By the second week of May, Assembly and Senate members returned to Sacramento to continue the work they began before recessing per the governor’s stay-at-home order on March 16. However, with many professions, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the way the California Legislature will be doing its job, which in turn, has changed the way we do ours. While many of the processes for submitting position letters have remained the same, we are experiencing major shifts in the way we meet with legislators, staff and stakeholders on bills and the way we testify in hearings. Due to the guidance on physical distancing, the committee hearings are extremely limited for the press and the public. Read More
Capitol Beat – New Legislative Normal?
On March 6, 2020, one of the great pioneers in California law enforcement advocacy and PORAC history was laid to rest. You’ll find a special feature in this month’s issue of PORAC Law Enforcement News on page 16 memorializing the contributions and legacy of Rick Baratta, which included some extensive time as a member of PORAC’s leadership. Read More
PORAC Chapter Profile – Central Coast Chapter
With law enforcement increasingly under attack, the Central Coast Chapter firmly believes that being united is the key to overcoming any obstacles the chapter or PORAC may face. Read More
In Memoriam – Rick Baratta
It’s with great sadness we say goodbye to Rick Baratta, a life member since 1956 and cornerstone of PORAC. Rick not only spent many fruitful years as PORAC's general manager and editor of this very publication, but was critical in helping implement many of the programs used by California law enforcement officers today. Rick passed away peacefully at his home in March after battling a series of illnesses. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth; three children Richard, Brian and Judy; grandchildren; brothers Kenneth and Peter; and German Shepherds Chooch and Charlie. Read More
Sewing For An Important Cause
For years, Lavi Farcas would unwind from her job as a dispatcher by spending her free time sewing clothes, pillows and bedding material for her family and loved ones. But since the coronavirus began spreading across the country earlier this year and putting those on the front lines at increased risk, Farcas has turned her passion into a philanthropic project by making masks for PORAC members throughout the Inland Chapter. Read More