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County workers get 800 job cuts, supervisors get remodels
December 15th, 2008, 6:31 am · 140 Comments · posted by NORBERTO SANTANA JR.
In the midst of massive layoffs at the county – 800 social service workers are getting the ax – and a projected deficit next year of $86 million, county supervisors are spending nearly a half million dollars on…
Remodeling their lobby.
“When I hear things like this, my blood pressure soars like a rocket to the moon,” said Orange County labor leader Nick Berardino.
Berardino – who heads the Orange County Employees Association – has been railing against wasteful spending by supervisors for months. With the rallying cry of “chop at the top,” Berardino has been criticizing officials’ publicly-funded pensions, 401K plans, gas and car allowances and office remodels.
“People’s lives are being ruined, and they’re remodeling,” Berardino said.“It makes me want to faint. Don’t these guys have any shame?”
County supervisor’s offices on the fifth floor of the county administration building in Santa Ana have long been walled off from the public by an elaborate barrier of wooden and glass walls.
During the 1994 bankruptcy, a series of protective barriers went up to deal with angry members of the public. And after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, supervisors fortified their
offices from the public even further.
Apparently, in January 2007, the Santa Ana Fire Department cited the county telling them that the walls created a fire hazard.
Instead of just taking them down, county officials came up with an idea to create a new barrier.
In September, they approved $455,00 for the project. And on November 18, they approved a $326,840 contract to build themselves a new barrier.
Asking for a rationale for the new barrier, county officials have wrapped themselves in a sort of security blanket.
“Although in the works for a considerable period of time, the security egress project was recently started in order to provide better emergency exit access, security and space utilization of the fifth floor lobby,” said County Spokeswoman Pat Markley. “The county was given notice to correct our public emergency access to two stairwells in January 2007 by the city of Santa Ana Fire Department.”
However, once contacted, two county supervisors are already starting to ask questions.
“I favored tearing the barrier down and having them stay down,” said Supervisor Chris Norby.
“The message that would send is that we are an open government,” Norby said, adding that any member of the public should be able to simply walk into a supervisors office.
He notes that there is a full Sheriff’s station in the lobby of the Hall of Administration already.
“We should leave it,” he said referring to the open character of the lobby in the midst of the remodel.
Supervisor Pat Bates said she’s now wondering whether the project should be scaled back.
“I think we have to look at all these things,” she said.
So far, county officials said they have paid out $15, 128 for design services. No payments yet have been made on the $328, 840 approved for the project.
The lobby remodel isn’t the only fancy upgrading done to the county supervisors’ floor recently.
I’m told that this year, the supervisors break room was redone with granite countertops and a stainless steel refrigerator.
Two conference rooms were fully redone with tables, chairs and even new blinds.
No indication yet of how much that cost. County staff is still researching.
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I could use a new stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and granite countertops in my own kitchen but haven’t been able to afford them. It really hadn’t crossed my mind, but now that I think of it, it would be just great if I could also remodel my living room, which serves as my “reception” area. Who do I call at the County to place my order and get the work started? In all seriousness, how many jobs would be saved by redirecting that $300K, $700K, or however much is involved? It also seems to be part of a Countywide remodeling epidemic - didn’t the Treasurer spend a gazillion or so on a project like this a few months ago? And while we’re at it, was this really the time to install those digital “Congratulations to the Happy Couple” signs on Broadway?
How can the BOS have the nerve to even ask people to time off with no pay and at the same time spend all this money on frivolous items-I’m shocked and appalled.
No one should be surprised at this latest of many demonstrations by County leadership of arrogance and blatant disrespect for the County taxpayers and workforce. How timely for them to decide to spend money to put up barriers at the same time they are calling to lay off employees. Looks like they are trying to hide from their responsibilities and poor decisions. How hypocritical for the County CEO to call for stewardship in the light of the budget crisis when he and the Board of Supervisors not only act in blatant disregard of stewardship but also hide from the public.
Unbelievable! Outragous! Immoral! How can they justify layoffs now?
Interesting none of BOS brought this up when discussing where cuts can be made to avoid layoffs. I can only imagine what kind of morale the county employees have towards their jobs.
I can’t believe this…OC leadership at its best. I think the county would save a lot of money by just scaling back the board. Is there really debate given our current circumstances that this wasteful spending should be halted? I’m sure there are some spare cubicles that could be put in the “open logy”. Enjoy your granite countertops guys, same on you!
I am appalled by the timing, as well as by the expense. If I were on the Board, I wouldn’t touch this one with a twenty-foot pole.
Wow! I don’t know that there is much more to say than that. How many jobs would $500,000 save? I always hear Moorlach calling for fiscal responsibility, I guess “Do as I say and not as I do” is applicable here.
As redundant as this may be I simply have to put in my 2 cents… ARE THEY KIDDING? People working for the County are facing the possibility of massive layoffs and time off without pay, orchestrated by our brilliant Board of Supervisors. And they have the nerve to spend a half million dollars on a lobby re-model? Shame shame shame!!! When are the taxpayers going to see these people for what they are - self-serving opportunists who have not an ounce of concern for doing ther real work of balancing the County budget.
This Board of Supervisors and the management group of the County clearly looks like the guys from Wall Street. They don’t seem to get the fact that the American people are fed up with this kind of behavior. I can’t wait to see the political mail that is sent out the next time one of these guys run for office. People are losing their jobs and they are spending money on themselves. What a bunch of typical politicians. I hope someone is around to remind the voters next time they run for office !!!!!
SSA gets furloughs and lay offs, BOS gets comfortable remodeling projects. Why are we surprised that the BOS cares more for their comfort than the well being of the employees outside of their office? Let’s not forget that they didn’t care about battered women and instead opted for a dog park, Chriss Street gets millions for remodels and employees may soon get to be homeless. May be the BOS and Street will open up the new breakrooms and conference rooms so these employees and their families can sleep there when they are thrown out because they can’t afford to pay the rent or mortgage.
Way to show compassion you morons!
Don’t forget how just about a year ago each of the five Supes each spent $500,000+ on remodeling their offices too.
Wow. This reminds me of the Big Three auto executives each arriving in their own Lear jet to the bailout hearings. Is this how our “Big Five” is sharing in the pain of the financial crisis with the workers?
Ummmm, is everybody here posting serious? People are suprised at overspending by government? Really? I can’t believe this is even a story! Where is the story or everyday article on the State of CA, budget? Where is the story on the overspending of California tax payer money? How much is going to illeagal aliens? How much is on frivolous BS? This is nothing! How many jobs are we talking about here? $500K would support 8-12 jobs out of the 800. C’mon people wake up! There are much larger issues that face us than this. You think you’re outraged with THIS? If the OCR had reporters that actually did research and reported on the current situation in Sacramento, maybe there would be outrage and some change. But, alas, OCR will soon be bankrupt with the rest of the lazy media who only writes what they are told. What a shame.
Dont forget in the past year John Moorlach, Chriss Street have funded their own lavish office remodels with our taxpayer dollars amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This group of Board members speak out of both sides of their mouths as do their backers at the OC GOP and Lincoln Club. Shameful.
Damn it… we could have spent that money on another study….Heck, let’s incorporate with Los Angeles….The Sheriffs Department already has!!!
Didn’t this article start out with a $500K price tag in the headline? Now it’s $400K?? OCR, you’re supposed to edit BEFORE you post!!!
bad timing is all there is to complain about. city and county goverment plans take years to push through..get over it ‘cus it’s going to happen,like it or not
Hey Mike D when the Board of Supervisors propose laying off workers and cutting services but then approve new tables, flat screen tvs, and an entry way to their lavish offices they spent over a million dollars to redo yeah we are gonna get mad. You sound like one of the Board of Supervisors pointing north to Sacramento saying “hey its their fault not ours.” Typical attitude of the Republican party in Orange County. Ask any Lincoln Club member and they will blame all their problems on “Sacramento” but they are just fine with putting people like the current Board of Supervisors and Mike Carona and Tony Rackauckas in office.
New lobby, or lay off probation officers? New lobby, or lay off probation officers? Yeah, tough call
Geez, it is this type of stuff that caused Louix XVI and Marie Antoinette to loose their thrones, among other things, during the French Revolution. The Board of Supervisor’s attitude towards its workers is simple; “Let them eat cake.” I really love their creative take on “Leadership by Example.” Vive La Revolution!
Remove these clowns from office. I’m sure they will enjoy hearing that.
1. 800 lay offs have NOT been announce. The Register needs to report accurate data for shut down.
2. There needs to be some major house cleaning in the ranks of OC management. Needs to happen now!
It is obscene for this behavior to be continued by politico’s at the expense of workers simply trying to earn a living -lay off the Board and let them see how their behavior affects the “people beneath them.” -”What goes around, comes around.” In the dire economic climate of our time this kind of behavior should not be allowed — “throw the bums out as soon as possible.”
You have got to be kidding me! Oh wait, I’m not really surprised. What is it about getting into power that makes people completely lose their minds? Moorlach used to be fiscally conservative and made a name for himself during the bankruptcy crisis. Hey John, what happened? How about cutting costs? I don’t want to hear about how they made the decision earlier, planned before this economy failed.. blah blah blah. That doesnt mean you HAVE to go forward. You are all thieves!!
supervisors
behave responsibly; else
look for another job
there are so many better people there who can take your job
The Board of Supervisors’ priorities are so out of touch that it makes me sick! They are the leaders who will send their own troops into an ambush, rather than lead by example. It takes a strong person to do the right thing! I assume that we dont have any leaders in the Board of Supervisors!
John Gotti has been replaced by John Moorloch…”The Teflon Supe”. Does anyone really think he cares what your opinions are. He is better than you and HE knows it. He will be King of California one day…..of course Mike Carona thought the same way and look where he is at. Save your tax dollars by avoiding his eventual trial and throw his as$ out now.
The BOS approved this project last September and the remodel plans in November. They knew the economy was in the toilet back then but probably said we better approve this before we run out of money. Hey…guys…wake up…there wasn’t any money for you to be spending in the first place!!! Duh!!! Just remove the walls that the Santa Ana Fire Department says are creating a fire hazard to keep from being cited again and wait for the economy to get better before replacing them!!! Duh again!!! Use your common sense. This is not the time for you to be spending money frivolously on any remodeling. People are having trouble putting food on their tables and keeping a roof over their heads as it is and if jobs are lost because of your bad decisions you won’t have any constituents left to even have a County of Board of Supervisors.
What a bunch of dirt bags, the BOS should taken & outside & publicly BEATEN! There incompetence & stupidity is amazing!
Unless there is a safety reason for the remodel this is way over the line. Makes no sense whatsoever during these hard economic times. I would also like Chriss Street to explain how he could be in the red by $141 million last tuesday (day before property tax deadline) and in the black by $183 million last Friday? Did he attend the George W. Bush and Hanky-Panky Paulson School of Accounting?
I acknowledge the bad timing and the bad symbolism, but $330K is only a fraction of the county’s current budget crisis. Besides, after reading these comments, do you blame the BOS for wanting a security barrier in the building?
REALLY STUPID MOVE SUPS!!!!
Just curious,
Don’t we expect an influx of applicants for benefits offered by Social Services during this difficult recession? Hasn’t Orange County always been respected for the compassion and quality of service provided to those facing difficult times in our county? Yet we are asking the caseworkers to both cover the caseloads of two hundred laid off staff and do this while also being forced to take off two weeks without pay. I wonder why staff members in other agencies aren’t decreased to some extent to offset this imbalance. I also am extremely concerned that no cuts have been offered by those at the top. In affluent Orange County have we forgotten that cuts to those in need may be politically expedient to those making the decisions, but set the tone for who we are as a county? At the bankruptcy, the then Board voted to lose 19 million dollars of matching State and Federal monies to save 4 million of county dollars By taking this politically wise, but fiscally questionable action, 1/3 of the Social Services caseworkers were laid off. No one outside of the agency understood the pain of this for the workers, yet at that time those workers who knew they were losing their jobs did their utmost to clean-up their caseloads to offset the extra workload those staying would be faced with. That is the mark of dedicated public servants, not lazy, overpaid, government workers as some have said. And as an aside, The county does not pay into Social Security as other employers are required to do, instead the county pays that money into a retirement sytem that is also QUITE LARGELY paid by for the workers themselves.
This is just bad for our county. I agree that the GOP and the Lincoln Club have to much power in our goverment. Watch out for more lay offs while the Supe’s injoy there spending. The First District and the Third District were up for reelection in June, and the same people were reelected.Wow maybe the voters can blame them selfs.
are you Effin kidding me???!
Typical justification thinking. Kudos (I hate to say it) to Power Ranger Norby and somewhat to the Cheetah Girl. But, talk is cheap. Stop the remodel now. Do what Norby says. Do you people actually think your lives are worth that much? People could care less about your security. Wait, why don;t we put it to the taxpayers? We could put out a measure that requires the tax payer to vote on any improvements to the supervisors offices. Heck, I think I’ll just go get a cup of coffee…..
County BOS are a bunch of neandertals. Hypocritical and arrogant. Voters remember!
I’m not against cuts per se, since the county gov’t is bloated and has a lot of dead weight. but the remodel clearly couldn’t come at a worse time. the only one with a more overpriced, frivlous remodel than this was Chriss Street’s about a year ago.
booooooooo
These guys are a bunch of tacos.
What nerve! These demi-gods are just as bad as the City of Santa Ana’s City ‘Clowncil’. There are other CEOs and BOS that don’t have security barriers….why should they have one. This story just makes my blood boil…
THIS IS CRAZY!!! THE BOS SHOULD ALL BE LAYED OFF
The people of OC elected them……The people of OC should impeach them NOW. This is a blatant slap in the face of the voters by these elected officials who now think they are better than their constituents. Put their greedy butts back on the streets. Political corruption must stop and this is a glaring example of duplicity and hypocracy.
Unless the county is getting one hell of a discount now is not the time to remodel the lobby.
BOS SHAME ON YOU! In these economic times this is inexcusable. The cost of this project should be deducted from your personal payroll immediately.
Let us not forget, the millions of dollars, that the BOS are spending on the pension litigation against the Sheriff’s association. They are destined to lose the law suit, but that doesn’t keep them from pursuing it. They have already burned thru about 1.5 million dollars and they haven’t even had a trial yet. It is set for March 2009, in Los Angeles County.
If, for some reason, they do win, every single retiree, will sue for their jobs back, with full back pay, benefits and missed retirement contributions. Of course the BOS hasn’t thought of that, because Moorlach is an idiot.
Are these the same people who are getting all the free OC Fair tickets ?
These layoffs are bad news. But you must question why our gov structure even has 800 social workers!!. Gov needs to be ran like a business to stay healthy, thus these types of cuts on the gov level are occurring everywhere, because they are way over staffed, and gov is not designed to be stable when tax stops coming in. They tend to spend till it is gone, and wait for the next budget year thinking the money will magically appear again. We have all been in line at a gov office for a few hours, and then watch the non productive workers in the office spend their time just chit chatting away for hours on end , not lifting a pencil to speed the process up, while only one window is open. Pray for all to be productive in their job and stay employed.
I am astonished—- with the money and effort these folks spend trying to undermine employee benefits like the retirement these folks have earned, looming layoffs — they remodel?? WOW—— I will remember this for a long time—
TYPICAL GOVERNMENT OPERATION!
Naptown, the OC fair tickets went to the Orange Conty fair board, Carona’s wife is on that board. Thousands of dollars worth of tickets were given to polical hacks, like our BOS, in just one year. Catered dinners like lobster and fancy desserts, were also included. Where do I sign up?
“These layoffs are bad news.”
for whom, taxpayers? no… for the people receiving a pink slip? yes…
I’d say a reacall effort is in order. All five have to go, starting with Morlack.
I live in Campbell’s district. Any volunteers to start the recall campaign?
Tens of thousands of private sector workers get laid off in OC and no one makes a fuss. yet when the county threatens to lay off a few hundred government workers you folks go berzerk! who do you think you are? the elite of OC? Should the BoS remodel their building now? Of course not. Should government workers use that as an excuse to keep their jobs? No way. Let the layoffs begin! Spread the misery to the public sector too!
I’m shocked and outraged!!
Actually I’m not - but I just wanted to say that I am.
Anyway, just to be contrary, I think MORE money should be spent on the remodel.
Hah, hah.
Lack of leadership. If they need to remodel let them pay for it out of their own pocket.
Remodeling is not a good idea, but the government workers who are getting laid off are not necessariy the best employees either. Customer service is usually horrible, and they have received rich pensions because they are working for the government. Therefore, I suggest doing away with the remodeling job, and the lazy government employees. Use the money to improve business and the economy. Create jobs outside of big government. Government should facilitate business development, not take the place of it.
I see a trend here. People are finally seeing how corrupt a lot of officials really are. From local gov. to the top. I am angry that these vermin can get away with this for so long. Most people have turned there heads until now, with layoffs looming, financial crisis on the horizon, the people are finally going to want recompense. Can these jokers and make them pay for there own gas, cars, insurance, etc. NO MORE FREE RIDES FOR OFFICIALS!!!!!!!!!
The Board of Supervisors are clearly out of touch with the reality that the average taxpayer and VOTER is downscaling ther entire lives to get through these tuff economic times. We’re eating Noodles out here, People!…. So they lay off 800 EMPLOYEES while REMODELING THEIR FACILITY.
They all need to examine their “Political well being” at some point in their careers.
If a private business concern does remodel work, it has to make financial and logical sense. Not these people. Since the source of funding is not their own, this “Board of Self-Servers” have no check on their spending appetite.
This calls for the consideration of an investigation as to whom is fiscally responsible to make decisions at the COUNTY OF ORANGE. Whats wrong with these people? They have it so easy, yet they care only for their own well being………Who are their sponsers and contractors?……….. I want NAMES.
So the real question is, will these folks be re-elected next time around and be back to the watering hole again?
Hey Sethook, I think you mean GRAVY TRAIN. Watering hole would be o.K. We all need to get along. BUT……..
I still believe you can find QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS with PRINCIPALS…..and a willingness to serve in the public sector. That’s who we need. Not these types who are only concerned with enriching themselves and increasing their image and self-prominance…..We need to check these folks out better BEFORE we vote. IT’S OUR OWN FAULT! I’m watching them from now on.
After all the discussion is over, I hope everyone remembers this when it comes time to vote. Too often people just vote for the incumbent rather than spend the time researching candidates. If this $400K lobby remodeling offends you, don’t just respond to the article; write or e-mail the BOS directly and tell them what you intend to do when they are up for re-election.
“The sky is falling ” No wonder the county is laying off employees all our money is being used to remodel offices at the BOS and the Treasurers offices. Just wondering who will answer those phones as there may not be any county employees still working. Well I guess the BOS may get their and privatize all county jobs.
what’s worst, is it took hitting the papers to uncover this unselfish
act- they couldn’t figure it out by themselves. the next election can’t come soon enough.
These clowns don’t even deserve a “security barrier”, just take the stupid thing down and be done with it.
The BOS needs to cut out all this unnecessary spending before even considering cutting peoples paychecks or lay offs.
What will it take before Moorlach and the others figure out that it’s the people that count, not redecorating. This is disgusting.
They’re supposed to work for us and they have failed miserably!
TIME TO RECALL!
This makes me puke! Recall, reacall, recall! No wonder they ‘re so out of touch - all these barriers just represent how disconnected they are from their constituants and from reality. There should be a simple fix that wouldn’t have cost $15,128 to figure out and would have resolved the fire department concerns! When this building was built, the lobby was very utilitarian - very plain. We really do need to recall!
If this report is true did you expect anything better from the BOS? Look what’s going on around us Taxpayers money being spent to bail-out companies and now BOS are getting luxurious things. Common citizens it’s called grab it while you can. PLEASE someone wake up the politicians if all the taxpayers are out of work there is NO more money to be spent on real problems in the county. Better yet Voters wake up and stop putting people in office that really DON’T have your interests first.
Recall sounds great! These clowns have pulled the purse strings long enough. Anything to keep the O.C. Lincoln Club happy. The ordinary hard working person gets layed off, while they sit there and laugh. DISGUSTED!!!!!!!!
By the time the next election rolls around, all of this will have been forgotten and these knuckleheads will get reelected by the sheeple.
unbelievable…..my 2 cents worth…it’s not the fact that these bafoons would incur a debt when they are laying off people, because like it’s been said before the $400K wouldn’t help but maybe 8-10 people’s keeping their jobs……….god forbid they actually try to save a few jobs then remodel a f&#$^ office….who cares if it’s even 1-2 jobs, those are 1-? families who won’t be jobless….but oh how nice it would be to see a nice wall or even desk sititng in the lobby…freaking morons!!!!!!!
Also, as a county employee, I SECOND THE MOTION THAT THIS IS A RETARDED ACT.
They sit up there in their offices and ask us how costs can be reduced..but yet continue to reap their windfall bonuses and perks……
You BOS should be ashamed of yourselves…You are pathetic panzies who are just a bunch of whiney babies…..Layoffs should not occur until each and every management classified employees bonuses and perks have been eliminated..I MEAN ELIMINATED!!!!
This is how greedy our society has become and look at the effects………you will all be judged one day (and I am not even religious)..and found to be immoral…….. BOS….Bafoons of the State..
So, who will enjoy the new remodels if 800 are laid off?
Where is that overpaid, overfed, self-righteous Moorlach? Haven’t heard from that hypocrit on this issue.
Here is my dream job.
1) 100,000 plus salary
2) free car and gas
3) county retirement
4) a 401K contibution paid by the tax payer
5) a huge staff to care for my every need
Where do you find a job like that? BOS
wow…these people are Grade A Douch*e Bags!
Norby and Bates are just trying to save face now.
This is so utterly pathetic.
Pigs. Plain and simple. Pigs.
Being a County employee I was about to agree with the proposed 3% across the board paycut if it would help save jobs & avoid layoffs. The County has very poor leadership & managers seem to always cover their backs for each other at all levels. At no point is there ever a ‘lead by example’ mentality. Pay cuts are urged while they might vote on their own 5% pay increase, layoffs & work w/o pay is urged while they remodel & continue to enjoy their free cars & expense accounts. Lets cut 3% of the supervisors & managers first. When do WE vote on that.
Though most conservatives and minimal government supporters can applaud public sector layoffs, spending the savings on non-essential items is appalling. Especially in this current economy and the state’s budget mess. Shame on the BOS!
Wait till you hear how much of a raise the Supervisors are going to give themselves after they let you all go. This is constantly going on but nobody does anything about it but complain.
WOW, you people are PI$$ED Off! And rightly so!
These people discuss me. A 1/2 million here and a 1/2 million there…………did we forget to tell you we’re closing social services. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This is John M., do you have any Italian marble or expensive granite?
Okay, we all realize this is not the time to have remodeling done. Yes, we realize that it would be a hardship on some workers if they had to give up 80 hours pay, and it would be a hardship on all the workers involved if 415 more workers went out the door. But, the bottom line is, as County workers our jobs are to help people. That’s why we were hired in the first place. With the bad economy and the layoffs everywhere in private industry, the face of people applying for welfare is changing. When their unemployment runs out your friends, relatives and neighbors will be standing in line at a welfare office. When times are hard, more people start abusing their parents,spouses and their children. There are more cases of child abuse and elder abuse. Everyone is so worried about a 80 hour loss of pay or loss of their job, no one is thinking about why we are county workers…we are here to serve the public! The County, HR an the union need to do what is best for the people of Orange County who will need our services. These people need to have the most workers available for them when they need services, so they do not have to wait a month to see a caseworker when they apply for welfare, or to see a caseworker when they are accused of child abuset, or stand in long lines at a welfare office because half the staff is laid off. LET US THINK OF THE PEOPLE WE SHOULD BE PLACING FIRST BEFORE OUR OWN NEEDS, THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BE HURT THE MOST BY THE DECISIONS MADE BY THE COUNTY AND THE UNION…OUR CLIENTS!!!
Moorlach is the problem for the most part, but he has others that do what he says. Get rid of him and most of the problems will go away. He is against the workers in general and has always had it out for them. Just look at the last several year’s articles when he’s involved and county measures, which OC voters were not smart enough to right correctly for this last election.
Get those stupid Supervisors out of office and replace them with some logical thinking people. Greed breeds greed - we see it time and time again. Politicians never seem to learn. Isn’t there a book called, ” Politics for Dummies”?
any truth that maximus has been laid off effective Jan 31, 2009?
Hypocrite, hypocrite, hypocrite!
How low they can possible go!
Shameless, Ignorance bunch of FIVE.
Everyone who is upset should send an email to all county supervisors at http://egov.ocgov.com. I have listed their emails below exept for Janet Nguyen who doesn’t post an email. They do read these usually.
district2@ocgov.com
patbates@ocgov.com
bill.campbell@ocgov.com
chris.norby@ocgov.com
RE: Bottomline-”Everyone is so worried about a 80 hour loss of pay or loss of their job, no one is thinking about why we are county workers…we are here to serve the public!” You are 100% correct. We Eligibility workers, are here to serve the public, that is our job. But the worry I think in regards to the furlough or possible layoffs, is that for a great majority of us, once we are laid off, or demoted, we will be those who will be in line for services too… The reality for SSA Eligibility staff, is that most of us are only a paycheck away from our clients.
I love all the commentary on the Board of Supervisors, it’s just really sad to think that it took THIS article for the general public to wake up and realize what lying scam artists the Fab 5 truly are.
They’ve been lying to the public for decades about how they make cuts to save tax payers all sorts of money, but has ANY ONE SINGLE tax payer seen a reduction in what they fork out? NO, welcome to reality everyone.
The problem with the County of Orange and all of it’s fiscal downfalls lies solely in the Board of Supervisors and their moronic decisions they have been allowed to make over and over again.
Anyone remember the bankruptcy?? Hmmm, there’s a good one…..that was nothing but pure con artist greed by the previous Board Members, plain and simple.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to stop the layoffs. The real unfortunate part is that county employees that really care about their jobs; that are the hardworking ones are probably going to be the first to go. All these comfortable employees that have been with the County 5 plus years who do nothing all day long will be sparred. I say, if employees have to be laid off then lay off the lazy incompetent County employees. Layoff the receptionists who give you their backs when you go and seek help, or the case workers who never return phone calls and play solitaire all day!!!!!!!!!
The physical barriers are just a metaphor for reality- I’ve tried multiple times to connect with my represented official and get no calls back or email returned. they are just ivory tower folks…let them burn
DSR - Please go back up and read Quizical. I will agree that many ‘Government employees’ are not concerned with the pulblic. We have all experienced that, for me the most obvious has been the DMV. That does not mean all DMV workers are lazy, actually they all seem hugely overworked. That aside, no one who has experienced OC Social Services staff can imply that they fit the mold you have described. These are the people who serve the neediest at times of crisis. It is draining work and they do their jobs with compasion and professionalism, Shame on you for spouting off with that which you know nothing about!
full size: http://taxdollars.freedomblogging.com/files/2008/12/img_6201.jpg
“I have listed their emails below exept for Janet Nguyen who doesn’t post an email.”
what a classless wench.
Hey, people. Lighten up a little. The BOS is doing something positive to promote business in the private sector. Could be a needy friend or relative painting the walls.
Outrageous!!!
Its time to take a serious look at recalling some of the supes. It will be a very difficult process but it looks like some in the public would support it. The public is very angry at politicians right now and in every family private and public workers alike have been victimized by greedy wall street guys and those who act like them. I doubt that very many citizens would think that the recent actions of this board are very different from the wall street crowd. All workers should be treated fairly public and private.
This is a big waste of time and funds, cut backs or no cut backs.
Let’s look at this all of sudden in 2007 the City of Santa Ana Fire just cited the County telling them that the walls created a fire hazard?????
Did the County submit this project to the City so that City Fire can do an inspection on the protective barriers when they were constructed in the first place???????
How about the County Building Department were they involved with creating this fire hazard also.
I think I anyone was to look there were NO permits or approvals given to construct this barrier in the first place. Is there any permit now approved for the work involved????
This type of project needs Local Fire approvals as well as County Building Department Approvals. This is a Fire Life safety issue right.
It appears to me that this is the County way to do things without approvals or permit unlike everyone else in the County. As the personal that run these types of projects are told NOT to obtain permits or approvals, this is a quote from a county project manager WE DON’T NEED ANY STINKING PERMITS, as it becomes to costly unlike everyone else in the county that needs to get a permit or any other type of construction approvals which is a whole different issue.
okay okay okay stop …all of us have logged and expressed our disgust.
What are we going to do about it ?
What are we going to do about it?
What are you going to do about it?
Your Anger is a Gift. Do not Waste It.
We need to let them know loud and clear, that if this thing goes through all 5 OF THEM ARE LOOSING THEIR JOBS.
Nancy Pelosi wants a bigger plane to fly he 90 lb butt around as she “saves the planet”.Harry Ried wanted a Senate visitor center original cost 60 something million$–actual cost 630 something million $ so he “would not have to smell the tourest visiting the Senate”. Balogovich wants to sell the State Senate seat for a million bucks. The BOS of Orange County Ca [the broke state] wants to spend mucho tax dollars on own pet projects. Wake up folks –from the top to the bottom the politicians are treating the US citizen like a tax slave. It is time for a “tea party” n. garrie
First, this OCR post was pretty deficient in its information. There’s no explanation as to what services are being downsized, what departments are affected, and so on. But layoffs or no, the employees are the only ones to benefit from these upgrades, so how about they take a deduction in their paychecks towards said benefits. Or maybe place a big jar in their lobby for “stupid ideas”. Whenever someone comes up with one they have to put a $ in the jar–they will have the upgrades paid for in no time.
What contractors are getting the jobs? Any freinds or relatives? Will they put locals to work–not stock market contractors?
BTW, I’ve seen some of those workers in action (inaction) and a reduction of 3-1 would probably comply with one single job description duties.
There’s a lot of surplus all around and the taxpayers get to fund it all!!!
It would be great if multi-year resumes and background checks were done on each and every Sup. candidate before they were even allowed to step into the ring. That they actually had qualifications to meet the criteria set by taxpayers. I know–dream on.
BOS do not have a clue what the real working people put up with.
I have been a county worker for 12 years and always worked a minimum of 2 peoples job. Programs have never been fully staffed.
We do not have decent furniture and most of the County buildings are old and cold in winter hot in summer, toilets are usually out of order. We don’t get supplies needed to do our jobs, we work with what we have. Moorlach come over to the bldg. where I work. You work in a palace. You are my district and I will make sure all my friends and neighbors do not vote for you next election..
How about the “barriers” that will be needed to protect the remaining SSA workers from angry clients when wait times increase due to less workers?! This is a clear indication that the line workers are not valued by the higher ups. UGH!! DISGUSTING!
I love how the county just keeps getting exposed of their “DO AS I SAY AND NOT AS I DO” attitude.
We should contact all the chanel 2, 4, 5, 7, & 9 news station about this so the whole country can see what is going on.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. But then again, many of you voted for them just a few months ago. You get what you settle for.
I too am a SSA worker and let me tell you, the mood in the office is somber! We need all 800 workers and in actuality all the workers currently employed within the agency. We have a caseload of an average of 27-32 and are held to a higher standard by the Bench Officers, who at times, make unreasonable requests, that we must comply with.
But at this point, I just want to keep my job. I am no one different than any other American that just wants to be a productive member of society: pay my taxes, make enough money to help our economy, and help the public.
If the BOS read this, please do what you can to help us. I’m so terrified of losing my job as are my colleagues. We have mortgages, children, and other dependents.
If I lose my job, I have no idea where to go. I am educated and a hard worker as are my colleagues and many others who have lost their job. We need your help. Please stop bashing us as lazy “government workers.” We just want to keep our jobs and continue to provide a safe and nurturing place for the children and family we service. Let me close by saying, at the end of the day, many of my clients say that if it were not for the intervention of SSA, they would continue to spiral downward into drugs and continue their selfish tendencies instead of focusing on the safety and welfare of their children.
Please lead by example. County employees are waiting to see what you will do.
Please lead by example. County employees are waiting to see what you will do.
The Board of Supervisors remodel project is shameful, in light of the layoffs. The Grinch and Scrooge came to their senses. I don’t think Dr. Suess, nor Charles Dickens can write us out of this situation.
These ELECTED official have no idea what fiscal responsibility is! They have seen this coming down the road and instead of planning, they spend, and then they turn around and tell social workers, 800, they are losing their job with thousands more being forced to take unpaid time off! With uinemployment so high in the entire nation, we are sending our own people to the lines for welfare and services, yet these board members seem to think they can keep spending and spending. Idiots is not rough enough language to describe their irresponsible actions. Moolach is a joke! He and his band of half-wits continue to demolish the county. Pretty soon, us residents will not have ANY SERVICES left and we will all be on skid row while these ELECTED official are living high off the hog~!
Hey BOS do you know what Social Workers do? They keep children safe………I feel sorry for the workers left after the layoffs, they will be responsible for the children who they have 5 mins a month to see after they receive the 50 + caseload. What a sad day when remodels mean more than safe children. I don’t know how you sleep at night.
Reply to Mike D. re: the cost to California for the benefit programs for illegal aliens.
The annual cost to California for all of the benefit programs provided to illegal aliens and their family members is at least eaual to California’s annual budget deficits.
In my opinion, the annual cost for the entire country is roughly $384 BILLION per year…almost one-half trillion dollars, and that is after consideration for the tax contributions of illegal aliens to US tax coffers.
If we are going to encourage the world’s impoverished and economically dependent populations to migrate here, then that irresponsible policy will continue to put an increasing cost upon a shrinking US middle and upper income tax base.
It is amazing how representative government by the people has been morphed over the past few decades into representative government for a continuous parade of cavalier political governors and appointed bureaucrats who literally govern without any conference with the electorate.
Jim Gilchrist, President and Founder, The Minuteman Project
MAN!!! THIS REALLY PISSES ME OFF. HOW CAN THE COUNTY BE REMOLDLING THE OFFICE WHEN THIS COUNTRY IS HURTING ALONG WITH OUT TAXES KEEP INCREASING. I BELIEVE THE TAX PAYERS NEED TO OVER HAUL SOME OF OUR LEADERS.
I ASK EVERYBODY WHO READS THIS BLOG TO VOTE EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY SupervisorS OFFICE OUT OF OFFICE WHEN THEIR TERM EXPIRES….
WE NEED TO START COUNTING THESE RATS RESPONSIBLE OVER OVER SPENDING TAXPAYERS MONEY.
THE BEST THING THAT THESE RATS COULD DO IS GIVE UP 20% THEIR PAY. THEIR OVER PAID ANYWAYS.
STOP INCREASING OUT TAXES SO YOU FOLKS CAN INCREASE YOUR PAY AND REMODEL YOUR OFFICES…..
COME ON FELLOW TAX PAYER VOTE THESE RATS OUT OF OFFICE NEXT TERM….ALL OF THEM..
1 in 20 homeless get a shelter bed.
there are no accessible transitional shelters
can you ADD SOME COTS ?
maybe we could move in?
dear ocobserver.
could they stop the park and median street maintenace and pot hole filling in upper income areas, layoff engineers and bldg.permit workers
instead of those might help the poor and disabled survive?
Per the OC Register article titled OC cust Social Services budget, dated Thursday 12/11/08. Board of Supervisors chariman John Moorlach said the cuts reflect events in the community and the country. “The private sector has already made tons of adjustments because of revenue”, he said. “Now it’s our turn.” That’s right Mr. Moorlach, show us your turn by reducing waste spending and stop this remodeling.
Absolute hypocrites.
I thought these Supervisors were fiscal conservatives and financially responsible, but they are just greedy oligarch who are making their work place plush while ruining other people’s lives.
Their “Let Them Eat Cake” stances for everybody but themselves is not acceptable.
Absolute hypocrites.
I thought these Supervisors were fiscal conservatives and financially responsible, but they are just greedy oligarchs who are making their work place plush while ruining other people’s lives.
Their “Let Them Eat Cake” stances for everybody but themselves is not acceptable.
I will be laid off fairly soon. I was hired by the county and left a good job behind just to be laid off some months later. Then I see this. What a joke. Thank-you OCEA for doing nothing for the new hires. Seniority based layoffs are troublesome when you’re about to lay off a person with a degree and experience to keep a person with no HS diploma and 15 years county time who you gave a fancy title to because they’ve been here long enough. If I were a client, I would want to know the credentials of the person who is making decisions that affect my life. Just a thought.
I used to work for the County at The CEO’s office. The people at the top get EVERYTHING! If you think the BOS lobby and kitchen project is over-the-top, go check out the Office of Independent Review. It used to be an old conference room for HR and they’ve completely remodel it with model home furniture, paint and carpet. The money and space is being used for three people who are there part-time. No one knows what they do when they are at work. The space needs to be given back to HRD because they are short on conference rooms, have managers in cubicle and are crapped together. These are horrid working conditions. The 2nd Floor is the worst floor in the entire building. Put the BOS there for a week and I am sure they will invest money to remodel the 2nd Floor. We need to new elect new BOS who don’t waste taxpayers money?
It’s the CEO’s attitude that “cutting perks, car allowances, astronomical raises wouldn’t get us even close to our deficit”. It’s this same attitude that will now get them their fancy looking breakroom and meeting room where they will keep pretending to give a damn about county employees. Oh but again this half million dollar remodel is “most” necessary. They are too busy picking out their office furniture and art work that will be in their offices. DO U THINK THEY CARE THAT 800 COUNTY EMPLOYEES ARE PRAYING TO KEEP THEIR JOBS JUST TO PAY THE RENT ??????????
Those jerkoff’s(BOS’s) make over 100K a year!!! They could care less about us County employees!!! Plus all the perks they receive!!! what goes around , comes around…they will be dealt with one way or another!!!
I work hard at my job and carry a caseload of about 300 clients. it is tiresome and the faces of the people coming in for benefts are changing. The BOS doesn’t care about us. None of this is surprising. We are all pretty much one paycheck away from being in line. This is so sad. For all of us going through this, clients, employees etc. and like Dizzle said, what goes around does come around. Remember this in elections; Janet Nguyen was voted back in. I didn’t vote for her! Please get these people out of office when they are up for re-election! They need to go!
Janet Nguyen’s unnecessary “satellite office” in Westminster is fiscally irresponsible. Shame on Campbell and Bates for supporting this albatross!
What’s sad is our complaining does nothing. I’ve learned just move on after I read stuff like this. Why, you ask? Because there isn’t one thing we are willing to do (and voting them out doesn’t work). Yet sadder is the fact no one can take their cell phones away or turn off the TV long enough to mobilize and even try to change things. First off, all levels of government have WAY too much power and protection. They live in their own world where laws don’t apply. Neither does common sense, for that matter. We’ve given them this power and government’s learned what works on most US citizens. Pat them on the head, throw them a bone now and then, and keep those reality shows coming.
They don’t hear us on these forums. Leave them a voice message and let them know your frustrations. Please do not vote for these people again
Board Chair, John M.W. Moorlach,Supervisor Second District
Phone: 714.834.3220
Vice Chair Patricia C. Bates,Supervisor Fifth District
Phone: 714.834.3550
Janet Nguyen Supervisor First District
Phone: 714.834.3110
Bill Campbell,Supervisor Third District
Phone:714.834.3330
Chris Norby,Supervisor Fourth District
Phone: 714.834.3440
As a county employee, I would certainly agree to a 3% deduction in pay (hopefully, we would get that back when “good times” return). A bigger problem is the unfunded liability for retirement. Employees should bare the burden of paying more for their retirement ie Sheriff’s Deputies do not pay any towards their share of 3% at 50. Also, why are there still job postings on OCGOC.COM. All new hiring should be frozen ie Depty Public Guardian’s and a Chief Deputy Public Guardian? Some of these positions are filled through Social Services, which is being cut. Why are they being allowed to fund/recruit for more positions which will be eliminated down the line.
Also, the car allowances and other perks for elected officials and department heads should be gone. Period. They get car allowances, yet they still drive around in county owned vehicles most of the time during business hours.
Lastly, give the employees a real employee fraud hotline where we can call in and report crime level fraud and that it would be taken seriously. Here’s one - again the Public Guardian recently promoted his administrative assistant to Executive Manager, potentially doubling her salary. This was done with no job advertising or allowing other employees to demonstrate their qualifications for the job. The person currently in this position was not even a deputized staff, or has no previous executive management experience. Hmmmmmm.
ON TOP OF ALL THIS………It’s really sad how we are about to lose some of the best workers I’ve seen in the 8 years I’ve been with the County. these workers have proven they deserve to keep their jobs, yet because of seniority the ones who have gotten bad reviews, waste and abuse County time and resources, shall keep their jobs. Yes the demerit points that cause them to lose some seniority, they still will have more then the newer workers who are 10000000 times better. MAKES ME SICK!
OC -DROP THE BAD APPLES!!!!!!!! NOT THE GOOD ONES!
Of all the complaining on here….nothing will come of this. There are for sure County employees posting on here ranting and raving but I guarantee not one of you will do anything about this but whine to your co-workers in your cubicles. It’s like complaining about the incoming president when you didn’t even go out to vote.
I feel that many people can not or are unwilling to look at what is happening right now. Every day the news is bad! For anyone to talk about remodeling offices or lobbies or buildings or doing anything frivolous, for that matter, needs to stop and look at the people around them. Look at the people living on the street, just look at real life, for pete’s sake.
I really get angry at all the lies and theft and corruptness that has been allowed to happen.
I don’t even want to think what their punishment will be!
Probably a smack on the wrist!
People forget where they come from!
IF STUPIDITY WAS PAINFUL ALL THE SUPES WOULD BE IN THE EMERGENCEY ROOM!!!
I still can’t fathom how the BOS sleep at night! Every single one of them!!! You know that they are still due to receive their 5% pay raise in 2009. In addition, they are remodeling their palace, continue to receive their bonuses, car allowances (rumor has it about $700/mo) and 401K pension! Mauk stated “Managers need to step up and show leadership by immediately forgoing any raises at all. And I’m in the process of talking to them right now.” But quickly added ‘But even implementing all those changes won’t make a dent in the shortages expected.’—In other words, Mauk is only giving us, the public, lip service. He never intended to give up the raise or the other perks since those “changes won’t make a dent” in the budget. Mauk then turned around and tabled the idea of a 3% pay cut from the employees meanwhile keeping their raises. Moorlach stated “The private sector has already made tons of adjustments because of revenue,” he said. “Now it’s our turn.” Well, if that is the case then the Board of Supervisors should have no problem forgoing their 5% pay raise!!! That is not the case is it?!!!
How is it fair that they are going to lay off employees, whom are struggling to due to this economy to make ends meet, while the Board of Supervisors are lining their pockets! How is it justifiable?!! I can not believe that there is nothing we, as the public, could do! The BOS are no better than crooks that put on a suit!!!
in regards to the remodeling of the BOS’s lobby, it is interesting to me that they would spend that type of money on securing themselves when they could just as easily have something happen away from their offices. What are they gonna do, fortify every step they take? Impossible! I think that it is the greed taking over here. where is the compassion for the people? You all want to layoff hundreds of people, not even thinking of whether or not they have families. What about the social service workers, who are the wheels that make the machine work? Without them, funding from the federal gov’t would not even reach the state of California, let alone the County of Orange. Lastly, I hope that the BOS will take this message and heed it: “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face!” Rethink the budget cut moves that you all are so comfortable with because eventually it will mean you, too.
People always hate to talk about when they are laid off. But as it has become every day’s news headline since Yahoo started it with cutting 1500 of its task force last year, now a need of platform has been in demand where people can express their selves in words how they are feeling about their company, whey the got laid off was that justified or not. And every thing they want to tell anonymously.
And http://www.layoffgossip.com is providing you that platform.
How about giving up those car allowances BOS?
Is Moorlach still spending tens of thousands of $ fighting the already approved pension for Deputies? Remove the granet from their kitchen and between their ears.Stop working against the people, work for the people of OC!
Ocea one question u guys knew about all this stuff before now why do u guys wait til it hits the fan then u react? U guys are wimps. Ocea is doesn’t back us they just have great discounts that’s it. We need a real union. We have not had a cost os living raise 4 how long now? I work for these people and they still haven’t told us when or who is getting laid off when I ask a supervisor nobody no we will get back to you when? The day before I get laid off? Ocpd and ocea this is not a game tell the oc employees what’s going 2 happen so we can starting looking 4 a job some where
Shouldn’t the lay offs start at the top, like the Administrators, then manager/supervisors, then the workers? The workers are the ones who have contact with the family and help the family the most. The administrators sit around and do nothing, while lecturing the supervisors to make the workers do more work. The supervisors just sit and wait by the phone for their workers to tell them what is going on with the families! Let’s get real here!