Member News

Apprenticeship Works -- New documentary outlines value of firefighter and building trades apprentices in training for the jobs of the future.

Apprenticeship Works -- New documentary outlines value of firefighter and building trades apprentices in training for the jobs of the future.

In 2012, firefighters and other workers are under attack - and everything is at risk!  Your salary, your benefits, your retirement, your safety, staffing, equipment.  Everything.

This November, the big-money special interests will try to steal our voice so they can steal everything else. Their weapon: a ballot initiative we call Paycheck Deception.

The brave rescue of a mother and her two young daughters has been featured on NBC's The Today Show, where they were reunited with Santa Barbara County Firefighter Local #2046 Greg Knuckles and CHP Sgt. Tom Mullin and offered their heartfelt thanks.

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The brave rescue of a mother and her two young daughters has been featured on NBC's The Today Show, where they were reunited with Santa Barbara County Firefighter Local #2046 Greg Knuckles and CHP Sgt. Tom Mullin and offered their heartfelt thanks.

 A new Census Bureau report indicates that California's retirement funds helped pace a national rebound in pension fund returns. According to the new report, state and local pension funds in California grew at a 12.4% rate in 2010, surpassing the national average of 10.6%.

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 A new Census Bureau report indicates that California's retirement funds helped pace a national rebound in pension fund returns. According to the new report, state and local pension funds in California grew at a 12.4% rate in 2010, surpassing the national average of 10.6%.

 A new Census Bureau report indicates that California's retirement funds helped pace a national rebound in pension fund returns. According to the new report, state and local pension funds in California grew at a 12.4% rate in 2010, surpassing the national average of 10.6%.

 A 21-member independent commission developing changes in Santa Rosa's city charter has voted overwhelmingly to preserve binding arbitration protection for firefighters and police. The commission refined the existing language, but ultimately decided that public safety officers deserve to have their contract disputes resolved through...

 A 21-member independent commission developing changes in Santa Rosa's city charter has voted overwhelmingly to preserve binding arbitration protection for firefighters and police. The commission refined the existing language, but ultimately decided that public safety officers deserve to have their contract disputes resolved through arbitration.

The effort by San Jose city officials to tilt the field in a June fight over pensions has been struck down by the courts. Declaring it "impermissibly partisan and misleading," a unanimous appeals court rewrote biased ballot language drafted by the city for its retirement security rollback measure.

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The effort by San Jose city officials to tilt the field in a June fight over pensions has been struck down by the courts. Declaring it "impermissibly partisan and misleading," a unanimous appeals court rewrote biased ballot language drafted by the city for its retirement security rollback measure.

The effort by San Jose city officials to tilt the field in a June fight over pensions has been struck down by the courts. Declaring it "impermissibly partisan and misleading," a unanimous appeals court rewrote biased ballot language drafted by the city for its retirement security rollback measure.

A blistering investigative report suggests that San Jose city officials exerted influence on a supposedly "independent" audit of its retirement system to inflate the fiscal risk to the city. The report also indicates city officials withheld vital information from its Retirement Board.

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A blistering investigative report suggests that San Jose city officials exerted influence on a supposedly "independent" audit of its retirement system to inflate the fiscal risk to the city. The report also indicates city officials withheld vital information from its Retirement Board.

A blistering investigative report suggests that San Jose city officials exerted influence on a supposedly "independent" audit of its retirement system to inflate the fiscal risk to the city. The report also indicates city officials withheld vital information from its Retirement Board.

A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF Firevision spotlights the November battle over a Corporate Power Grab initiative that would muzzle working families while preserving political fund raising for corporations and the super rich 

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A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF Firevision spotlights the November battle over a Corporate Power Grab initiative that would muzzle working families while preserving political fund raising for corporations and the super rich 

CDF Firefighters Local 2881 is saddened to report the loss of CAL FIRE Heavy Equipment Operator Gordon Varney, who succumbed to job-related cancer.

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This weekend's Auto Club 400 NASCAR race in Fontana will be honoring California first responders on Firefighter Appreciation Day. A portion of each firefighter ticket goes to support the California Fire Foundation. Tickets are still available -- the race is Sunday, March 25th.

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CPF Firevision -- Corporate Deception Initiative

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news service.

Special Report: A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF Firevision spotlights the November battle over a Corporate Power Grab initiative that would muzzle working families while preserving political fund raising for...

CDF Firefighters Local 2881 is saddened to report the loss of CAL FIRE Heavy Equipment Operator Gordon Varney, who succumbed to job-related cancer.

This weekend's Auto Club 400 NASCAR race in Fontana will be honoring California first responders on Firefighter Appreciation Day. A portion of each firefighter ticket goes to support the California Fire Foundation. Tickets are still available -- the race is Sunday, March 25th.

Recruit ... Retain ... Promote: A groundbreaking new program for departments, designed to help retain and promote the best and brightest through formal peer mentoring. 

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Recruit ... Retain ... Promote: A groundbreaking new program for departments, designed to help retain and promote the best and brightest through formal peer mentoring. 

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.

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The CFFJAC and its Women’s Commission have launched a groundbreaking mentoring program designed to help firefighters succeed in a tough, demanding career, and help fire departments retain and promote their best and brightest. 

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The CFFJAC and its Women’s Commission have launched a groundbreaking mentoring program designed to help firefighters succeed in a tough, demanding career, and help fire departments retain and promote their best and brightest. 

 The state Public Employment Relations Board has ruled that the San Diego ballot measure to eliminate public pensions violates California's collective bargaining laws, and constitutes an unfair labor practice. The ruling clears the way for San Diego employees to file suit to remove the measure from the city's November ballot.

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 The state Public Employment Relations Board has ruled that the San Diego ballot measure to eliminate public pensions violates California's collective bargaining laws, and constitutes an unfair labor practice. The ruling clears the way for San Diego employees to file suit to remove the measure from the city's November ballot.

 The state Public Employment Relations Board has ruled that the San Diego ballot measure to eliminate public pensions violates California's collective bargaining laws, and constitutes an unfair labor practice. The ruling clears the way for San Diego employees to file suit to remove the measure from the city's November ballot.

LA County Firefighters Sarah Cortez and Eleni Pappas are buying the ice cream at their stations this week. The two were profiled in a CBS2 Special Report spotlighting the challenges and rewards of being a woman in the fire service. 

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LA County Firefighters Sarah Cortez and Eleni Pappas are buying the ice cream at their stations this week. The two were profiled in a CBS2 Special Report spotlighting the challenges and rewards of being a woman in the fire service. 

 San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed has tossed around a scary $650 million estimate of the city's pension obligation. But an investigative report by NBC11 in the Bay Area has revealed that the number was something the city just pulled out of its ... hat.

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 San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed has tossed around a scary $650 million estimate of the city's pension obligation. But an investigative report by NBC11 in the Bay Area has revealed that the number was something the city just pulled out of its ... hat.

 San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed has tossed around a scary $650 million estimate of the city's pension obligation. But an investigative report by NBC11 in the Bay Area has revealed that the number was something the city just pulled out of its ... hat.

Citing funding shortfalls and ballot language that was too close to the truth for their liking, anti-pension activists have suspended their attempt to undermine retirement security for millions of California workers. 

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Citing funding shortfalls and ballot language that was too close to the truth for their liking, anti-pension activists have suspended their attempt to undermine retirement security for millions of California workers. 

A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF members from throughout California gathered in an urgent Special Convention in January to take action against a November initiative aimed at working people in California.

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 Firefighters and their families with a "need for speed" can get their NASCAR fix and help the California Fire Foundation. California's first responders will be honored at Firefighter Appreciation Day at the Auto Club 400 on March 25th. Special ticket packages are available.

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 Firefighters and their families with a "need for speed" can get their NASCAR fix and help the California Fire Foundation. California's first responders will be honored at Firefighter Appreciation Day at the Auto Club 400 on March 25th. Special ticket packages are available.

A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF members from throughout California gathered in an urgent Special Convention in January to take action against a November initiative aimed at working people in California.

 Governor Brown has released details of his plan to roll back the retirement security of current and future employees. The plan proposes to bypass collective bargaining by imposing a range of pension rollbacks and locking them into the state constitution. CPF and dozens of other organizations denounced the move as an assault on current and...

 Governor Brown has released details of his plan to roll back the retirement security of current and future employees. The plan proposes to bypass collective bargaining by imposing a range of pension rollbacks and locking them into the state constitution. CPF and dozens of other organizations denounced the move as an assault on current and future workers.

 Governor Brown has released details of his plan to roll back the retirement security of current and future employees. The plan proposes to bypass collective bargaining by imposing a range of pension rollbacks and locking them into the state constitution. CPF and dozens of other organizations denounced the move as an assault on current and future workers.

 There's new evidence that so-called "pension reforms" don't deliver the promised cost savings. A report from the Legislative Analyst is backed up by CSU accounting professor Steven Filling.

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 There's new evidence that so-called "pension reforms" don't deliver the promised cost savings. A report from the Legislative Analyst is backed up by CSU accounting professor Steven Filling.

Facing down an unprecedented anti-labor agenda sweeping toward California, delegates at this week’s California Professional Firefighters Special Convention committed to an all out fight against those who would steal the firefighter voice at the ballot box and the bargaining table. 

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Facing down an unprecedented anti-labor agenda sweeping toward California, delegates at this week’s California Professional Firefighters Special Convention committed to an all out fight against those who would steal the firefighter voice at the ballot box and the bargaining table. 

 A suspect has been arrested in Los Angeles in connection with a wave of some 50 separate arson fires that shattered the New Year celebration in Los Angeles.

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A new law that frees up billions in additional general fund dollars for critical local services has taken effect, after being upheld by the California Supreme Court. 

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The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the seat of much of the nation’s nuclear research, this week announced it is renewing its five-year contract with Alameda County Fire Department to provide fire and EMS services for the facility. In so doing, the facility rejected an effort by Wackenhut Services International to privatize...

Talented and experienced firefighters laid off because of budget cuts continue their careers, thanks to the Displaced Firefighter List, created by CPF-sponsored legislation and managed by the CFFJAC.

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California Professional Firefighters will hold a Special Convention in January to address the urgent threat posed by the proposed anti-labor Paycheck Deception Intiative.

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 A twice-defeated proposal that seeks to silence the united voice of firefighters and other working Californians is once again headed for the statewide ballot. The new "Paycheck Deception" measure offers a one-sided "reform" that muzzles labor's political voice while preserving advantages for big corporations and special...

Alameda Co. Fire and Alameda Co. Firefighters Local 55 are honored at CFFJAC Conference for labor-management cooperation in training and firefighter safety.

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Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 is saddened to announce the death of one of their own in the line of duty. LBFD Engineer Darren Rockett succumbed to job-related illness a few days short of his 48th birthday. Memorial services are scheduled for November 18th.</p>

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 A secure pension aids recruitment, reduces turnover, and produces a more effective and experienced teaching corps that increases the overall quality of public education.

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 This week, Gov. Brown introduced a pension "reform" proposal that, if enacted, would threaten basic retirement security for generations of firefighters, their families, and millions of other hard-working public servants.

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 Two California firefighters are honored for bravery above and beyond the call of duty in a ceremony at the State Capitol.

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As a legislative committee convened to consider pension issues, Long Beach Firefighter Rich Brandt joined teachers, school employees and retirees in bringing a simple message to lawmakers and the public -- protect secure retirement and stop scapegoating public employees.

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 Political leaders from throughout Sonoma County got a "master class" on the rigors and risks of firefighting as Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401 hosted their latest "Fire Ops 101".

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Hostile anti-employee rhetoric gets the headlines, but the fact is that, in public and at the bargaining table, firefighters and other public employees are working toward sustainable retirement. So says a Sacramento Bee op-ed penned by the head of Californians for Retirement Security, a group co-sponsored by CPF.

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The 2011 Legislative year is in the books, and CPF's sponsored and co-sponsored bills fared well with Governor Brown. Every one that made it to the governor's desk was signed.  

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California firefighters are in the pink this month in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Pink duty shirts are replacing the traditional blue uniforms in many fire stations across the state. 

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On October 1, 2011, 30 names were added to the California Firefighters Memorial at a solemn ceremony in Sacramento.

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California Professional Firefighters was recognized with four awards at this year's 2011 IAFF Media Awards, with CPF.org and CPF Firevision receiving top honors.

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California Professional Firefighters was recognized with four awards at this year's 2011 IAFF Media Awards, with CPF.org and CPF Firevision receiving top honors.

On October 1, 2011, 30 names were added to the California Firefighters Memorial at a solemn ceremony in Sacramento.

 The loss of secure pensions in the private sector (and their potential elimination in the public sector) has led to some frightening predictions about the ability of this generation to retire with any degree of security ... or to retire at all.

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California honored its fallen firefighters Oct. 1 at the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento's Capitol Park.

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California honored its fallen firefighters Oct. 1 at the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento's Capitol Park.

Continuing a solemn and sobering autumn tradition, the names of 30 California firefighters who fell in the line of duty were added to the state's "roll of honor" at at the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at the State Capitol in Sacramento. 

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Pioneer Firefighters Local 4586 is hosting a raffle to raise money in support of Measure F, a local ballot measure that will keep Pioneer Fire Protection District open.

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Eighty-seven on duty firefighters from 31 states lost their lives as the result of 83 fatal incidents that occurred in 2010. This is the second consecutive year of substantially fewer firefighter deaths in the United States, according to a report released by United States Fire Administration (USFA) today.

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Personal Exposure Reporting -- Your Online PPE: PER Online, sponsored by California Professional Firefighters, documents on-the-job exposures, so firefighters and their families are protected.

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A move to shift all initiative votes to the November ballot has the backing of the public. In a new statewide poll, close to 60% of California voters support the proposal, which is at the heart of CPF-backed SB 202.

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Over 600 concerned Pasadena residents signed a petition submitted to the City Council Monday night to formalize their demands for better fire department coverage following the closure of Station 39 after a seismic study found it unsafe.

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CPF-sponsored legislation, which would make it more difficult for local public entities to file for bankruptcy, has been approved by the Legislature and has been sent to Governor Jerry Brown's desk. 

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October 1, 2011 has been proclaimed California Firefighters Memorial Day, following the unanimous approval of CPF-sponsored SCR 56 (Yee), authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco). The day memorializes the courage and commitment of firefighters across the state who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Contra Costa Fire Engineer/Paramedic Dave Manzeck and Long Beach Firefighter Charles Hakopian, along with 11 law enforcement officers, today were awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest public safety award in the state. 

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This is a cross-post from IAFF.  

The 46th Annual MDA Labor Day Telethon raised $61.4 million to help fight neuromuscular diseases, $27.2 million of which was raised by Fire Fighters from IAFF affiliates like the $32,000 raised by Local 1775, Marin Professional Firefighters for MDA in 2011, in Fill-the-Boot campaigns and other fundraisers in their communities.

The IAFF, now in its 57th year of supporting MDA, continues to be the top fundraiser for the charity which helps support direct needs and research to assist children and adults affected by the range of neuromuscular discorders known as Muscular Dystrophy..

CPF-sponsored legislation allowing local fire departments to be reimbursed by the federal government for Medi-Cal emergency transport services is on its way to Governor Brown. Assembly Bill 678, authored by Assemblyman Richard Pan, won final approval Tuesday. 

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CPF-sponsred legislation that gives the public new tools to hold local redevelopment agencies accountable has been signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Assembly Bill 936 requires that RDA fund-swapping by cities be subject to full public inquiry. 

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Get your limited edition 10th anniversary 9/11 tribute painting by retired Santa Clara City firefighter Frank Walsh. Giclee, lithographs and posters available. All proceeds benefit the California Fire Foundation.

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CPF California's first responders will have a powerful new voice in helping to shape our state's earthquake safety standards with the appointment of Riverside Fire Captain Tim Strack to the California Seismic Safety Commission.

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CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. Firefighter Apprenticeship: Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed CFFJAC Program Director Yvonne de la Peña to serve on the California Apprenticeship Council. 9/11 Events: In tributes large and small, California's first responders are paying their respects to the victims...

Fresno Firefighters Local 753 has much to celebrate. They have helped the City of Fresno close its $3 million budget shortfall and given more back to their members. For the next 24 months, starting August 4, Fresno Firefighters agreed to a 2.5% salary concession, if the City would extend their contract for one more year.

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Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed CFFJAC Program Director Yvonne de la Peña to serve on the California Apprenticeship Council The CAC provides policy advice and hears appeals in apprenticeship cases. The CFFJAC, California's model firefighter apprenticeship program, is co-sponsored by CPF.

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 Nearly two dozen retirees and active public workers pushed back this week against attacks on retirement security. The latest Pension Truth Squad event brought a strong message about retirement security to Palm Springs.

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CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service.

LA Wildland Training: Firefighters from LA City and County worked side-by-side during a recent live fire training to gain valuable on-the-ground experience.

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A Ventura fire station shuttered last year amid steep city budget cuts could reopen by year's end. The city learned Wednesday it was awarded a three-year, multimillion federal grant to afford the nine firefighter-paramedic positions necessary to reopen and staff the fire house 24 hours a day. 

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Next month marks the 10th anniversary of the attacks on America that cost 343 FDNY firefighters their lives. CPF has prepared a special web page with links to commemorative events happening around California.

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Vallejo's fire department is set to hire nine new firefighters for two years, buy two new fire engines and reopen a station following City Council approval Tuesday night. The new fire staffing will come from a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant, the second the city has received in recent years.

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California’s firefighters and other hard-working public employees have a new voice for retirement security on the CalPERS Board of Administration. According to the unofficial vote count,  Michael Bilbrey received 117,034 votes while retired state employee and former FBI Agent Richard Ross received 78,718 votes.

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Labor Under Attack: From pensions to privatization to Paycheck Deception, anti-labor ideologues are using the economic crisis to attack working families.

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As California closed a gaping budget deficit this year with sweeping cuts to numerous agencies, it saved $34 million by cutting 750 seasonal CAL FIRE firefighters. That means one less person per engine unit to haul thousands of feet of hose lines and share the exhausting physical rigors of battling wildfires.

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Get a sneak peek of the latest issue of the CPF newspaper before it hits your mailbox! The latest newspaper includes stories about fighting back against the pension attacks, CPF's legislative update, analysis of the new state budget, district reports and more.

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Firefighter paramedics George Ostrovsky and Jim Prabhu have shedded their Los Angeles City Fire Department uniforms to go on a new adventure with eight other Southern California firefighters. The group is bicycling across the country, covering 3,308 miles.

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As CalPERS and CalSTRS continue to rebound, Anaheim retirees step up to make the case: Promises made should be promises kept. 

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