1 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:39,000 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: All right, we are live. 2 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:41,767 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay, we're going to call the August 3, 3 00:05:41,767 --> 00:05:45,367 2026 State Personnel Board meeting to order. 4 00:05:45,667 --> 00:05:48,667 I'll take the roll. Baldree? 5 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:52,600 KATHY BALDREE: Present. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 6 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:57,000 KIMIKO BURTON: Here SUZANNE AMBROSE: 7 00:05:57,000 --> 00:06:01,200 Matosantos? ANA MATOSANTOS: Here. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 8 00:06:01,967 --> 00:06:03,967 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Here. 9 00:06:04,967 --> 00:06:08,967 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? DR. GAIL WILLIS: Present. 10 00:06:08,967 --> 00:06:11,600 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Meetings of the State Personnel Board 11 00:06:11,600 --> 00:06:13,600 are open to the public except when specifically noticed 12 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:15,633 otherwise. In accordance with the Meeting Act, Board 13 00:06:15,633 --> 00:06:17,400 may take action on any item listed on the agenda 14 00:06:17,400 --> 00:06:19,500 unless listed information only. Time is approximate, 15 00:06:19,500 --> 00:06:21,700 subject to change and agenda items 16 00:06:21,700 --> 00:06:23,433 may be taken out of order to accommodate 17 00:06:23,433 --> 00:06:26,400 speakers and maintained a quorum. SPBs modify 18 00:06:26,400 --> 00:06:29,700 this board meeting procedures in accordance with Senate Bill 19 00:06:29,700 --> 00:06:31,700 544 regarding remote participation 20 00:06:31,933 --> 00:06:34,967 under Bagley Keen, a live broadcast 21 00:06:34,967 --> 00:06:36,667 only video conference stream of open sessions 22 00:06:36,667 --> 00:06:39,967 may be accessed on the SPB website and interactive Webex. 23 00:06:39,967 --> 00:06:42,367 Teleconference of open sessions 24 00:06:42,367 --> 00:06:46,233 may be accessed by audio and video or by audio phone. 25 00:06:46,233 --> 00:06:50,433 All that information is on the website. 26 00:06:50,967 --> 00:06:54,400 Public comments may be made by attending the San Francisco 27 00:06:54,400 --> 00:06:56,933 teleconference location, the Sacramento public 28 00:06:56,933 --> 00:07:01,133 viewing location for in person commenting. Actually, I think 29 00:07:01,133 --> 00:07:03,767 we have the teleconference location down in LA today, 30 00:07:03,767 --> 00:07:07,733 so you can attend by in person in LA or in Sacramento, 31 00:07:07,733 --> 00:07:11,333 or you can attend via interactive 32 00:07:11,833 --> 00:07:14,833 Webex teleconference or by emailing 33 00:07:16,933 --> 00:07:19,333 oardmeetingcomments@spb.ca.gov. 34 00:07:21,933 --> 00:07:24,767 During the public comment period, WebEx attendees 35 00:07:24,767 --> 00:07:28,567 may submit a comment by raising your hand to alert the host. 36 00:07:28,567 --> 00:07:30,767 All in listeners wishing to participate by phone 37 00:07:30,767 --> 00:07:33,933 may press *3 to raise or lower their hand. 38 00:07:33,933 --> 00:07:35,433 During the public comment period, 39 00:07:35,433 --> 00:07:38,133 commenter will be provided microphone and camera access 40 00:07:38,133 --> 00:07:40,300 so they may address the board and afterwards 41 00:07:40,300 --> 00:07:43,700 the commenter will be returned to observation only status. 42 00:07:43,700 --> 00:07:45,733 If there are any members of the public attending 43 00:07:45,733 --> 00:07:49,200 via Webex who wish to present comments to the board, please 44 00:07:49,200 --> 00:07:52,000 raise your hand now and we'll call on you during the public 45 00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:54,467 comment period. Emailed comments will be read 46 00:07:54,467 --> 00:07:56,900 aloud or summarized during the public comment 47 00:07:56,900 --> 00:08:00,400 period under information discussion items on the agenda. 48 00:08:00,400 --> 00:08:02,467 Copies of all emailed comments will be published 49 00:08:02,467 --> 00:08:04,800 after the minutes for the meeting are approved 50 00:08:04,800 --> 00:08:06,733 at the following board meeting and our meeting facilities 51 00:08:06,733 --> 00:08:09,933 are accessible to individuals with disabilities. 52 00:08:09,933 --> 00:08:13,500 All right, recorded the Executive Officer. 53 00:08:13,500 --> 00:08:15,900 I'm happy to report that we partnered 54 00:08:15,900 --> 00:08:18,733 with DevOps and CalHR and we have gone 55 00:08:18,733 --> 00:08:24,133 live with our new hiring guide for state hiring 56 00:08:24,700 --> 00:08:26,933 managers and we've gotten some good 57 00:08:26,933 --> 00:08:31,133 positive press on it thanks to Gava. 58 00:08:32,700 --> 00:08:36,900 Sally Lee is in our audience today. 59 00:08:38,867 --> 00:08:42,900 She did all the heavy lifting on it with, 60 00:08:42,900 --> 00:08:46,767 of course, you know, Nick Maduro's vision. 61 00:08:46,767 --> 00:08:50,533 So we really appreciate all of your efforts and I think 62 00:08:50,533 --> 00:08:53,867 it's going to go a long way in accelerating state hiring. 63 00:08:53,867 --> 00:08:57,467 So that's my report. Chief Counsel. 64 00:08:57,867 --> 00:09:00,867 ALVIN GITTISRIBOONGUL: Nothing to report. 65 00:09:01,867 --> 00:09:04,867 SUZANNE AMBROSE: CalPERS Report. DR. 66 00:09:05,100 --> 00:09:07,200 GAIL WILLIS: Yes, CalPERS update. 67 00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:10,800 July 2026 CalPERS Board of Administration off 68 00:09:11,200 --> 00:09:13,133 site was held on July 69 00:09:13,133 --> 00:09:16,333 13th through the 15th in Monterey, California. 70 00:09:16,333 --> 00:09:18,533 The Board of Administration participated in the following 71 00:09:18,533 --> 00:09:20,933 educational sessions. Geopolitical Discussion, 72 00:09:22,400 --> 00:09:27,670 Global Public Equity Active Management Process, AI from 73 00:09:27,670 --> 00:09:30,833 the Asset Managers Perspective, The New Operating Environment 74 00:09:30,833 --> 00:09:32,833 Clinical Quality and 75 00:09:32,833 --> 00:09:36,433 Behavioral Health Contracting agency health regents. 76 00:09:37,367 --> 00:09:41,567 AI and primary care fiduciary and battling 77 00:09:42,300 --> 00:09:44,300 king trade 2027-2032 78 00:09:46,833 --> 00:09:50,833 strategic plan development session and also a best 79 00:09:50,833 --> 00:09:52,833 day at CalPERS. 80 00:09:54,600 --> 00:09:57,000 The upcoming board meetings. 81 00:09:58,400 --> 00:10:00,567 The CalPERS Board Administration's next 82 00:10:00,567 --> 00:10:02,500 meeting is scheduled for September 83 00:10:02,500 --> 00:10:04,833 14th through the 16th in the Fechner Auditorium. 84 00:10:04,833 --> 00:10:08,833 That concludes my report. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay, great. 85 00:10:08,833 --> 00:10:10,800 Do any board members have any new business? 86 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:16,800 And do we have any public comments? Did we receive 87 00:10:18,800 --> 00:10:21,800 anything? Okay. Brad, did we receive anything? 88 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:25,800 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: No public comment, no WebEx comments. 89 00:10:25,800 --> 00:10:28,800 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Consent items . 90 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:33,000 Approval of the draft summary open and close 91 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:35,567 minutes from the July 13, 2026 board meeting. 92 00:10:35,567 --> 00:10:37,967 Is there a motion? 93 00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:42,800 KATHY BALDREE: So move. DR. GAIL WILLIS: 94 00:10:42,800 --> 00:10:45,800 Second SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion's been made seconded. 95 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:47,800 Any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 96 00:10:47,800 --> 00:10:51,400 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 97 00:10:52,800 --> 00:10:56,400 KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? 98 00:10:56,800 --> 00:11:00,400 ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 99 00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:04,400 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? 100 00:11:04,767 --> 00:11:06,767 DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 101 00:11:06,767 --> 00:11:10,367 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion passes. Hearing items. 102 00:11:14,767 --> 00:11:17,167 We have two requests 103 00:11:20,767 --> 00:11:22,233 to consolidate. So we have first one 104 00:11:22,233 --> 00:11:25,233 is request to consolidate the Lottery Manager Sales 105 00:11:25,233 --> 00:11:27,733 classification into the Sales Operations Series class 106 00:11:27,733 --> 00:11:33,133 back and then the second one is to consolidate 107 00:11:33,267 --> 00:11:36,767 the Investment Officer CalPERS and Investment Officer CalSTRS 108 00:11:36,767 --> 00:11:38,767 series classifications back. 109 00:11:38,767 --> 00:11:41,767 Is there a motion to approve those? 110 00:11:41,767 --> 00:11:45,967 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: So move. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Second. 111 00:11:47,767 --> 00:11:49,633 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion made and seconded. 112 00:11:49,633 --> 00:11:51,733 Any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 113 00:11:51,733 --> 00:11:55,333 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 114 00:11:55,733 --> 00:11:59,333 KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? 115 00:11:59,733 --> 00:12:02,733 ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 116 00:12:02,733 --> 00:12:06,333 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? 117 00:12:06,733 --> 00:12:08,733 DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 118 00:12:08,733 --> 00:12:11,333 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion passes. We have request to abolish 119 00:12:11,333 --> 00:12:15,667 list eligibility. We have 11 of those department of Forestry 120 00:12:15,667 --> 00:12:20,733 and Fire Protection's request to abolish the Cook Specialist 121 00:12:20,733 --> 00:12:24,267 1 eligibility list and the Cook Specialist 122 00:12:24,267 --> 00:12:27,200 2 eligibility list and the Fire Apparatus Engineer 123 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:29,667 eligibility list and the Fire Captain 124 00:12:29,667 --> 00:12:31,133 eligibility list. 125 00:12:31,133 --> 00:12:34,733 And then Kelly Jarv's request to abolish the 126 00:12:34,733 --> 00:12:38,333 Assistant Industrial Hygienist, Associate Industrial Hygienist, 127 00:12:39,667 --> 00:12:42,667 Senior Industrial Hygienist eligibility list, 128 00:12:43,700 --> 00:12:45,967 their request to abolish the Legal Support Supervisor 129 00:12:45,967 --> 00:12:49,700 series eligibility list and then California Correctional 130 00:12:49,700 --> 00:12:52,433 Healthcare Services request to abolish 131 00:12:52,433 --> 00:12:56,000 the Clinical Psychology Intern eligibility list, 132 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:58,000 the Licensed Vocational nurse, 133 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:00,400 California Department of Corrections 134 00:13:01,467 --> 00:13:03,867 and Rehabilitation eligibility list, 135 00:13:05,100 --> 00:13:08,700 the Public Health Nurse 1 Correctional Facility 136 00:13:09,700 --> 00:13:14,500 eligibility list and then Department of Motor Vehicles 137 00:13:15,700 --> 00:13:18,200 request to abolish the Driver Safety Manager 138 00:13:18,200 --> 00:13:19,700 1 eligibility list and State Hospitals 139 00:13:19,700 --> 00:13:22,133 request to abolish the Senior Psychologist 140 00:13:22,133 --> 00:13:24,700 Health Facility Supervisor eligibility list. 141 00:13:24,700 --> 00:13:29,500 Is there a motion? KIMIKO BURTON: So move. 142 00:13:29,700 --> 00:13:31,667 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Second. 143 00:13:31,667 --> 00:13:33,667 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion been made and seconded. 144 00:13:33,667 --> 00:13:37,267 Any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 145 00:13:37,667 --> 00:13:40,667 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 146 00:13:40,667 --> 00:13:44,267 KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? 147 00:13:44,667 --> 00:13:48,267 ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 148 00:13:48,667 --> 00:13:52,267 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? 149 00:13:53,667 --> 00:13:56,670 DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 150 00:13:58,667 --> 00:14:01,667 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion passes. Okay. 151 00:14:11,667 --> 00:14:13,667 ALVIN GITTISRIBOONGUL: All right. We have the oral 152 00:14:13,667 --> 00:14:15,667 argument. 153 00:14:18,667 --> 00:14:20,667 SUZANNE AMBROSE: 154 00:14:25,633 --> 00:14:28,633 Okay. Okay, great. So we're 155 00:14:33,633 --> 00:14:37,500 going to call the case of Brian Rodriguez 156 00:14:37,500 --> 00:14:39,900 versus California Department Corrections 157 00:14:40,100 --> 00:14:43,700 rehabilitation SPB case number 25-11 62A. 158 00:14:44,200 --> 00:14:49,600 We're going to have oral argument on this matter. 159 00:14:49,667 --> 00:14:52,467 Welcome. Before we begin with the oral argument, 160 00:14:52,467 --> 00:14:54,167 may have the parties and or the representatives 161 00:14:54,167 --> 00:14:57,167 introduce themselves to the record. 162 00:14:57,633 --> 00:15:01,670 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:Okay. Thank you. My name 163 00:15:01,670 --> 00:15:03,267 is (Inaudible) representative with American Federation 164 00:15:03,267 --> 00:15:06,267 of State County Municipal Employees. 165 00:15:06,633 --> 00:15:09,633 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We're having a hard time here. 166 00:15:09,633 --> 00:15:12,600 Let's be moved up there. 167 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:14,600 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Let's move this over. 168 00:15:14,600 --> 00:15:16,600 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 169 00:15:18,600 --> 00:15:21,900 Okay. We're gonna try to switch out the. 170 00:15:21,900 --> 00:15:23,600 Okay. Can you test what it sounds like? 171 00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:25,600 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 172 00:15:32,600 --> 00:15:35,000 Test. Is that better 173 00:15:41,600 --> 00:15:43,600 for the members in LA? 174 00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:46,600 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Yeah. Thank you. 175 00:15:48,600 --> 00:15:52,433 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Okay. Can you state 176 00:15:52,433 --> 00:15:54,633 your name for the record again? RAFA GARCIA: Yes. 177 00:15:54,633 --> 00:15:56,600 My name is Rafa Garcia and I am a union representative 178 00:15:56,600 --> 00:16:00,600 with the American Federation of State County Municipal Police. 179 00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:05,800 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Did everybody hear that clearly? Thank you. 180 00:16:05,800 --> 00:16:09,567 Okay. BRIAN RODRIGUEZ: My name is Brian Rodriguez. 181 00:16:09,567 --> 00:16:11,567 BRETT BARCELLOS: Brett Barcelos, B A, R, C, E, 182 00:16:11,567 --> 00:16:16,300 L, L, O S for the department. SUZANNE AMBROSE: All right. 183 00:16:16,300 --> 00:16:22,300 The board invited the parties to present arguments on material 184 00:16:25,367 --> 00:16:27,933 issues in this appeal. All the parties may raise 185 00:16:27,933 --> 00:16:30,900 arguments framed by the issues in the case. The parties 186 00:16:30,900 --> 00:16:33,133 are requested particularly address the following issue. 187 00:16:33,133 --> 00:16:35,567 What is the proper penalty for the proven misconduct? 188 00:16:35,567 --> 00:16:37,900 Each side is allotted 10 minutes to present 189 00:16:37,900 --> 00:16:43,300 its argument with an additional five minutes. All right. 190 00:16:56,533 --> 00:16:58,533 BRETT BARCELLOS: So me. 191 00:16:58,533 --> 00:17:01,833 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Yes. BRETT BARCELLOS: Okay. 192 00:17:01,833 --> 00:17:05,533 Are we ready to go? SUZANNE AMBROSE: Yes. 193 00:17:05,533 --> 00:17:07,533 BRETT BARCELLOS: Very good. Good morning. 194 00:17:07,533 --> 00:17:10,833 Brett Barcellos, appearing on behalf of CDCR. 195 00:17:10,833 --> 00:17:13,533 The board requested argument this morning 196 00:17:13,533 --> 00:17:18,333 regarding the propriety of the penalty if proven. 197 00:17:18,633 --> 00:17:21,300 If the proof of misconduct 198 00:17:21,300 --> 00:17:24,567 is accepted respectfully, the department submits 199 00:17:24,567 --> 00:17:27,533 the dismissal remains the only and proper penalty. 200 00:17:27,533 --> 00:17:30,400 The issue before the board today is not whether appellant 201 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:33,233 engaged in misconduct. The ALJ sustained multiple 202 00:17:33,233 --> 00:17:36,100 causes for discipline, including inexcusable, 203 00:17:36,100 --> 00:17:38,467 neglected duty, discourteous treatment, 204 00:17:38,467 --> 00:17:41,733 willful disobedience and other failure of good behavior. 205 00:17:41,733 --> 00:17:44,967 The issues whether six months suspension adequately, 206 00:17:44,967 --> 00:17:47,833 adequately protects the public service. 207 00:17:47,833 --> 00:17:52,330 The department argues that it does not. 208 00:17:52,667 --> 00:17:54,933 Under Skelly, the board considers three factors 209 00:17:54,933 --> 00:17:57,767 in determining appropriate the harm or potential 210 00:17:57,767 --> 00:18:01,567 harm to the public service, the circumstances surrounding 211 00:18:01,567 --> 00:18:05,800 the offense and likelihood of reoccurrence. But most 212 00:18:05,800 --> 00:18:09,000 importantly, Skelly instructs that the harm to public service 213 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:13,000 is overriding consideration. Applying those factors compels 214 00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:16,330 one conclusion. Dismissal is the appropriate penalty. 215 00:18:16,330 --> 00:18:20,500 The harm here extended far beyond the inappropriate 216 00:18:20,500 --> 00:18:24,700 workplace relationship. The case involved a licensed 217 00:18:28,500 --> 00:18:31,400 clinical social worker who knowingly violated 218 00:18:31,400 --> 00:18:34,333 CDCR's nepotism policy by concealing 219 00:18:34,333 --> 00:18:37,100 a romantic relationship with an intern. 220 00:18:37,100 --> 00:18:39,467 Assigned to work under his professional 221 00:18:39,467 --> 00:18:41,633 guidance. The policy exists for one reason. 222 00:18:41,633 --> 00:18:44,267 To prevent exactly what occurred here. 223 00:18:44,267 --> 00:18:47,467 It protects both the employee and the integrity 224 00:18:47,467 --> 00:18:50,933 of the department by ensuring that personal relationships 225 00:18:50,933 --> 00:18:52,467 do not compromise professional 226 00:18:52,467 --> 00:18:56,670 judgment or create conflicts of interest. 227 00:18:56,300 --> 00:18:58,833 Rather than disclose a relationship and allow 228 00:18:58,833 --> 00:19:00,833 management to address the conflict 229 00:19:00,833 --> 00:19:03,833 appropriate appropriately, Appellant concealed it. 230 00:19:05,433 --> 00:19:07,367 When the relationship deteriorated. 231 00:19:07,367 --> 00:19:10,400 He attempted to solve the problem by pressuring 232 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:12,467 Ms. Nelson, not himself, 233 00:19:12,467 --> 00:19:14,867 to bear the consequences of the misconduct. 234 00:19:14,867 --> 00:19:19,233 He repeatedly pressured her to leave the RHU unit. 235 00:19:19,233 --> 00:19:23,433 He suggested that she use Low Census as the explanation 236 00:19:23,433 --> 00:19:28,433 for leaving, despite knowing that was not the true reason. 237 00:19:28,433 --> 00:19:33,233 When Ms. Nelson repeatedly explained that leaving Rhu 238 00:19:33,433 --> 00:19:35,367 could jeopardize her internship, delay 239 00:19:35,367 --> 00:19:38,833 her graduate graduation, and significantly impact 240 00:19:38,833 --> 00:19:43,467 her career, the appellant continued to pressure her. 241 00:19:43,467 --> 00:19:46,233 The result was not simple potential harm. 242 00:19:46,233 --> 00:19:48,933 It was actual harm. Ms. Nelson ultimately left 243 00:19:48,933 --> 00:19:52,000 the RHU because she feared appellant would jeopardize 244 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:54,133 her internship and professional future. 245 00:19:54,133 --> 00:19:56,167 That is precisely the type of harm 246 00:19:56,167 --> 00:19:58,800 the CDCR's nepotism policy is designed to prevent. 247 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:01,200 The department's internship program 248 00:20:01,433 --> 00:20:04,433 depends upon interns believing they will be fairly evaluated 249 00:20:04,433 --> 00:20:07,967 professionally and free from personal influence. 250 00:20:07,967 --> 00:20:10,800 When a licensed clinician abuses 251 00:20:10,800 --> 00:20:15,000 this relationship for personal reason, public confidence, 252 00:20:15,900 --> 00:20:20,100 the department's professionalism and integrity is undermined. 253 00:20:20,333 --> 00:20:21,900 The harm here is substantial. 254 00:20:21,900 --> 00:20:25,500 The circumstances of the offense demonstrated 255 00:20:27,267 --> 00:20:30,400 a continuing course of intentional misconduct. 256 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:32,967 This was not an isolated lapse in judgment. 257 00:20:32,967 --> 00:20:36,800 It was a continuing course of intentional misconduct. 258 00:20:36,800 --> 00:20:40,400 The appellant knowingly entered into a prohibited relationship. 259 00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:43,000 He intentionally concealed that relationship. 260 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:46,400 When the relationship began affecting the workplace, 261 00:20:46,400 --> 00:20:47,800 he did not report the conflict. Instead, 262 00:20:47,800 --> 00:20:50,400 he attempted to manipulate the situation. 263 00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:53,567 By convincing Ms. Nelson to leave the unit. 264 00:20:53,567 --> 00:20:56,500 He suggested a false explanation for her transfer. 265 00:20:56,500 --> 00:20:58,167 He threatened to go to her supervisor 266 00:20:58,167 --> 00:21:01,333 if she refused. Even after repeated 267 00:21:01,333 --> 00:21:04,700 leave, she explained that doing so could threaten 268 00:21:04,700 --> 00:21:06,367 her internship, future career. 269 00:21:06,367 --> 00:21:11,670 He still persisted despite their agreement that there 270 00:21:11,670 --> 00:21:15,000 would be no physical displays of affection in the workplace. 271 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:17,467 Appellant intentionally kiss Ms. Nelson while at work, 272 00:21:17,467 --> 00:21:19,367 violating a clearly established workplace 273 00:21:19,367 --> 00:21:21,567 boundary in the Department's EEO 274 00:21:21,567 --> 00:21:24,567 policy prohibiting unwanted physical contact. 275 00:21:26,467 --> 00:21:28,767 Each of these actions required a deliberate choice. 276 00:21:28,767 --> 00:21:32,867 Each represented another decision to place appellant's 277 00:21:32,867 --> 00:21:35,900 personal interest ahead of the department 278 00:21:35,900 --> 00:21:37,933 policy and his own professional obligations. 279 00:21:37,933 --> 00:21:40,933 Viewed collectively, this conduct demonstrates 280 00:21:42,133 --> 00:21:46,333 not mere poor judgment, but an intentional 281 00:21:46,433 --> 00:21:49,330 disregard for the standards expected of a licensed mental 282 00:21:49,330 --> 00:21:52,633 health professional entrusted with supervising others. 283 00:21:52,767 --> 00:21:54,967 The proposed decision concludes that there is little 284 00:21:54,967 --> 00:21:57,633 likelihood of recurrence because of impelling 285 00:21:57,633 --> 00:22:01,833 expressed remorse and had no prior discipline. 286 00:22:02,333 --> 00:22:06,333 Members of the Board. Respectfully, the Department 287 00:22:06,333 --> 00:22:08,700 submits this analysis gives too much weight to post 288 00:22:08,700 --> 00:22:11,167 invasion investigation mitigation and too little 289 00:22:11,167 --> 00:22:14,933 weight to what appellant's actual conduct demonstrates. 290 00:22:14,933 --> 00:22:18,700 The likelihood of reoccurrence is not measured by whether 291 00:22:18,700 --> 00:22:20,533 an employee later expresses regret. 292 00:22:20,533 --> 00:22:25,333 It is measured by the employee's con what the employee's conduct 293 00:22:25,333 --> 00:22:28,333 reveals about his judgment when confronted with competing 294 00:22:28,333 --> 00:22:31,333 personal and professional obligations. Throughout 295 00:22:31,367 --> 00:22:33,333 this relationship, every significant 296 00:22:33,333 --> 00:22:34,833 decision appellant made favored protecting 297 00:22:34,833 --> 00:22:39,330 himself over complying with the Department policy. 298 00:22:40,300 --> 00:22:42,267 He concealed the relationship. 299 00:22:42,267 --> 00:22:47,670 He concealed his violation of the nepotism policy. 300 00:22:47,167 --> 00:22:50,867 He attempted to persuade another employee to provide 301 00:22:50,867 --> 00:22:54,330 false explanations for leaving the unit. 302 00:22:54,330 --> 00:22:56,767 He continually pleasure pressured that employee 303 00:22:56,767 --> 00:22:59,533 after learning that his demands threatened her career. 304 00:22:59,533 --> 00:23:01,100 The Pattern the pattern here demonstrates 305 00:23:01,100 --> 00:23:04,100 something important. When the appellant's 306 00:23:04,300 --> 00:23:08,100 personal interests conflict with the department policy, 307 00:23:08,100 --> 00:23:10,800 he repeatedly chose his personal interest. 308 00:23:10,800 --> 00:23:15,600 That pattern, not his later expressions of remorse, 309 00:23:16,300 --> 00:23:18,500 is the best predictor of future conduct. 310 00:23:18,500 --> 00:23:21,967 The concern is not whether appellant 311 00:23:21,967 --> 00:23:23,767 will engage in another workplace relationship. 312 00:23:23,767 --> 00:23:26,330 The conduct is whether, when faced with another conflict 313 00:23:26,330 --> 00:23:28,967 between the department's policy and the pen's own 314 00:23:28,967 --> 00:23:32,833 interest, the department can reasonably rely upon him 315 00:23:32,833 --> 00:23:36,267 cannot reasonably rely upon him to make the correct 316 00:23:36,267 --> 00:23:40,467 professional decision based upon the proven misconduct. 317 00:23:43,267 --> 00:23:45,100 Department reasonably concludes that it could not trust 318 00:23:45,100 --> 00:23:47,500 the appellant to put 319 00:23:47,800 --> 00:23:52,600 the department in front of his own interests. 320 00:23:52,867 --> 00:23:56,467 Here, the department of the appellant 321 00:23:58,267 --> 00:24:00,733 occupied a position requiring extraordinary 322 00:24:00,733 --> 00:24:02,667 professional judgment. 323 00:24:02,667 --> 00:24:05,267 As a licensed clinical social worker, 324 00:24:05,267 --> 00:24:09,267 he was expected to recognize professional boundaries, 325 00:24:09,267 --> 00:24:13,267 appreciate power and balances, exercise sound ethical judgment, 326 00:24:13,267 --> 00:24:16,267 and serve as a mentor to developing clinicians. 327 00:24:16,267 --> 00:24:17,700 Instead, he exploited the very relationship 328 00:24:17,700 --> 00:24:19,633 he was entrusted to manage professionally. 329 00:24:19,633 --> 00:24:23,330 This case is ultimately about trust. The issue 330 00:24:23,330 --> 00:24:26,233 before the board is not whether appellant possesses technical 331 00:24:26,233 --> 00:24:31,567 skills necessary to perform the duties of a social worker. 332 00:24:31,567 --> 00:24:35,233 The issue is whether department can reasonably, 333 00:24:35,233 --> 00:24:37,670 reasonably rely upon him to exercise sound judgments 334 00:24:37,670 --> 00:24:41,233 when his personal interests conflict with his professional 335 00:24:41,233 --> 00:24:43,400 responsibilities based on those fine. 336 00:24:43,400 --> 00:24:48,330 Based on those findings, the answer is no. 337 00:24:48,330 --> 00:24:50,267 The Department is not required to continue employing 338 00:24:50,267 --> 00:24:53,600 a licensed professional after it has reasonably 339 00:24:53,600 --> 00:24:56,233 lost confidence in that professional's judgment. 340 00:24:56,233 --> 00:24:58,433 Nor is it required to risk future 341 00:24:58,433 --> 00:25:01,433 harm to employees, internship programs, 342 00:25:01,533 --> 00:25:04,233 or public service in the hope that similar 343 00:25:04,233 --> 00:25:06,633 misconduct will not occur again. 344 00:25:06,633 --> 00:25:09,233 The department acknowledges that the appellant 345 00:25:09,233 --> 00:25:13,233 had no prior formal discipline and later explained remorse. 346 00:25:13,233 --> 00:25:15,733 Those are important mitigating considerations. 347 00:25:15,733 --> 00:25:19,200 However, they do not outweigh the seriousness of the proven 348 00:25:19,200 --> 00:25:22,800 misconduct. A previously clean disciplinary record 349 00:25:23,667 --> 00:25:26,567 does not excuse intentional violations of multiple 350 00:25:26,567 --> 00:25:29,800 department policies. Nor does remorse expect 351 00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:33,400 after the discovery restore the department's 352 00:25:33,800 --> 00:25:36,800 confidence in appellant's professional judgment. 353 00:25:37,800 --> 00:25:41,200 The fact that several allegations were not sustained 354 00:25:41,200 --> 00:25:43,200 does not diminish the seriousness 355 00:25:43,200 --> 00:25:46,200 of the ones that were. The sustained findings alone 356 00:25:46,200 --> 00:25:48,600 establish intentional violations involving 357 00:25:49,200 --> 00:25:52,800 Inexcusable and neglected duty, willful disobedience, 358 00:25:53,200 --> 00:25:55,233 discourteous treatment and conduct discrediting 359 00:25:55,233 --> 00:25:57,633 the department standing alone. 360 00:25:58,200 --> 00:26:01,200 Those findings fully support the dismissal. 361 00:26:01,200 --> 00:26:03,267 And I'll close with the department 362 00:26:03,267 --> 00:26:04,833 dismissed appellant. 363 00:26:04,833 --> 00:26:09,633 Not because he engaged in a workplace relationship. 364 00:26:10,167 --> 00:26:12,367 Because what he chose to do after that relationship 365 00:26:12,367 --> 00:26:15,733 created a conflict with his professional 366 00:26:15,733 --> 00:26:19,333 obligations. He knowingly violated department policy. 367 00:26:19,433 --> 00:26:21,733 He concealed those violations. He attempted to protect 368 00:26:21,733 --> 00:26:25,167 himself by pressuring another employee to sacrifice her own 369 00:26:25,167 --> 00:26:28,167 professional future. He repeatedly placed his own 370 00:26:28,167 --> 00:26:32,500 interest above the interest of the department and above 371 00:26:32,500 --> 00:26:35,533 the career of an employee he was entrusted to mentor. 372 00:26:35,533 --> 00:26:37,330 Under Skelly, the overriding considerations 373 00:26:37,330 --> 00:26:40,500 is the protection of public service. 374 00:26:40,500 --> 00:26:42,167 The circumstances here demonstrate 375 00:26:42,167 --> 00:26:45,567 a continuing course of intentional misconduct. 376 00:26:45,567 --> 00:26:47,867 The pattern of appellant's 377 00:26:47,867 --> 00:26:50,200 decision making established a significant likelihood. 378 00:26:50,200 --> 00:26:53,200 When confronted with another conflict 379 00:26:53,333 --> 00:26:57,833 between his personal interests and the department policy. 380 00:26:57,833 --> 00:27:00,133 He will again place his own first. 381 00:27:00,133 --> 00:27:03,133 Under those circumstances, the department reasonably lost 382 00:27:03,133 --> 00:27:06,133 confidence in appellant's professional judgment. 383 00:27:06,133 --> 00:27:10,333 Yeah, one quick. A six month suspension 384 00:27:12,733 --> 00:27:15,867 may recognize the serious of the misconduct. 385 00:27:15,867 --> 00:27:19,133 But it does not restore the judgment, 386 00:27:19,133 --> 00:27:21,833 trust and confidence necessary for continued 387 00:27:21,833 --> 00:27:26,330 employment in his position. Thanks. SUZANNE AMBROSE: 388 00:27:26,133 --> 00:27:30,133 Do any board members have any questions? 389 00:27:30,133 --> 00:27:32,733 DR. GAIL WILLIS: I have a question. 390 00:27:32,733 --> 00:27:37,133 How long did the appellant continue the misconduct? 391 00:27:37,133 --> 00:27:39,133 BRETT BARCELLOS: 392 00:27:42,133 --> 00:27:45,433 Looks like it was over two to three month period. 393 00:27:45,433 --> 00:27:49,633 I believe it was August, September, October, 394 00:27:50,567 --> 00:27:54,167 ending and beginning of November. DR. 395 00:27:55,367 --> 00:28:00,167 GAIL WILLIS: Okay, thank you. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Council, 396 00:28:00,400 --> 00:28:03,100 can you address the issue raised by appellant. 397 00:28:03,100 --> 00:28:06,600 That the policy was more advisory than required. 398 00:28:06,600 --> 00:28:09,600 And the role of appellants. 399 00:28:14,100 --> 00:28:16,100 Appellant's role in decisions around employment? 400 00:28:16,100 --> 00:28:18,100 BRETT BARCELLOS: Well, 401 00:28:18,467 --> 00:28:21,467 you know, the department concedes that appellant's 402 00:28:21,467 --> 00:28:25,167 role was not strictly supervisory in that he, 403 00:28:25,167 --> 00:28:31,167 you know, he wasn't there to hire or fire her. 404 00:28:33,100 --> 00:28:38,767 But he was there as a person to mentor Ms. Nelson. 405 00:28:38,767 --> 00:28:42,367 And that relationship created a power 406 00:28:46,670 --> 00:28:49,133 imbalance because Ms. Nelson's internship supervisors 407 00:28:49,133 --> 00:28:52,733 are going to come to the appellant and ask 408 00:28:52,733 --> 00:28:54,600 him, how is Ms. Nelson doing? 409 00:28:54,600 --> 00:28:58,300 He was going to have a say in her performance. 410 00:28:58,300 --> 00:29:02,670 He is going to have a say in the effectiveness 411 00:29:02,670 --> 00:29:05,300 of her abilities in the position. 412 00:29:05,300 --> 00:29:07,670 So even though 413 00:29:07,670 --> 00:29:11,500 he may not have been her, you know, quote boss. 414 00:29:11,500 --> 00:29:15,670 He was definitely in a position of authority 415 00:29:15,670 --> 00:29:17,700 in that his interpretations of her performance 416 00:29:17,700 --> 00:29:20,670 were going to be weighed in her evaluations. 417 00:29:20,670 --> 00:29:22,670 SUZANNE AMBROSE: 418 00:29:27,330 --> 00:29:29,433 Any other questions? Okay. 419 00:29:34,330 --> 00:29:37,600 Whenever you are ready. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you. 420 00:29:37,600 --> 00:29:39,300 Members of the board, if for whatever reason 421 00:29:39,300 --> 00:29:42,330 you can't hear me. Well, if you could let me know. 422 00:29:42,330 --> 00:29:44,900 We had some technical issues earlier on. 423 00:29:44,900 --> 00:29:47,967 So we are here for state Personnel Board to specifically 424 00:29:47,967 --> 00:29:52,330 look at the variety of six month. 425 00:29:52,330 --> 00:29:55,767 The modification to a six month suspension. 426 00:29:55,767 --> 00:29:58,733 And the ALJ did address this issue when ALJ 427 00:29:58,733 --> 00:30:01,600 referred to Department of Parks and Recreation 428 00:30:01,600 --> 00:30:04,000 versus State Personnel Board, 429 00:30:04,100 --> 00:30:07,330 where it gave three factors that could cause 430 00:30:07,330 --> 00:30:09,733 the State Personnel Board to modify a penalty. 431 00:30:09,733 --> 00:30:11,733 And very importantly, 432 00:30:12,330 --> 00:30:14,330 number three is the cause of discipline is proven, 433 00:30:14,330 --> 00:30:17,633 but is insufficient to support the level of punitive action 434 00:30:17,633 --> 00:30:20,000 taken. And with that, the appellant 435 00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:22,633 request that the SPB continue to revoke 436 00:30:22,633 --> 00:30:24,700 the dismissal and it should be overturned 437 00:30:24,700 --> 00:30:27,533 because the respondent failed to meet 438 00:30:27,533 --> 00:30:31,000 his burden of proving that the appellant committed 439 00:30:31,000 --> 00:30:33,367 all of the alleged misconduct that made 440 00:30:33,367 --> 00:30:36,800 the dismissal an appropriate level of discipline. 441 00:30:36,800 --> 00:30:40,533 The appellant, Mr. Rodriguez, should also be provided 442 00:30:40,533 --> 00:30:43,000 with a just and proper outcome because there was. 443 00:30:43,000 --> 00:30:45,667 There were many charges, but not all of the charges 444 00:30:45,667 --> 00:30:48,733 were the reasons that ultimately came to the modification. 445 00:30:48,733 --> 00:30:52,700 And of the six charges, the ALJ dismissed two. 446 00:30:52,700 --> 00:30:54,567 And those are, as the LJ also noted, 447 00:30:54,567 --> 00:30:56,800 they are two of the most 448 00:30:56,800 --> 00:31:00,000 serious charges, dishonesty and unlawful discrimination, 449 00:31:00,000 --> 00:31:02,600 including harassment. So today we're not asking 450 00:31:02,600 --> 00:31:04,967 the board to excuse any of the conduct. 451 00:31:04,967 --> 00:31:07,300 Rather, we're asking the board to exercise its authority under 452 00:31:07,300 --> 00:31:10,900 the California Constitution and the government 453 00:31:10,967 --> 00:31:12,667 code to determine whether dispute dismissal 454 00:31:12,667 --> 00:31:16,533 is the appropriate penalty. And ultimately, we ask 455 00:31:16,533 --> 00:31:18,967 the board to consider whether permanent 456 00:31:18,967 --> 00:31:21,833 separation from the state services necessary or whether 457 00:31:21,833 --> 00:31:24,467 a lesser penalty adequately protects 458 00:31:24,467 --> 00:31:26,967 the interest of the state. While recognizing 459 00:31:26,967 --> 00:31:30,800 the circumstances in this case. Here, we believe that dismissal 460 00:31:30,800 --> 00:31:33,967 is disproportionate with the things that occurred 461 00:31:33,967 --> 00:31:36,367 within this case. One 462 00:31:38,967 --> 00:31:41,533 of the things that does have to be considered 463 00:31:41,533 --> 00:31:43,967 is the harm to public service, 464 00:31:43,967 --> 00:31:46,500 which we believe is limited in this case. 465 00:31:46,500 --> 00:31:49,233 One of the biggest things is the nepotism policy. 466 00:31:49,233 --> 00:31:52,000 And it was already discussed that the, the appellant 467 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:55,733 was not in a supervisory capacity, and the nepotism 468 00:31:55,733 --> 00:31:59,330 policy specifically addressed that portion of it. 469 00:31:59,330 --> 00:32:01,700 And then it talks about employment 470 00:32:01,700 --> 00:32:04,100 decisions, decisions which is. 471 00:32:04,600 --> 00:32:07,933 Which was referred to as providing feedback, 472 00:32:07,933 --> 00:32:10,167 providing input. So one of the things 473 00:32:10,167 --> 00:32:13,367 regarding that is that the types of questions that were being 474 00:32:13,367 --> 00:32:15,600 asked were no different than you would ask any other 475 00:32:15,600 --> 00:32:17,933 co worker something that like a correctional 476 00:32:17,933 --> 00:32:20,533 officer would be asked. How is somebody doing? 477 00:32:20,533 --> 00:32:23,767 You know, they're doing good. It's no different in this case. 478 00:32:23,767 --> 00:32:26,933 And that is what's on record as well, 479 00:32:26,933 --> 00:32:28,767 that the type of feedback that was actually solicited 480 00:32:28,767 --> 00:32:32,667 was provided was regarding nothing more than what a co 481 00:32:32,667 --> 00:32:37,933 worker would be asked and a co worker would provide. 482 00:32:37,933 --> 00:32:41,500 This is also a place where an internship program 483 00:32:41,500 --> 00:32:44,333 had not been active in several years. 484 00:32:44,333 --> 00:32:45,900 And so essentially, 485 00:32:45,900 --> 00:32:49,900 it would be the equivalent of a new internship program 486 00:32:49,900 --> 00:32:53,000 beginning from scratch, which means that people 487 00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:55,567 weren't trained up to the way that they should have been. 488 00:32:55,567 --> 00:32:58,667 This is especially Important because in The SPB 489 00:32:58,667 --> 00:33:01,667 decision MM95.01 they specifically speak 490 00:33:02,200 --> 00:33:05,400 about there's no proof that appellant received 491 00:33:05,400 --> 00:33:09,500 notice of the current sop. The record does not support 492 00:33:09,500 --> 00:33:11,900 the charge of failing to follow operational procedures. 493 00:33:11,900 --> 00:33:14,900 Similarly here, while there is a policy here, 494 00:33:14,900 --> 00:33:17,900 there was no specific training on how this potential training 495 00:33:17,900 --> 00:33:19,867 could impact the appellant when they're around 496 00:33:19,867 --> 00:33:26,000 how they should be interacting with them. And this is largely 497 00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:29,400 because this was a new program within the area 498 00:33:29,400 --> 00:33:33,667 because of the long time that there had been no program. 499 00:33:33,667 --> 00:33:35,667 Further, Mr. 500 00:33:38,867 --> 00:33:40,867 Rodriguez has been a state 501 00:33:40,867 --> 00:33:43,867 employee for eight years with no disciplinary action. 502 00:33:43,867 --> 00:33:46,333 This is a huge mitigating factor here. 503 00:33:46,333 --> 00:33:49,633 So then based on this the fact that Mr. Rodriguez violated 504 00:33:49,633 --> 00:33:52,567 many of the allegations of the dishonesty. 505 00:33:52,567 --> 00:33:54,867 The ALJ addressed that in the matter 506 00:33:54,867 --> 00:33:57,200 when discussing dishonesty and then 507 00:33:57,200 --> 00:33:59,200 the unlawful discrimination. 508 00:34:00,700 --> 00:34:05,500 And he through the eight years he's demonstrated 509 00:34:05,533 --> 00:34:08,267 a good commitment to public service. 510 00:34:08,267 --> 00:34:11,700 So that should not be overlooked that the mitigating factors 511 00:34:11,700 --> 00:34:13,367 are something that should be weighed 512 00:34:13,367 --> 00:34:15,300 because this is a lapse in judgment. 513 00:34:15,300 --> 00:34:17,567 The relationship still was not considered 514 00:34:17,567 --> 00:34:20,533 was not specifically considered as a way that we believe 515 00:34:20,533 --> 00:34:23,700 the policy was intended to be because of what I 516 00:34:23,700 --> 00:34:26,433 had just mentioned that he was not a direct 517 00:34:26,433 --> 00:34:30,200 supervisor. The type of feedback that he did provide was no more 518 00:34:30,200 --> 00:34:32,133 than any coworker. And then the next 519 00:34:32,133 --> 00:34:35,700 factor that's looked at is also the likelihood 520 00:34:35,700 --> 00:34:38,167 of recurrence which we also believe 521 00:34:38,167 --> 00:34:41,000 is minimal. Mr. Rodriguez had mentioned that he took 522 00:34:41,000 --> 00:34:44,167 responsibility for his actions and the ALJ also correctly 523 00:34:44,167 --> 00:34:48,167 had the opportunity to look at the witnesses determined 524 00:34:48,167 --> 00:34:52,267 the credibility and the judge also determined that there 525 00:34:52,267 --> 00:34:55,833 was a low likelihood of recurrence 526 00:34:55,833 --> 00:35:01,833 under the circumstances. In one of the other cases the 527 00:35:05,833 --> 00:35:08,833 SPB decided. 0305JH the SPB decided that an incident 528 00:35:08,833 --> 00:35:11,000 involving appellant and his wife 529 00:35:11,000 --> 00:35:13,670 was of a highly personal and emotionally charged 530 00:35:13,670 --> 00:35:15,333 nature and is unlikely to recurrent similar 531 00:35:15,333 --> 00:35:17,733 here the moments where they were having 532 00:35:17,733 --> 00:35:20,200 discussions towards the end of their relationship 533 00:35:20,200 --> 00:35:23,800 they were one of a highly emotionally charged 534 00:35:23,800 --> 00:35:26,167 nature and therefore should SPV should also be ruling 535 00:35:26,167 --> 00:35:28,800 similarly that it's unlikely to recur. 536 00:35:28,800 --> 00:35:34,200 Also many of the conversations that are being spoken 537 00:35:34,800 --> 00:35:37,233 of occurred during a private time. 538 00:35:37,233 --> 00:35:40,833 And also many other mitigating factors 539 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:48,800 which the employee has accepted the responsibility, expressed 540 00:35:48,800 --> 00:35:51,200 remorse and also cooperated with the investigation. 541 00:35:51,200 --> 00:35:56,600 Mr. Rodriguez also did provide information about his personal 542 00:35:58,500 --> 00:36:03,433 history during that final week where he was still on site 543 00:36:03,433 --> 00:36:06,800 where he spoke about having a sleep 544 00:36:06,800 --> 00:36:08,900 disorder that caused anxiety. 545 00:36:08,900 --> 00:36:13,100 And this is something that was really affecting 546 00:36:13,100 --> 00:36:15,767 him that week where he wasn't sleeping very well. 547 00:36:15,767 --> 00:36:17,767 And so this medical condition 548 00:36:17,767 --> 00:36:20,900 should also be weighed in in the final decision 549 00:36:20,900 --> 00:36:22,900 whether modification 550 00:36:23,467 --> 00:36:26,767 is necessary and to show that the likelihood 551 00:36:26,767 --> 00:36:30,330 of recurrence is low since he also spoke 552 00:36:30,330 --> 00:36:32,900 about some of his the things that he's done to change 553 00:36:32,900 --> 00:36:36,300 so that he doesn't have the same issue of not having sufficient 554 00:36:36,300 --> 00:36:38,300 sleep. And then 555 00:36:38,367 --> 00:36:43,667 also the penalty of dismissal is too severe given the conduct. 556 00:36:43,667 --> 00:36:46,767 SPB has looked at and has decided on many 557 00:36:46,767 --> 00:36:49,267 cases where when unlawful discrimination 558 00:36:49,267 --> 00:36:52,667 is not present and dishonesty is not present that the SPB 559 00:36:52,667 --> 00:36:55,733 has ruled that termination may be too severe. 560 00:36:55,733 --> 00:37:01,133 There's several examples such as Cable Moore 9612cc 9421TW 561 00:37:04,733 --> 00:37:06,500 9420 Robert Jenkins 9318. 562 00:37:06,500 --> 00:37:08,500 So 563 00:37:12,733 --> 00:37:15,633 those are all cases where state for snowboard 564 00:37:15,633 --> 00:37:17,100 has looked at them. 565 00:37:17,100 --> 00:37:19,133 And under that framework we think 566 00:37:19,133 --> 00:37:21,167 that it would be appropriate to look at that similar 567 00:37:21,167 --> 00:37:23,233 framework where when the two of the most severe matters 568 00:37:23,233 --> 00:37:27,533 are dismissed, that SPB also decides that dismissal 569 00:37:27,533 --> 00:37:31,133 is too severe under those circumstances. 570 00:37:33,200 --> 00:37:35,200 We 571 00:37:37,733 --> 00:37:41,733 also requested the state personnel board give 572 00:37:41,733 --> 00:37:44,600 consideration to the ALJ because they had the opportunity 573 00:37:44,600 --> 00:37:47,700 to look at the facts as they're coming in. 574 00:37:47,700 --> 00:37:51,233 They had the opportunity to see people in real time 575 00:37:51,233 --> 00:37:54,467 as opposed to having to make any other determination. 576 00:37:54,467 --> 00:37:56,933 We believe that ALJ had the best 577 00:37:56,933 --> 00:38:00,700 opportunity to take a look and ALJ ultimately 578 00:38:00,700 --> 00:38:03,167 determined that six months was an appropriate 579 00:38:03,167 --> 00:38:06,700 penalty for this situation and that dismissal 580 00:38:06,700 --> 00:38:09,233 would be way too severe. And then ultimately 581 00:38:09,233 --> 00:38:12,833 the pointing authority did not establish 582 00:38:15,700 --> 00:38:17,533 that employee can no longer be trusted. It was it's even 583 00:38:17,533 --> 00:38:21,330 been said that six months does show that severity here. 584 00:38:21,330 --> 00:38:23,700 And like we said, we're not asking 585 00:38:23,700 --> 00:38:26,300 the state personnel board to excuse Mr. Rodriguez. 586 00:38:26,300 --> 00:38:28,967 We're simply asking for a just improper 587 00:38:28,967 --> 00:38:33,767 outcome here. And six months is equivalent of 588 00:38:35,700 --> 00:38:38,233 approximately 50% pay which does go to show 589 00:38:38,233 --> 00:38:40,300 the conduct there was not something 590 00:38:40,300 --> 00:38:44,000 that the department will tolerate. And that 591 00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:47,667 is some that is a lesson that Mr. Rodriguez has learned 592 00:38:47,667 --> 00:38:51,667 through this that it can come at such a cost. 593 00:38:51,667 --> 00:38:53,867 And we do hope that the personnel 594 00:38:53,867 --> 00:38:57,667 board gives great consideration to the ALJ. 595 00:38:57,667 --> 00:39:02,367 And there's also no evidence that progressive discipline 596 00:39:02,367 --> 00:39:07,667 would not have been effective here. And so we thank 597 00:39:07,667 --> 00:39:10,433 you for your time and we hope that you can give great 598 00:39:10,433 --> 00:39:14,330 way to the ALJ's determination and 599 00:39:16,667 --> 00:39:18,667 modify revoke the dismissal and modify it. 600 00:39:18,667 --> 00:39:20,400 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Thank you. Thank you. 601 00:39:20,400 --> 00:39:22,667 Do any board members have any question? 602 00:39:22,667 --> 00:39:24,667 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 603 00:39:36,633 --> 00:39:38,633 I just want to make sure they can hear you. 604 00:39:38,633 --> 00:39:41,633 Yes, we change the speakers. SUZANNE AMBROSE: 605 00:39:41,633 --> 00:39:43,633 Do any board members have any question? 606 00:39:43,633 --> 00:39:45,533 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: We heard him. No questions. 607 00:39:45,533 --> 00:39:48,533 No questions. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. 608 00:39:50,330 --> 00:39:52,867 Okay. Mr. Barcellos, I guess you have five 609 00:39:52,867 --> 00:39:55,867 minutes for rebuttal. BRETT BARCELLOS: 610 00:39:59,633 --> 00:40:03,833 I would just reiterate this. This case 611 00:40:05,567 --> 00:40:07,967 is not about the relationship. 612 00:40:07,967 --> 00:40:09,967 It's 613 00:40:11,633 --> 00:40:14,200 about how the relationship was handled. 614 00:40:14,200 --> 00:40:18,400 It's about what occurred when the relationship 615 00:40:20,600 --> 00:40:22,600 deteriorated. The appellant 616 00:40:26,600 --> 00:40:29,667 essentially wanted Ms. Nelson to go away. 617 00:40:29,667 --> 00:40:32,367 He wanted to get rid of her. To use his own words. 618 00:40:32,367 --> 00:40:35,400 If he can't have her, he doesn't want to see her. 619 00:40:35,400 --> 00:40:37,733 It put her in a significantly, 620 00:40:37,733 --> 00:40:39,733 to 621 00:40:41,600 --> 00:40:44,000 a significant disadvantage professionally. 622 00:40:44,233 --> 00:40:48,200 There absolutely was an imbalance of power 623 00:40:48,200 --> 00:40:51,200 in the relationship with the appellant 624 00:40:51,200 --> 00:40:53,600 acting as a mentor. The appellant 625 00:40:53,600 --> 00:40:57,633 absolutely was going to have feedback to give 626 00:40:57,633 --> 00:41:00,300 Ms. Nelson's supervisors. The appellant absolutely 627 00:41:00,300 --> 00:41:02,900 violated CDCR policy and he absolutely put 628 00:41:02,900 --> 00:41:07,633 his own interest in front of that of the department. 629 00:41:07,633 --> 00:41:10,330 The department feels that 630 00:41:15,567 --> 00:41:21,567 in any other kind of situation or incident where the appellant 631 00:41:21,567 --> 00:41:25,767 is faced with putting his personal interest 632 00:41:27,167 --> 00:41:30,267 before that of department policy, he will absolutely 633 00:41:30,267 --> 00:41:33,800 choose to be self serving in his decisions. 634 00:41:33,800 --> 00:41:38,600 That's why the department is asking to uphold 635 00:41:39,670 --> 00:41:41,133 a dismissal as just improper. 636 00:41:41,133 --> 00:41:45,933 That concludes my rebuttal. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Board members 637 00:41:47,167 --> 00:41:49,567 have any questions for Mr. Barcellos? 638 00:41:49,567 --> 00:41:51,567 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 639 00:41:54,567 --> 00:41:59,133 Thank you. And one of the things that the ALJ 640 00:41:59,133 --> 00:42:02,133 did address was the comment of can't have her. 641 00:42:02,133 --> 00:42:04,533 And the ALJ also, we believe rightfully 642 00:42:04,533 --> 00:42:08,533 concluded that it was taken out of context of note as well. 643 00:42:08,533 --> 00:42:11,833 At one point, prior to needing to be separately 644 00:42:11,833 --> 00:42:14,567 and with an institution, it was talked 645 00:42:14,567 --> 00:42:19,967 about in the proceedings that there was a moment 646 00:42:21,330 --> 00:42:23,433 where Dr. Nelson did 647 00:42:26,533 --> 00:42:30,133 yell at Mr. Rodriguez, which then 648 00:42:31,330 --> 00:42:34,533 led to the following circumstances of not being 649 00:42:34,533 --> 00:42:36,533 able to work within the same environment. 650 00:42:36,533 --> 00:42:39,533 So it wasn't something that occurred out of nowhere. 651 00:42:39,533 --> 00:42:41,200 There's also the continued 652 00:42:41,200 --> 00:42:44,700 push about the nepotism policy. But even 653 00:42:44,700 --> 00:42:47,100 the managers didn't know what needed to be done. 654 00:42:47,100 --> 00:42:49,500 There was an email exchange that was discussed 655 00:42:49,500 --> 00:42:53,933 in the hearing as well between Dr. Alexander, 656 00:42:53,933 --> 00:42:57,300 which is one of the chiefs on site 657 00:42:57,300 --> 00:43:00,700 where they were requesting advice and where the advice 658 00:43:00,700 --> 00:43:04,200 was simply to have one of them go to a different unit. 659 00:43:04,200 --> 00:43:07,833 And they didn't really know how to deal with the situation. 660 00:43:07,833 --> 00:43:10,500 And ultimately that didn't occur 661 00:43:10,500 --> 00:43:15,500 because it wasn't disclosed by either party at that point. 662 00:43:15,500 --> 00:43:18,333 And then we go back down to the point 663 00:43:18,333 --> 00:43:21,933 as well that with the nepotism policy being vague, 664 00:43:21,933 --> 00:43:23,933 it was also confusing to the appellate 665 00:43:23,933 --> 00:43:26,833 whether that was something that needed to be brought 666 00:43:26,833 --> 00:43:31,633 up at that point. And so we ultimately 667 00:43:32,133 --> 00:43:35,633 believe that the goal of the discipline here 668 00:43:35,633 --> 00:43:42,233 is to ensure that the appellant is not doing anything of similar 669 00:43:42,233 --> 00:43:46,967 nature in the future. And we did say that we're 670 00:43:46,967 --> 00:43:48,467 not asking to excuse the conduct, 671 00:43:48,467 --> 00:43:51,867 but we are asking for a just improper 672 00:43:51,867 --> 00:43:54,200 outcome to come into play. Here. And so we appreciate 673 00:43:54,200 --> 00:43:56,467 your consideration on this matter. 674 00:43:56,467 --> 00:44:00,670 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Any questions from any board members. 675 00:44:00,670 --> 00:44:02,670 Okay. 676 00:44:04,467 --> 00:44:07,467 Well, we want to thank you both matters being submitted. 677 00:44:07,467 --> 00:44:09,467 (Inaudible) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 678 00:44:12,467 --> 00:44:15,633 Thank you. Is there a maximum amount of time 679 00:44:15,633 --> 00:44:19,833 where it takes (Inaudible). Okay, thank you. 680 00:44:25,467 --> 00:44:28,933 SUZANNE AMBROSE: We're going to move into close 681 00:44:28,933 --> 00:44:31,330 sessions, and we'll come back in the open 682 00:44:31,330 --> 00:44:34,433 session at the completion of the close session. 683 00:44:34,433 --> 00:44:36,433 [ CLOSED SESSION ] 684 01:15:16,233 --> 01:15:18,233 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: All right. We are live. 685 01:15:18,233 --> 01:15:20,800 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay, so we're back in open session. 686 01:15:20,800 --> 01:15:25,200 I'll take us through the rest of the agenda. My understanding 687 01:15:25,200 --> 01:15:28,633 the board was just to approve the Draft Regulation, 688 01:15:28,633 --> 01:15:30,633 Section 548.5, 548.40, 548.41, 548.43, 548.52 689 01:15:43,200 --> 01:15:45,200 and 548.120.01. Is there a motion? 690 01:15:45,200 --> 01:15:49,400 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: So move. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Second. 691 01:15:50,200 --> 01:15:51,633 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Move made and seconded. 692 01:15:51,633 --> 01:15:55,200 Is there any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 693 01:15:55,200 --> 01:15:57,200 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. 694 01:16:00,200 --> 01:16:02,200 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 695 01:16:08,200 --> 01:16:11,200 ALVIN GITTISRIBOONGUL: (Inaudible) SUZANNE AMBROSE: 696 01:16:12,200 --> 01:16:14,600 Well, she's there, but... 697 01:16:15,167 --> 01:16:18,167 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: She's frozen on my end as well. 698 01:16:18,167 --> 01:16:20,167 SUZANNE AMBROSE: 699 01:16:23,167 --> 01:16:29,167 Okay. Hello? Yeah. Okay. Okay. Yeah, just go ahead and 700 01:16:35,167 --> 01:16:38,767 call. Okay. Okay. Can you hear 701 01:16:49,167 --> 01:16:52,167 us? Yeah. Okay, no problem. 702 01:16:54,167 --> 01:16:57,167 Okay, so we're voting on the regulations. 703 01:16:57,167 --> 01:17:00,167 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Now we're back. 704 01:17:00,333 --> 01:17:02,333 Okay, SUZANNE AMBROSE: 705 01:17:05,133 --> 01:17:07,133 Okay, we're voting 706 01:17:10,133 --> 01:17:12,133 on the regulation. Sorry. 707 01:17:12,133 --> 01:17:15,733 ALVIN GITTISRIBOONGUL: She came back on. 708 01:17:16,133 --> 01:17:19,133 SUZANNE AMBROSE: She's on, she's on my phone here. 709 01:17:19,133 --> 01:17:23,133 KIMIKO BURTON: Well, I appeared back, so I'm muted. 710 01:17:23,133 --> 01:17:25,133 But I'll keep the call open just in case 711 01:17:25,133 --> 01:17:27,133 the computer glitches again. Sorry. 712 01:17:27,133 --> 01:17:29,767 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Sounds good. Okay. 713 01:17:29,767 --> 01:17:31,533 All right, so let's start then again, we're 714 01:17:31,533 --> 01:17:34,133 voting on the regulations. Your turn. You're up. 715 01:17:34,133 --> 01:17:36,233 KIMIKO BURTON: So I heard everything. 716 01:17:36,233 --> 01:17:40,133 We're about to do the roll call vote, and that's when I... 717 01:17:40,133 --> 01:17:42,000 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. So roll call vote. 718 01:17:42,000 --> 01:17:46,133 So Baldree voted, aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 719 01:17:46,133 --> 01:17:49,733 KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? 720 01:17:50,133 --> 01:17:53,733 ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 721 01:17:54,100 --> 01:17:56,100 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. 722 01:17:56,100 --> 01:17:59,100 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 723 01:17:59,100 --> 01:18:00,867 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Motion passes. 724 01:18:00,867 --> 01:18:02,833 The A cases, A1 through A10. It's my understanding 725 01:18:02,833 --> 01:18:05,133 the board wishes to adopt all proposed decisions. 726 01:18:05,133 --> 01:18:08,100 Is there a motion? KIMIKO BURTON: So move. 727 01:18:08,100 --> 01:18:10,100 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 728 01:18:10,100 --> 01:18:12,400 Second SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion has been made and seconded. 729 01:18:12,400 --> 01:18:14,100 Any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 730 01:18:14,100 --> 01:18:17,700 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 731 01:18:18,100 --> 01:18:21,700 KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? 732 01:18:22,100 --> 01:18:25,100 ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 733 01:18:25,100 --> 01:18:28,700 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? 734 01:18:29,100 --> 01:18:31,100 DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 735 01:18:31,100 --> 01:18:32,800 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Motion passes. 736 01:18:32,800 --> 01:18:34,667 It's my understanding the board wishes to deny 737 01:18:34,667 --> 01:18:37,100 all three petitions for rehearing B1 through B3. 738 01:18:37,100 --> 01:18:39,100 Is there a motion? 739 01:18:39,100 --> 01:18:43,300 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: So move. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Second. 740 01:18:44,670 --> 01:18:47,367 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion has been made and seconded. 741 01:18:47,367 --> 01:18:49,670 Any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 742 01:18:49,670 --> 01:18:51,670 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. 743 01:18:51,670 --> 01:18:53,533 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? Burton? Hello? 744 01:18:53,533 --> 01:18:55,533 Can you 745 01:19:13,670 --> 01:19:16,333 hear me? KIMIKO BURTON: I can. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay, 746 01:19:16,333 --> 01:19:19,567 so we're voting on the denial of the petitions for rehearing. 747 01:19:19,567 --> 01:19:22,567 Okay, Burton? KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. 748 01:19:23,670 --> 01:19:26,667 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. 749 01:19:27,670 --> 01:19:30,667 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. 750 01:19:31,670 --> 01:19:34,330 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 751 01:19:34,330 --> 01:19:35,733 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Motion passes. 752 01:19:35,733 --> 01:19:37,567 It's my understanding. The board's ready to issue 753 01:19:37,567 --> 01:19:39,330 the decision in E1. Is there a motion? 754 01:19:39,330 --> 01:19:42,633 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: So moved. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: 755 01:19:43,330 --> 01:19:46,330 Second SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion then made and seconded. 756 01:19:46,330 --> 01:19:48,330 Any discussion? Roll call vote. Baldree? 757 01:19:48,330 --> 01:19:51,633 KATHY BALDREE: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? 758 01:19:52,330 --> 01:19:55,330 KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? 759 01:19:55,330 --> 01:19:58,633 ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? 760 01:20:00,330 --> 01:20:02,330 SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. 761 01:20:02,330 --> 01:20:05,330 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 762 01:20:05,330 --> 01:20:07,733 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Motion passes. 763 01:20:07,733 --> 01:20:09,400 It's my understanding the board wishes to approve 764 01:20:09,400 --> 01:20:11,967 all of the G's. G1 through G7, J1 and K1. 765 01:20:11,967 --> 01:20:14,330 Is there a motion? 766 01:20:14,330 --> 01:20:18,233 UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: So move. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Second. 767 01:20:19,330 --> 01:20:20,867 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Motion made and seconded. Any discussion? 768 01:20:20,867 --> 01:20:24,000 Roll call vote. Baldree? KATHY BALDREE: Aye. 769 01:20:24,000 --> 01:20:27,600 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Burton? KIMIKO BURTON: Aye. 770 01:20:28,000 --> 01:20:31,600 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Matosantos? ANA MATOSANTOS: Aye. 771 01:20:32,000 --> 01:20:35,600 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Westly? SHAWNDA WESTLY: Aye. 772 01:20:36,000 --> 01:20:39,000 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Willis? DR. GAIL WILLIS: Aye. 773 01:20:39,000 --> 01:20:40,800 SUZANNE AMBROSE: Okay. Motion passes. 774 01:20:40,800 --> 01:20:43,000 That concludes our business for today. Anything else? 775 01:20:43,000 --> 01:20:45,000 Anyone? Meetings adjourned. Thank bye. 776 01:20:45,000 --> 01:20:47,000 ALVIN GITTISRIBOONGUL: Thank you. 777 01:20:47,000 --> 01:20:49,400 KATHY BALDREE: Bye, everyone.