2010 Steward Training In Full Swing

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

REDDING - UPEC held it’s second Steward training this year in Redding on June 26th. Members from 4 Counties attend the full day of training and UPEC commissioned 14 new stewards to their ranks. Business Manager Chris Darker and Senior Labor Relations Representative Steve Allen are teaching the UPEC Training Series. The next scheduled training will be in Milpitas on Friday, October 1, 2010. Training flyers and additional information and more training dates are available for 2010 and may be scheduled for a location near you by contacting the union office.

State Board Balks at Modoc County Loan Request

Sacramento - The States Pooled Money Investment Board dealt today with Modoc County’s request for an emergency $12 million dollar loan to stave off bankruptcy in less than a minute by doing nothing. The three member board said the request presented thorny legal and financial issues that have not been resolved and that the state treasurer’s office is exploring other methods of helping Modoc. The County claims it can’t make payroll by the end of July and this is a last ditch effort before filing bankruptcy. Modoc County has retained a law firm to assist with the bankruptcy .
Business Manager Chris Darker has been in contact with the State Treasurers office and their legal team looking for solutions. “I have our Local Legislative Advocate in Sacramento keeping tabs on this issue”, said Darker. 

Pacific Grove Council Passes PERS Initiative

Pacific Grove - The Pacific Grove City Council approved a citizens ballot initiative to limit PERS contributions to employee retirement plans at their meeting tonight. Citizens gathered enough signatures for their ballot measure that will reduce the City contribution to just 10% of an employees salary. A CalPERS spokesperson advised the City that PERS did not care where the money came from but the City was responsible to ensure the full amount is sent to them. Currently the City pays 18% toward Police retirements and 9% toward Misc. Employees. Business Manager Chris Darker appeared before the Council speaking against the ballot measure and advising the Council that approval of the measure will result in litigation. “The City Council believes that because they are a “Charter City” they are not subject to the California Constitution or the Meyers, Milias Brown Act.”, said Darker. Council member Don Davis blamed CalPERS and Unions for the economic problems that brought this initiative forward. 

Shasta County Professional Unit To Be Reimbursed for Dues Assessment

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Redding - Many Shasta County Professional Unit employees may have noticed that their dues were slightly higher this last pay period ($10.00 higher).  This deduction from the Professional Unit employees was conducted in error and will be reimbursed to all members and fee payers in the very next pay check (pay period #2).  Both the Union and Shasta County Payroll regret and appologize for any inconvenience this may have caused members.  Please check your next paystub to ensure that the correct reimbursement has been made. 

The Story Behind Taps

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

REDDING HQ - On this July 4th, UPEC Staff thought our members should know where the tune/song “Taps” originated.  It’s the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes, but do you know the story behind the song?

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Elli was with his men near Harrison’s landing in Virginia.  The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.  Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.  Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.  The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.  In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.  It was his own son.  The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.  Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.  His request was only partially granted.  The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.  The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.  The Captain chose a bugler.  He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth’s uniform.  This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as “Taps” used at military funerals was born.  The words are:

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming Bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.

Remember those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.  Also Remember Those Who Have Served and Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.