The President`s Message - Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police
Transcripción
The President`s Message - Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police
9521 Las Tunas Drive, Suite 4, Temple City, CA 91780 • (626) 285-5138 • (323) 283-4441 Email: [email protected] • Toll Free (888) 288-5073 • Fax (626) 285-1461 • Website: www.larfpa.org The President’s Message William G. Quinn Good Golly Miss Molly!! We are sneaking up on the end of another year. Halloween has come and gone with kids eating more candy than they should. Next comes Thanksgiving and we usually have a large dinner and give special thanks for what we have. And thanks that the elections are over!! Next are the December holidays and don’t forget to sign up for our annual lunch at the Sportsmen’s Lodge. It has been somewhat of an active year for our Association with our pension committee taking the majority of the workload protecting your pension and benefits in another year of government leaders looking for ways to cut expenses in a depressed economy. Our pension system General Manager Michael Perez has taken a well-deserved retirement and William S. Raggio is interim General Manager and has taken over the helm with a smooth transition from Assistant General Manager and doing a very competent job. Members on the pension committee will give you more information of the activities that Inside: Memorable Musings — Scams part III............p 2 Health Subsidy Lawsuit.....................................p 4 Odds and Ends...................................................p 9 Foods That Help Lower Cholesterol...............p 19 Membership Update Form...............................p 20 Winter 2012 LARFPA Meetings and Events General Membership Meetings When: December 5, 2012 - 10 am – 1 pm Where: Grace E. Simons Lodge Speaker: Councilman Joe Buscaino (LAPD) When: March 6, 2013 - 10 am – 1 pm Where: Grace E. Simons Lodge Speaker: To be Announced Coffee, doughnuts and box lunches will be available during the December and March General Membership Meetings. Special Events Christmas Luncheon When: December 9, 2012 - 11 am – 4 pm Where: Sportsmen’s Lodge, Studio City, CA For Information check our website www.larfpa.com or call (888) 288-5073 are in progress at the pension meetings. Q-tip Life is like a scooter car, not much happens unless you do some pedaling. If you like garlic salt and Tabasco sauce you can make almost anything taste good. D.F. Opinions expressed in any column are those of the concerned writer and are not to be regarded necessarily as an expression of the philosophy or position of The Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police Association. 2 From Vice President Paul Enox . . . Memorable Musings . . . This article is Part III in a three part series on scams targeting seniors. Part I dealt with Medicare scams, counterfeit drug scams, and funeral and cemetery scams. Part II dealt with unscrupulous purveyors of bogus anti-aging drugs, fraudulent telemarketing scams and Internet fraud. In Part III I will be dealing with reverse mortgage scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, and grandparent scams. Reverse mortgages are a legitimate way for seniors, who are at least 62 years of age and have nearly paid off or have paid off their mortgage, to get the equity out of their home while still maintaining ownership of their home and continuing to live there (I wrote an article in a previous newsletter about reverse mortgages). Reverse mortgages have gained tremendously in popularity. Between 1999 and 2008 the frequency of homeowners entering into reverse mortgages increased 1300%. That type of popularity does not escape the notice of scammers. As a result they have enthusiastically entered the field of reverse mortgages themselves. Usually the way a scammer tries to cheat you with a reverse mortgage scheme is to offer you money or a home somewhere else in exchange for the title to your home. A purveyor of legitimate reverse mortgages will NEVER offer you a home somewhere else in exchange for the title to your home. A legitimate reverse mortgage transaction title to your home does not change hands as long as you are still alive. some cases they will even send you a check, directing you to feel free to endorse the check and deposit it in your account immediately. Meanwhile they will require you to send them an administration fee to cover all the paperwork and legal niceties that need to be attended to in order for your winnings to be “official.” The victim doesn’t mind sending the fee because it is a small amount of money in comparison to the check that they have already been sent. Of course, much to the distress of the victim, several days later their winnings check bounces. The grandparent scam probably will sound like something that wouldn’t work against most of you, but that being said, you’d be surprised how often it works. This scam is especially effective for grandparents who have multiple grandchildren who live in other states and they don’t have a lot of interaction with them. Here is how the scam works. The grandparent answers the phone and hears a greeting that goes something like this, “Hi Grandma! Do you know who this is”? Since the scam artist sounds enthusiastic and KNOWS he is speaking to his grandmother the victim believes this is one of her grandchildren and guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer sounds the most like. The scammer now knows the name of a grandchild and immediately assumes that role by notifying the grandparent they guessed correctly. The scammer then proceeds to supply the grandparent with a hard luck story that ends with a request for money to be sent and a plea to “please don’t tell my parents, they would be so upset with me for asking you to help me.” So the victim might go a long period of time before they even realize they have been victimized. Meanwhile, this is a great scam for the scammer because it requires very little research or effort to pull it off. Sweepstakes and lottery scams prey on our willingAll of us, no matter what age, are potential scam ness to forget or ignore the old victims. There are three things that admonition that if something help scammers to be successful. seems too good to be true, it probOne of them we can’t do anything ably isn’t. The way these scams about. The other two we can. The Newsletter is a publication for normally work is you’ll receive members of the Los Angeles Retired something in the mail notifying We can’t control the aging process. Fire & Police Association, Inc. All that you have already won some If we live long enough we get old. rights reserved. Produced by Kenco Graphics. specified amount of money. And in Continued on page 3 3 Memorable Musings . . . from page 2 And unfortunately scammers have a great deal of success in scamming senior citizens. However, we can control the thing scammers covet most, greed. If you are greedy when it comes to money, scammers will stand in line to get a shot at you. So try not to be greedy. And scammers love people who choose to forget the old admonition of, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Skepticism is your best weapon against scammers. If you are skeptical you will do one of two things. Either you will reject the scammer out of hand, or you will at least conduct due diligence to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate person. Stay alert and aware. KNOW whom you are dealing with, especially if money is going to change hands. Remember, it’s your money, not the scammers. Numbers to Remember (All in the 213 Area Code unless noted) Fire & Police Pension Department......... 978-4545 Toll Free....................................... 800-787-2489 Assistance Report a death Lost or missing check Members Service Section....................... 978-4495 Direct deposit information Income tax withholding Beneficiary change (for members only) Health Insurance United Fire Fighters, L.A. City............... 895-4006 Fire Relief Association..................... 323-259-5200 UFLAC Dental Insurance....................... 977-9014 Police Personnel Department . ............... 486-4630 Police Relief Association (& Dental Ins.) 674-3701 or Toll Free 888-252-7721 Police Protective League......................... 251-4554 800-535-2775 On the Fire side, remember that Fire Relief will assist you in making all notifications of death of member or their spouse. From Secretary Will Gartland . . . Wake Up the Echoes . . . . The Holiday season is upon us. As I write this article Halloween is just a week away. The deadline for this edition of the newsletter is November 1, 2012 and many of the national celebrations of November (Presidential Election, Marine Corp Birthday, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving) may have passed before you receive this newsletter. I hope you started the holiday season by keeping our Association meetings in mind, have marked them on your calendars and will join us at our General Membership meeting on December 5 and at the Christmas luncheon on December 9. The luncheon is the best deal in town but the deadline for reservations is November 30, 2012. If you cannot make these events please accept my best wishes for you and yours. The election of officers and directors for 2012-2013 was conducted during the September General Membership Meeting. The newly elected board members are listed in the newsletter and on our web site. I became a board member in 1999 and for the first time since then the Board of Directors did not have a Board meeting in October 2012 because we did not have a quorum. The board consists of 16 members, 8 from the fire side and 8 from the police side. Our bylaws define a quorum as nine members. The reasons for not having a quorum were many but the main reason is the age and health of board members. We need a lot of help getting around. Please consider running for the board. We are in need of younger members because of the legal battles we are facing in our attempt to keep the benefits we were promised and have earned. In the fall newsletter President Quinn mentioned shingles in his article and Vice-President Enox mentioned scams targeting seniors. Last June, while I was 79 years young but living in my 80th year, I developed a rash on the left side of my face and nose. I had no pain but I sure was uglier than normal. I had shingles. In September I joined the association of retired LAPD Continued on page 4 4 From Director Ken Buzzell . . . Retiree Health Subsidy Lawsuit In my last article I reported that on July 12, 2012, the Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police Association filed a claim against the City for changes made to the retiree health insurance benefit. Specifically, our claim stated that the City adopted two ordinances “which had the unconstitutional effect of eliminating the retiree medical premium subsidy, a vested contractual retirement benefit promised to Claimants by the City under the terms of the retirement plan that existed prior to the passage of the Ordinances.” I ended that article by stating that I would keep the membership apprised of changes in this action. However, before I do that I want to digress and briefly talk about several comments I received concerning the filing of this claim. The common theme of these comments was, “Why should the retirees care or get involved with changes made for current employees? It isn’t our problem.” Unfortunately, the fact is it is our problem. Current events reveal that the City’s attack on the retiree health subsidy benefit will affect retirees as much as it will affect active members. To back up this point, let Wake Up the Echoes . . . . from page 3 octogenarians and immediately started receiving phone calls stating that I had won a big cash prize and it would be delivered by UPS in a few hours. The voice on the line then asked “OK”? My response was NO! The calls persisted for several days and the callers used several different approaches with the scam being the same. The calls only ended after we would screen the calls and immediately hang up. When I proof read the articles for this issue of the newsletter I may delete anything that may be harmful to my health and wellbeing. We are looking forward to meeting and greeting at the December gatherings. me refer you to a letter dated October 22, 2012 from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to the City Council and forwarded to the City Administrative Officer (CAO). The letter, entitled “THE PATH TOWARDS FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY,” concludes on page 5 with a list of “POTENTIAL ACTIONS TO ELIMINATE STRUCTURAL DEFICIT.” The sixth item on this list is, “Retiree Pensions – Consider changes to automatic increases in post-employment benefits for existing retirees.” The CAO has already begun preparing a report and action plan to push forward on this and twelve other items included on the Mayor’s list. For many months the issue over vesting of our retiree health subsidy benefits has been stewing. The Mayor’s letter now makes it abundantly clear what the City’s long range game plan is. Step one was to go after the retiree health subsidy benefit for those who are currently on active duty by FORCING those members to either pay an extra two percent into the Pension System or see their benefit permanently frozen at the July 1, 2011 level. Step two is to mount an attack on those of us who were retired or in DROP as of July 14, 2011 by denying that we have a vested right to the retiree health subsidy benefit and either reduce or freeze the health subsidy amount. Let me add to this the fact that the CAO has publicly taken the position that it is legal for the City to make changes in pension benefits unless and until someone takes the City to court and wins. In other words, to the CAO the provisions of the City Charter and State Law are meaningless if the City chooses to ignore them. So to the question of why should our Association get involved with this issue and pursue a legal claim, the answer is clear: Because we have to if we have any hope of preserving the pension benefits we worked for and were promised. Let me point out to the naysayers, there is no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or Mighty Mouse who is on his way to save the day. If we have any hope of keeping our pension benefits as we know them, then we are going to have to take the City on by ourselves, because there is no one else out there who will do it for us. Now that the “Why” question has been answered, let me bring you up to date with what has happened since July 12. Continued on page 5 5 LARFPA Standing Committees (2012-2013) FINANCE: Jim Chastain, Paul Enox, Denis Cremins, Ken Buzzell OFFICE: Mike Dwyer, Lee Kebler, Robin Welborn PUBLICATIONS: Will Gartland, Ray Case, Dick Green SOCIAL: Dick Green, Bob Olsen, Don Forrest, Will Gartland BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION: Fire: Bill Quinn, Arnett Hartsfield, Bob Olsen Police: Jim Wilke, Robin Welborn, Paul Enox PENSION: Lee Kebler, Dick Green, Arnett Hartsfield, Ken Buzzell LIAISON COMMITTEES FIRE RELIEF: Lee Kebler, Bob Olsen POLICE RELIEF: Paul Enox UFLAC: Ray Case, Bill Quinn POLICE PROTECTIVE LEAGUE: Robin Welborn, Jim Wilke PENSION COMMISSION: Lee Kebler, Arnett Hartsfield, Don Vincent, Ken Buzzell POLICE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION: Will Gartland SPECIAL COMMITTEES GOVERNMENT: Ray Case, Will Gartland, Mike Dwyer, Jim Chastain, Lee Kebler, Ken Buzzell BYLAWS: Mike Dwyer, Paul Enox, Jim Chastain, Don Vincent WEBSITE: Ray Case, Will Gartland, Bill Quinn FIRE MEMORIAL: Bill Quinn, Lee Kebler, Don Forrest ELECTIONS: Fire: Ray Case, Lee Kebler Police: Robin Welborn, Paul Enox Retiree Health Subsidy Lawsuit from page 4 Under the rules for filing claims against the City, the City Attorney’s Office had forty-five (45) days to respond. As was to be expected, the City Attorney waited until the last day and denied our claim on August 27. In the standard form letter, the City Attorney used the usual denial language saying our claim was both untimely and without merit. The City Attorney, in my opinion, is wrong on both accounts, but then there was never a chance the City would look at the merits of our claim in the first place. Once the City denied our claim and our administrative remedy exhausted, a six month window was opened for us to bring legal action against the City. On November 1, 2012, our attorney filed suit against the City in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. The filing is a “petition for writ of mandate and complaint for promissory estoppel, restitution, violations of the Los Angeles City Charter, injunctive relief, and declaratory relief.” As Petitioners we pray (legalese) for judgment and the following specific relief against the City (Respondent) and Does 1 through 50: 1. A writ of mandate compelling Respondents to continue to provide increases to the health insurance subsidies of all LAFPP members, without regard to Ordinance Numbers 181814 and 181893 or to stay enforcement of Ordinance Numbers 181814 and 181893; 2. A finding that Respondents are estopped from denying LAFPP members increases to retiree health insurance premiums subsidies; 3. A finding that the Letters of Agreement executed on behalf of LAFPP members were invalid for lack of consideration, and should be rescinded; 4. A finding that the Letters of Agreement executed on behalf of LAFPP members, and the two percent salary deductions made pursuant to them, violated the City Charter, and are therefore invalid. 5. An order declaring that Ordinance Numbers Continued on page 6 6 Retiree Health Subsidy Lawsuit from page 5 181814 and 181893 unlawfully impair the contractual obligations of Respondents to provide increases to the health insurance premium subsidies of all LAFPP members; 6. An injunction prohibiting Respondents from enforcing Ordinance Numbers 181814 and 181893; 7. Restitution of the money deducted since October 19, 2011 from the salaries of Petitioner LARFPA’s members who opted-in between August 15, 2011 and September 29, 2011, purportedly in exchange for an agreement that Freeze Ordinance 1 would not apply to them; 8. An award to Petitioners of reasonable attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and costs; and 9. An award of such other and further relief as this Court deems appropriate. Let me point out for clarity’s sake that ours is one of three lawsuits you may hear or read about that has been filed against the City concerning retiree health Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police Association Board of Directors — 2012-2013 President Secretary William G. Quinn William O. Gartland Vice President Treasurer Paul E. Enox James R. Chastain ———— Directors Fire Police Ken Buzzell Denis Cremins Raymond Case L. Mike Dwyer Don Forrest Richard Green Arnett Hartsfield Don Vincent Lee Kebler Robin Welborn Robert Olsen James Wilke Director Emeritus J. J. Cremins ———— Chaplain insurance subsidy benefits. The Assistant City Attorney’s Association has filed a suit somewhat similar to ours. However, because it involves a different pension system (LACERS, the civilian system), different ordinances and a different set of facts, that is as much as I am going to say about their suit at this time. The third suit was filed by the Los Angeles Police Protective League (League) against the City. This suit differs significantly from our suit. The PPL contends that a letter of agreement was reached between the League and the City that mandated that any Police Officer who opted to pay the additional two percent in pension contributions was guaranteed an annual increase in the retiree medical subsidy amount. The League’s suit contends that this annual increase must be equal to either the assumed medical trend rate (medical inflation rate) or seven (7) percent, whichever is less. The City is on record as saying that the agreement does not mandate any such increase. The City’s position is that the maximum increase (without specific City Council approval) can never exceed seven (7) percent, but can be anything less, including no increase. (There also is a dispute as to whether the subsidy amount could be reduced.) The League’s position is that nobody would have ever agreed to a two percent increase in their pension contribution rate unless they were first guaranteed an annual increase as a quid pro quo. Among the biggest differences between our suit and the League’s is we claim the City’s action in its entirety is illegal, whereas the League’s suit does not challenge the City’s action in passing the above mentioned Ordinances. Instead, the League’s suit only challenges the interpretation of what those who opted to pay the additional two percent are entitled to in exchange for the added contribution. It does not deal with those who chose not to pay the additional two percent. In closing, let me point out that our lawsuit, like any other, has to work its way through the courts, so don’t expect a decision for awhile. However, I will continue to keep you up to speed as we move forward. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. 7 From Treasurer James Chastain . . . Treasurer’s Report Happy holidays. The cool weather has finally arrived. I hope you have made reservations for our annual Christmas Party on December 9, 2012. We had a very good general meeting on September 5, 2012. The election of officers was conducted, followed by guest speaker, retired LAPD Deputy Chief, Larry Fetters. He was in charge of the Transportation Security Administration at LAX. I particularly remember how difficult it is to provide security at LAX because of its configuration. There are 90 doors which require monitoring. You must go through security at each terminal. Many other airport terminals are interconnected so you can go from one to the others without passing a security check. This is very important for hubs. LAX airport is the busiest for passengers beginning and ending flights. Chicago, New York and Atlanta have more air traffic than LAX probably because they are hubs for connecting flights. He acknowledged the difference in the esprit de corps working for the federal government as compared to the LAPD. Financial – The Dow JONES was up 5% for the 3rd quarter while the S&P 500 was up 6.4%. Year-todate the Dow was up 12.2% and the S&P 500 was up 16.5%. Our stock portfolio was up 13% for the Benevolent Corporation and 10.5% for LARFPA’s General The Newsletter is published four times a year. Submit articles, announcements, and information to LARFPA Publications Chairman 9521 Las Tunas Drive, Suite 4 Temple City, CA 91780 Phone (626) 285-5138 — FAX (626) 285-1461 The deadlines for submissions to the Newsletter are Spring - February 1 — Summer - May 1 Fall - August 1 and Winter - November 1 Corporation this year-to-date. Trust – LARFPA received a significant sum of money from the distribution of assets from the Gladys Lucille Barham 1993 Revocable Trust. She was a member and widow of a police officer. We invite you to include the Benevolent Corporation in your trust. Also, please consider gifts or donations to the Benevolent Corporation because it is a 501C-3 charitable corporation which is tax-deductible. Donations or gifts to LARFPA are welcome but are not deductible because it is a 501C-4 mutual benefit corporation. I want to share some of my personal consumer experiences I have had over the last 3 months. 1. I received a telephone call from Visa fraud alert on Sunday August 26th informing me there was suspicious activity on my Visa card. Someone was making numerous charges of $99.00 for gasoline in the Inland Empire. The card was immediately cancelled and I was advised to contact the Firemen’s Credit Union, which I did the following day. It seems several others have been victimized without ever letting the card out of sight. Today the news reported that Barnes Noble had several of their card readers compromised in several states, jeopardizing thousands of customers. We are all vulnerable so watch your accounts closely. You should probably access your credit reports periodically. Go to “www.annualcreditreport.com” the only site that offers free federally mandated access to your credit files at the three major credit bureaus. You may also consider buying one of the three FICO scores annually from “www.myfico. com” for $19.95 each. Some people even close access to getting credit reports to stifle use of your credit information by others. But remember if you need a credit report to make a major purchase you will have to lift the hold. 2. I have been receiving unwanted telephone calls daily from telemarketers and computer generated calls because they have no telephone number and do not leave a message on the answering machine. The October Consumers Reports article, Scamation, advises to call 888-382-1222 or go to “donotcall.gov” to register your telephone number. Do not expect miracles but you can report offending Continued on page 8 8 Treasurer’s Report . . . from page 7 telephone numbers after 31 days. David Lazarus calls it the “Do not call list or feel free to call list” in the Los Angeles Times, September 28, 2012. I have registered my telephone but it has not helped, even when I can report the offending telephone number. Now, I received three telephone calls from an 800 number telling me in English and Spanish that my bill was due on the 30th. They directed me to a web site and said to just pay the usual amount on the same account and I could pay with my Visa or debit card. What a scam. It reminds me that recently an 82 year old waitress at Taix Restaurant was scammed by saying she had won a lottery or prize, but she needed to forward money to claim it. She lost her life savings. Please be patient if you call me because I do not pick up the phone unless I recognize the number. I wait for it to go to the answering machine before I pick up. 3. The Los Angeles Times has published several articles in October with accounts of major drug stores filling prescriptions without approval of customers and billing insurance companies and Medicare in advance of approval and pick up by the customer. They have not always rescinded the charges when the customer failed to pick up the prescription. The Los Angeles Times reported on October 16, 2012 that CVS agreed to pay 5.25 million to settle allegations that it reported false information on prescription drug prices to the Medicare program. The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association medical plan uses Scripts Express, formerly Medco, to provide drug coverage. Long-term medications must utilize mail order delivery, typically 90 days with 3 or 4 refills. I have had no problem with delivery. The provider offers automatic refill called “worry free refills” every time you reorder. Be careful to listen to the prompts and respond or if using the mail send in the correct reorder form because one is for automatic refills. I have personally used the automatic refill but I prefer to reorder myself. I can remember to order but don’t always remember to cancel an order. I still use the shift calendar to mark down my appointments and reorder dates. David Lazarus has written several articles about CVS pharmacy. The latest was published on October 26, 2012 relating the story of a CVS pharmacist who traveled to two other states and had to have a prescription filled in each one. Those two CVS pharmacies enrolled him in automatic refill program without his permission. The chain pharmacies are coercing their employees to enroll everyone in the automatic refill program if possible. Automatic refills are not for your wellbeing but the wellbeing of the corporate’s bottom line. Be careful and read everything including your mail because even magazine renewal subscriptions may require you to opt out of automatic renewal not just pharmacies. I hope to write to you in the winter about the October 2012 AARP Bulletin with some tips. May God bless you all. Mission Statement: As a police community, the mission of the Los Angeles Police Cancer Support Group (LAPCSG) is to provide all Law Enforcement, sworn and civilian, active and retired, and their families with a place to start when diagnosed with cancer. The LAPCSG offers hope, understanding, strength and educational information as we move forward together in treatment and recovery. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month (except November and December). 1130 Hours Police Academy, Nancy Dyer Room Contact: Mike Apodaca, (213) 216-7009 www.lapcsg.org Officers can now contribute to the LAPD Cancer Support Group via payroll deduction. Contact Police Relief for details at (213) 674-3701 or (888) 252-7721. We are grateful for your support! 9 From Director Lee Kebler . . . Odds and Ends There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that we have regained control of our mailboxes and telephones. No more political junk mail and recorded messages. The bad news is there are still many attacks on our pension systems lurking out there in the political arena. Most of these so called reforms are directed at new hires and may not affect current active employees and retirees. But, sometimes the fallout affects everybody. Let’s see what the future looks like. First and foremost is an initiative by our former Mayor Riordan and some of his friends to place all new hires, both civilians and sworn employees, on Defined Contribution (401k) Pension Plans; increase the members’ contribution rate; freeze automatic pension increases if the pension investments aren’t doing well. COLA increases will be tied to investment returns, not to salary increases. Mayor Riordan believes that these changes will save the City a lot of money and he is correct, it will save the City money in the initial phases. In the long term, as members of the old system retire and contributions to the old pension fund decrease, the City’s contribution rate increases until they are paying the entire pension costs for the retirees of the old pension plan. The ex-Mayor is circulating petitions for the initiative and needs 254,000 signatures but his goal is to have 380,000 signatures by December 7, 2012. Next, we have Mayor Villararigoso’s report to the City Council and Department Managers that the financial status of the City is doing well but there is still a deficit of $200,000 to $250,000. The City is going to start the New Year by eliminating 209 positions of the City workforce and the City Administrative Officer (CAO) has 13 recommendations to develop reductions in the deficit. Some of the Mayor’s recommendations are: evaluate reductions in employees’ COLA; consider requiring a minimum 10% contribution in health care premiums for both civilian and sworn personnel, increase co-pay and reduce benefits in the health plans; consider changes in retirees’ COLA; reduce 5% return for DROP members; expedite review of Fire Department deployment (staffing and civilianization); identify contract opportunities, including ambulance transport. This is just a start; we don’t know how many other reformers out there are waiting to jump on the bandwagon. On May 3, 2012 when General Manager Michael Perez of the Fire and Police Pension System had a retirement ceremony at the Pension Board meeting, our Association had a communications lapse and failed to present our award to Michael for his outstanding service to the retired Firefighters and Police Officers of the City. Arrangements have been made for presentation of the award but we wanted our members to know how much Michael did for our members, the City and the Pension System. Text of the proclamation: Michael Perez It is the privilege of the Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police Association to present this outstanding service award to Michael Perez for service to the City and the retired Firefighters and Police Officers of Los Angeles. Michael started his career with the City in 1980 as a budget analyst in the CAO’s Department. In 1990, he received a promotion and transfer to the Fire and Police Pension System where he served for the next 22 years with the last seven years as General Manager of the Fire and Police Pension System. Michael’s career as General Manager was one of the most contentious in the history of the Fire and Police Pension System. It began with the implementation of the hundreds of recommendations from the IMF’s audit of the Pension System; the start of the Great Recession with a huge loss of pension funds; SEC investigation; a new payroll system for retirees; an interpretation of the vested right of health subsidy; three Charter amendments and a new Pension Tier. Michael served with the spirit of Proposition 162 integrity, honesty, fairness, understanding and compassion for the members of the System and the City. His vision, innovation and leadership helped make Continued on page 10 10 Old Blue Running Team By Member Mike McKean The Old Blue Running Team has had its first practice run for the 2013 Baker to Vegas Relay. The team met in Griffith Park on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at 8 a.m. As predicted the weather was absolutely perfect. The team is again being led by Co-Captains Bart and Jackie Landsman. They are in their third year at the helm of the team. This Sunday, Jackie was solo as Bart was home recuperating from recent surgery. The runners for this first get together were Jim Stepan, Pete Sanchez, Ray Serna, Steve Keyser, Oscar Carballo, Mel Sandvig, Jackie Landsman, Rick Bustamente, Mike Arroyo, and Jay Hernando. Support personnel were Mike Melancon, Mike McKean, John Walker and Lou Page. Oscar Carballo still drives from Atascadero, in all kinds of weather, to join us for each and every run. He also brings his special watch that can tell if we shorten or lengthen the course. We really appreciate this. Our next run is scheduled for Sunday, November 25, 2012 at the Griffith Park course. We always meet in the Crystal Springs area, behind the Park Ranger’s Headquarters building at the far, far end of the parking lot, and I mean the far end. We arrive around 7:30 a.m., warm up and start the run. We finish around 9 a.m. and cool down, and adjourn to our local favorite eatery, The Los Feliz Cafe, for brunch. We are not, at this time, having a run in December. The runs are scheduled to resume in January. The runs are on Sunday, January 27, 2013, Sunday, February 24, 2013 and Sunday March 24, 2013. The March run is on the 4th Sunday as the last Sunday of March is Easter. The Baker to Vegas run for 2013 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, 2013. The finish line is once again in the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly The Hilton) Convention Center. We are always on the lookout for new team members, both runners and support. To run for Old Blue you must be retired from the LAPD or be in the DROP program. There are a couple of exceptions so contact us and we’ll check it out. Each year we have members from other teams and other agencies contact us about joining Old Blue but unfortunately they were not from LAPD. They all said they like our team spirit and organization. Remember those dates and drop by and check us out, or better yet come have breakfast with us, we all like to share our stories. Old timers remember that the starting line for our run is near the Merry Go Round, where years ago many a Sunday was spent cleaning up the park! Thanks, Mike McKean Odds and Ends . . . from page 9 the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension System a model for all pension plans. Thanks Michael for all of your contributions and now is the time for you and Blanca to enjoy the fruits of your labor. _____________________ William Quinn, President LARFPA What President said, “I’m not worried about the deficit. It is big enough to take care of itself.” Retired Deputy Chief Harold W. Sullivan, who was a drawing winner at our June BBQ, turned 100 years old in October! Congratulations!! 11 LET’S FIRE IT UP By Pat Connelly, L.A.P.R.A.A.C. Director Over 80 years ago, the L.A.P.D. Shooting Team was the genies that would become the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club. One only needs to see the results of the “2012 Top Gun” scores to indicate that the L.A.P.R.A.A.C. shooting teams are still bringing home the gold medals. Did you know that another L.A.P.D. Team is celebrating 100 years of participation? March of 2012, marked the 100 year anniversary of the L.A.P.D. baseball team. In the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s our baseball team played against the Hollywood Stars, L.A. Angels, U.S.C. and U.C.L.A. and won more than their share of games. Before WWII and after, many outstanding minor league players joined the Department, recruited by Department players to play baseball for L.A.P.D. A trip back up to the Academy, the high fence in right field kept the homerun ball out of the pool. The steps behind home plate are still there, but not for long. The renovation plans include upgrading that area off the track for additional membership activities. The L.A.P.R.A.A.C. Board of Directors met and elected officers for 2012/2013 period. All past officers were elected for a second term: Ruben Holquin, President; John Incontro, Vice-President; Kathy Meek, Treasurer and Brenda Crump, Secretary. A new member was elected to replace retiring Pat Gannon. Tim Colomey was elected by the membership. Tim is a Sgt. II assigned to Metro Division. A runner, Tim was a force behind the Department Elite Baker to Vegas 2012 Championship Relay Team and now is the new leader representative for the L.A.P.R.A.A.C. distance running program. Speaking of the Baker to Vegas Relay, hats off to Lou Reyes, Ivan Ramos and Tim Colomey for putting together an outstanding team of elite Department men and women that won the 2012 Baker to Vegas Relay Championship. Their leadership brought home the “Gold Buckle” that has been absent for eleven years Job Opportunities for Retired Fire and Police Check our web site, www.larfpa.com for the L.A.P.D. The team for the first time was open to the elite men and women. Amanda Kruze, #40641, Mission Area, ran leg #6. Her time, 40:07 for 6.1 miles, was only 24 seconds slower than a male runner on the LACS Elite Team. Her time was 6th fastest time for her leg. Amanda was the first female to be awarded a “Gold Belt Buckle,” signifying the best team in the race. Other members of the team were: Leg #1 – Elias Aguayo, #39380, Hollywood Area; #2 – John Pultz, #34942, Metro Division; #3 – Ibrahim Khamis, #37966, Mission Area; #4 – Tim Colomey, #32059, Metro Division; #5 – John Pedroza, Rampart Area; #7 – Roger Forest, #32939, Training Division; #8 – Brian Damesworth, #35966, Metro Division; #9 – Jeff Bert, #33112, Pacific Area; #10 – Kevin Moore, #35866, Topanga Area; #11 – John Hendrix, #36498, Rampart Area; #12 – Roberto Ruiz, #38154, Northeast Area; #13 – Ismael Contreras, #36808, Olympic Area; #14 – Scott Langford, #40641, Southeast Area; #15 – John Walker, #38023, Southeast Area; #16 – Tim Smith, #39732, West L.A. Area; #17 – Nick Abbinanti, Topanga Area; #18 – Michael Seguin, #25835, CTB Major Crimes; #19 – Tom Chinappi, #27571, Metro Division; and #20 - #39837, North Hollywood Area. Retired members can now qualify for their CCW at the Academy. For info: Lt. Burns, Training Division [email protected] 12 From Director Jim Wilke . . . No Code 7 . . . Will we always remember? I ask myself that question many times. I’ve talked to many students and asked the question, “What happened on December 7th?” Normally they ask back, “what year?” I was just a boy when December 7th, 1941 happened, and I know I will never forget and I know that a lot of our members also will not forget, as it changed their lives. We are losing our WWII Veterans really fast, and then who will remember? The same thing was said about 911 and I attended the 911 Memorial at the L.A. City Fire Academy again this year and it was a good Memorial. Yet, only about half as many people were there this year from last year, and half the speakers. Each speaker touched on what it meant to be there and how they will keep on remembering. I know that students are taught about history and the important events, but now the important thing is just to pass the state tests. We as a country are accepting complacency in too many areas of our lives. We are complacent in voting (my vote won’t make a difference). We accept politicians who look out for them- selves not serving the people or the country. It’s time that we return to the God fearing nation we used to be. Two quotes from past presidents stand out in my mind as to what we need to get back on track. Harry S. Truman made a statement and lived by it, “The buck stops here.” President Truman took responsibility for his actions. John F. Kennedy stated, “Ask not what my country can do for me, but what can I do for my country.” I know each member of this Association gave a huge part of their life to the City of Los Angeles, some also gave a part serving in one of our Military Services, but what else can we do? I have gone on longer than I should and some will not agree, and that’s OK, that is why this country of ours is so great, we can agree to disagree and continue to get along. It’s hard writing this article in October, to get it in our Newsletter for December, but I do want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year. May 2013 be a great year for all of us. I leave you with this thought that comes from Proverbs: Chapter 27 verse 1 and 2. “Do not boast about tomorrow. For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.” May God Bless you and may God Bless America. 13 Sunday, December 9, 2012 11:00 am to 4:00 pm The Annual Christmas Party The Sportsmen’s Lodge 12833 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604 Deadline for Reservations: November 30, 2012 The Christmas party is hosted by the Los Angeles Retired Fire & Police Association. Members and their families only. Self-Parking and Valet Parking located off of Coldwater Canyon. All reservations must be received by mail on or before the deadline date. There will be no phone reservations accepted. Sorry, no refunds will be given. Please pick up tickets at the door. Please contact the Association if you have any questions: Toll Free: (888) 288-5073 or Email us at [email protected] ___________________________________________________________________________ Please return this section with your payment of $10.00 per person to: LARFPA, 9521 Las Tunas Drive, Ste. #4, Temple City, CA 91780 Name:_________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________ Number of Adults:________ Children:________ Amount Enclosed:________ Check Number:_________ Please Check if you are Fire:_______ Police:_______ Please select your entrée options below (1 per person): Steak with Mushroom sauce:_____ Lemon Herb Chicken:_____ Vegetarian:_____ Children’s Plate:_____ There will be no refunds given. Please send your reservation in by November 30, 2012 14 Coming Attractions RICK ORTIZ’S FIREFIGHTERS’ LUNCHEON When: Where: April 2, 2013 10:30 am to Noon Home Town Buffet 9635 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA Los Angeles Retired Fire And Police Association BREAKFAST GET TOGETHER When: March 6, 2013 — 10 am - 1 pm Where: Grace E. Simons Lodge Speaker: To Be Announced Firefighters For Christ General Membership Meeting When: December 5, 2012 — 10 am - 1 pm Where: Grace E. Simons Lodge Speaker: L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino Coffee, doughnuts and box lunches will be available during the December and March General Membership Meetings. Central Coast Fuzz That Wuz When: Social: Where: Contact: December 20, 2012 11:00 am/Lunch 12:00 pm Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo Jim Jones (805) 434-0245 email: [email protected] When: March 21, 2013 Social: 11:00 am/Lunch 12:00 pm Where: Ventana Grill, Pismo Beach The Associates (Retired Police) When: Where: Contact: December 21, 2012 *Holiday Schedule 11:30 am February 22, 2013 April 26, 2013 Taix Restaurant Jim Mateer (909) 599-0062 [email protected] or Bill Dumbauld (562) 598-8936 [email protected] When: Where: Third Thursday of every month 7:30 am Firehouse Cafe 1244 Sycamore Ave., Simi Valley, CA For more info call (805) 498-7990 When: The FFC Los Angeles Chapter meets three times a month at 0800 hours to accommodate all three shifts (A,B,C). All are invited. Just show up! Where: Downtown Denny’s 530 Ramirez Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Across from Piper Tech) Contact: Check FFC website for scheduled meetings http://www.ffclosangeles. com/FFC_Los_Angeles_Chapter/ Home.html Inland Blue Line Monthly Breakfast When: First Tuesday of every month 9:00 am Where: Richie’s Diner 40615 Murrieta Hot Springs Road Murrieta, CA Contact: Stan Kensic (951) 696-1971 or Bill Fromling (951) 308-4570 15 Italian-American Police Officers Association When: Where: Contact: 2nd Wednesday of every month 5:00 pm Palermo’s Restaurant 1858 N. Vermont Los Angeles, CA 90027 www.iapoaosc.org LAPD CANCER SUPPORT GROUP When: Where: Contact: 4th Thursday of every month Except November and December 11:30 am Elysian Park Police Academy Nancy Dwyer Room Sgt. Mike Apodaca (213) 216-7009 www.lapcsg.com LAPD Lake Havasu When: Last Wednesday of every month 12:00 noon Where: Elks Lodge Contact: Tom Bradford (928) 453-4683 Old Blue Running Team When: Where: Last Sunday of month October through February 8:00 am Griffith Park Ranger Station Sacramento Area Blue Line Association (SABLA) When: 2nd Thursday of every month except December - 11:30 am Where: Annie’s Breakfast And Steaks 8800 Greenback Lane Orangeville, CA (916) 988-1682 Contact: Joe Sandoval (916) 961-3679 Santa Clarita Silver Foxes Breakfast Meeting When: Last Thursday of every month 10:00 am Where: Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91351 www.lapdsilverfoxes.com South Orange CountyNorth County San Diego LAFD Breakfast Club When: Third Wedesday of every month 9:00 am Where: Grandma’s Hilltop Hideaway 539 Vista Bella Oceanside, CA 92054 Contact: Ed Diaz (714) 256-5769 Tehachapi Blue Line When: First Wednesday of every month 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Where: Village Grill (upper room) 410 E. Tehachapi Blvd. Contact: Dave Hiner [email protected] Valley Retired Blues When: Where: Contact: Third Wednesday of every month 10:30 am Lamplighter Restaurant DeSoto at Nordoff St., Northridge, CA Emmett Drennen (818) 340-7561 WEST-END INLAND EMPIRE BLUES (WEIE-BLUES) When: Last Thursday of every month – Jan. 2012 to Oct. 2012 9:00 am *See holiday meeting schedule below Where: CoCo’s Restaurant 60 West Foothill Blvd. Upland CA 91786 909-985-9604 (S/W corner Euclid Street and Foothill Blvd.) *Holiday Meeting Schedule: December 6, 2012 Contact: Rick Alatorre: [email protected] or Art Placencia: [email protected] 16 In Memoriam Name George D. Doerfler Raymond P. Martin Karl L. Smith Franklyn N. Leavitt Alfred Unzueta Alvin R. Ruddick Charles F. Nielsen Name Stephen Ryan Ivens Ernest Celaya Serial: 7053 Roy W. Longan John S. Mitchell Wm. L. Pottorff Roger D. Probst Edward J. Podroza John W. Hamilton Vernon L. Keyes David M. Collier John M. Rygh Serial: 12691 Taylor L. Searcy Gene T. Solis Everett L. Schaper Nancy Rudoff Wm. A. Fedderson Thomas W. Thornhill Danny Frink Name Valerie D. Chapman Lyvian E. Vernand Mildred A. Kent Anna D. Malcom Died 8/16/12 8/21/12 8/25/12 8/30/12 9/5/12 9/8/12 9/11/12 Died 5/11/12 5/24/12 6/29/12 7/1/12 7/6/12 7/27/12 7/30/12 8/3/12 8/3/12 8/5/12 8/7/12 8/7/12 8/9/12 8/16/12 8/16/12 8/16/12 8/25/12 8/26/12 Name Fire Side Died Franklyn “Frank” D. Cutter 9/17/12 Robert S. Melgoza 9/18/12 Richard A. Purdy 9/26/12 Leon R. Rauh 9/27/12 David L Megorden 9/29/12 Paul A. Orduna 10/5/12 Name Police Side Edward T. Zweifel Mary Martin Adam Safian George L. Hampton Serial: 10734 Michael F. Stingle Dewayne A Wolfer Paul Degrazia Edward D. Willis Jeanne M. Harris Serial: 31479 Robert F. Howard Richard Ortiz Carl C. Smith Charles L. Blogin Jerry C. Swain Serial: 7424 Johnny S. Wilson Serial: 13970 Donald H. Shepherd Died 8/26/12 8/30/12 8/31/12 9/1/12 9/3/12 9/4/12 9/10/12 9/11/12 9/13/12 9/18/12 9/18/12 9/18/12 9/19/12 9/23/12 9/26/12 9/29/12 Name Died Name Died Robert J. Board 10/7/12 Kenneth G. Skersick 10/7/12 Richard H. Downey 10/15/12 Rodney G. Cobb 10/24/12 Remo J. Tersolo 11/1/12 Glen E. Foster, Jr. 10/1/12 Serial: 6339 Earl N. Wells 10/2/12 Robert J. Tipton 10/4/12 William L. Smith 10/5/12 Sylvester E. Fanning, Jr. 10/9/12 Melvin H. Lunsford 10/11/12 Wilbur L. Clingan 10/13/12 Elton E. Sawyer 10/14/12 Serial: 4536 Howard D. Baxter 10/16/12 Warner M. Chinnis 10/17/12 James E. Salagi 10/18/12 David P. Sellers 10/18/12 Robert A. Luxford 10/21/12 William F. Goodwin 10/24/12 Larry L. Monett 10/29/12 Gilbert W. Hetrick 10/30/12 Harold G. Reilly 11/1/12 Fire Widows & Widowers Died 8/1/12 8/4/12 8/8/12 8/10/12 Name Evelyn C. Cromell Ruth Waller Jeanette E. Williams Patricia M. Ragan Died 8/29/12 9/5/12 9/14/12 9/16/12 Name Died Betty Jo Waibel 9/27/12 Lorilene J. Van Dell 9/30/12 Betty L. Marineau 10/10/12 17 In Memoriam Name Mary S. Fowler Madeline L. Duttles Betty M. Howlett Esther M. Pearcy Maria Elena Plew Dorothy P. Arnold Helen K. Woolley Jannet Alvarez Joan G. Peterson Police Widows & Widowers Died 7/29/12 7/30/12 8/4/12 8/10/12 8/10/12 8/18/12 9/8/12 9/9/12 9/13/12 Name Died Ruth L. Turner 9/14/12 Grace A. Barnes 9/16/12 Edna Lenocker 9/16/12 Bessie M. Bensen 9/21/12 Betty A. Williams 9/21/12 Georgiana A. Ferguson 9/25/12 Jeanne M. Walthuis 9/28/12 Nona Y. Barker 9/30/12 Esme M. Tarbox 10/1/12 Name Dorothy F. Pond Mildred Trukke Violet A. Hartgrove Irene D. Peters Jessie E. Malone Suzette A. Nichols Shirley T. Nolan Died 10/9/12 10/9/12 10/13/12 10/16/12 10/20/12 Unk Unk Police Death Notification List AFLAC Customer Service 1933 Wynnton Road Columbus, GA 31119 (800) 992-3522 (800) 448-8922 Fax Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Customer Service P.O. Box 100195 Columbia, SC 29202-3195 (800) 325-4368 (800) 880-9325 Fax Los Angeles Fire & Police Pension 360 E. Second Street, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Los Angeles Police Department Employee Assistance Unit 100 W. First Street, Room 1061 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Los Angeles Police Department Personnel Division Retirement Counselor (Sworn) 100 West First Street, Room 228 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Active Member’s Death Retired Member’s Death Main Office (213) 978-4500 (213) 978-4495 (213) 978-4455 Death & Funeral (213) 486-7600 Notice Commanding Officer Francois Gardere or Officer Oscar Moreno (213) 486-4650 Los Angeles Police Protective League 1308 West 8th Street, Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Sandy Avila or Insurance Department (213) 251-4554 Fax (213) 251-4566 Los Angeles Police Relief Association 600 N. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 9002 Blanca or Death Benefit Representative (213) 674-3701 Fax (213) 674-3715 Police Memorial Foundation 1880 N. Academy Drive Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 847-4239 (323) 276-5970 18 Tips for Resisting Unhealthy Cravings From: AARP Most of us, at some point, have an irresistible urge to eat a particularly fattening or unhealthy food. My weakness is a craving for sugar late in the afternoon when my energy and spirits sag. According to a study published in May 2010 in the Scientific American, women are more susceptible to these urges than are men. But whatever your sex, at some point you’ll be tested and it helps to have a strategy for coping. Here are three FIT tips that I find helpful in controlling my unhealthy food cravings: F: Focus on what triggered the craving and forgo responding immediately. Let me explain. Recently, I got off an airplane and walked into the middle of an airport food court. As soon as I smelled warm chocolate chip cookies, I desperately wanted one — even several. But I reminded myself that when I came off the plane I wasn’t hungry. So I shut out the enticing aroma and the sight of all the people around me eating and kept walking. As soon as I left the food court, the craving disappeared. I: Inventory your prior food intake. When deciding whether to indulge a craving, review what you have already eaten that day, particularly at the last meal. Researchers report that such a review triggers the “I’m satisfied” experience. When I had my airport cookie craving, I reviewed what I had eaten that day and realized I’d had enough. This research is consistent with the conclusion of Dr. Edward Abramson, author of Body Intelligence, that “only a small part of our eating is actually triggered by physical hunger.” T: Take time to plan and prepare your meals. When you are looking forward to creating and eating a meal, you are less inclined to snack. If you plan wisely — with fresh ingredients and healthy recipes — you will eat better and, probably, save money because good planning means less waste. In general, home-prepared meals tend to be more nutritious and generally lower in fat than restaurant food. When you sit down to eat, don’t eat until you are stuffed. Try to pause when you are about 75 percent full. Try not to take another bite for 10 minutes or so, at which point you should feel satisfied. Mindful eating will help you eat less while enjoying the food more. Temptations to indulge never go away, and they will challenge you in your efforts to maintain the weight and fitness you desire. But by recognizing them for what they are — i.e., impulses, not genuine hunger — and responding with self-control, you can gain the upper hand over the munchies. Winter Auto Safety To ensure winter time driving safety — if you live in a cold climate — have your vehicle serviced and winterized so it’s ready for winter driving and winter road conditions. Some specific items to be checked are the: Tires: check the tire air pressure and make sure your tires have sufficient tread. Radiator: have the anti-freeze levels checked. Belts: inspect the belts and hoses for cracks or leaks. Oil: ask you mechanic about switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures. Wipers: inspect the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility. Battery: make sure the battery is fully charged. our New Area Code, FAX NUMBER AND Website. Phones (626) 285-5138 • (323) 283-4441 Fax (626) 285-1461 • Toll Free (888) 288-5073 Website: www.larfpa.com 19 PUT YOUR CAR KEYS Eight Foods That BESIDE YOUR BED Help Lower AT NIGHT – NOT A Cholesterol….. 1. Avocados - contain a significant amount of oleic acid, JOKE! a healthy monounsaturated fat that helps boost HDL Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It’s a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar rapist won’t stick around... After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won’t want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime. Special Notice to our Members Any Email correspondence that is addressed to our Association office should state the “Subject matter” under the subject space. This is necessary due to the volume of emails sent to the office. Thank you all for your support. Board of Directors (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol). Avocados are also rich in fiber and a plant chemical called beta-sitosterol, both of which help keep cholesterol in check. 2. Lentils - contain soluble fiber that form a sticky substance that traps cholesterol and helps move it out of the body. Lentils and their kissing cousins, black-eyed peas and kidney, lima and navy beans, come by their reputation as heart protectors with good reason. 3. Edamame - these young green soybeans with a buttery sweet taste are a protein powerhouse, rich in soluble fiber and high in isoflavones, a plant compound that brings down total blood levels of cholesterol. 4. Nuts - about 80 percent of calories in nuts come from fat, but it’s healthy unsaturated fat, not the artery-clogging kind. Nuts are also high in plant sterols, substances that block the absorption of cholesterol. 5. Olive Oil - it doesn’t just make food taste better. The unsaturated fats found in olive oil (and canola and walnut oil) have the added benefit of helping to cut LDL cholesterol levels without affecting HDL. Aim for about 2 tablespoons a day in place of other fats. 6. Pears - contain natural fiber, much of it in the form of pectin, which helps to knock down LDL levels. Suprisingly, fresh pears contain even more pectin than apples do. Pectin binds with cholesterol and ferries it out of the body before it can be absorbed. 7. Tea - both green tea and black tea can help lower cholesterol levels. Green tea is prepared from unfermented leaves and black tea from fully fermented leaves of the same plant. Researchers believe that catechins, a type of antioxidant found in tea, are responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effect. 8. Tomatoes - a significant source of a plant compound called lycopene, which reduces levels of LDL cholesterol. Research shows that the body absorbs more lycopene if the tomatoes are processed or cooked, so drink tomato juice and add tomatoes to your minestrone soup as well. 20 Revised 7/2011 21 From Director Richard Green . . . Potential Concern for Our Vision Our eye sight is a body function upon which we depend in our daily living and yet we give little thought until we note a problem with our vision. Two of the most common eye diseases which we may contract are cataracts and glaucoma. Let’s first discuss glaucoma which affects 2.5 million Americans. It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that causes damage to the optic nerve which transmits what we see to the brain. The disease is known as the Shrinking Attentional Window. We first note gradual loss of peripheral vision which progresses to tunnel like vision and finally to blindness in the infected eye. If undetected or not treated blindness will be inevitable. For most, it starts with those in their 60’s and one is not likely to notice any symptoms of the disease until we lose a segment of our vision; however, an eye doctor can identify glaucoma before significant damage has occurred. Glaucoma causes a loss of peripheral vision, which is the ability to see objects and movement on either side of our direct line of sight when looking straight ahead. This segment of our vision is especially important when driving. While driving and concentrating on what is happening in front of us, our peripheral vision can detect and alert us as to activity occurring on either side of our direct line of sight as we move down the road enabling us to avoid a potential accident. Glaucoma is caused by the increase of pressure in the eye due to the increase of fluid which will damage the optic nerve. The fluid known as aqueous humor is a watery fluid located in the front of the eye’s lens along with vitreous humor, a gel like substance that fills the eye ball behind the lens. Together, they form the pressure in the eye ball maintaining the shape and providing a lubricant in the eye. As the body continues to generate the fluid, pressure builds. To relieve the pressure, the eye and body have ducts and canals to drain the fluid and relieve the excess pressure in the eye. The disease occurs when the ducts and or canals constrict or close reduc- New Members FIRE: Carl A. Cook Joe V. Espinoza Robert N. Hartshorne Gerald E. Jeffery, Jr. Joseph M. O’Gorman Kevin L. Rex Wes Shundo Paul D. Steinbacher Vito Violante James C. Walter POLICE: Julian J. Almaraz Sylvia Bell Paul Bishop Mason C. Burroughs Paul W. Coulter Patrick M. Gannon Timothy C. Harris Robert C. Lequin Liavaa S. Moevao Meliton Orozco Vincent J. Pileggi Linda N. Seybert Cacharel Sarai Smaith Larry R. Taylor Mark Thompson ing the flow, thus causing the pressure to build in the eye damaging the optic nerve leading to irreversible vision loss and the possibility of blindness. The damage is irreversible therefore early detection is a critical factor. Peripheral vision loss can be noted by the individual or eye doctor. When detected there are several options for treatment. Eye surgery and laser treatment are used to open the ducts and canals or eye drops medication which enables the excess fluid to drain from the eye and maintain the desired pressure. There are no obvious symptoms; therefore, regular eye examinations are essential in protecting one’s vision into the future. One method you may use to check your peripheral vision is to stand or sit, look straight ahead and raise your arms to your sides to eye level. Make fists with the thumbs extended up and wiggle your thumbs with your arms 180* from the line of sight. If you have to move your arms forward to see your thumbs you have some loss of peripheral vision. Loss of peripheral vision may be a sign of glaucoma and is an indication that you should see and eye specialist at your earliest convenience.