Directors Comments by Jon Orellana, Vice President/Acting President

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1 R E A C The Official Monthly Publication of the Retired Employees of Alameda County, Inc. P.O. Box 302, Oakland, CA VOLUME 38 NUMBER 4 APRIL 2017 Directors Comments by Jon Orellana, Vice President/Acting President REAC Board Meetings Appreciation This is my last contribution to the REAC newsletter as after nine years on the board and six years as vice president, the final one as acting president, I chose not to run for reelection. I have to admit it s been an interesting and educational experience. We have endured the financial market collapse in 2008, the pension reform of 2013, Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), and various attacks on defined benefit pension plans. We don t know the extent of the changes that will come from the proposed repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act. There will continue to be challenges in the future, and I expect REAC to continue to remain informed on issues facing retirees and to keep our membership informed on the potential and real impact of changes. In any case, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ACERA Board of Trustees; the ACERA management and staff; the REAC board; and particularly you, the REAC members, for your support during my tenure on the board. I believe REAC has served, and will continue to serve, its purpose as your advocate to ACERA and to keep you informed of issues that relate to you as retirees. I am confident that the new president and vice president of the association will provide the leadership needed to continue to fulfill REAC s mission REAC Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting REAC held its annual luncheon and membership meeting on March 13, 2017, at the Meadows at Redwood Canyon Golf Course in Castro Valley, California. One of the key action items of the membership was to elect three members to the REAC board to serve new three-year terms through March 31, The nominating committee, chaired by Marian Breitbart, reported that there are only three candidates who meet the eligibility requirements to be elected to the board. The eligible candidates are Paul Reeves and Jerry Jacobs, who are current members of the board, and Linda Barbaro who meets the requirements to fill the one position that is being vacated. The three candidates were confirmed by voice vote as governed by the REAC bylaws. Congratulations to the continuing board members and to Linda, the newest member to the board. Subsequent to the business meeting, the association held its semiannual luncheon. Our featured speaker was Ophelia Basgal, the immediate past chair of the Alameda County Employees Retirement System (ACERA). She highlighted some of the important issues facing retirees and the retirement system and explained the importance of investment earnings and projections on the financial health of the system. continued on page 2 April 10, 2017 (Monday) 9:30 am Ala. Cty. Health Care # San Leandro Blvd. San Leandro May 8, 2017 (Monday) 9:30 am Ala. Cty. Health Care # San Leandro Blvd. San Leandro reacwebsite@gmail.com ACERA Trustees Meetings April 20, 2017 (Thursday) 2:00 pm th Street, Oakland May 18, 2017 (Thursday) 2:00 pm th Street, Oakland Welcome New Members Gregory Brum Yolanda Catalan Anthony Douglas Johnny Johnson Carla Kennedy Vimala Kutty Maria Perez Alana Prusinovski Annette Steele

2 Directors Comments continued from page 1 Her presentation was well received and followed up with questions regarding some of the points she made. We would like to encourage members to attend these semiannual events as in addition to catching up with former colleagues, the events offer an opportunity to keep up with current issues facing retirees. California Retired County Employees Association (CRCEA) 2017 Fall Conference REAC is hosting the 2017 CRCEA Conference, October 23 25, 2017, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Emeryville. CRCEA is a coalition of associations of retired county employees from the twenty California counties formed under the County Employees Retirement Law of CRCEA was originally formed over forty years ago and is now organized as a nonprofit corporation representing over 180,000 retired county employees statewide. Its general purpose is to provide a central coordinating group through which the desires and objectives of the local county associations may be advanced. REAC is responsible for organizing and overseeing the operation of the conference. Attendees are primarily from the other twenty associations in California similar to REAC, which operate within the other 1937 Act counties. There will be speakers on various subjects of interest to retirees. So the conference offers an opportunity for REAC members to educate themselves on statewide retiree issues as well as to enjoy some social time. Jerry Jacobs is our representative to CRCEA, and he is coordinating the organization and implementation of the conference. He has identified some general areas in which we need volunteer assistance to ensure the conference is successful. The general areas in which we need volunteer assistance are as follows: registration hospitality reception banquet setup tote bag preparation sound and visual aid support break time assistance Each of these activities requires from two four people and a coordinator. It is possible that you might be able to serve in more than one area. It will take a number of volunteers to ensure the conference runs smoothly. If you can possibly help with this effort, please contact Jerry Jacobs at jjmjacobs@ comcast.net. Let him know what area you are interested in, and he will fill you in on what is needed and the time requirements. Thank you in advance for your willingness to help with this important event. ACERA Investment Report ACERA reported in its February 2017 Performance Report that the fund had gained $125,793,544. The total fund returned 2.05%. The total market value of the fund at the end of February was $7,223,736,822. REAC Newsletter We continue to encourage our members to convert to the electronic version of the REAC News. Our goal is to achieve at least a 50% participation rate. This would significantly decrease our postage and printing costs, which account for approximately 42% of our annual budget. Please be among those who help us reach our goal. If you choose this option, you will receive a monthly telling you when a new version of the REAC News is available along with a link to the document. You can then read it online. You will have access to the newsletter before the hard copies are mailed out so you will be among the first to get the information. You can also read earlier editions on the web site. Look at it this way: you can also help save some trees. To receive the newsletter online, go to the web site, reacsite.org and follow the steps below: 1. Click on the Members Only Resources link 2. Enter the REAC password. (If you don t have the password, submit the information requested, and the password will be ed to you.) 3. Scroll down to the bottom of that page, and you will find a section labeled Electronic Newsletter. 4. Type in your name and address, and then click on Yes, count me in! This completes the registration process. Depending on the day of the month you choose this option, you may receive at least one additional newsletter in the mail. Thank you for being willing to participate in this effort to reduce our costs. 2 April 2017 REAC News

3 Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Retired Employees of Alameda County, Monday, March 13, 2017 The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Jon Orellana, vice president and acting president of the board, at the Redwood Canyon Golf Course and Event Center, Redwood Road, Castro Valley. Roll Call Present were Jon Orellana, Paul Reeves, Jerry Jacobs, Jessie Guiton, Marian Breitbart, Rosalie Masuda, Mike Smart, and Liz Koppenhaver. Also present were Michael Fara, ACERA staff member; Nancy Reilly, member and ACERA alternate retired board member; Alan Turner, member; and Steve Scheinman, director emeritus and member. Previous Meeting Minutes The minutes of the February 14, 2017, board meeting were reviewed. Liz Koppenhaver was listed as attending that meeting, but was actually not in attendance. Paul will amend the minutes to reflect the correction. It was moved by Mike and seconded by Jessie that the minutes be approved as amended. The motion was approved. Announcements and Communications Jon began by informing the board that Jessie will be chairing the April 10, 2017, board meeting. Jon also reminded the board that both a new board president and a new board vice president need to be appointed at that meeting in accordance with Article VII, Section 2 of the bylaws. Jon also recommended that the board quickly decide which members would attend, and report on, the various Retirement Board Committee meetings. Reports Treasurer s Report: Jessie distributed copies of the February 2017 Treasurer s Report. Receipts were $6,114.76, and disbursements were $3, The only unusual items were deposits of $330 and $1,110, which were member checks for the spring luncheon. The report also reflected the transfer of $11,000 to the REAC checking account to cover costs associated with the CRCEA Fall Conference, which REAC is hosting. It was moved by Marian and seconded by Mike that the February 2017 Treasurer s Report be approved as submitted. The motion was approved. Jon reminded the board that we had not yet approved the 2017 directors and officers monthly stipends, which are normally approved in January of each year. Jon recommended that the board identify the stipends by position, rather than the individual occupying that position. This alleviates the need to reapprove the stipends each time the holder of the position changes. Marian moved that the 2017 monthly stipends be approved as currently listed. Jessie seconded the motion, and the motion was approved. ACERA: Michael Fara reported on the March 1, 2017, Retirees Committee meeting. There were no action items and two information items. The first information item was a health care reform update presented by ACERA s benefits consultant (Keenan & Associates). Topics included potential changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the likely impact of the executive order, various options associated with replacement of the ACA, and the potential impact on Medicare if the ACA is repealed. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll (conducted December 13 15, 2016), 47% said the ACA should not be repealed; 28% said to wait until a replacement is announced; and 20% said to repeal immediately and work out the replacement later. The second information item was miscellaneous updates. OneExchange sent reminder notices to members who still had a balance in their Health Reimbursement Accounts for plan year Also, during the reconciliation of the January 2017 payroll, it was discovered that the premiums for the UnitedHealthCare HMO plan were overstated. Refunds for those retirees so affected will be processed with the March 2017 payroll. CRCEA: Jerry reported that he will be attending the CRCEA Conference Committee meeting and would like to be reimbursed for his expenses. Mike moved that Jerry be authorized to attend the CRCEA Conference Committee meeting and that he be reimbursed for his expenses. Liz seconded the motion, and the motion was approved. Jerry also reported that he is meeting in June with the hotel staff regarding the CRCEA 2017 Fall Conference. They will finalize the menu, conference room requirements, and so on. Liz mentioned that Susan Muranishi, Alameda County administrator, might be willing to speak at the conference. Liz also mentioned that Wilma Chan, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 3, might also be willing to speak at the conference. No specific decisions were made. April 2017 REAC News 3

4 SACRS: Jon reminded the board that he is attending the SACRS Spring Conference, May 16 19, 2017, at the Napa Valley Marriott. He encouraged the board to select another board member to attend future SACRS conferences. Retirement Board: There was no additional information to report. Investment Committee: Marian reported that she attended the most recent Investment Committee meeting and will be submitting a report to the board. Heath Care: Jon reported that he, Mike, and Rosalie attended the ACERA Annual Health Care Planning meeting. They discussed the continuing desire to move toward equalization of the maximum on reimbursement for Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier and obtain a more comprehensive explanation for retirees regarding the benefits available from the Premium VSP program. Unfortunately, with the uncertainty surrounding the planned elimination of the Affordable Care Act, much of the information regarding what changes might be necessary are still unknown. There was also a brief discussion regarding potential changes to the annual ACERA Retiree Health Fair and the ACERA Wellness program. Activities: Rosalie reported that 130 individuals have signed up to come to today s luncheon. Jon took a moment and thanked Rosalie for her efforts and also thanked Jessie for helping out with coordinating and the event. Membership and Recruitment: Membership at the end of February 2017 stood at 4,093. REAC News: Jon reported that the next REAC News includes information about the Fall CRCEA Conference as well as a list of the various duties and activities for which we need volunteer help. Other Reports: There was no additional information to report. Old Business: The REAC board s 2017 Goals and Objectives item was carried over to the April 2017 board meeting. New Business: In order to clarify stipend compensation, a minor change to the wording of Article X, Section 5. Compensation, was suggested. It was suggested that the last sentence be changed in part to read, in any other capacity, including an officer of this Corporation, and. Paul moved that the wording change be approved as submitted. Mike seconded the motion, and the motion was approved. For the Good of the Order: Steve Scheinman took a moment to thank and recognize Jon for his efforts in helping to shepherd REAC through challenging times while functioning as both vice president and acting president of the REAC board. Jon adjourned the meeting at 10:45 am. Respectfully submitted by Paul Reeves, Board Secretary Love Your Car. Love Your Loan. Refinance and earn up to $200. Mention this offer or use the promo code LOVELOAN to receive 1% cash back, up to $200. 1stunitedcu.org/autorefinance 1stunitedcu.org (800) Loans are subject to credit approval and cannot be used to refinance an existing 1st United Credit Union loan. Offer ends March 31, Federally insured by NCUA. 4 April 2017 REAC News

5 In Memoriam In deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the following retirees: CARMODY, Douglas J. 2/13/2017 Public Works Agency GARCIA, Juan R. 1/22/2017 Assessor DEF LA ROSA, Evelyn Paterio L. 1/21/2017 Survivor of Emerita P. La Rosa SULLIVAN, Charles W. Public Defender CRAVANAS, Arthur A. 2/3/2017 Superior Court CROSSLEY, M. J. FLORES, Sharron 2/5/2017 GEORGE, Judith 2/19/2017 Auditor-Controller HANSEN, Margie M. Superior Court Survivor of Walter R. Hansen HUGHES, Robert C. Superior Court LEIGHT, Hope M. 1/1/2017 Community Development Agency MARUYAMA, M. Michael 2/11/2017 Auditor Controller MOORE, Patsy R. 1/25/2017 Survivor of John D. Moore TRAMBLE, Sarah 2/20/2017 The surviving spouse of a member is eligible for REAC membership. To enroll, call Jerry Jacobs, membership chair, at (510) Congratulations On Your Retirement BAER, Daniel J. Sheriff s Office DAHU, Nader M. Public Works Agency DEF DAVILA, Angel R. Information Technology DOVE, Billie J. FARVER, Gary D. DEF FINNIE, Helen L. Probation FRANKFORT, Theodore L. Health Care Services Agency GALLO, Ivan C. Community Development Agency GARCIA, Gloria C. HENSLEY, Douglas A. General Services Agency LAFFERTY, Michael Behavioral Health Care Services MALONG, Ignacio T. MARCO, Marilyn G. Behavioral Health Care Services MARINAS, Teresita MENDOZA, Maria A. PINTAL, Alberto M. POBLETE, Rosa PRELLWITZ, Rina M. DEF RICHMAN, Bonita Health Care Services Agency RODRIGUEZ, Ana M. VASQUEZ, Luis G. WEBBER, Gwendolyn A. April 2017 REAC News 5

6 REAC Officers and Directors President, Vice President: To be announced Secretary: Paul Reeves... (510) Treasurer: Jessie Directors: Linda Barbaro...(510) Marian Breitbart... (510) Jerry Jacobs... (510) Liz Koppenhaver... (510) Rosalie Masuda... (510) Mike Smart... Directors Emeriti: Barbara Jean Hallisey... (510) James J. Hartnett, Jr... (925) Ken Moresi... (510) Steve Scheinman... (925) Emily Shea... (510) Janet Waring... (510) Editor: Diane Sturgeon; Membership: Jerry Jacobs, (510) ; Printing and Mailing: Red Arrow Printing REAC S Mission The purpose of the Retired Employees of Alameda County (REAC) is to promote the common good and general welfare of Alameda County retired employees, subject to the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937, by promoting the interests of its members throughout the community by means of social, political, and educational activities that advance the social welfare of such retirees. Moving? Please fill out and mail this notice to the following address: Name: New Address: City/State: Date of Move: Old Address: REAC, P.O. Box 302, Oakland, CA or jjmjacobs@comcast.net Zip Code: Telephone: 4/2017 Also send change of address to ACERA: Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA) th St., Ste. 1000, Oakland, CA Phone: or Select Option 1 for the Retiree Benefits Unit (health, vision, dental, etc.) Retired Employees of Alameda County P.O. Box 302 Oakland, CA April 2017 Nonprofit org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 4174 Oakland, CA ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED C A E R

Directors Comments by Jon Orellana, Vice President/Acting President

R E A C The Official Monthly Publication of the Retired Employees of Alameda County, Inc. P.O. Box 302, Oakland, CA 94604 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER 2016 Directors Comments by Jon Orellana, Vice President/Acting