NEXT FREE VCDSA TRAINING SEMINAR FOCUSES ON HOME BUYING IN VENTURA COUNTY

VCDSA has organized a series of free seminars for members focusing on a wide variety of issues - from wills and trusts to investing to home ownership. The next seminar is on September 10th at 4:30pm or 7:30pm at the new VCDSA building on Victoria Avenue across from the Government Center. The speaker will be Beth Hamilton, a local realtor. Call 639-9218 to reserve your spot today.

TRACY TOWNER WINS RE-ELECTION FOR COUNTY BOARD OF RETIREMENT SEAT

Congratulations to VCDSA member Tracy Towner who was re-elected as chairman of the Ventura County Employee Retirement Association (VCERA). VCERA is the organization that manages retirement benefits for county employees. Towner is a former San Jose Police Department Detective, current Senior District Attorney Investigator with the DA's Office, current VCDSA member, current Chairman of VCERA, current President of the 1937 Act Safety Members' Association, and our representative to the State Association of County Retirement Systems. Thank you to all who voted!

2008 VCDSA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The VCDSA Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 VCDSA Scholarship Awards.  As is customary, all winners were selected by the committee based upon a blind review of applications, meaning that the identities of the applicants were unknown to the committee (all identifying information was stricken from the applications).  The selection criteria is based upon academic standing and performance, participation in school, athletic and outside activities, community service, overcoming of personal obstacles, and quality of application essay. As in the past, the committee members had a very difficult time reaching their final decisions due to the outstanding qualifications of all of the applicants.  We wish every applicant continued success in their endeavors. The six winners, who will each receive a $1,500 scholarship payable to the college they attend. Find out more about the winners.

Scholarship winners pictured in front row from left to right are: Esperanza Reyes;
Andrew J. Werre; Alisa S. De Los Santos; Brianna J. Brooker; and Hayley L. Stewart.

VCDSA CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW BUILDING IN VENTURA

The Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association was proud to host the grand opening and dedication of the new VCDSA building on April 30th. More than 200 people attended the event which featured tours, guest speakers, and lots of food and fun. Check out some photos of the event here and see our new address and contact information here.

DEPUTIES IN CAMARILLO REWARD CHILDREN FOR WEARING HELMETS

The Ventura County Star recently featured a story on the High Five Program in Camarillo where deputies are handing out rewards instead of punishments to motivate children to wear safety helmets. In April, deputies started special patrols to spot and reward children wearing properly fastened helmets while on bikes, skateboards, scooters and skates. Read the story or watch the video.

DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR VCDSA MEMBERS NOW AVAILABLE IN THOUSAND OAKS

In order to make it more convenient for VCDSA members who live and/or work in East County to purchase the discounted Theme Park and Movie tickets sold by VCDSA, with the agreement of East County Admin the tickets will now be available at EVSO through Management Assistant Janet Pentis, 805-494-8260. All of the same tickets and discount passes currently offered through VCDSA will be available at EVSO, including Disneyland, Sea World, Universal Studios, Lego Land, Golf and Stuff, Regal and Edwards Theaters, Mann Theaters, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Ticket prices are subject to change, and special offers may be available periodically.  If you have questions about specific prices, please contact VCDSA at 987-9785.

LA POLICE UNION FILES SUITE AGAINST POLICY TO REQUIRE MEMBERS OF LAPD'S ANTI-GANG AND NARCOTICS UNITS TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION

The Los Angeles Police Commission voted unanimously at a special meeting recently to impose a controversial anti-corruption policy that will require hundreds of police officers serving in anti-gang and narcotics units to disclose personal financial information. The move prompted a lawsuit from the LAPD Union. Read more from the LA Times here.