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Quote of the Month

“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”

▪ Thomas Jefferson

President’s Message

By Stan Coombs, President

In all of this. . .the coronavirus pandemic. . .the resulting economic crash. . .the protests. . .is our retirement system really OK?

It’s old news that Governor Newsom and several California mayors closed the state in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, and other states followed. Shuttered stores and quarantined shoppers led employers to lay off employees by the millions. The Dow fell 3,000 points in one day, and ten million newly unemployed Americans applied for benefits, rising to 41 million by the end of May.

States are now tip-toeing away from that shut-down, and businesses and employment seems to be responding, but the economic damage is real and San Diego County retirement depends on regular County contributions and investment earnings for sizable chunks of the revenue needed. Both will be impacted.

One intuitive RESDC member asked us a day or so after the governor’s order whether county retirement and her pension were OK. Retirement officials responded that there was still $11.5 billion in the retirement kitty despite the sudden coronavirus-caused drop in the portfolio. Eleven-and-a-half billion is enough to pay pension obligations for more than a decade even if all plan income were to stop. The fund has gained back almost half of the initial loss.

But how well situated are we really? Are we very all right or only barely all right?

Glad you asked. “Wirepoints,” a private business newsletter, provides convenient context in a short report entitled “COVID-19 Pushes Nation’s Weakest Public Pension Plans Closer To The Brink.” Authors Ted Dabrowski and John Klinger analyzed 2018 data from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the most recent year with comparable nationwide data.

Although the title of the report isn’t particularly endearing, it turns out the authors weren’t particularly focusing on our San Diego County system. The two compared the assets of 148 American state and local public retirement plans with total pension benefits the plans annually paid out, creating 2018 assets-to-payout ratios. The plans examined all exceeded $2 billion in holdings. The idea was to determine how long they could meet their pension obligations if some hypothetical disaster eliminated all outside income. Dabrowski and Klinger say such a ratio is used by Moody’s Investor Service “to measure pension health.”

The authors then arrange the 148 ratios in ascending order, beginning with the 2.6 ratio of the 16% funded Kentucky Employee’s Retirement System, and ending with the 54.8 ratio reported for the 114% funded District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighter’s Retirement Plan.
Unfortunately for the Kentucky Employee’s plan and fortunately for the DC Firefighter’s plan, this implies the former had only 2.6 years of assets available to pay benefits, while the latter had 54.8 years of pension payments available, according to the report.
Where was San Diego County in all this? Happily, 119th down the list. Reported 2018 assets of $12.4 billion and $685,000 in benefit payments produced an assets-to-benefits ratio of 18 ($12,365,656 / $685,548 = 18), enough to pay 18 years of pensions in the event of permanent financial disaster.

But, you say, much has occurred since 2018, including the coronavirus economic shutdown that underlies our very concern (!) What’s the June 2020 picture?

Final year-ending figures for 2020 are not yet available of course, but we can extrapolate and estimate from other sources until we have them. SDCERA’s April Monthly Risk Return Report, for example, listed $12.5 billion as “total invested,” and $797 million is a reasonable estimate of total 2020 pension payments, based on the reported 2019 figure, adjusted for inflation. Those produce an estimated 2020 assets-to-benefits ratio of 15.7, or 15.7 years of benefit payments, post-coronavirus shutdown. We will report the actual year-ending figures when available later this year.

Meanwhile in this NETWORK, Chris Heiserman also explores the impact of the extended street demonstrations and coronavirus shutdown on public retirement security, and we report 2021 SDCERA sponsored retiree health rate changes scheduled for approval by the Board of Retirement in late June. □

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2021 SDCERA Sponsored Retiree Health and Dental Insurance Rates

SDCERA’s health consultant, Cheiron, has completed negotiations with sponsored retiree health plan providers, and rates that resulted for 2021 have been recommended to the County Board of Retirement for approval at their regular monthly meeting of June 18th, well before RESDC members receive this NETWORK. The SDCERA sponsored plans provide coverage for over 5,600 County retirees.

Associated rate increases range from zero to modest, if you’re post-65 years and eligible for Medicare. To some extent that results from Congress permanently repealing the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance (HIT) Tax and the applicable Excise (Cadillac) Tax that applied to insurers. With the exception of Kaiser, those taxes had previously been passed on to retirees in the plan rates.

The news isn’t as good if you’re retired pre-Medicare and paying street rates for coverage. High rates for full coverage, non-Medicare plans has been the pattern for years, and continues.

Sponsored monthly health rates expected for 2021:

Medicare Advantage HMO Plans: Kaiser $281.28 (0.0%); United Health Care $304.71 (+2.0%); and Health Net $306.83 (+.29%).

Medicare Supplemental Plans: Kaiser N/A; United Health Care $564.99 (+ 2.59%); and Health Net $690.00 (+1.32%).

Non-Medicare Plans: Kaiser $1,049.63 (+ 4.68%); United Health Care $4,536.51 (+ 15%); and Health Net $2,027.42 (+$6.77%).

The whopping rate and 15% increase for the 2021 United Health Care Non-Medicare plan primarily results from a single remaining retiree participant and claims experience that’s higher than the annual premium, we’re told.

Sponsored monthly dental rates expected for 2021:

Delta PPO $45.73 (0.0%)

Cigna DHMO $18.64 (+4.48%).

Rates for RESDC Sponsored 2021 dental plans will be announced soon. □

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Pension Facts – Protests, Pandemic…and Pensions?

By Chris Heiserman, Director

Well so much for trying to find silver linings for public pensions in the midst of the lingering coronavirus to safely reopen state and local economies sputtering. Add to that challenge the societal upheaval and property destruction associated with the nationwide eruption of massive protests in early June following the killing of an African American man in handcuffs while in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers.

Last month I said our country is badly divided while Americans face both the most serious health crisis in a century and the worst economic calamity since the Great Depression. We are even more divided now after weeks of protests by thousands upon thousands of citizens decrying systemic racism baked into our country’s history from its birth. I confess to being better educated about the plight of black families in our society of white privilege after absorbing non-stop media coverage of massive demonstrations in cities across the nation; however, I am chagrined at prospects for the kind of meaningful cooperation among the parties that will get us to collaborative change and real progress healing our racial divides.

We had huge problems and tremendous challenges as a country before the pandemic chased us all into isolation and slammed the door on our national economy in February. Now, just as states and local communities were taking baby steps to come outdoors and gradually regenerate commercial activity, nationwide demonstrations ignited by a video of stark police brutality in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis have thrust American society into a vortex of outrage, self recrimination and guilty conscience. And numerous empathetic marches in major cities abroad prove there is a keen global awareness of America’s dismal track record on race relations and inequality in the justice system.

We could consider ourselves fortunate if we only had one existential threat to our democracy at a time. But here we are, wrestling with a frontal assault and serious national debate over racism and police enforcement bias, while the specter of the invisible pandemic and economic uncertainty stalks us from behind. The first issue is critically time sensitive and will require open minds and hearts if we sincerely seek to begin to heal this deep-rooted divide in our nation. The second matter, the pandemic, remains insidious and could easily impact us for years. We need to stay health conscious and vigilant, striving to safely regain our economic footing and social lives without backsliding.

The trillions of new dollars provided by Congress to keep idle workers, shuttered businesses and isolated families temporarily afloat, coupled with three dormant months for American business (except for Amazon, UPS, FedEx, the Postal Service and take-out) will set back our national economy substantially. Practically, this could translate into a lower overall living standard akin to 5-10 years ago. Once America reopens and economic activity returns to some semblance of pre-virus levels, it appears it will take several more years to make up the lost ground. Ironically, we see reports of the stock market rallying amid all this deficit spending; keep in mind the market responds emotionally to future prospects for the corporate bottom line, which is bolstered by downsizing employee ranks with layoffs and retirement incentives. In short, fewer jobs for workers can improve profitability. Good news for a 401(k), not so much for the unemployed head of household.

SORRY, THE HALF-FULL GLASS IS CRACKED

Our economic prospects as a nation are certainly dim in the near term, but hopefully the situation is not hopeless. What we know as public sector retirees is that a stable and secure retirement makes us relatively comfortable in our post career lives. The problem is far too few American households have that same opportunity, and the current health crisis, economic meltdown and protest-fueled turmoil moves that challenging goal even further out of reach for most families.

In addition, the usual flock of defined benefit public retirement critics is still actively pressing their pension “reform” agenda. They have been using the pandemic and economic slide to bolster their campaign to reduce or erase traditional public pensions. They are taking advantage of the fiscal crisis facing federal, state and local governments to argue that public retirement plans are too expensive and must be reined in. They employ the same old talking points: freezing benefits for active workers and reducing them going forward; and closing defined benefit plans that provide guaranteed income in retirement, shifting employees into 401(k) savings accounts that cost less for the employer and place all the market investment risk for their future benefits on the individual employees. Obviously, the goal of these public pension opponents is not retirement security. There is no comparison between a pension plan where pooled assets from a large work force are managed and invested professionally to provide guaranteed benefits to retirees and a policy of leaving workers on their own in retirement with whatever they’ve managed to sock away in their savings account.

While we are “all in this together” for the national pandemic crisis, we are most certainly all over the map in the illusive quest for retirement security. □

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RESDC Board of Director’s Candidate Nominations Are Open

By Carlos Gonzalez, Elections Committee Chair

Welcome to RESDC’s 2020 Board election; this process runs through the middle of October. The terms of four (4) directors, as well as First Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer will expire on 12/31/2020; the new term runs 1/1/2021 through 12/31/2022.

Changes that impact San Diego County retirees require active participation by County retirees. RESDC encourages all members to contribute their talents for the benefit of the entire membership, so that our organization continues strong and productive.

We need prospective candidates who are able to volunteer time and effort to promote RESDC’s business, attend monthly board meetings, and be present at six general membership meetings each year. One term as director is an excellent way to “get your feet wet” on the Board of Directors and could lead to a position as an Officer.

This year, for the second time in RESDC’s history, active employees, registered as Associate Members, are eligible to run in the election. According to recently enacted Bylaws, participation is restricted to the election of one Associate Member, to an open position of Director (Associate Members are not eligible to run for Officer seats.)

Interested RESDC members must file a candidacy statement (200 words or less), with a summary of your background and work experience to:  RESDC, 8825 Aero Drive, Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92123, or by email to resdc@resdc.net, by Monday, August 3, 2020. Please state your candidacy for one of the following: RESDC Director (4), First Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer. Only current and past board members are eligible for the First Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer positions.

If you have any questions, please contact our office by phone at (619) 688-9229 or by email at: resdc@resdc.net. □

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Recent Events

SDCERA Board of Retirement Election Results: At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board ordered that no election be held to fill the regular three-year term for the Second Member (General) seat on the Board of Retirement and to declare Samantha Begovich unanimously elected as the Second Member (General). The Board of Supervisors also ordered that no election be held to fill the regular three-year term for the Eighth Member (Retired) and Alternate Member (Retired) seats on the Board of Retirement and to declare Earl F. “Skip” Murphy unanimously elected as the Eighth Member (Retired) and Susan Mallett unanimously elected as the Alternate Member. All referenced terms are three-year terms, commencing on July 1, 2020 and expiring on June 30, 2023.

Research: Building Better Retirement Systems in the Wake of the Global Pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has provided some important lessons that can be used to build more resilient retirement systems using innovative pension designs for the public and private sectors, according to a recently published research paper from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In particular, the paper, released on June 1st, notes that the economic impact of the pandemic puts into question the wisdom of linking pensions to employers and demonstrates the need to come up with new ways to share risk. To access the research, please visit:
https://repository.upenn.edu/prc_papers/ . □

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2020 RESDC SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

By Carlos Gonzalez, Scholarship Committee Chair

Jackson Horn is sponsored by his Grandfather, William G Horn. Jackson graduated from Escondido Charter High School, Escondido, CA, with a 3.98 GPA; a class of 99 (no ranking reported). Quoting from his applicant statement, “I have always been interested in art and engineering to some capacity, but I never considered pursuing art as a career until recent years. I attended Escondido Charter High School where I was a leader on the robotics team and am currently a member of the California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society and our Digital Art Club. As part of NHS, I perform weekly house and yard work for the elderly at the nearby mobile home park. I have traveled abroad as well, for volunteer work in Uganda, where I helped teach at Omuto Emmanus Elementary School and High School. As part of robotics, I have also volunteered in helping host elementary and middle school robotics competitions for FIRST. As part of the team, I was the fabrication and assembly lead during my last year, but I originally joined because they needed an artist to create a new logo. Through this, I learned how I could turn art into a career, something I had never seriously considered before, but had dreamed about. But since my career will last the majority of my adult life, I decided to make it something I have always enjoyed and always will, art, through the medium of 3D modeling and animation.”

Jackson’s statement continues: He has poured a lot of time into the things he cares about; robotics for example: taking up to 15 hours a week during competition season. He believes his greatest assets are loyalty and adaptability, i.e., “adapt; overcome; improvise.” Jackson is considering two colleges, one for his bachelor’s in Digital Art, and he may pursue a degree in History; a subject he also enjoys. Depending on what option he decides for, he will ultimately attend Grad School for a Masters’ degree in art. Jackson’s “youth pastor and life-long mentor” says, on his Reference Report, “Jackson’s qualities that have impressed me the most over the years are his intelligence, diligence, and sense of responsibility. His intelligence has been demonstrated through the deep questions he would ask during youth group. His strategic and critical thinking skills often gave his team an advantage during group games and competitions. Jackson’s diligence was clear in every project I have seen him undertake, at youth camp, on community service projects and in school. His strong sense of responsibility has been demonstrated in the example he has set for younger brothers. Jackson’s responsibility has also been evident through his respectful communication with adults and those in authority.”

Ella J Player is sponsored by her Grandfather, Michael Player. Ella graduated from Sage Creek High School, Carlsbad, CA, with a 4.22 GPA; ranked #35 in a class of 268. Quoting from her applicant statement, “There is a student at my school who reads physics textbooks like they’re Lord of the Rings, whose pen scribbles down the answer to differential equations like they’re suffering from hypergraphia – I’ve never been one of them. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the world doesn’t need people to be the best, it also needs diversity. I have my own value: not in constantly comparing my achievements to others, but in being a completely unique individual with my own perspective and ideas for the world. So even though I’m not the type of person who discusses the theory of relativity for fun, or who will become America’s Next Top Surgeon, I have other strengths and passions: from classical acting, to comedic improv, to the complete memorization of Hamilton, to a passion for team-building and community. Even if I’m just spreading kindness and empathy to my peers, I’m filling my own little niche. What I’ve finally realized is that who I am, though I may not be the same as others, is a wonderfully unique human with a personality absolutely worth cultivating. I may not have my entire life path completely figured out already, but I know my goal: to increase the amount of happiness in the world as much as possible.”

Ella’s statement continues: In her school and community, Ella strives to reflect the core of kindness and empathy that is important to her. She has found a home and second family on her robotics team, because they all strive to be kind, encouraging, and empathetic to each other. She helps everyone feel included and welcome in their activities. Ella is anxious to go to college, where she can truly thrive and become the best version of herself. As someone with a passion for both STEM and the humanities, she has realized that regardless of the major she selects, she “wants to help others realize their own value, like she has realized her own.” One of Ella’s teachers wrote, on her Reference Report, “Ella is probably the scholarship applicant with the highest test scores and grades, having the most persistence and grit. She shows a genuine interest in learning about course content throughout the school year especially seen in AP courses where there is an inherent daily grind of notetaking and writing as required for AP exams. Ella has been involved in a number of student-led clubs, played field hockey for several years, volunteered with children to teach them robotics, participated in four years of musical performances, and has actively debated in Model United Nations.”

Lily Silva is sponsored by her Father Bruce Silva. Lily graduated from Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, CA, with a 4.07 GPA; a class of 346 (VUSD doesn’t rank). Quoting from her applicant statement, “Mission Vista High School, is dual-magnet public school that utilizes a four-by-four schedule. This schedule is very rigorous because it requires the completion of a full year’s worth of work in one semester. This is especially demanding when taking Advanced Placement courses. I have taken nine total AP classes; five of those being in my senior year alone. My academic record has been very consistent, obtaining mostly A’s, and some B’s. The one exception is the AP Physics I class I took my sophomore year. While I had a difficult time in this class, earning a C and D, I was determined to learn the material, take the class again, and improve my grade. In fact, I did take the class again in my junior year and earned A’s. This strong tenacity is reflected in my 3.81 unweighted academic GPA and my 4.07 weighted academic GPA for the 10th through 12th grade. On campus, I am involved in the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society. Both driven by service, I have completed 125 hours of community service alone in these two clubs. I am the elected Treasurer in the other two clubs I participate in, math club and academic team. I have gained valuable time management and organizational skills, both of which I have used in my academic classes.”

Lily’s statement continues: She has been a Girl Scout for the past ten years; serving on the planning committee for two encampments for her local service unit; each for over 100 girls. She has taken piano lessons for one hour every week for over ten years. Being classically trained, the skills she needed to learn in order to excel have not come easily. For years she consistently dedicated time to practice scales, learn music theory, and memorize pieces to become as skilled as she is today. She has traveled to the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers Music Expo in Los Angeles to learn about music careers and the music business in general, which gave her a new perspective on the subject. Lily was able to send one of her own compositions to the World Wildlife Fund, an organization that works in the field of wilderness preservation. Each student created a composition for an endangered animal, all of which came together to created one giant ode to endangered species. Lily is planning to major in Political Science, with hope of obtaining either a master’s degree in Public Policy/International Relations or going to law school. One of Lily’s teacher says, on her Reference Report, “Lily is an incredibly hard worker. I have known her since she was a freshman and have not seen or heard her complain once. She earns everything through dedication, perseverance and positive attitude.”

Hannah M. Tran is sponsored by her Grandparents, Ronald and Helen Read. Hannah graduated from Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, CA, with a 4.28 GPA; a class of 346 (VUSD doesn’t rank). Quoting from her applicant statement, “Countless factors have made me the person I am today, though the most significant involve my family, faith, schooling, and extracurriculars. These have made me quite a different person than most people my age. Often, this allows me to provide different perspectives and opinions in conversations or whatever project I work on. Because of my logical, thoughtful approach I take to solving problems, I often stand out to my teachers and other leaders in my life. I grew up with my father, mother, older brother, and twin sister. My father was born in Vietnam. He had to learn English and go back to school to become an electrical engineer, but for most of my life he also built houses. The last one he built we live in now.”

Hannah’s statement continues: Her father has always insisted that her first responsibility is to work hard and get a good education. Hannah considers herself to be a well-rounded student. However, because of her dad’s tutoring she is more interested in math and science. Her mother raised her and her siblings, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From “mom,” Hannah has learned to be self-reliant and patient, to approach situations with maturity and to focus on improvement rather than criticism. Because of her father’s background in math and science and her mother’s background in English and languages, Hannah has had excellent support in all area of academics. In her high school years, Hannah kept very busy outside her academic responsibilities, e.g., CA Scholarship Federation, National Honors Society, Varsity Academic Team, and the American Sign Language Club. Exposure to her school’s computer science program, motivated Hannah to pursue computer programming in college and in her future career. She looks forward to attending Brigham Young University, Provo in the Fall and major in Computer Science: “Bioinformatics Emphasis.” Hannah and her twin sister Rebekah are both recipients of RESDC’s 2020 merit scholarship; they placed #1 and #2 of this year’s five awards. Hannah’s “10-year mentor” says, on her Reference Report, “Hannah is very analytical, which explains her interest in Science, Computers, and Medicine. However, she is extremely creative. She is an exceptional artist, painter and performer. She is kind to everyone and is always the one to point out who is missing or who could use some extra help or encouragement.”

Rebekah Tran is sponsored by her Grandparents Ronald and Helen Read. Rebekah graduated from Mission Vista High School, Oceanside, CA, with a 4.32 GPA; a class of 346 (VUSD doesn’t rank). Quoting from her applicant statement, “I come from a multicultural background. My mom is of Northern European descent, my dad was born in Vietnam. After leaving Vietnam in 1981, my dad entered the U.S. and became a citizen. He earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering, leading to a successful career. His persistence through his life is a huge example as I look to my own aspirations and goals. My mom’s influence is also great. She is there when I am anxious or sad and is always ready to celebrate my success. The best thing is that she loves me unconditionally which encourages me to do my best. Throughout my life, I have transitioned from relying on the beliefs of my mother to gaining my own understanding of what I believe. I have grown to be a devout member of The Church of Latter-Day Saints and actively participate in my church. Being a part of all of these things has taught me to be confident, think for myself, and feel loved by my family, friends and Heavenly Father.”

Rebekah’s statement continues: In her computer science classes, she learned Java, JavaScript, and C++ to create applications like websites and computer games. In the school’s Computer Science Club, she helped make a virtual reality obstacle course and showcase it at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. She enrolled in the Technical Theatre Department’s; Stage I and II, learning about stage lighting, sound, costuming and design; and assisting with various shows on campus. She has taken all four American Sign Language classes and recently put on a Disney-themed signing showcase with her ASL 4 class, in which ASL students signed along to Disney songs. She is planning to enroll in Brigham Young University, Provo’s Computer Science Program, but has not decided on an emphasis. Rebekah and her twin sister Hannah are both recipients of RESDC’s 2020 merit scholarship; they placed #1 and #2 of this year’s five awards. One of Rebekah’s references wrote on her report, “Rebekah is a kind and caring person, who conscientiously includes everyone in her circle of influence. Because of her example of righteous and moral living, and her explanation to other girls as to how they can also live that life, Rebekah was called to be the President of her class.

2020 LA RUE PIERCE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Rachael Frey is sponsored by her Grandmother, Patricia Murray. Rachel graduated from Ramona High School, Ramona, CA, with a 4.07 GPA; ranked 42, of 349. Quoting from her applicant statement, “Growing up my life had an extraordinary amount of ups and downs. Throughout the formative years of my childhood, my father was frequently absent, whether it was a jail sentence or because he just wasn’t physically prepared to be a father; and my mother being young and single, found that it was much easier to be my friend than to actually be my parent. My single string of stability was my grandmother; a woman who took on the struggle of raising yet another kid, even when her own health took a turn for the worst. Surprisingly all this struggle turned me into an immensely grounded person who has a burning need for stability. I filled every aspect of my life with a task; spending free moments expanding my educational abilities, finding new hobbies to pick up whether it be singing or sewing, or even competing in a sport that I would have normally found appalling. For almost the past year and a half I have been dragging myself out of bed at 5:00 am just to commute 45 minutes to school, while still maintaining a 4.0 or higher GPA, competing in both high school and club lacrosse, and finding time to get in my volunteer hours coaching middle school lacrosse girls and at the local library. I also spent one of my class periods every day, helping out in the school’s special needs classroom known as Tom’s Club rather than having a period off. This is probably my favorite part of the day, getting to work with those kids and teaching them life skills. I’ve been helping in this class for the past two years and honestly, I wish I had a few more to spend there.”

Rachel’s statement continues: She has been accepted to the Montana State University and offered a partial academic scholarship. She also has Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. as a backup plan. At either of these schools she intends to study Psychology, with emphasis on Childhood Development. Her career goal is to work in the Child Psychology field; school counseling; through a doctor’s office; or some form of social work. Rachel’s AP-History teacher says, in his Reference Report, “Rachel has not only been an academic success at RHS, but also an outstanding contributor to the RHS community. Rachel has maintained an excellent GPA in Advanced Placement, Honors, and college prep level courses and has been an RHS Peer Tutor, working with students with special needs. Rachel was named the Ramona Rotary Student of the Month in the Spring of 2019 and in 2018 earned the Bulldog Award for her outstanding values and sportsmanship with Ramona Lacrosse. Rachel has volunteered with the Ramona Public Library and has coached lacrosse at Olive Pierce Middle School. Rachel Frey has great drive, an outstanding work ethic and a strong dedication to success. She sets her goals very high, determines what is necessary to reach those goals and then is tireless in her effort to see them achieved. She has a “never say die” attitude and will make the sacrifices needed to get a job done.”

Rachael has been selected to receive the LaRue Pierce Community Service Award. This award was established in memory of LaRue Pierce, RESDC Director and Scholarship Committee Chair during the first 18 years of the RESDC Scholarship Program, and her spirit of community service.

Congratulations to all our participants. The San Diego County retirees are very proud of their children and grandchildren, and their scholastic, civic, and social accomplishments. Best wishes to all for continued success.

Our deepest appreciation and credit for the Scholarship Program’s success goes to the Selection Committee, whose independent and confidential effort ensures the quality of results. We are most proud and honored to have them as part of the RESDC team. □

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Scholarship Presentation Social Distancing Style

Every spring, RESDC representatives attend Senior Award Programs at local high schools to present our Scholarship recipients with their merit certificate and $2000 check. In order to comply with the statewide “Stay at Home” order, all of the schools had to cancel their award programs this year. Carlos Gonzalez, RESDC Scholarship Committee Chair, hand delivered Lily Silva’s certificate and check to her while being careful to remain six feet apart. Masks were worn except for this photo of Lily in her backyard. We wish good luck to all of our 2020 RESDC Scholarship recipients. □

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Update From California Senior Legislature

By Susan Mallett, CSL Assembly Member

Greetings to my fellow retirees and RESDC friends. I hope you are safe and healthy during this trying time of social distancing. Your Editorial Committee has graciously granted me a column in this month’s NETWORK. Many of you know I now wear a couple of “hats” and am writing as one of your Assembly Members of the California Senior Legislature (CSL) representing San Diego County. Our eight-member delegation advocates on behalf of older Californians and makes legislative proposals at the annual session attended by all 120 CSL members in Sacramento. I am also writing as an older Californian and a member of the growing and increasingly influential over-65 population that is projected to grow to 8.6 million by 2030, an increase of 4 million older Californians.

The year 2020 began like many others and the usual CSL activities were underway to find authors for the Top Ten legislative proposals selected at the annual session. The work promoting the proposals began and four proposals soon had sponsors, assembly or senate bill numbers and began the committee hearing process. Mid-March as you know began the shutdown of other than essential businesses and ultimately the day to day work in Sacramento.

The CSL proposals have now been returned as elected state officials concentrate on difficult budget decisions and the Governor’s May revised budget in a dire financial environment created by the cost of fighting COVID-19 and state revenue shortfalls. CSL leadership suggests successful proposals, for the foreseeable future, must address California’s “critical needs” areas of wildfires, homelessness and senior health and long-term care issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back to that topic of an aging California, in June 2019, Governor Newsom remarked, “The Golden State is getting grayer and we need to be ready for the major population changes headed our way.” At that time, he called for the creation of the Master Plan for Aging to “serve as a blueprint for state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropy to build environments that promote healthy aging.” Under the guidance of the State’s Health and Human Services Department a Stakeholder Advisory Committee and two subcommittees, Research and Long-Term Services and Supports were established with statewide members of professionals, practitioners, senior advocates, labor and academics. Public input was gathered through regional roundtable discussions, a series of Webinar Wednesdays with real time input capability on the topic of Housing and Homelessness, Community Living, Inclusion and Isolation, Protection from Abuse and Neglect, and Emergency Preparedness. The resulting Top Three challenge areas for seniors, based on the public input, were Housing, Health and Wellness, and Long-Term Services and Support that includes Information and Assistance and Family Caregiver Support.

On May 26, 2020, the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) subcommittee submitted their report to the Stakeholders Advisory Committee outlining five statewide objectives for better service and access to the wide range of supportive services in this important area. In the preface of their report, they noted “the COVID-19 crisis has dramatically revealed and exacerbated the shortcomings in California’s LTSS system. We are deeply concerned that the state’s response to the crisis has been to propose cuts and program eliminations that stand to decimate the system of services and supports that Californians rely on to remain in the community and maintain dignity and independence.” Harsh criticism of the proposed May revised budget indeed, but the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and the Assembly acting as a “committee of the whole” rejected the Governor’s proposed LTSS cuts and support the program enhancements announced earlier this year. Stay tuned to news on the budget battles as they play out as the end of the fiscal year approaches.

The work of the Master Plan for Aging continues with recommendations due to Governor Newsom in October 2020. You can read the full report from the subcommittee along with several helpful resources for seniors on their website, www.EngageCa.org. □

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Deborah L. Duffin, Health & Human Services

Mary Garcia, Probation

The surviving spouse of a member is eligible for RESDC membership. For enrollment assistance, call (866) 688-9229. □

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Board Member Profile – Bob Summers

Bob Summers retired from the Public Works Department in 1985 with 24 years of County service. He had also worked as an inspector in the County Engineering Department, and a Design Engineer with Flood Control District and Department of Public Works. Bob also worked for the City of Santee, Planning Research Corporation, Home Capital Corporation, and is currently a Consultant with H.G. Fenton Company as Construction Manager.

Bob has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from University of Akron, Ohio and a Master of Public Administration from San Diego State University.

He enjoys doing yoga, taking walks, golfing, and ballroom dancing. He also likes taking road trips around America. Some of Bob’s memorable travel experiences have been golf vacations in Ireland and Scotland, including playing St. Andrews, and driving the United States (he has driven through all 50 states). But his most favorite travel experience was 2019 in Hawaii when he got married on a beach in Maui.

Bob has two children and three grandchildren and has been married since 2019. His first marriage was for 52 years. □

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Bits and Pieces

Donna Bontemps-Dixon retired in 2012 from Probation after 26 years of service. Donna and her husband, Roger, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, renewing their vows at Mission Beach, where they first became husband and wife. Since retiring, Donna has been active in her church, sorority, charitable organizations, and world travel. She and Roger have traveled to 17 of the 28 Caribbean Island Nations, where several of the beach locations were sites of their wedding anniversary celebrations.

Editor’s note: If you have taken an interesting trip or have had an intriguing event happen recently, please let us know so that we can share your story with our members. If you have reached an exciting birthday, or wedding anniversary, please call Karen Hazel, RESDC Editor, at (866) 688-9229. You can also write to Karen at RESDC, 8825 Aero Drive, Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92123. You can also send your information to us by email at: resdc@resdc.net . □

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Community Resources

Take advantage of these great resources and programs happening around San Diego County!

Take Classes with San Diego Oasis

Oasis is a unique educational program for adults 50+ who want to continue to learn and be productive throughout life. Membership is free and open to anyone 50 or older. Join Oasis and enjoy stimulating classes and opportunities to serve your community.  Visit their website at: https://www.oasisnet.org/ .

George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers Launch GLENNERCARE App

The Glenner Centers have launched a new remote dementia care service called GLENNERCARE™. GLENNERCARE™ was designed to help family caregivers navigate their dementia care journey 24/7/365 on a virtual basis from the safety and privacy of their homes. For more info: https://glenner.org/news-glennercare/ .

Take advantage of the SGIP!

The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) program that offers rebates for installing energy storage technology in your home. https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/sgip/ . □

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SDCERA CEO Recruitment Update

Interim SDCERA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Sexauer returned to the San Diego County Board of Retirement on April 21^st with a proposed job description, of “Profile,” for their next CEO. David Wescoe, CEO since 2015, had resigned in April. One board member took note of a glaring omission.

At that regular, video-screened, monthly meeting of the Board, Sexauer outlined the recruitment process he anticipated, including the Board’s immediate review and approval of the draft Profile, and it’s posting. The selection of a search firm is expected in June, and the new CEO onboard before November.

Board member Mark Hovey quickly noted that although benefit administration was listed elsewhere as one of several duties and responsibilities of the new executive, specific competency in the payment of benefits wasn’t listed as a core competency requirement, even though it’s included in the California Constitution for public retirement systems.

There were no objections. Only brief discussion followed about the proper language that should be used, ultimately resolved by Sexauer’s suggestion that actual state constitutional language be used to require the payment of benefits to be one of the core capabilities the new CEO must posess.

The Board of Retirement unanimously approved the amended draft Profile.

RESDC agrees, and thanks Mr. Hovey and the rest of the Board for their attention to important detail. □

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Theo and Evelyn Yakel 2020 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the four recipients of the Theo and Evelyn Yakel Scholarships for 2020! Each student received $1,500. The four students are in alphabetical order:

Gracie Griswold, sponsored by John Oldenkamp.

Annika Ross, sponsored by Sandra Ross.

Cardiff Smith, sponsored by Maureen Smith.

Eric Workman, sponsored by Jacqueline Workman.

In 2001, RESDC member Theo Yakel and his wife, Evelyn, placed a $250,000 endowment with the San Diego Foundation for the purpose of awarding scholarships to children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of members of The Retired Employees of San Diego County. The interest from the endowment is used to fund the annual scholarships. Many thanks to Theo and Evelyn for their generous endowment to provide financial assistance to young people seeking higher education at a college or university.

The Yakel Scholarships are in addition to and complementary to the scholarships that RESDC awards. This is another opportunity for the families of RESDC members.

Congratulations and good luck to all of the 2020 Scholarship Recipients. □

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Update on RESDC Operations Under COVID-19

As you know, RESDC staff has been working from home with the office closed due to statewide “stay at home” order by the Governor of California. As certain businesses begin the reopening process, the RESDC Board has approved deployment of a Safe Reopening Plan with a goal of resuming day-to-day operations as soon as it’s safe to do so. The plan follows requirements and guidelines based on State of California and County of San Diego guidance and the county’s ‘Safe Reopening for Businesses’ plan. In addition, RESDC has been utilizing the Zoom web-based meeting platform for Board, Committee, and partner meetings. Zoom offers quality video, audio, and a wireless screen-sharing performance. Stay tuned to future NETWORKS for more details on our safe reopen plan. □

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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

The RESDC and SDCERA offices are both temporarily closed due to coronavirus guidelines. We are working from home and replying to emails and voice mails. Check for updates on these websites (www.resdc.net and www.sdcera.org). Both offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. Emails and voice mails will be answered on Monday, July 6th. □

PENSION FACTS AT A GLANCE: 278 SDCERA service retirements processed in April. □

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THE NETWORK is the official monthly newsletter of the Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc. (RESDC), a private non-profit organization.

The information printed in THE NETWORK is believed to be from reliable sources. However, no responsibility is assumed by THE NETWORK for inaccuracies contained herein.

Business and Inquiries: Business matters and address changes may be recorded on our voicemail at any time, call (866) 688-9229. Please spell your name so the correct member record can be located.

Retired Employees of San Diego County, Inc.
8825 Aero Drive, Suite 205 | San Diego, CA 92123
Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday
TELEPHONE: (866) 688-9229 Toll Free
FAX: (619) 688-0766
E-MAIL: resdc@resdc.net

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