From the President
Amy Gutierrez

     On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to wish each of you and your families a very happy holiday season. The Los Angeles County Chicano Employees Association has had a great year. Among other things, the CEA has been involved in helping numerous employees resolve issues, and has targeted a number of bilingual access concerns in various county departments.
     The CEA is focused on its mission, and intents to keep furthering its mission in the coming year. As the end of this millennium draws near, Latino issues will remain the priority to further strengthen the CEA into the next century.
     Access to health care, particularly by Spanish-speaking individuals, is critical. In my job as a Spanish-speaking pharmacy director, I have been part of a county task force that is working on addressing the issue of the sale of illegal drugs from other countries that are being sold here in Los Angeles County. Some confiscated drugs that were for sale to a largely Spanish-speaking clientele have been banned in this country. The county needs to build trust

with the community. One of the ways to build trust is through language. That's an issue the CEA will continue to work on.
     It's through your support that our advocacy is effective. Thank you again for you support and have a safe and happy new year!

On Point
by Gil Moreno

     We've uncovered some rot at the Department of Children and Family Services.
     It stems from the 30-day suspension in March 1998 of LACCEA member Manuel Gomez, a DCFS Deputy Regional Administrator. His subordinate, Erlinda Morrissey, a Supervising Children's Social Worker involved, quit.
     They were charged with mishandling the case of a minor known as Tyresha J. while they'd worked togheter in Region III. They denied the charges. Tyresha J. died as a result of injuries inflicted by her parents in April 1997, more than 3 months after the appellants had transferred the case to another DCFS regional office.
     Around Feb. 1998, Mr. Gomez was given a Skelly appeal, wich is an informal hearing, named after a California Supreme Court case, where a public employee may explain, deny or debut charges before the suspension. In the letter informing him, Mr. Gomez was also informed, "All written reports and/or documents upon wich this action is based are included for your review."
     Charles Tadlock, the Regional Administrator in Region VII, where Mr. Gomez now works, and Vivian Godina, a personnel representative,

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