PORAC 55th Annual Conference of Members

A Valley Chapter Perspective

Arriving at Rancho Las Palmas on Thursday morning.An inviting entry beckons us in from the heat of the desert sun.The walkways throughout the resort offer us the definition of Oasis.A view of one of the lakes on the golf course. The mountains provide a tranquil backdrop.A view of the lake from the resort lodging area, approaching the lobby and dining areasOf the several pools at the resort this one was kid friendly with the 100 foot waterslides in the background.Here is a close up view of the waterslides and river surrounding the manmade mountain.At night the resort was lit up with various displays of fire. This was the setting in the courtyard just outside of the main lobby.Having checked into the room, it was now time to register for the conference. Follow the arrow please.As always, PORAC provided various training topics for us to sit in on.Thursday night was the Welcome Reception which was held under the stars on the Starlight Terrace. It was well attended and enjoyed by all.The Valley Chapter made an excellent showing at the General Sessions. In the foreground is Rod Rifredi from Davis POA.Here, Valley Chapter President Steve Walker and State Director Randy Beintema discuss some of the topics of the session.Robert Di Piero from San Joaquin Delta College POA and Robert Matthews from Stockton Unified School District POA share their thoughts on the presentation.After the Region II meeting finished up, the Valley Chapter met and conducted business. Here, Treasurer Paul Brown discusses the Financial Report.Although clearly afraid of outgoing Valley Chapter President Dan Schnepple, newly elected President Steve Walker manages to hand over an appreciation plaque.Dan Schnepple and Steve Walker after the presentation of the plaque for all of Dan's hard work as Valley Chapter President.From Left to Right: Andy Schlenker, Randy Beintema, Dan Schnepple, Steve Walker, Jim Bock, Paul Brown and Larry Seymour.Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi provides a keynote address to the members at the General Session.Quite possibly the greatest lobbyist in the United States, Aaron Read provides a legislative report to the members.Wayne J. Quints, President of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs makes a presentation to the membership regarding the ridiculous struggles that Supervisor Moorlach has caused in their county.Former Assemblyman Tom Umberg speaks on behalf of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs and the long battle they face. He cautioned that if the AOCDS is defeated, it could open the doors statewide and countrywide for other cities and counties to follow suit.PORAC President Ron Cottingham addressing the membership during General Session.Will Aitchison training the members on The Fair Labor Standards Act. This training was invaluable to all who attended.The opening slide of the Fair Labor Standards Act training.This is what water piped from Northern California via the California Aquaduct looks like in Rancho Mirage. Tasty!Dressed to the nines at the Installation Dinner are representatives of the Valley Chapter.Another photo of Valley Chapter members enjoying the evening and company.Networking is the key to success. The installation dinner placed Valley Chapter members together, who had never met before and provided interesting and productive conversations.Yet another table full of Valley Chapter members enjoying the night. Here, new Valley Chapter Vice President Larry Seymour gets caught front and center.A view of the attendance during the Installation Dinner. Standing room only for this venue folks!Assemlyman Jose Solorio was awarded PORAC's Legislator of the Year Award and swore in the newly elected members to the PORAC Board of Directors.Comedian Craig 'The Lovemaster' Shoemaker provided an absolutely electric show. The was not a dry eye in the building!