Reforms to protect the firefighter image and close loopholes that have cost families survivor benefits were among the successful legislative victories for firefighters as the 2012 Legislative Session closes.
On the last day of the legislative session, the California Senate and Assembly approved legislation that imposes sweeping changes in California's public pension system.
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On the last day of the legislative session, the California Senate and Assembly approved legislation that imposes sweeping changes in California's public pension system.
Employee benefits will rise, medical restrictions will be modified, red tape will be cut and employer rates will go down under a CPF-backed Workers' Comp reform measure approved by the Legislature.
Employee benefits will rise, medical restrictions will be modified, red tape will be cut and employer rates will go down under a CPF-backed Workers' Comp reform measure approved by the Legislature.
As lawmakers prepared to vote Friday on an historic rollback of retirement security, critics say the proposed pension deal usurps collective bargaining and is unbecoming of politicians who claim to support the Middle Class.
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The San Jose Mercury News joined a growing list of those who are saying NO to Prop. 32 -- the Special Exemptions Act. "A sham," says the Merc, "that would magnify the influence of wealthy interests while shutting out many middle class voters."
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As lawmakers prepared to vote Friday on an historic rollback of retirement security, critics say the proposed pension deal usurps collective bargaining and is unbecoming of politicians who claim to support the Middle Class.
The San Jose Mercury News joined a growing list of those who are saying NO to Prop. 32 -- the Special Exemptions Act. "A sham," says the Merc, "that would magnify the influence of wealthy interests while shutting out many middle class voters."
In a stinging rebuke, the Ventura County Star says Proposition 32 -- The Special Exemptions Act -- is a "sham" in "unequivocally recommending a no vote."
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In a stinging rebuke, the Ventura County Star says Proposition 32 -- The Special Exemptions Act -- is a "sham" in "unequivocally recommending a no vote."
At a news conference today in Los Angeles, Gov. Jerry Brown announced an agreement that will take public employee retirement security back to the Reagan years.
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At a news conference today in Los Angeles, Gov. Jerry Brown announced an agreement that will take public employee retirement security back to the Reagan years.
Nine fires that have collectively burned more than 400,000 acres may get an assist from Mother Nature as winds have begun to die down. More than 8,000 firefighters have been on the lines battling the blazes, the largest of which is on BLM land straddling the California-Nevada border.
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Nine fires that have collectively burned more than 400,000 acres may get an assist from Mother Nature as winds have begun to die down. More than 8,000 firefighters have been on the lines battling the blazes, the largest of which is on BLM land straddling the California-Nevada border.
L.A. Times business columnist MIchael Hiltzik calls out Prop. 32's billionaire benefactors. Many are linked to secretive Super PACs that spend unlimited amounts on campaigns. All of them are exempt from the measure's provisions.
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In Part 2 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento, CPF President Emeritus Dan Terry recalls the founding of the Memorial.
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On Sunday, October 7, 2012, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network will celebrate its Fifth Annual Gala Dinner & Fundraiser, "Fight Cancer with Fire." The evening promises to be fun-filled, with surprise entertainment, at a wonderful venue, with a specially prepared meal!
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San Jose Firefighters Local 230 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Captain Jose Martinez. Brother Martinez died August 12th from job-related cancer.
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San Jose Firefighters Local 230 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Captain Jose Martinez. Brother Martinez died August 12th from job-related cancer.
On Sunday, October 7, 2012, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network will celebrate its Fifth Annual Gala Dinner & Fundraiser, "Fight Cancer with Fire." The evening promises to be fun-filled, with surprise entertainment, at a wonderful venue, with a specially prepared meal!
In Part 2 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento, CPF President Emeritus Dan Terry recalls the founding of the Memorial.
California Professional Firefighters has published its 2011 Annual Report, reviewing the highlights and accomplishments of the year as well as the challenges ahead. CLICK HERE to read and download the report.
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California Professional Firefighters has published its 2011 Annual Report, reviewing the highlights and accomplishments of the year as well as the challenges ahead. CLICK HERE to read and download the report.
Media reports about the bankruptcies in Stockton and San Bernardino have tried to link these disasters to pension costs. CalPERS President Rob Feckner says the facts tell a different story.
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The East Bay Citizen: Prop. 32 on the November ballot virtually invites big money special interests to spend unlimited dollars on a "tsunami of initiatives" aimed at rolling back public and private sector workers.
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The East Bay Citizen: Prop. 32 on the November ballot virtually invites big money special interests to spend unlimited dollars on a "tsunami of initiatives" aimed at rolling back public and private sector workers.
Media reports about the bankruptcies in Stockton and San Bernardino have tried to link these disasters to pension costs. CalPERS President Rob Feckner says the facts tell a different story.
CPF is pleased to work with Kaplan University to offer a special opportunity for CPF members. CPF members can earn degrees in fire science and emergency management online while on the job, and may receive credit for JAC or SFM training.
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CPF is pleased to work with Kaplan University to offer a special opportunity for CPF members. CPF members can earn degrees in fire science and emergency management online while on the job, and may receive credit for JAC or SFM training.
Bakersfield Firefighter Jimmy Watkins finished sixth Sunday in the men's cycling sprint at London's Olympic Velodrome. It was the United States' best Olympic finish in track cycling's blue-ribbon in 12 years.
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Bakersfield Firefighter Jimmy Watkins finished sixth Sunday in the men's cycling sprint at London's Olympic Velodrome. It was the United States' best Olympic finish in track cycling's blue-ribbon in 12 years.
The decline in secure pensions has coincided with a disturbing increase in elder poverty and future "reforms" could push millions into poverty. So says a new report from the National Institute for Retirement Security.
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The decline in secure pensions has coincided with a disturbing increase in elder poverty and future "reforms" could push millions into poverty. So says a new report from the National Institute for Retirement Security.
The critics of public pensions have tried to inflate the supposed pension crisis by assuming incredibly low return rates for CalPERS investments. But a respected independent expert who co-authored a book on California government dysfunction says these assumptions have no grounding in history, and, if implemented, could cost the next generation.
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The critics of public pensions have tried to inflate the supposed pension crisis by assuming incredibly low return rates for CalPERS investments. But a respected independent expert who co-authored a book on California government dysfunction says these assumptions have no grounding in history, and, if implemented, could cost the next generation.
The cities' anti-labor, anti-firefighter spin being peddled about municipal bankruptcies is coming unraveled. Turns out Stockton and San Bernardino were sub-prime central, and were done in by housing meltdown ... not labor contracts.
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The cities' anti-labor, anti-firefighter spin being peddled about municipal bankruptcies is coming unraveled. Turns out Stockton and San Bernardino were sub-prime central, and were done in by housing meltdown ... not labor contracts.
The fight to defeat the latest attack on firefighters and other working families is in full swing, and the stakes were never higher.
This week, a San Francisco Chronicle analysis revealed the truth about Proposition 32 — it provides Special Exemptions that protect the super rich but deal a "devastating blow" to labor and working families.
San Francisco Chronicle analysis underscores Prop. 32's risks. The initiative's special exemptions let partisan mega donors continue spending freely on campaigns, but deals a "devastating blow" to labor.
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Another city seeks a free pass for mismanagement by rushing to bankruptcy. "Fraud, misuse of funds and financial waste" alleged.
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Another city seeks a free pass for mismanagement by rushing to bankruptcy. "Fraud, misuse of funds and financial waste" alleged.
San Francisco Chronicle analysis underscores Prop. 32's risks. The initiative's special exemptions let partisan mega donors continue spending freely on campaigns, but deals a "devastating blow" to labor.
A statewide pension analyst often quoted by anti-union forces has run the numbers in San Bernardino. Conclusion: Economic meltdown, mismanagement and toxic politics are at the heart of the San Bernardino bankruptcy bid.
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A statewide pension analyst often quoted by anti-union forces has run the numbers in San Bernardino. Conclusion: Economic meltdown, mismanagement and toxic politics are at the heart of the San Bernardino bankruptcy bid.
Super PACs and business special interests already have a pervasive influence over California elections. Passage of Prop. 32 would, however, make it easier for Super PACs to gain even more control of our electoral system, while union members and working families are stripped of their political voice.
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The new president of AFSCME says national attacks aimed at firefighters and other public workers is creating a "race to the bottom" that hurts the Middle Class.
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Super PACs and business special interests already have a pervasive influence over California elections. Passage of Prop. 32 would, however, make it easier for Super PACs to gain even more control of our electoral system, while union members and working families are stripped of their political voice.
The new president of AFSCME says national attacks aimed at firefighters and other public workers is creating a "race to the bottom" that hurts the Middle Class.
Californians for Retirement Security's Barbara Maynard tells Fox 11 LA that public sector employees want to end pension abuses but that reform attempts must be thoughtful and must avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
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Stop the Special Exemptions Act -- Prop. 32 on the November ballot would silence the voices of firefighters and working families, but give special exemptions that allow Super PACs and the super rich to spend unlimited money on campaigns.
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Stop the Special Exemptions Act -- Prop. 32 on the November ballot would silence the voices of firefighters and working families, but give special exemptions that allow Super PACs and the super rich to spend unlimited money on campaigns.
Californians for Retirement Security's Barbara Maynard tells Fox 11 LA that public sector employees want to end pension abuses but that reform attempts must be thoughtful and must avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
Some 4,000 local state and federal firefighters are battling a group of Northern California wildfires that collectively have burned nearly 40,000 acres.
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Some 4,000 local state and federal firefighters are battling a group of Northern California wildfires that collectively have burned nearly 40,000 acres.
CPF Firevision -- No on Prop. 32CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news service.
Stop the Special Exemptions Act -- Prop. 32 on the November ballot would silence the voices of firefighters and working families, but give special exemptions that allow Super PACs and the super rich to spend unlimited money on...
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has penned an op-ed for the Huffington Post debunking skewed study from Pew Centers. Bottom line: Funding "crisis" is overstated.
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Like those in Stockton, city residents in San Bernardino aren't faulting employees for the city's bankruptcy attempt. Instead, they are fingering years of fiscal mismanagement by local leaders.
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IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has penned an op-ed for the Huffington Post debunking skewed study from Pew Centers. Bottom line: Funding "crisis" is overstated.
Like those in Stockton, city residents in San Bernardino aren't faulting employees for the city's bankruptcy attempt. Instead, they are fingering years of fiscal mismanagement by local leaders.
CPF's online video news. Locals fight back with video; Locals on the web
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CPF's online video news. Labor unites to push for more jobs; Firefighters on Your Side -- elderly disaster preparedness
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Premiere of CPF online video news podcast. Gov. introduces new pension, state budget proposals; Emergency Response Initiative reintroduced; California's fallen firefighters remembered.
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California Professional Firefighters' online video news. Pension-slashing measures introduced; LA County FFs on the ground in Haiti; Terrorism Consequence Management behind-the-scenes.
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CPF's online video news. Local leaders pitch lawmakers on local fire funding; Alameda Co. Fire Ops helps locals "feel the heat."
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California Professional Firefighters' online video news. Protecting Your Retirement: A Special Report on the 2010 Pension Fight.
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Proposition 32 on the November ballot -- the Special Exemptions Act -- would choke off the effective voice of you and your fellow firefighters, all the while protecting the rights of corporations and the super rich.
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Looks like Californians aren't as crazed to slash retirement security as some would have you believe. A new independent poll shows more than half believe pension levels are about right or too low. Voters also back public employee collective bargaining.
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Looks like Californians aren't as crazed to slash retirement security as some would have you believe. A new independent poll shows more than half believe pension levels are about right or too low. Voters also back public employee collective bargaining.
Proposition 32 on the November ballot -- the Special Exemptions Act -- would choke off the effective voice of you and your fellow firefighters, all the while protecting the rights of corporations and the super rich.
Critics are often at the forefront of pension reform, but can tangible solutions arise by cutting from the livelihoods of thousands of public employees? Before we hurt the ones who have dedicated their lives to help others, take the time to understand how the system works.
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Critics are often at the forefront of pension reform, but can tangible solutions arise by cutting from the livelihoods of thousands of public employees? Before we hurt the ones who have dedicated their lives to help others, take the time to understand how the system works.
Uniformed firefighters from Stockton and San Gabriel joined medical researchers, furniture manufacturers and environmental groups at a legislative hearing to call for an end to the use of dangerous toxins in furniture.
Uniformed firefighters from Stockton and San Gabriel joined medical researchers, furniture manufacturers and environmental groups at a legislative hearing to call for an end to the use of dangerous toxins in furniture.
CPF- and IAFF-backed efforts to get cancer-causing toxins out of fire retardants got a boost when Gov. Jerry Brown issued a directive to revise California’s decades-old flammability standard.
CPF- and IAFF-backed efforts to get cancer-causing toxins out of fire retardants got a boost when Gov. Jerry Brown issued a directive to revise California’s decades-old flammability standard.
Ten Years Honoring California's Fallen -- Part 1 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento.
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Ten Years Honoring California's Fallen -- Part 1 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento.
Fresno firefighters responded to a major industrial fire in Calwa, near Fresno. City, county, CAL FIRE members all responded. Photo gallery from the Fresno Bee.
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Fresno firefighters responded to a major industrial fire in Calwa, near Fresno. City, county, CAL FIRE members all responded. Photo gallery from the Fresno Bee.
Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Morain says the deceptive Special Exemptions Act, headed for the November ballot, will make California the next anti-union battleground.
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The attack on public employee pensions is already having an effect on the wealth of families in the U.S. Unless, that is, you're family has a CEO in it.
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Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Morain says the deceptive Special Exemptions Act, headed for the November ballot, will make California the next anti-union battleground.
The attack on public employee pensions is already having an effect on the wealth of families in the U.S. Unless, that is, you're family has a CEO in it.
United Profession Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of East Contra Costa FPD Engineer William West. Brother West succumbed to job-related cancer on June 12, 2012.
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United Profession Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of East Contra Costa FPD Engineer William West. Brother West succumbed to job-related cancer on June 12, 2012.
Because of the low rainfall levels to date, Ventura County fire officials predict a dry and dangerous 2012 fire season. Budget cuts and lay offs makes proper coverage even more challenging during this unpredictable summer.
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Because of the low rainfall levels to date, Ventura County fire officials predict a dry and dangerous 2012 fire season. Budget cuts and lay offs makes proper coverage even more challenging during this unpredictable summer.
The big money backers of the so-called "Stop Special Interest Money" initiative have a secret they don't want you to know: Their "fair and balanced" solution gives special exemptions that protect billionaire businessmen and corporate special interests.
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The big money backers of the so-called "Stop Special Interest Money" initiative have a secret they don't want you to know: Their "fair and balanced" solution gives special exemptions that protect billionaire businessmen and corporate special interests.
The big money backers of the so-called "Stop Special Interest Money" initiative have a secret they don't want you to know: Their "fair and balanced" solution gives special exemptions that protect billionaire businessmen and corporate special interests.
State lawmakers were challenged to "take the heat" at CPF's Fire Ops 101 at the State Capitol. The training exercises simulate fire conditions to give policy makers a chance to spend some time in a firefighter's boots.
State lawmakers were challenged to "take the heat" at CPF's Fire Ops 101 at the State Capitol. The training exercises simulate fire conditions to give policy makers a chance to spend some time in a firefighter's boots.
A four-alarm fire in North San Jose wound up burning longer and causing more damage, thanks to city-imposed brownouts. According to San Jose fire officials, the loss of a browned-out second response engine caused a delay in setting up a water supply.
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A four-alarm fire in North San Jose wound up burning longer and causing more damage, thanks to city-imposed brownouts. According to San Jose fire officials, the loss of a browned-out second response engine caused a delay in setting up a water supply.
Ending redevelopment will eventually produce $5 billion of additional general fund money for vital services. So says the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's office. According to a new LAO report, local agencies will eventually see an increase of up to 15% in available property tax revenue without redevelopment.
Ending redevelopment will eventually produce $5 billion of additional general fund money for vital services. So says the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's office. According to a new LAO report, local agencies will eventually see an increase of up to 15% in available property tax revenue without redevelopment.
Apprenticeship Works -- New documentary outlines value of firefighter and building trades apprentices in training for the jobs of the future.
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The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship provides higher education financial assistance to the children of California's fallen firefighters. Applications are being accepted for the 2012 scholarships.
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The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship provides higher education financial assistance to the children of California's fallen firefighters. Applications are being accepted for the 2012 scholarships.