Ventura County DSA Latest News

January 1, 2021­­­­­­­­­

Hello VCDSA Members,

I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday season.  I wanted to take a moment to let each of you know about some of the important items we will be working on in 2021.  Here is a quick summary.

• VCERA Pension Lawsuit - The Ventura County Employee Retirement Association has filed a court action seeking declaratory relief regarding our medical flexible spending allowance and whether it is pensionable for legacy employees of the County. We strongly believe the medical flexible spending allowance should be pensionable and will continue to advocate for our members on this issue. We are continuing to meet with VCERA, the other labor unions and County officials in an attempt to resolve the issue.  As we get updates, we will send out emails and have Zoom meetings to update the membership.

• Police Reform Legislation – There will be multiple police reform bills coming in the next legislative session. The VCDSA has been working closely with PORAC to monitor the bills and work with our State representatives to educate each of them on the impact of each of the proposed bills. I was also recently elected to serve on PORAC’s Executive Committee and will be working directly with PORAC leadership and our State representatives.  The VCDSA will be sending out emails to let each of you know about these bills has they are created. 

• Negotiations – Our VCDSA contract is set to expire on April 30, 2021. The VCDSA negotiations committee has already been assembled and meeting. We will be sending out a survey as we get closer to negotiations to active members to solicit feedback from each of you regarding what you see as a priority for the next contract.

• Medical Plan Options – This is still very much an issue I and the VCDSA board are working on. Our goal is to be able to offer all members various medical options from different providers at reasonable rates. It is a complicated issue that does not have an easy answer. We are continuing to work with County Human Resources and our medical broker to meet our goal, but I do not have an estimate on when we will be able to reach our goal at this point. 

• VCDSA Wellness – As you may know, we launched our Wellness App in 2020. The VCDSA Board has dedicated to make the wellness of our members a top priority. If you have not downloaded the app please do so.  Weekly emails are being sent to members with instructions on how to access the Wellness App, or you can find them at venturacountydsa.com in the members only section under “Wellness.”.  We will be continuing to offer cash incentives, so continue to check your VCDSA emails. If you are not on the email list, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and ask to be added to the email list.  Just a reminder that we can only utilize your personal email to communicate with our members. 

• In addition to the VCDSA Wellness App, we are working closely with “At-Ease” a non-profit organization that provides confidential counseling services at no cost to our members. They have a new director for the Ventura County region and we expect this resource to expand significantly over the next year. This is an amazing resource and more information can be found on the VCDSA Wellness App.  

There are certainly other issues we will be working on in 2021, but these some of the bigger ones.  I wish you all the best for 2021.  It is an honor to serve each of you!  I am always available by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Please reach out to me with your questions and concerns. 

Sincerely,

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

The Covid-19 Vaccine will be rolled out very soon for administration to VCDSA members who choose to receive it.  Many have expressed concerns with the vaccine and we had the same concerns, so the VCDSA Board decided to do some research to educate ourselves and share it with our members.  One of the first things we learned is that the more medical education a person has, the more likely they are to take the vaccine.  That tells us that information is power.

It is our understanding there will be enough vaccines for all active members who chose to take it during these initial rounds of vaccinations, but we have also learned that if you do not choose to take on the first round, you will likely not have another opportunity to get vaccinated until summer.  Therefore, making your decision on whether to take the vaccine will be upon you quickly,  in the next few weeks at the most, and you want to make sure you make an educated and informed decision.  We hope the information we share in this series of emails helps you in that process.  

FACTS REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINE

FACT: COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19

None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development or in use in the United States, contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development. However, the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

The Covid-19 Vaccine will be rolled out very soon for administration to VCDSA members who choose to receive it.  Many have expressed concerns with the vaccine and we had the same concerns, so the VCDSA Board decided to do some research to educate ourselves and share it with our members.  One of the first things we learned is that the more medical education a person has, the more likely they are to take the vaccine.  That tells us that information is power.

It is our understanding there will be enough vaccines for all active members who chose to take it during these initial rounds of vaccinations, but we have also learned that if you do not choose to take on the first round, you will likely not have another opportunity to get vaccinated until summer.  Therefore, making your decision on whether to take the vaccine will be upon you quickly,  in the next few weeks at the most, and you want to make sure you make an educated and informed decision.  We hope the information we share in this series of emails helps you in that process.  

BENEFITS OF GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINATION

We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated now that COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States. While more COVID-19 vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use. Safety is a top priority, and there are many reasons to get vaccinated.

Below is a summary of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination based on what we currently know. CDC will continue to update this page as more data become available.

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19

• All COVID-19 vaccines that are in development or being distributed are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19.
• Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
• Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Experts continue to conduct more studies about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the severity of illness from COVID-19, as well as its ability to keep people from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

The Covid-19 Vaccine will be rolled out very soon for administration to VCDSA members who choose to receive it.  Many have expressed concerns with the vaccine and we had the same concerns, so the VCDSA Board decided to do some research to educate ourselves and share it with our members.  One of the first things we learned is that the more medical education a person has, the more likely they are to take the vaccine.  That tells us that information is power.

It is our understanding there will be enough vaccines for all active members who chose to take it during these initial rounds of vaccinations, but we have also learned that if you do not choose to take on the first round, you will likely not have another opportunity to get vaccinated until summer.  Therefore, making your decision on whether to take the vaccine will be upon you quickly,  in the next few weeks at the most, and you want to make sure you make an educated and informed decision.  We hope the information we share in this series of emails helps you in that process.  

VIDEOS TO WATCH

The below videos are a little long but they include a significant amount of legitimate information to answer your questions.  You can avoid reading all of the emails we send if you just watch one of these videos.  If you are feeling really bold, take the time to watch both.

This video was put out by LA County Fire.  Just click the link and it will answer all of your questions.  https://vimeo.com/487374971/db6513be1d

This video has two VCMC infectious disease doctors discussing everything you need to know.  It is the same video that was distributed by the Sheriff's department to their personnel.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u5bjhobc4A&t=28s

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

The Covid-19 Vaccine will be rolled out very soon for administration to VCDSA members who choose to receive it.  Many have expressed concerns with the vaccine and we had the same concerns, so the VCDSA Board decided to do some research to educate ourselves and share it with our members.  One of the first things we learned is that the more medical education a person has, the more likely they are to take the vaccine.  That tells us that information is power.

It is our understanding there will be enough vaccines for all active members who chose to take it during these initial rounds of vaccinations, but we have also learned that if you do not choose to take on the first round, you will likely not have another opportunity to get vaccinated until summer.  Therefore, making your decision on whether to take the vaccine will be upon you quickly,  in the next few weeks at the most, and you want to make sure you make an educated and informed decision.  We hope the information we share in this series of emails helps you in that process. 

COVID-19 VACCINE MYTHS DEBUNKED

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked
From newsnetwork.Mayoclinic.org
 
It is likely that you have heard claims about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media or from people in your life. The quick development and approval of a vaccine may increase your hesitancy about its safety or effectiveness. Let's set the record straight on circulating myths about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is not safe because it was rapidly developed and tested.
Fact: Many pharmaceutical companies invested significant resources into quickly developing a vaccine for COVID-19 because of the world-wide impact of the pandemic. The emergency situation warranted an emergency response but that does not mean that companies bypassed safety protocols or didn't perform adequate testing.
Mayo Clinic will recommend the use of those vaccines that we are confident are safe. While there are many COVID-19 vaccine candidates in development, early interim data are encouraging for the Pfizer vaccine which likely is to be the first authorized for emergency use by the FDA in the late December/early January timeframe. This vaccine was created using a novel technology based on the molecular structure of the virus. The novel methodology to develop a COVID-19 vaccine allows it to be free from materials of animal origin and synthesized by an efficient, cell-free process without preservatives. This vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTecH has been studied in approximately 43,000 people.
To receive emergency use authorization, the biopharmaceutical manufacturer must have followed at least half of the study participants for at least two months after completing the vaccination series, and the vaccine must be proven safe and effective in that population. In addition to the safety review by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization has convened a panel of vaccine safety experts to independently evaluate the safety data from the clinical trial. Mayo Clinic vaccine experts also will review the available data. The safety of COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA.

Myth: I already had COVID-19 and recovered, so I don't need to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available.
Fact: There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. This is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. Mayo Clinic recommends getting the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you’ve had COVID-19 previously. However, those that had COVID-19 should delay vaccination until about 90 days from diagnosis. People should not get vaccinated if in quarantine after exposure or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Myth: There are severe side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Fact: There are short-term mild or moderate vaccine reactions that resolve without complication or injury. The early phase studies of the Pfizer vaccine show that it is safe. About 15% of people developed short lived symptoms at the site of the injection. 50% developed systemic reactions primarily headache, chills, fatigue or muscle pain or fever lasting for a day or two. Keep in mind that these side effects are indicators that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and are common when receiving vaccines.

Myth: I won't need to wear a mask after I get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fact: It may take time for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination to get one. Also, while the vaccine may prevent you from getting sick, it is unknown at this time if you can still carry and transmit the virus to others. Until more is understood about how well the vaccine works, continuing with precautions such as mask-wearing and physical distancing will be important.

Myth: More people will die as a result of a negative side effect to the COVID-19 vaccine than would actually die from the virus.
Fact: Circulating on social media is the claim that COVID-19's mortality rate is 1%-2% and that people should not be vaccinated against a virus with a high survival rate. However, a 1% mortality rate is 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu. In addition, the mortality rate can vary widely and is influenced by age, sex and underlying health condition.
While some people that receive the vaccine may develop symptoms as their immune system responds, remember that this is common when receiving any vaccine and not considered serious or life-threatening. You cannot get COVID-19 infection from the COVID-19 vaccines; they are inactivated vaccines and not live viruses. 
It's important to recognize that getting the vaccine is not just about survival from COVID-19. It's about preventing spread of the virus to others and preventing infection that can lead to long-term negative health effects. While no vaccine is 100% effective, they are far better than not getting a vaccine. The benefits certainly outweigh the risks in healthy people.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine was developed as a way to control the general population either through microchip tracking or nano transducers in our brains. 
Fact: There is no vaccine "microchip" and the vaccine will not track people or gather personal information into a database. This myth started after comments made by Bill Gates from The Gates Foundation about a digital certificate of vaccine records. The technology he was referencing is not a microchip, has not been implemented in any manner and is not tied to the development, testing or distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA.
Fact: The first COVID-19 vaccines to reach the market are likely to be messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells in the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. Injecting mRNA into your body will not interact or do anything to the DNA of your cells. Human cells break down and get rid of the mRNA soon after they have finished using the instructions.

Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines are produced using fetal tissue.
Fact: Current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not require the use of fetal cell cultures in the production process. 

Myth: COVID-10 vaccines cause infertility or miscarriage.
Fact: No, COVID-19 vaccines have not been linked to infertility or miscarriage.

A sophisticated disinformation campaign has been circulating online, claiming that antibodies to the spike protein of COVID-19 produced from these vaccines will bind to placental proteins and prevent pregnancy. This disinformation is thought to originate from internet postings by a former scientist known to hold anti-vaccine views.
These postings are not scientifically plausible, as COVID-19 infection has not been linked to infertility. Also, no other viral infection or vaccination-inducing immunity by similar mechanisms has been shown to cause infertility. Antibodies to the spike protein have not been linked to infertility after COVID-19 infection. There is no scientific reason to believe this will change after vaccination for COVID-19.
While there are no formal studies, the best evidence comes from women who got sick with COVID-19 while pregnant. While data clearly indicate pregnant women are at higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection, there is no evidence of increased miscarriage rates.

During natural infection, the immune system generates the same antibodies to the spike protein that COVID-19 vaccines would. Thus, if COVID-19 affected fertility, there already would be an increase in miscarriage rates in women infected with COVID-19. This has not happened.

Myth: I am allergic to eggs so I shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine
Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine nor the Moderna vaccine contain egg.

Myth: COVID-19 vaccines must be stored at extremely low temperatures because of preservatives in the vaccines.
Fact: Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have reported that their vaccines contain no preservatives.

Different vaccines have different storage requirements. For instance, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 degrees Celsius), while Moderna has said that its vaccine needs to be stored at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). Both of these vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response to COVID-19. However, messenger RNA is fragile and can break down easily. Storing messenger RNA vaccines, like these COVID-19 vaccines, in an ultracold environment keeps them stable and safe.
You should not worry about these temperatures. Vaccines are thawed before injection.

We at VCDSA wish all of our members who celebrate a very Merry Christmas.  For those of you working this holiday, we wish you peace and safety.  Thank you all!

Your ballot MUST be in the VCDSA office by 5:00 on Thursday, October 15, 2020.  This is your chance to have your voice heard.  

Things to know:

• If you have not mailed it, you are too late.  It has to be at the office by the time listed above.  We will be counting ballots prior to the arrival of the mail on Friday.
• Please make sure the outer envelope has your name so that we can make sure nobody votes twice (although we would not expect you to).  
• There is a secure dropbox on the wall to the left of the doors at the VCDSA office where you can leave your completed ballot.
• Thank you for taking the time to vote!!

VCDSA, as a part of #UnitytoSparkChange will be co-hosting a drive through trick or treat event at two different locations on Halloween. Please share this information on your social media pages and let your friends and family know.  We hope to see you all there. More information to come soon!

WHEN: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020, 4:30 P.M.
WHERE: Zoom (email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for link)
WHY: NOMINATION OF VCDSA OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES FOR 2-YEAR TERMS BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2021

YOU MUST BE NOMINATED AT THIS MEETING.  YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE SECRETARY AFTER THE MEETING TO ACCEPT NOMINATION AND MUST SUBMIT A CANDIDATE STATEMENT BY SEPTEMBER 25th.

(STATEMENTS TO BE NO MORE THAN 250 WORDS—VCDSA WILL MAIL STATEMENTS TO ALL MEMBERS.)

VCDSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VCDSA RETIREES MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT TRUST

ONE (1) ACTIVE-DUTY TRUSTEE
ONE (1) RETIREE TRUSTEE


Election Schedule Pursuant to VCDSA Bylaws
Nomination Meeting                                   09/18   
Deadline for Candidate Statements             09/25
Ballots distributed by                                  10/02
Ballots returned by                                     10/15
Ballots counted by                                      10/16
Results posted by                                       10/19

Click on photo above or this link to donate.

In observance of Independence Day, the VCDSA office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

PDF of the above information

Another Interesting Article

Below is the link for the scholarship application and information on the scholarship dinner.

Scholarship Info

View webpage

Please review this to assist you in accessing care should you or a family member become ill. We encourage you to plan ahead and have the app set up in advance.

As always, if you have questions about your medical insurance through VCDSA, please contact D’annah Taday by clicking the button below or calling 805-639-9218.

Contact D'annah - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The final day to send in your scholarship application is April 24, 2020.

The office is currently closed to all non-staff but there is a drop box on the wall outside of the office.

Click below for the scholarship application.

Application

Please see the newly updated FAQ regarding coronavirus in the coronavirus section of this website.  It has been updated substantially so please take a minute to review it from start to finish to see if you receive answers to some of your questions.  If not, please contact us at VCDSA.

Until further notice, Brenda Cummings will only be doing conference calling regarding pre retirement counseling.

Brenda will be available Monday thru Friday to answer your retirement questions.

Please contact Kathy Hart at VCDSA. Kathy will then forward your contact information to Brenda

You can contact Kathy at 805-639-9218 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Costco has announced it is temporarily allowing priority access to their warehouses for Costco members who are healthcare workers and first responders. If you present your Costco membership card and VCSO identification you will be allowed to move to the front of the line to enter the warehouse.

The CDC has put this together to help protect law enforcement.

For more information and how to protect yourself click the link below.

SEE ON WEBSITE

Application

VCDSA OFFICE CLOSED TO ANY PUBLIC CONTACT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Dear Members:

We are sad to announce that starting Monday, March 23, 2020, there will be no public access to the VCDSA office so that we can comply with the orders put in place by the County and the State.  We will remain open via telephone and email only.  We appreciate your cooperation in not attempting to come to the office during this time as staff has been instructed there will be no entry.  Below are options for a few things that may be urgent during this time period:

1. Retiree Medical Trust:
   1. If you need to drop off a Retiree Medical Trust form, please either mail it or drop it in the box on the wall outside of the office.  The signature must be an original signature so emailing and faxing are not an option.  Again, please do not ask staff to allow you in the office as they have been instructed not to
   2. If you are expecting to receive a check, Rick Shimmel has advised he will be sending them by mail and there will be no checks distributed in person.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but are doing our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus and protect both our staff and our members.
   3. Rick will be available via email and telephone on Wednesdays.
2. Used Uniforms:
   1. We continue to have used uniforms available to our members but you must call to make an appointment and we will place the boxes of uniforms outside the front door for you to pick out what you need.  Please only take those you need or can use.  For the time being, we will not have a way to charge for them so you will be able to receive them at no cost.
   2. If you think you might need used uniforms please do not delay in obtaining them as we cannot ensure how long we will be able to have staff present to put them outside for you.
3. Notary Services:
   1. Notary services are for emergency notary needs only and are on an appointment only basis. Please call the office at 805-639-9218 to schedule your appointment.  Appointments cannot be guaranteed, but we will make every effort to accommodate you
4. Medical Insurance Questions:  You can contact D’annah Taday during usual business hours for medical insurance questions.  Her email is d’This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the office number is listed above.  Please make sure you have your medical card now because the medical providers are quite busy and difficult to get assistance after hours.

Thank you for your understanding.  We hope that all of our VCDSA members and their families stay well.  These are unprecedented times and unfortunately call for unprecedented measures. 

Please take advantage of this special, limited time deal by one of our trusted local attorneys. It is a win-win-win because you help a local business, support a brother and save a ton of money on something you need.

Information on the special deal

VCDSA members who are registered with this website have access to a document that includes FAQ regarding coronavirus.  You can find it in the member login section under "Member Documents."  These FAQ will be updated frequently so please make sure you check back.  Please also spread the word and share this document.

This document is available in the private Members Only portion of the website in order to protect our members.  If you are a VCDSA member and are not registered for the website or you lost your password, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can get you immediate access.  

In spite of many closures in the community and cancellation of events, VCDSA remains open to continue to care for our members, but we are asking everyone to limit your in-person visits to essential visits and request that you utilize the phone or email in contacting us or shopping at Tri-Counties Police Products.  Your cooperation in this regard will assist in keeping our staff healthy so that we can continue to serve.

We understand that Sheriff’s personnel may need to update their uniform supply to be available to work in the event of staffing shortages.  We have many used uniforms in excellent shape that we will continue to make available at the VCDSA office for our members.  We only ask that only those people who need the uniforms come in for them to limit our staff’s contact with the public so that we can continue to provide services.

For the time being, Tri-County Police Products will be available online only.  We are sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation.  We will continue to be available to ship ordered items immediately to get them to you quickly.  If something is needed urgently, please contact us so we can make arrangements to make that happen.

These are challenges we have not faced before and we appreciate all of you cooperating with our attempts to stay healthy so that we can continue to keep our office running.  Please let us know if you are in need or know someone who is.

Email Kasey regarding someone in need - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anthem has shared some important information about the Coronavirus

Click the links below to learn more about the Coronavirus and any questions that you may have.

What is the coronavirus

Coronavirus Questions

The VCDSA 2020 Scholarship Application is now available. The deadline to have the completed application in the VCDSA office is March 27, 2020.

Application

2020 Endorsments VCDSA

   After 22 years of serving as a Benefits Manager, Barbara Dwyer has decided to enjoy the next chapter of life, retiring effective January 1, 2020. 

   We are excited to welcome D’annah Taday (pronounced Dee-anna) as the VCDSA Benefits Manager.  Prior to joining the team at VCDSA,  D’annah worked in various roles involving human resources related duties.  She was able to work for a time with Barbara to learn the details of this challenging position and we look forward to enjoying the benefit of her positive nature and can-do attitude as she works to support our members for a long time in the future.   

   D’annah is married and they keep busy chasing 14-month-old Sebastian.  We are very excited to see her grow in her position and support our mission and goals.  Please join us in welcoming, D’annah to the VCDSA!  If you have any questions, or if you have any difficulties with your insurance, please contact D'annah via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  She can assist you with benefits questions, claim difficulties, or other insurance questions.  Please do not struggle through medical insurance difficulties alone.  We are here to help!