and fortifying the Labor Movement in California, we must ensure that the future of work is shaped by workers. This insightful piece by Congressman Ro Khanna serves as a reminder to put workers at the forefront of the discussion around AI in the workplace.

We encourage you to take a moment to read the Op-Ed, as it can inform our strategies moving forward. Let's ensure that in 2024, technological advancements support workers instead of exploiting them.

In Solidarity,

Lorena Gonzalez

AFT MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES- Student Debt Clinic 

AFT Student Debt Clinic – Dec. 19

With the end of the year fast approaching, do you have questions about how to manage your student debt? The AFT is hosting virtual student debt clinic on Dec. 19 at 4:00 p.m. PT to help members learn more about Public Service Loan Forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans and more. Register here.

Student loan debt erased for 3.6 million borrowers

According to NPR, millions of borrowers have received student loan forgiveness, the U.S. Department of Education announced recently, after flaws and mismanagement were discovered through income-driven repayment plans. 

The Biden administration has approved an additional $4.8bn in federal student loan debt cancellation for approximately 80,000 borrowers. This brings the total approved debt cancellation to $132bn for 3.6m borrowers. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona stated that this relief is historic and no other administration has come close to providing such relief. The latest round of relief is a result of fixes to the income-driven repayment plan and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The Education Department has also canceled $11.7bn for borrowers with disabilities and $22.5bn for borrowers who were cheated by their schools or experienced sudden closures.

U.S. News

https://edsource.org/updates/student-loan-debt-erased-for-3-6-million-borrowers

California program boosts special education teacher recruitment and retention

A four-year California program to help school districts recruit, train, and retain special education teachers has been a success, according to a report from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The program, funded by a $50m grant, has resulted in 82% of teacher candidates being hired or on track to be hired as special education teachers. The funds have been used for tuition, stipends, signing bonuses, and to reduce student debt. The program has also supported the preparation of mentor teachers and the creation of professional learning communities. Despite the grant, teacher turnover remained consistent, but districts were able to fill vacancies with fully credentialed teachers instead of relying on emergency-style credentials. The report highlights the positive impact of the program in addressing the shortage of special education teachers in California.

EdSource

California teacher credentialing agency working to expand

Thousands of teachers in California could be added to the state's workforce next school year due to a decision by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The decision allows teacher candidates who come within -1.0 standard error of measurement of passing the California Teaching Performance Assessment or the edTPA to earn a preliminary credential. The commission's decision aims to expand the ways in which candidates can demonstrate their readiness to begin teaching. The decision is based on a report that revealed that a majority of teacher candidates who failed performance assessments in the last five years were extremely close to passing. A work group will also convene to study and make recommendations on how to improve all three of the state's performance assessments.

EdSource

Find that perfect holiday gift that carries a union label and is made in America. Shipping gifts this year? Make sure to ship using a union carrier like the U.S. Postal Service or UPS. Details here.

Help for those who need it during the holiday season

The holiday season can be a joyful time with family or a difficult time for some.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can reach out for help by simply calling or texting 988 or by chat at 988lifeline.org. The hotline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

UPDATED

Support for JUHSD 

Serramonte Del Rey Plans: 

2 house parties! 

Nov 19 + 29!

The Jefferson Union High School District continues to look for innovative ways to increase funding to support student education without raising taxes.  The state has created new laws that require cities to build housing or suffer penalties. The Serramonte del Rey Project developed by Jefferson Union High School District hopes to help the city meet the state requirements for housing development while at the same time generating much-needed funding for our community's high schools.  In order to get this plan over the finish line we need your help.

PLEASE JOIN US 

• • Learn what you can do to ensure an ongoing stream of revenue that stays within our school district and supports our students.  We will have food and beverages, handouts, and window and lawn signs.   To RSVP click here or email Rosie Tejada at rutejada@gmail.com.

  • House Party at 705 that will be open to all JUHSD staff. Sunday, Nov 19th from 4-6 pm. Food will be served.

  • On Friday, November 29th at 4:30-6 pm at the home of our gracious host Elaine Francisco, 65 Cliffside Drive, Daly City.

To learn more about the Serramonte del Rey plan please visit https://serramontedelrey.org/

You can also just sign up to help by going here. 

• • Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance SF Chapter

Join the APALA SF contingent at the November 12th No To APEC mobilization!

If you can join, let APALA know by emailing them at apalasf@gmail.com.

The Impact of APEC on Workers and Women Panel

September 6, 2023 | SF Main Library

APALA sponsored a labor panel that focused on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and its impact on workers and women. Event co-sponsors also included the SF Labor Council, UNITE HERE Local 2, San Francisco Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, and Starbucks Workers United.

Featured speaker Elmer Labog "Ka Bong," Chair of KMU (Kilusang Mayo Uno, the May 1 Movement of the Philippines), spoke about the importance of protesting the APEC summit that will be in San Francisco from November 11-17, 2023. KMU is an independent and democratic labor center promoting genuine, militant, and anti-imperialist trade unionism.

APALA'S SF Chapter President Kat General also spoke at the event and expressed our solidarity to organize and build worker power globally. SF Chapter Board Members Gabe Alegre and Joy Zhan were also in attendance.

Learn more on why APEC is bad for workers here.

“APEC is not about sustainability or shared prosperity. There will be no unions or farmers or Indigenous representatives at the APEC summit,” Redondiez told the board. “It will be all heads of states and billionaire CEOs who are there to increase their profits. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, son of the late dictator, will be there to sell out the Philippines to the highest bidder.”   Read full article here.

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council

1153 Chess Dr. #200 Foster City, CA 94404

650-572-8848 office/650-333-4110 cell

www.sanmateolabor.org

Instagram: @sanmateolabor

Facebook: @sanmateo.laborcouncil

Twitter: @SanMateoLabor

We believe that you should be the one who chooses the elected officials who will represent your community and fight for working people and families. That’s why we’re emailing you to say—go vote tomorrow (if you haven’t already cast your ballot early). 

 See below for Upcoming Local Elections November 7

• Alameda – Oakland Unified School District, District 5, Special Election

• Alpine – Utility District Election (Bear Valley Water District, Markleeville Pub

• Amador – General District Election (Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District)

• El Dorado – UDEL

• Fresno – UDEL

• Humboldt – UDEL

• Los Angeles – Local and Municipal Elections

• Marin – Special Election

• Mendocino – City of Fort Bragg Special Election

• Mono – Special District Election (Tri-Valley Groundwater Management District)

• Plumas – UDEL

• Riverside – City of Perris Special Measure Election

• Sacramento – Special General Election

• San Diego – Special Election

• Santa Clara –  San Jose-Evergreen CCD (TA 7) to Fill Vacancy

• Santa Cruz – UDEL

• Shasta – Special Election

• Sierra – UDEL

• Siskiyou – UDEL

• Solano – Davis Joint USD Trustee Area 5 Special Vacancy Election

• Sonoma – Consolidated Election

• Yolo – Knights Landing Community Services District Special Election

To all JUHSD employees,

The 2024 Open Enrollment Period will run November 1 through November 9, 2023. This is a chance for employees to switch plans, add coverage, or add or remove dependents. Changes outside of this window of time are only allowable if you experience a major life event (birth, marriage, etc.). Changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2024.

There have been some notable changes in premiums costs and coverage that will take effect on January 1.  Specifically,

• Kaiser employee premium costs will not increase but copays in the High plan will increase for emergency room visits, hospitalization, and specialty or brand name prescriptions

• Non Kaiser employee premium costs will increase for all plans (except UHC HMO 1-party)

This was Option B in AFT discussions and more details attached.

Please join me at the District Office room 226 from 4:15pm-6:15pm if you would like some help with your plan and options. 

With these unique savings accounts designed specially to meet the needs of school employees, you'll be prepared during the summer months when you don't receive a paycheck.​

Summer Saver

Automatically set aside up to $2,000 each month to help save for the summer.

• Available only to school employees.

• Earn 6.50% APY1,2 on your savings.

• Make penalty-free withdrawals anytime (see Limitations on Certain Funds Transfers)

LEARN MORE

Paycheck Planner

Distribute your paychecks over 12 months instead of 10 or 11 months, to help you manage your budget.

• Available only to public school employees in participating districts.

• Earn 6.50% APY1,2,3 on your savings.

• You can make one additional deposit of $3,000 each school year.

LEARN MORE

San Francisco

HCV (SECTION 8) LOTTERY WAITLIST OPENING

Closes Monday, November 6, 2023 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time*

*Applications are estimated to take 10-20 minutes to complete. Applications not submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date will not be processed further.

Apply Online Only: https://sfha.myhousing.com

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-------------------------------------

Daly City

Affordable Housing Resources:

• Programs

• Rentals and Home-owning Opportunities

-------------------------------------------------

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND 

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Through Northwestern Mutual, 

contact Nathan Casey (Moni's nephew) (nathan.casey@nm.com) and tell him that you are a member of AFT 1481. He can look at your goals for retirement and help you achieve them. 

Northwestern Mutual info

Are you or someone you know interested in a career in construction but unsure where to begin or which craft to pursue? The Trades Introduction Program (smcuca.org/tip-san-mateo) might be exactly what you’re looking for! Please join us at one of our upcoming orientations, held at 9am the first Saturday of October, November and December.

Click HERE for Flyer!

About NewsGuard’s Solutions for AFT Members

NewsGuard offers a media literacy browser extension and mobile app that gives users real time access to reliability ratings and detailed “Nutrition Labels” for thousands of online news and information sources. These labels are created based on NewsGuard’s nine apolitical criteria of journalistic practice.

NewsGuard also offers AFT members access to its weekly “Disinformation Risk Briefings.” These Briefings can be distributed to students to help them learn to recognize and protect themselves against false narratives.

About GPTZero’s Solution for 

AFT Members

GPTZero’s tool helps identify when a piece of content, such as an essay or assignment, was produced using generative AI, giving educators clarity and transparency into the use of AI in the classroom, allowing them to better help their students use AI technology effectively. Through the partnership, all AFT members will also have priority access to a series of new tools developed for pedagogical AI teaching, including the GPTZero Origins Writing Report, and a series of practical AI workshops co-organized by AFT and GPTZero. The first 15,000 teachers to register will receive unlimited school year access to GPTZero’s core AI identification platform.

Sign up for both HERE

Let Moni and/or your Site Rep know by Nov 13 if you would like to represent AFT 1481 as our deligate at the upcoming California Labor Federation Pre-Primary Convention.

CALL TO CONVENTION

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Oakland Convention Center, West Hall, 550 10th St, Oakland, CA 94607

• Delegates represent our Union in Labor’s primary endorsements for the US Senate, US House of Representatives, State Senators, State Assemblymembers, and statewide ballot measures. 

• The Pre-Primary convention will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Oakland Convention Center, beginning at 10:00 a.m and is typically adjourned around 2:00 p.m.

• CFT Classified Conference in SF! 

• Oct 27-29, 2023 Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center!

After a three-year hiatus that began during the pandemic, student loan payments are set to resume October 1. To help ease the transition, the U.S. Department of Education has made some changes, including much more generous parameters for income-driven repayment. The AFT is here to help you sort through it all and find the best path to debt relief, with weekly student debt clinics. There are over 30 virtual clinics offered in the remainder of September and October at various days and times throughout the weeks. Register here.

In Unity,

Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
L. Lacy Barnes, Secretary-Treasurer  

Juan Ramirez, Executive Vice President 

Contact Us

Please join us on Thursday, August 31st from 5pm-7pm for zoom meetings with Assembly Members Marc Berman, Diane Papan and Senator Josh Becker, all three of whom are seeking re-election to their respective seats. These meetings will allow the Members an opportunity to discuss what they view as their past successes and what they envision for the next term, as well as create space for our members to address any issues or concerns. Please find both the schedule and the Zoom info below.

5pm – Labor Pre-Meet

5:30pm – Asm. Berman

6:00pm - Asm. Papan

6:30pm – Sen. Becker

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6608006074

Meeting ID: 660 800 6074

One tap mobile

+16694449171,,6608006074# US

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council

Devastating wildfires are raging in Hawaii. At least 99 people have died and many others have lost their homes, and rebuilding will cost billions. Many union members are affected by the fires, and here are the ways to help if you can. Please donate to the Hawaii State AFL-CIO Labor Community Services Program/Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program. The suggested donation amount is $2,500 and must be made payable by check to: Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program, attention Cathy Lederer at 888 Mililani Street, Suite 501, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Alternatively, you can donate to the Union Community Fund. Credit card contributions can be made at: go.aflcio.org/relief. For checks made payable to the Union Community Fund, note in the memo line: “Disaster Relief Efforts." Send by mail to: 815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington, DC 20006. Please take a moment to toss a lifeline to our union brothers, sisters and siblings during this tragic time.

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council

Please take a moment to urge members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to support AB 811 (Fong) to allow students to repeat certain credit courses. Community colleges have seen devastating impacts because of the restrictions on repeatability that went into effect in 2013.

Sign the petition in support of AB 811

Repeatability allows students to repeat courses for skill-building for transfer and careers. Restrictions on repeatability have reduced the options for students in the arts, world languages, kinesiology, and ESL, which disenfranchised many learners in the community and had disproportionate impacts on students who may not have had access to skill-based courses in high school.

Please sign the petition today.

In Unity,

Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
L. Lacy Barnes, Secretary-Treasurer  

Juan Ramirez, Executive Vice President 

Contact Us

For decades, schools have been subject to annual federal testing requirements in reading, math and science. These tests have driven so much else of what happens in schools—with consequences like teaching to the test and crowding out art, music and anything that is not tested. These tests are inappropriately used for decisions about grade retention, graduation and teacher evaluation. And they rarely give educators useful information on how to support student learning, let alone foster joy, collaboration, creativity or problem-solving skills.

Now, a bill—authored by a public school educator—has been introduced that would reduce the number of federally mandated assessments schools must administer. Click here to ask your representative to support the More Teaching, Less Testing Act.

This bill would also quadruple funding for Title I to address the chronic underfunding of our public schools, expand and fund a program to allow states to develop better assessments, and prohibit states from using these tests as the sole or dominant factor in large-scale grade-retention policies, teacher evaluations or high school graduation policies, or as the sole factor in school rating systems.

For too long, the focus on punitive statewide summative tests has taken up too much of the already limited time and resources in our schools, narrowed the curriculum to tested topics, and contributed to the teacher workforce shortage. The More Teaching, Less Testing Act is one step toward correcting this problem. Click here to ask your legislator to support it.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President

 The San Mateo Labor Council proudly presents

Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution Training for Union Members.

March 30th, 2023 6:00pm-8:00pm via Zoom

Conflict resolution skills are essential to the success of forging relationships between people, communities, and organizations. Learn to hone your leadership skills through the art of transforming conflict into an opportunity for collaboration and progress.

Communication is key for stewarding effective workplace relationships. Sharpen your interpersonal skills and communication techniques through a collaborative and engaging process that will build confidence and establish credibility as a leader.

The Communication & Conflict Resolution Training imparts skills that can be used in any context to expand communication and resolve conflict.

RSVP to Julie@sanmateolabor.org

For more info click HERE!

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council

1153 Chess Dr. #200 Foster City, CA 94404

650-572-8848 office/650-333-4110 cell

www.sanmateolabor.org

Instagram: @sanmateolabor

Facebook: @sanmateo.laborcouncil

Twitter: @SanMateoLabor

On behalf of Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher:

Join the California Labor Federation and State Building & Construction Trades Council

for

LABOR'S 2023 UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA JOINT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

We look forward to seeing you at our 2023 Unionize California Joint Legislative Conference on May 8-9. This year’s Legislative Conference will reflect our renewed focus on organizing and it will be full of exciting new elements. Hear how unions have used legislation to organize and win good contracts, learn about new tools to lobby on bills and create successful campaigns, and cheer on our 100%er legislators who stood with workers on every vote. REGISTER HERE!

On Sunday May 7th at 5:30pm, we will have a pre-conference opportunity to attend a Salon with our U.S. Senate Candidates. May 8th will be the Conference at the Sheraton and May 9th will be our joint lobby day in the Capitol.

We are doing things different this year and it will be unlike any Legislative Conference you have been to before. Register now and we can’t wait to see you in Sacramento!

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023

Pre-Conference Salon with U.S. Senate Candidates

5:30 - 6:30 PM

MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023

Unionize California Plenary sessions & Workshops

Awards Celebration

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023

Lobby Day

Register today for Labor's 2023 UNIONIZE CALIFORNIA Joint Legislative Conference.

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council

1153 Chess Dr. #200 Foster City, CA 94404

650-572-8848 office/650-333-4110 cell

www.sanmateolabor.org

Instagram: @sanmateolabor

Facebook: @sanmateo.laborcouncil

Twitter: @SanMateoLabor

Join the San Mateo Labor Council Activist List! - Action Network 

On Monday, February 13th the San Mateo Labor Council delegate body voted unanimously to oppose the recall effort against San Mateo Mayor Amourence Lee. Recall elections are intended to provide a mechanism for voters to remove an elected official from office if they are found to have engaged in egregious behavior such as malfeasance or corruption. Unfortunately, as seems to be the case with this one, they are often used as a tool for political interests to target public officials with whom they disagree. Recall elections are expensive and time-consuming, and they rarely result in removing the targeted official. Rather than using over one million taxpayer dollars on a costly recall, particularly given that Mayor Lee will stand for election next year, we urge the concerned citizens to instead focus on more effective and impactful forms of political engagement. That one million dollars of City funds would be far better spent on continuing to invest in the programs and services that make San Mateo such an incredible place to live, work and raise a family.

opeiu 29 AFL-CIO 174

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council 

Please join Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) and Reps. Bobby Scott (Va.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) in their call to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

Working people are sick of corporations raking in record profits while we can barely support our families.

Work stoppages were up 52% in 2022, and the number of workers involved in stoppages increased 60%.

If we want to build up worker power, our outdated labor laws must keep up with the times.

This is why now is the time to pass the PRO Act, just reintroduced in the Senate as the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act.

If you think we need to protect working people, take 30 seconds to add your name in support of the PRO Act. Sponsored by AFL-CIO Washington, DC

ADD YOUR NAME HERE!

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind, Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo Labor Council 

• Sick Leave vs Personal Necessity Leave: 

There has been some confusion about using these leaves. They are not interchangeable and you will be docked $ on your paycheck if you go over the allotted leaves, for Personal Necessity. Please check your own contract to make sure you do not go over your "Personal Necessity Leave" in a year. Also, do not use the numbers listed on monthly checks as your sick leave info, it is incorrect- due to SMCounty system. 

Here is the contract language for each unit: 

Link to all Contracts

Adult Certificated: Unit members may apply on appropriate district forms for personal necessity leave which will be charged to annual sick leave and limited to six (6) days per year. Four (4) of these six (6) personal necessity leave days may be used as personal business days with prior notification given to the supervisor. (page 10)

Classified: Unit member may apply on appropriate district forms, for Personal Necessity leave up to seven (7) days per year. All seven (7) days of personal necessity under this section may also be used as personal business days for any reason with advance permission of the unit member’s supervisor, whenever such notice is possible. Such permission shall not be unreasonably denied. (page 19)

Day Certificated: Unit members may apply on appropriate district forms, for Personal Necessity leave up to seven (7) days per year. All 7 days of personal necessity under this section may also be used as personal business days for any reason with advance permission of the unit member’s supervisor, whenever such notice is possible. Such permission shall not be unreasonably denied. (page 14)

• Issues at many Campuses/Sites: 

Heat is not regulating, and many systems are down and need to be replaces or parts are difficult to get. HVAC is working on it. Let your site rep know if this is still an issue for you.

Job Classifications are something that we look at when folks feel that they are doing work outside of their class. It may take some time to get this dealt with, maybe at the next negotiations in 2025, but b patient and let us know. 

Additional Supervisions for Day Cert Members has been organized differently at each site, although none of those methods is totally equitable. Talk to your site reps if you have issues. 

Leaks are all over. Make sure you submit a HelpDesk ticket and include your principal, vps, and site reps.

• Adult School Certificated: Introducing New Site Rep due to retirement, Andrea Jesse 

We need your help in electing labor friendly delegates to the California Democratic Party (CDP) State Convention! To do that, we need registered Democrats to register to vote in the delegate election process in all local Assembly Districts. Please share this email with all your networks, and please register to vote by the date of your AD’s election. Voting in AD 21 and AD23 will be held the weekend of 1/21. If you missed the 12/31 deadline for by-mail voting, please register to vote in-person and attend the voting event for your AD.

WHAT IS A DELEGATE?

Delegates vote within CA Democratic Party (CDP) on behalf of the community they represent.

To vote in-person:

1. Register with the Democratic Party to receive your voter PIN: ADEM 2023 (ademelections.com)

2. Bring your PIN to the voter site on the date of your AD’s election. You must be in line before voting closes at the posted time.

3. Vote for our union siblings/supporters! We will need as many local Democrats to register as CDP Voters as possible to vote in this election.  Locally, the following union members are running:

AD 21: Assembly Member Papan has a slate featuring SMCLC Executive Board Member Rich Hedges and former Executive Board Member John Bouchard, as well as several COPE endorsed candidates, linked here: Home | SMC DEMS UNITED (demsunitedsmc.com). Also running in that District are union members Rick Bonilla, Lissette Espinoza-Garnica and Luci Latu

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 21 VOTING - SATURDAY JANUARY 21ST FROM 10AM-2PM

1701 Leslie St.

San Mateo, California 94402, United States

AD23: Union members Forest Peterson and Charles (Charley) Lavery are running, as is COPE endorsed candidate Robby Bancroft

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 23 VOTING - SUNDAY JANUARY 22ND FROM 12PM-4PM

East Charleston Road & San Antonio Road 4000 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto, California 94303, United States

Thank you! Please reach out with any questions, and please register to vote by the date of your AD’s elections!

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind

Executive Officer/Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo County Central Labor Council

1153 Chess Dr. Ste #200

Foster City, CA 94404

650-572-8848

https://sanmateolaborcouncil.org/

The recent storms in California have uprooted communities and schools across the state.

While the rain is welcome relief for the years-long drought, so far the storms have claimed at least 19 lives and led to evacuations, substantial property damage, and some school closures.

If you have lost your home or suffered property damage because of the storms, please let us know. Contact Liz Soto at 818-843-8226 or esoto@cft.org to see if you qualify for accessing support from the CFT Disaster Relief Fund.

And as we continue to face more storms in the coming days, make sure to sign up for emergency alerts from your county. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services also has multi-lingual disaster preparedness resources for families and communities available at their Listos California resource web page.

--------------------------------------------

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CFT Leadership Conference: 

Skill-building and organizing for local union leaders

• • Unleash your JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion)

  • Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, Feb 3, 11am - Feb 4, 5pm

  • If you are interested in attending, let Moni know asap!

--------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------

CFT Convention: March 17 10am thru March 19 1pm 

Westin St. Francis, SF

If you are interested in attending as a delegate, let Moni know asap!

 Elevating Business · Engaging Community · Empowering the Future

In preparation for continued heavy rains and storms this week, please find below locations where you can find sandbags:

City of Redwood City ·  

Public Works - 1400 Broadway, Redwood City, (650) 780-7464

City of San Carlos ·  

Corp Yard - 1000 Bransten Road, San Carlos, (650) 802-4140

City of Belmont

  Barrett Community Center - 1835 Belburn Drive, Belmont, (650) 595-7441 ·  

Belmont Corp Yard - 110 Sem Lane, Belmont, (650) 595-7425 ·  

Belmont City Hall - 1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, (650) 595-7413

Sign up for for San Mateo County Emergency Alerts. San Mateo County's Health & Safety Guidelines for residents with flooded homes.  

MORE STORM RESOURCES

• If you have questions about sandbags, please email your questions to: dem_roc@smcgov.org

• The Zonehaven platform (flood and landslide watch) can be found at: https://aware.zonehaven.com/search

• For information on health and safety guidelines for residents with flooded homes, please visit: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/expanded-health-safety-guidelines-residents-flooded-homes

• And additional information on the County’s emergency response, can be found here: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/county-san-mateo-activates-emergency-operations-center-declares-local-state-emergency-due

• San Mateo County Sandbag locations 

UNINCORPORATED PARTS OF THE COUNTY: 

BUSINESS HOURS: REFER THE CALLER TO COUNTY DPW X4100 

AFTER HOURS: REFER TO COUNTY ROADS ON CALL 

1. Pescadero High School, 350 Butano Cut-Off 

2. La Honda Corp Yard, 59 Entrada Way

3. Princeton County Corp Yard, 203 Cornell Ave 

4. Redwood City Grant County Corp Yard - 752 Chestnut St RCY 

WITHIN CITY LIMITS: REFER TO INDIVIDUAL CITY DPW 

ATHERTON: 

1. Sand, shovel and bags- available, Corp Yard Dinkelspiel Station Lane near Fair Oaks when the yard is open call 752-0570  

BELMONT 

1. Loose Sand and bags, Limit 10 bags per BLM address 

2. City Corp Yard, 110 Sem Lane 

3. City Hall South Parking lot, 1 Twin Pine Ln 

4. Barrett Community Center, 1870 Ralston parking lot off Ralston 

BRISBANE 415-508-2130 

1. Brisbane City Hall parking lot, 50 Park P1. 

2. Residents only - limit 10 bags per residence. 

BROADMOOR 363-4100 

1.501 87th Street Broadmoor Community Center 

BURLINGAME 558-7230 

1.600 California Dr, across from Floribunda Ave. 

COLMA 997-8300 

1. Town Corporation Yard, 601 F Street 

DALY CITY 991-8038 

1. LIMIT 10/HOUSEHOLD 

2. Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant @ 153 Lake Merced Blvd. Open 24/7

3. Public Works Corporation Yard @ 798 Niantic Ave. M-F 7am-3pm 

E PALO ALTO 853-5916 

1. Sand, shovel and bags available M-F 8am-3pm, except holidays, at 150 Tara Road, or call 650-853-5916 

FOSTER CITY 286-3270 

1. Build your own sandbags at Foster City Hall, 610 Foster City Blvd. 

HALF MOON BAY 726-8260 

1. The Train Depot, 110 Higgins Canyon Rd 8:30am to 5pm., in the James Hill Johnston House Parking Lot. 

HILLSBOROUGH 579-3800 

1. Hillsborough Corp Yard: foot of La Honda Rd 

2. Hillsborough Town Hall 1600 Floribunda 

MENLO PARK 858-3490 

1. The parking lot at Burgess Dr/Alma St. (Loose sand avail at 1st heavy rain) 

2. Menlo Park Fire Stn 77: 1467 Chilco St.

MILLBRAE 259-2339 

1. Sand and bags are available at the south side of the 600 block of Millbrae Ave. between Elder and Palm 

PACIFICA 

Residents may go to the below locations 24/7 for sandbags. These are self-service sites; you fill your own! 

Pacifica Council Chambers Parking Lot 

2212 Beach Boulevard 

Hours: 24 hours 

Linda Mar Fire Station 

1100 Linda Mar Boulevard 

Hours: 24 hours 

PORTOLA VALLEY 851-1700 

1.765 PORTOLA RD, PVY 

2. Sand, bags and shovels at Portola Valley Town Center, by the drive way near the tennis courts. 

REDWOOD CITY 780-7464 

1. CORP YARD 1400 BROADWAY, RCY 

2. Southeast corner of the public parking lot at the City Corporation Yard 

SAN BRUNO 616-7065 

1. Build your own sandbags, Sand, bags and shovels at City Hall Parking Lot south of 555 El Camino Real 

SAN CARLOS 802-4204 

1. Resident and merchants may fill 10 bags. 

2. Available the city corporation yard, employee parking lot at 1000 Branston Rd. 

SAN MATEO 522-7300 

1. Self-Serv sandbags are at 2 locations: 

2. 1949 Pacific Blvd., San Mateo hours 24/7 for San Mateo Residents and Property Owners only. 

SO SAN FRAN 877-8550 

1. CORP YARD 550 NORTH CANAL X ORANGE, SSF (usually placed in a pallet in the parking lot for citizens to take) 

WOODSIDE 851-6790 

1.2955 WOODSIDE RD, WDS TOWN HALL 

2. Loose sand and bags are available in the parking lot of Town Hall 

We need your help in electing labor friendly delegates to the California Democratic Party (CDP) State Convention! To do that, we need registered Democrats to register to vote in the delegate election process in all local Assembly Districts. Please share this email with all your networks, and please register to vote by the date of your AD’s election. Voting in AD17 and AD19 is this weekend, and in AD 21 and AD23 will be held the weekend of 1/21. If you missed the 12/31 deadline for by-mail voting, please register to vote in-person and attend the voting event for your AD.

WHAT IS A DELEGATE?

Delegates vote within CA Democratic Party (CDP) on behalf of the community they represent.

To vote in-person:

1. Register with the Democratic Party to receive your voter PIN: ADEM 2023 (ademelections.com)

2. Bring your PIN to the voter site on the date of your AD’s election. You must be in line before voting closes at the posted time.

3. Vote for our union siblings/supporters! We will need as many local Democrats to register as CDP Voters as possible to vote in this election.  Locally, the following union members are running:

AD 17: Assembly Member Haney has a slate which is more than half labor, including SMCLC Executive Board Members Bart Pantoja and Robert Sandoval. Also running in that district are union members Tony Delorio, Seth Brenzel, Armie Morgan, Adrienne Sims, Amber Baur, Dyanna Volek, Anita Lau and Kristin Hardy

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 17 VOTING - SATURDAY JANUARY 7TH FROM 10AM-2PM 1167 Mission St #2 (Between 7th & 8th Street on South side of street) San Francisco, California 94103, United States

AD19: Union members Basem Manneh, Leilani Manuta, Sabrina Hernandez, Greg Hardeman, Ryan McGilley and Nicole Christian are running

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 19 VOTING - SUNDAY JANUARY 8TH FROM 12PM-4PM

145 Lake Merced Blvd. (Right off Lake Merced Blvd and John Daly Blvd.)

Daly City, California 94015, United States

AD 21: Assembly Member Papan has a slate featuring SMCLC Executive Board Member Rich Hedges and former Executive Board Member John Bouchard, as well as several COPE endorsed candidates, linked here: Home | SMC DEMS UNITED (demsunitedsmc.com). Also running in that District are union members Rick Bonilla, Lissette Espinoza-Garnica and Luci Latu

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 21 VOTING - SATURDAY JANUARY 21ST FROM 10AM-2PM

1701 Leslie St.

San Mateo, California 94402, United States

AD23: Union members Forest Peterson and Charles (Charley) Lavery are running, as is previously COPE endorsed candidate Robby Bancroft

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 23 VOTING - SUNDAY JANUARY 22ND FROM 12PM-4PM East Charleston Road & San Antonio Road

4000 Middlefield Road

Palo Alto, California 94303, United States

Thank you! Please reach out with any questions, and please register to vote by the date of your AD’s elections!

In Solidarity,

Julie Lind

Executive Officer/Executive Secretary-Treasurer

San Mateo County Central Labor Council

1153 Chess Dr. Ste #200

Foster City, CA 94404

650-572-8848

https://sanmateolaborcouncil.org/

There will be a picketing event @ SFO on January 18th, 2023 for ALPA represented United Airlines Pilots. Recently, the United Airlines Union Coalition was formed with all Unions on the property at United.

AFA-CWA San Francisco Council 11, representing United Airlines Flight Attendants plan to show up in support of their Union Siblings they and hope you will too!  

When we support each other, all of us are stronger and we raise the bar for everyone.

RSVP - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ual-pilots-informational-picketing-sfo-tickets-491753256227

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CFT Leadership Conference: 

Skill-building and organizing for local union leaders

• • Unleash your JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion)

  • Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, Feb 3, 11am - Feb 4, 5pm

  • If you are interested in attending, let Moni know asap!

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CFT Convention: March 17 10am thru March 19 1pm 

Westin St. Francis, SF

If you are interested in attending as a delegate, let Moni know asap!

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Union Hardship Fund Helps Union Members in Need

The San Mateo County Union Community Alliance (SMCUCA) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all workers and their families in San Mateo County. 

SMCUCA's programs aim to maximize the capacity of labor and community organizations to support quality job creation, ensure community health, and increase social justice.

The Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing economic recession have taken an extreme toll on union members. 

SMCUCA's response to this crisis has been:

• Instituting a twice monthly grab-and-go Union Food Distribution since April 2020 - serving more than 27,000 union families and San Mateo County residents. With the support of many volunteers from affiliated unions and hundreds of volunteer hours from union members, we have distributed more than one million dollars worth of food to families in need

• Creating a four-county Union Hardship Fund, with United Way Bay Area, to assist our most vulnerable union members

• Providing Rapid Response benefits assistance to hundreds of union members facing unemployment

• Participating in regional workforce development and training efforts

We have also continued important programs, including

• The Trades Introduction Program (TIP), our union-based apprentice readiness training course, We have placed more than 236 'TIP graduates in union construction apprenticeships.

Thank you for supporting our programs. With many state and federal Covid relief programs ending, we need your help more than ever! 

Please consider donating today to the Union Hardship Fund to help union families in need of aid.

Our Union Hardship Fund administers direct financial assistance for members in need of emergency help. 

We help with the basics: housing, transportation, health, and utilities. 

Supporting our direct aid, as well as information and referral, helps keep our programs running and helps us continue to help others!

Click here to donate or Send checks payable to SMCUCA Hardship Fund can be sent to

1153 Chess Drive, Suite 200

Foster City, CA. 94404

Please contact SMCUCA at 650-341-7711 or roas@sanmateolabor.org for more information

In Solidarity,

Rosa Shields, Director, AFL-CIO Community Services

Saturday December 10th Jefferson High School Food Bank

JUHSD Staff and Community:

Happy Holiday month!  Show your holiday spirit and love for your community this Saturday, December 10th at Jefferson High School, as we will be hosting our monthly Second Harvest Food Bank organized by Pacific Islands Together (PIT) serving over a 1000 of our communities' families.  

If you have time this Saturday, we could use the help setting up and distributing food to the needy in our community, that will support families and possibly their family pre-Christmas.  If you can help at any time Saturday, that would be greatly appreciated to ensure the success of this much appreciated community service.  

If you know of any students who are looking for service hours, please have them email me to sign up to volunteer.  Of course we will have donuts and coffee when you get to Jefferson High School! 

Please sign up using the volunteer sign up form linked here.  

Please let your students know about the free grocery service.  It is free, no questions asked, just some basic information for the Second Harvest Organization to know who is getting the food.  The food distribution starts at 11:00 AM  

Also, Please let your students know they can volunteer too, having students do service learning to help their community is a very powerful experience and also shows the community all the good our JUHSD students are doing!  I have attached the volunteer form for students here.  You can post this to your google classroom, and they can email me with questions.

Thank you for your continued support of this community resources organized by Pacific Islands Together and Second Harvest Food Bank.

--

Adam Kubey

Vice Principal 

Jefferson High School

Daly City, CA

650-550-7796

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Write a Letter →            

             Fund the NLRB

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is in a funding crisis. We need a fully funded NLRB to investigate unfair labor practices and conduct union elections. Take two minutes to send a letter to your senators to demand funding for the NLRB.

Send a Letter

All over the country, workers are organizing to win union elections and fight illegal corporate union-busting. The NLRB is supposed to back us up by enforcing labor law and worker protections. 

But the NLRB is severely underfunded and doesn’t have enough staff to do its job.

The agency hasn’t had a budget increase since 2014, which is a 25% budget decrease when you factor in inflation.

Without the NLRB, we can’t hold corporations accountable or build worker power through stronger unions.

It’s that simple.

Take two minutes to write a letter and tell your senators: Fund the National Labor Relations Board.

In Solidarity,

Team AFL-CIO

Click Here to SUPPORT MACY’S WORKERS NOW!

Negotiations between Macy’s and its workers are under way. It’s time for Macy’s management to show its appreciation for all of the hard work and health & safety risks that Macy’s workers have taken during the pandemic. But, instead of recognizing the workers sacrifices, Macy’s is proposing to reduce the full time guarantees and seniority provisions in the contract. This is totally unacceptable!

UFCW Local 5 Union Square Macy’s workers are standing together for their families and their community. Union Square Macy’s workers have had a traumatic couple years between the closing and opening of the store due to the pandemic and civil unrest, and notable incidents of violent thefts at the workplace. All the while Macy’s and its CEO have raked in huge profits while the workers have been crushed by rising inflation. Now it’s time for Macy’s to take care of their workers and the community!

Macy’s Workers Standing Together for:

-Higher wages that reflect high the cost of living in San Francisco

-Improved Safety standards

-Better store and worker security

-Fair and Affordable family healthcare

-Appropriate Staffing levels

Please sign our petition and tell Macy’s Management to support their workers.

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SMC Residents:

Sign Up for New SMC Alert System

(Updates include maps, multiple languages)

Redwood City — Thanks to an improved emergency alert and warning system, those who live and work in San Mateo County can now get messages via text, email and voice that include maps, images and multiple languages. The new features of SMCalert are meant to empower residents further by providing key information to help keep them safe and navigate away from incidents like major traffic delays and detours, wildfires, floods and mountain lions. The added capabilities are due to a new vendor, RAVE, which replaces former provider Everbridge.

Existing recipients of SMCalert are encouraged to create a new account to enable the new features. If you don’t, you will continue receiving alerts as before, but cannot take advantage of the added features. To do so, visit www.SMCalert.info.

More information can be found HERE!

Dear CFT Members,

With the Georgia Senate runoff coming up quickly on December 6, I wanted to share some opportunities that AFT and the AFL-CIO have put together to help Get Out the Vote for Senator Raphael Warnock in this critical runoff election.

Please consider joining your fellow union members on these phone banks, and please share this information widely. Note that all times listed are EST, so you'll need to make adjustments for PST.

Let me know if you have any questions!

AFT Activists Get Out the Vote for Warnock Virtual Phone Banks

• WHEN: every Tuesday at 3:00-4:45 EST

• HOW IT WORKS: scheduled shifts with AFT members, staff and volunteers (training at start of shift). Calling AFT members in Georgia.

• SIGN UP: https://www.mobilize.us/aft/event/543865/

AFT DIY GA Virtual Phone Banking on Your Own!

• WHEN: every day starting 11/17-12/6 any time between 10:30 am- 8:00pm EST(excluding Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving)

• HOW IT WORKS: sign up for a day(s) that work best for you and make calls on your own time any time during the day for however long you would like to. Each morning of each day you sign up for, we will send you the log in information. Since these shifts are on your own time, we do not provide training with each shift but if you would like a quick training reach out to mkline@aft.org and we can set that up beforehand! Calling AFT members in GA.

• SIGN UP: https://www.mobilize.us/aft/event/534200/

Georgia AFL-CIO Virtual Phone Banks

• WHEN: Every day starting 11/17-12/6 from 10am - 8pmET (excluding Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving)

• HOW IT WORKS: Click “Call Now” or “Pick a Time” and it will direct you to a Zoom room (or email you the link for the date and time you select), there will be a phone bank lead from the AFL on the Zoom from 10am - 8pmET. Once you join the zoom, AFL staff will provide you with the information to get connected to the OpenVPN link for the phone bank. You will be calling Georgia AFL members and their families/households. 

• SIGN UP: https://mobilize.us/s/UGzXy3

-- 

In Solidarity,

Jessica Ulstad

Political Director

CFT Bay Area Office

2001 Center St., Suite 600

Berkeley, CA 94704

www.cft.org

February 3 - 4, 2023 

We are excited to announce the 

2023 CFT Leadership Conference. 

The Leadership Conference will bring members together to organize around our union’s work to help address our ongoing challenges in public education and other key issues under the theme 

Unleash your JEDI 

(Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion).

There will be organizing, political, and a racial and social justice strands to give members the skills and knowledge to address the systemic racism in our society and in the educational community. We hope to give you the skills, tools, and knowledge to unleash your inner JEDI for our schools, families, and communities. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend useful workshops, hear inspiring guest speakers, and sharpen your skills as union leaders.

Please check back for the full descriptions of the workshops.

The conference will be held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. The deadline to register your attendance with the CFT is Friday, January 27 at 5pm.

Talk to Moni if you are interested in going.