Redding names new police chief

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

REDDING - Redding has a new Police Chief. Redding Police Captain Peter Hansen, a 25 year RPD veteran and head of the department’s investigation division. was picked out of a pool of 18 candidates to replace outgoing police Chief Leonard Moty. Hansen, 51, began his career as a deputy sheriff in Riverside County. “This is great news for the department and the Redding community. Pete will make a great Chief of Police”, said Business Manager Chris Darker. Darker worked with and for Captain Hansen in the early 1990’s at Redding Police Department.
In 1983, he joined RPD, serving as a patrol officer and investigator before working his way through the ranks to become captain.
Hansen will will oversee a department of 118 sworn officers, 74 non-sworn personnel and a budget of $26.3 million. His first day is Nov 3, 2008.
Ryan Sabalow of the Record Searchlight contributed to this story.

Child Safety Awareness Month

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

REDDING - November is Child Safety Awareness Month.  UPEC Local 792 will be running a series of Public Safety Awareness television spots during November encouraging the protection of children and promoting healthy environments.  We will be recognizing our social workers, nurses, firemen, law enforcement officers,city and county employees for all they do to promote the well being of children and their families in our communities.

UPEC Participates in Think Pink

Friday, October 24, 2008

Rep. Cinamon Pitts, Rn Debra Belstad and RN Danielle Standley

REDDING - Getting up before the crack of dawn may be a normal day for most but getting out to greet and hand out pink carnations makes it all worth it. UPEC Representatives were out on Court Street in Redding Early Thursday greeting motorists as they stopped by for bags filled with information on Breast Cancer awareness and early detection. Business Manager Chris Darker was behind the scenes helping prepare the bags for members along with Union Rep. Christine Perry and other community volunteer’s to get the information out to the community. “We are proud that we could help this organization get the message out about early detection and that has an important mission that saves lives”, said Darker. Think Pink was originally started in Redding twelve (12) years ago by Dr. Michael Figueroa who practices in Redding. This event has spread across the nation.

UPEC goes Multimedia

Business Manager Chris Darker prepares to record a new message at Redding Radio

REDDING - The United Public Employees of California (UPEC) has been working on multimedia campaign that support national and community events and that bring attention to the work that their members do within their communities. “Our members work hard and often under stressful situations. As their Representatives, we want them to know we support them and appreciate what they do”, stated Local Business Manager Chris Darker. “Chris understands the power of Electronic Media to build the Union Brand and promote our Union in the North State”, said Christine Perry a Union Relations Representative for UPEC.  Local 792 utilizes Radio frequently to spotlight specific public service topics as well as to deliver important messages concerning Union issues to the public.
Radio Campaigns have addressed the following topics: “Thanking the Fire Fighters”, “Nurse Appreciation Week”, and “Labor Day Promotion”.  Starting in September 2008, television was added to the media mix.  “Most spots are being produced in house by staff and Chris Darker who is our audio anchor (voice delivering the message)”, said Perry. Television allows UPEC the opportunity to reach the entire north state.  Currently, UPEC is doing public awareness safety spots.  These spots run in the news and sports on KRCR and other times based on availability.
Sample spots include: “Labor Day Worker Appreciation:”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Remember to Vote”, and “Child Safety Awareness”. Building the name awareness of our Union, promoting our members, and networking within the communities we serve is extremely important to for our continued growth and success, said Darker. UPEC reaches about two-thirds of their members and the communities they serve.  As the program grows so will the coverage area.

Exciting Scholarship Update

The UPEC Local 792 Scholarship Committee is excited to announce the new scholarships that will be awarded in June 2009. There will be four $500.00 scholarships available for eligible senior high school students. There will also be three awards for members who want to attend the UPEC Leadership Conference from June 26-28, 2009; the monetary value for Leadership Conference Scholarships will be $500.00 for first, $250.00 for second and $100.00 for third. Eligibility for both scholarships is clearly stated in each scholarship application. All applications for upcoming scholarships will be available online from January 1, 2009 through April 15, 2009. Updated information will be posted on the website when it becomes available. We proud to be able to support educating our youth and helping our members become leaders in our union. 

Be Active, Stay Informed, Get Involved!

Monday, October 20, 2008

The PED Academy Level 1 Training that occurred from October 5-10 at the National Labor College was very successful. It is encouraging to see so many of our union brothers and sisters excited to organize and stand up for members rights. It is important to remember that the union only works because of the members and their support. Let the strength of our local continue to grow, get involved! Attending meetings and staying informed is the easiest way to stay updated of current bargaining unit issues and information. Please remember there are always ways that you can help if you are looking at getting involved, there are even training opportunities available for members. All you have to do to start is simply let a representative or steward know that you are interested in becoming more involved and more information will be provided to you. If you cannot become more involved at this time, please continue to thank and encourage your union brothers and sisters around you who are!
Be active, stay informed and get involved!