Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Epic Fail courtesy of the Judicial Council
We’re all well versed on all of the issues of branch governance. In the latest governance gaffe it appears that the judicial council is getting far more than they bargained for.
We suspect – as we’ve stated before – that the Strategic Evaluation Committee report is being subjected to death by unnecessary study, comment and delay. Since 2006, a wide series of reports culminating in the Strategic Evaluation Committee’s report has highlighted the poor management of both the AOC and their programs. Yet all the judicial council has done has embraced and lauded this mismanagement and protected the managers. If this were a commercial concern, the shareholders would have already replaced the board of directors. If this were a democratic institution, the governed would have replaced all of their representatives.
But this is the Judicial Council, 21 people mostly appointed by the Chief Justice – as long as they have the vision to speak with one voice. To her credit, we must give Cantil-Sakauye credit for permitting the governed to express themselves and actually permitting those comments to be posted on the California Courts website. Under the previous George administration, this would have never happened. We would imagine they’re regretting the results.
Judicial Council Watcher has quite a few more entries to the Judicial Council Watcher hall of fame. Most of those new entries can be found on the California Courts Website. As we have time, we’ll be adding each entry promoting SEC reforms to the Hall of Fame. These visionaries are true judicial branch leadership because they stand for something meaningful to all of us.
A few days ago, retired Judge Charles Horan, one of the founders of the Alliance of California Judges released this scathing letter impeaching the integrity of this rolling comment period after six years of studies. Since then over thirty five judges have sent their comments into invitations@jud.ca.gov. Statistically, 97% of the comments support Judicial Council reforms. About 70% of them support democratization of the judicial council. And one comment even makes reference to us, though not by name. Judge Robert Dukes properly observes that the SEC report just reinforces what we’ve been telling you for the past two years – and what AOC Watcher was telling you way back in 2009.
Judge Julie Conger says it like it is. “The war has begun and recognition of the problem has expanded beyond judges to all court employees, the legislature and the Governors office. It is no coincidence that the judicial branch’s budget has been cut by close to a half-billion dollars, almost precisely the amount wasted by the AOC and by tacit lack of oversight and supervision, the judicial council”
As “anonymous” has noted, this is a revolution and a whole lot of people are constructively working to reform – or overthrow a branch of government. Of course, this kind of rhetoric has some truth to it, though I am sure that those revolutionaries don’t look forward to ending up on some over-reactive DHS no-fly list.
There’s something in the air tonight.
And we’re loving it.
Produced by Yen Interactive Media
Related articles
- The lack of credibility and leadership now emanates from the office of the Chief Justice (judicialcouncilwatcher.wordpress.com)
- JusticeCalifornia Assails Unsettling Tactics by Top Leadership of AOC, Judicial Council; Criticism of Barbara George Abound; Dan Dydzak Avers Retaliation by Howard Rice, Alan Rothenberg (TLR Note: See below) (lesliebrodie.wordpress.com)
- You’re suggesting that the budgeting authority should go to the self-dealers? (judicialcouncilwatcher.wordpress.com)
- Judicial Council Slow-Tracks AOC Reforms (judicialcouncilwatcher.wordpress.com)
- The Strategic Evaluation Committee Report and “The Great Whitewash of 2012″ (judicialcouncilwatcher.wordpress.com)
- Chief Justice Downplays Judicial Branch Reform (judicialcouncilwatcher.wordpress.com)
Judicial Council Watcher 
unionman575
July 7, 2012
More nice work JCW!
🙂
Delilah
July 7, 2012
Yes, I noticed that JCW and AOCW were given indirect mention. Loved it. By now, even its detractors must know that JCW is the premier source of credible information — and thought-provoking speculation — about the inner-workings of the death star.
This quote from the Hon. Patrick Marlette, Sacramento, really stood out for me:
“…Whatever benefit was gained in consolidation is squandered until the AOC is made responsive to the courts, rather than remaining as it is: secretive, duplicitous, and imperious. The reformation will be engineered either by the Judicial Council or by the Legislature, but it will certainly happen.
Be the Judicial Council that recognizes, appreciates and captures the efficiencies of consolidation, but throws off the bloated bureaucracy that now feeds itself at the expense of its constituency. Make this happen and be the hero, rather than letting it happen without you.”
AMEN! Cuz we’re bringin’ it!
Lando
July 8, 2012
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again. Sorry Justice Miller. Your E and P Committee can’t put Humpty together again . We need to democratize the Judicial Council , recall the Chief Justice and implement the SEC report.
The OBT
July 8, 2012
Exactly and a democratized Judicial Council would hopefully end the tyranny of the Executive and Planning Committee headed by J Miller and formerly HRH 1’s chief enforcer J Huffman. While we are on this subject can the CJP also be democratized so J McConnell can be thanked and excused?
The OBT
July 8, 2012
All those that can access the comments to J Millers Executive and Planning Committee should check out retired Judge Olson’s comments. They are powerful and insightful. All his recommendations should be acted on forthwith. Maybe then real reform can come to our branch.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 8, 2012
We would like to remind everyone to submit comments either to us ( judicialcouncilwatcher@hushmail.com ) or directly to the judicial council at invitations@jud.ca.gov. So far, we only have the comments of judges. While we understand that the AOC will publish your name, we’ve offered you a vehicle so that your name isn’t published but your comments are a part of the record.
unionman575
July 8, 2012
http://www.courts.ca.gov/18441.htm
SEC Report Comments
Last updated on July 06, 2012
Written comments received for June 21-22, 2012, Judicial Council Meeting
Hon. Thomas S. Clark, Superior Court of Kern County
Hon. Lester E. Olson (Ret.), Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Daniel S. Lopez, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Leland H. Tipton, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Patrick Marlette, Superior Court of Sacramento County
Hon. Robert A. Dukes, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Candace J. Beason, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Kathleen M. White, Superior Court of Yolo County
Hon. Dan Thomas Oki, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Herbert J. Exarhos, Superior Court of San Diego County
Hon. Jon Stuebbe, Superior Court of Kern County
Hon. Michael G. Bush, Superior Court of Kern County
Hon. Jaqueline Stern, Superior Court of San Diego County
Hon. Brett London, Superior Court of Orange County
Hon. Alan S. Rosenfield, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Ronald L. Bauer, Superior Court of Orange County
Hon. Ernest Sawtelle, Superior Court of Sacramento County
Hon. Mildred Escobedo, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. David G. Brown, Superior Court of San Diego County
Hon. Carla M. Singer, Superior Court of Orange County
Hon. Kenneth C. Twisselman II, Superior Court of Kern County
Hon. Michael Duggan (Ret.)
Hon. Julie Conger (Ret.), Superior Court of Alameda County
Hon. Michael Latin (Ret.), Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Runston Maino, Superior Court of San Diego County
Hon. Earl H. Maas III, Superior Court of San Diego County
Hon. Bobbi Tillmon, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Superior Court of San Mateo County, by Hon. Beth Labson Freeman
Hon. Louis Etcheverry, Superior Court of Kern County
Hon. Charles E. Horan (Ret.), Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Mark Tansil, Superior Court of Sonoma County
Hon. Richard D. Huffman, Associate Justice, Court of Appeal
Hon. William Barry, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Karen Nudell, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Donald S. Kennedy, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Hon. Curtis E. A. Karnow, Superior Court of San Francisco County
Hon. Lauren Weis Birnstein, Superior Court of Los Angeles County
unionman575
July 8, 2012
Thank you to every jurist for sharing your thoughts with the Death Star.
Jimmy
July 12, 2012
After posting comments concerning the SEC report to it he AOC website on a daily basis, there seems to be no new posts. Can’t imagine that the comments aren’t coming in a fast and furious manner! What gives?
Judicial Council Watcher
July 12, 2012
We noticed that too. Here is what we think is happening: The AOC has been receiving comments but the comments submitted thus far aren’t moving in their favor one bit. Peter Allen is probably upping his dosage of prilosec and eating tums like they were lifesavers and has decided that until the tide turns on the comments, they’re simply not going to bother to update. Meanwhile, they’re doing all they can to turn the tide on the comments.
unionman575
July 12, 2012
It’s like a Hurricane JCW that the AOC cannot stop.
🙂
unionman575
July 8, 2012
Get me a bucket!
http://www.courts.ca.gov/4675.htm
Distinguished Service Awards
NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN
Deadline: Aug 1, 2012
Four awards honor individuals who exemplify the strengths of leadership that have improved the administration of justice statewide
• Ronald M. George Award for Judicial Excellence
Honoring members of the judiciary for their extraordinary dedication to the highest principles of the administration of justice statewide
• William C. Vickrey Leadership in Judicial Administration Award
Honoring individuals in judicial administration for significant statewide contributions to and leadership in their profession
• Bernard E. Witkin Amicus Curiae Award
Honoring individuals other than members of the judiciary for their outstanding contributions to the courts of California
• Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award
Honoring individuals from federal, state, and local government for significant contributions to advancing equal access to fair and consistent justice in California
😦
anonymous
July 8, 2012
I think we should all nominate JCW for the Bernard Witken award. Hahahaha!!
unionman575
July 8, 2012
I second that. JCW is a true infomaniac.
🙂
wearyant
July 9, 2012
And it takes one to know one, Unionman! 😀
Been There
July 8, 2012
Perhaps a few more awards are in order:
The Sheila Calabro Award for IT Excellence;
The Ernesto Fuentes Ethics Award;
And surely another award to honor those who will eagerly support any program, expenditure, or boondoggle supported by the CJ, all in a self-serving quest for a seat on the appellate bench — but not too sure which shining example the award should be named for.
Oh, and maybe a Ronald Overholt Home and Garden Award too 🙂
Wendy Darling
July 8, 2012
How about a Grey Goose award? There would be soooooo many qualifying candidates.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
July 8, 2012
Oh I love the Ron-O award.
LOL
unionman575
July 8, 2012
Been There outstanding award suggestions.
wearyant
July 9, 2012
You’d think the DeathStar would give this kind of crap a rest in view of the austerity of the California budget! Time to cut back on their partaking of the Grey Goose martinis prior to issuing these types of bulletins!
Recall Tani!
Long live the ACJ!
Long live the jurists who participated in the SEC comments!
Democratize the Judicial Council!
disgusted
July 9, 2012
I think there needs to be a study on the “awards” and a 30-day comment period before any action is taken.
Wendy Darling
July 9, 2012
Great idea, Disgusted. But first we have to have a committee to determine what the study criteria will be, and then another commitee after that to evaluate the study criteria determined by the first committee, and then, of coarse, another commitee after that to decide who to name the awards after.
Long live the ACJ.
Judicial Council Watcher
July 9, 2012
I don’t know many people who would want a Ronald George or a William Vickrey award regardless of what it was for.
unionman575
July 8, 2012
Wendy I’m thirsty – ooooh – Grey Goose – tasty!
🙂
Wendy Darling
July 8, 2012
Made me laugh, Unionman. Thanks for that!
And I also love the Ron Overholt Home and Garden Award.
unionman575
July 8, 2012
I am thirsty. I am drinking Vodka but NOT Grey Goose. I am a trial court slumdog.
wearyant
July 9, 2012
You guys slay me! (quack, quack! honk, honk!)
The OBT
July 9, 2012
How about the AOC Telecommuter of the Year Award ? It would be a close contest between the Scholar Not in Residence in Virginia and the OGC lawyer who is ” working” from Switzerland . You really can’t make this stuff up.
Lando
July 9, 2012
I like J Bruiners for the Calebro IT award.
Wendy Darling
July 9, 2012
Excellent nomination, Lando.
Perhaps her award prize could be 100,000 lines of CCMS code, you know, considering that the AOC “owns” the code. Oh, wait, no they don’t. Calebro and OGC neglected to write that into the vendor contract.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
July 9, 2012
That code might be worth a trillion bucks…you never know…
Get me a bucket!
Been There
July 9, 2012
Terrific suggestion, Lando. I had originally considered naming the “Spineless, Self-Serving, Suckup Award” (option #3 on my list) for J Bruiners — but alas, the competition for that honor was a bit intense.
But you have opened up the delicious possibility of J Bruiners distinguishing himself ( sort of) by having one award named for him, while at the same time winning an award in another category entirely!
Been There
July 9, 2012
Might I add:
The Tony Soprono “No Show Job” Award for those wishing to rip off the CalPERS pension system by being listed as an AOC employee, when in fact they do not work for the AOC.
unionman575
July 9, 2012
I never knew how “helpful” AOC HR could be to the trial courts…
Click to access jc-20120424-adoc.pdf
Human Resources Services
Labor Relations: The AOC is supporting 15 trial courts in labor negotiations and assisting with the development and implementation of voluntary separation programs in three trial courts. Overtime, the AOC has provided labor relations services to 36 of the 58 trial courts.
Employee Relations: Employee relations assistance is currently being provided to 15 courts. Assistance includes training for court staff, training for court supervisors/managers, employee investigations, performance management, and employee disciplinary actions.
Classification and Compensation: The AOC is assisting the Supreme Court in developing a new classification series and is conducting certain classification reviews for the Superior Court of Madera County and the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, at their request.
Judicial Support Services: The AOC was invited by the Superior Court of Alameda County to participate in its State of the Court meeting. Staff presented an overview of the judges’ state payroll and benefits programs, as well as the Judges Retirement Systems (JRS I and JRS II).
Judicial Branch Workers’ Compensation Program: The AOC assisted two courts with their workers’ compensation claims file reviews by providing consultative support for claims handling strategy. The five-part webinar training series on workers’ compensation claims and program administration continues to be well-attended by courts, with representation from staff from the 56 participating trial courts. The webinars will continue through June.
wearyant
July 9, 2012
Ugh! Gimme a bucket!
Dan Dydzak
July 9, 2012
FYI, to the troops at Judicial Council Watcher and all those who contribute to JCW:
Ronald M. George was duly served with First Amended Summons and First Amended Complaint and related docs in DYDZAK V. DUNN et al. the 9th day of July, 2012.
Shake, rattle and roll–vodka martini time, union man and others who imbibe from time to time. Perhaps like William Powell and Myrna Lloyd from the Tin Man period. Or perhaps more conservatively.
unionman575
July 9, 2012
A memo from “Hot Rod” in San Diego:
Click to access San-Diego-closure-20120702.pdf
wearyant
July 9, 2012
A (younger, newer) judge wrote in asking that the SEC recommendations be implemented immediately. My hope and faith is restored! I thought he was a lost cause. Sorry now that I stared mean pinholes into his body at the coffee shop the other day. Yay! They are waking up! They are aware! Not all the new ones have been indoctrinated or had the Kool-Aid forced down their gullets! There IS hope …
unionman575
July 9, 2012
Yeah Ant let’s keep hope alive!
🙂
anonymous
July 9, 2012
unionman575
July 9, 2012
🙂
It was worth my 3 1/2 minutes.
anonymous
July 9, 2012
You’ll play it back again and again. Much of the same could be said about our branch.
anonymous
July 9, 2012
(you get riled up to the dead space. Then he closes…)
Wendy Darling
July 9, 2012
We used to be a country, and a judicial branch, where telling the truth was valued, and people weren’t punished for doing so.
Used to be.
Long live the ACJ.
unionman575
July 9, 2012
You’ll feel better after our branch “leaders” hang you upside down for a few hours Mexican Prison style and then Wendy you will “see the light”.
BRB gotta refill my drink.
🙂
unionman575
July 9, 2012
http://www.sb-court.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=_BjHurbcggw%3D&tabid=40&mid=395
Steve Nash’s base salary as San Bernardino SC CEO is $204,755.20.
unionman575
July 9, 2012
This give you a snapshot of court CEO salaries from Dec ’09 – they are higher now…
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/03/survey-says-pay-states-court-executives-released/
Survey says: Pay for state’s court executives released
unionman575
July 9, 2012
http://gcc.sco.ca.gov/CompensationDetail.aspx?entity=State&id=4,434&load=ByDepartment&year=2010&EntityName=Judicial Council of California ( ) &Positions=&GetCsu=False&ItemCount=0
Current AOC Director Salary Range;
Minimum: $206,556
Max: $227,196
unionman575
July 9, 2012
As one might see: Nash’s CEO pay at San Bernardino falls somewhere in the current AOC Director range.
You can think whatever you want to think…Watch and see…
🙂
unionman575
July 9, 2012
Tonight’s selection is dedicated to the master of dirty financial tricks Steve Nash:
unionman575
July 9, 2012
Give “Hot Rod” your comments about his plan for San Diego Superior Court here:
http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/portal/page?_pageid=55,1816536&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Judicial Council Watcher
July 9, 2012
We received ONE comment on the SEC report this evening – from San Joaquin County Don’t forget to get your comments in. They will be posted here and forwarded to Michael Paul to deliver to the Judicial Council and be posted around the 15th/16th on the courts website.
Curious
July 10, 2012
It is absolutely imperative that everyone take part in the public comment period, whether going through Mr. Paul, or simply emailing your comment directly to invitations@jud.ca.gov. Believe me, the campaign to undermine the SEC recommendations is gearing up and they will flood the website with comments designed to sway the Chief and the fence sitters on the Council. There are some VERY hardcore folks on the Council who love things just the way they are. The only effective counter is participation during the comment period. Time to do it, folks.
unionman575
July 10, 2012
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20120710/NEWS/307100001/Cases-may-end-up-
Tulare-City-Council-chambers?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFrontpage
Cases may end up in Tulare City Council chambers
11:43 PM, Jul. 9, 2012 |
When the courthouse closes in Tulare next month to save money, it’s possible some cases may end up being heard in Tulare’s City Council chambers or the Visalia Convention Center.
Although the California Judicial Branch spokeswoman questioned was initially unaware of the use of off-site facilities for court cases, the practice is already successfully employed in Visalia, Tulare County Superior Court Administrative Manager Deanna Jasso said.
They use the Visalia City Council chambers and the Visalia Convention Center for minor cases.
“
If we run out of space and just don’t have enough courtrooms, it helps take some of the overflow. It depends on space and needs,” Jasso said.
Jasso said the practice sees an average of 85 Traffic Court cases heard once a week in Visalia City Council chambers, while Small Claims Court cases are heard in the convention center when the need arises.
While the practice has worked well so far for the court system, it is too soon to say if off-site Tulare facilities will also be tapped into, she said.
“When we bring the Tulare caseload into Visalia and Porterville (where a new courthouse is expected to open next year), it will require some additional off-site scheduling,” Jasso said.
T
hey are willing to consider the option if needed, but first the court system will add an additional day at the Visalia Convention Center, Jasso said.
Senior Communications Specialist Leanne Kozak of the state Judicial Branch’s administrative unit investigated the matter and discovered the practice is not unheard of, but so far not tied to the current budget crisis.
“I’m unaware of any similar circumstances in the present fiscal crisis, but some courts in fact share other facilities. They have for years, but not as a response to the current budget crisis,” Kozak said.
Meanwhile, Tulare City Council members seemed open to the suggestion of sharing their chambers with the courts, although no discussions have been initiated.
But the loss of the courthouse on the same block as City Hall will have at least one silver lining, Mayor Wayne Ross said.
“Now [that] we own the block, our parking issues go away,” he quipped during discussion of the closure at last week’s City Council session.
City Manager Don Dorman expressed concern some minor infractions and misdemeanors may end up not being prosecuted because of heavy loads after the closure. Jasso said delays in hearing matters are expected, but all cases will be pursued.
Closure of the Tulare Division has been planned for a while with the construction of the new south county Justice Center in Porterville, but it was moved up to start saving money as soon as possible because of budget cuts.
unionman575
July 10, 2012
Payback is a bitch!
AOC telecommuters get hammered (again)
http://www.10news.com/news/31258771/detail.html
State Court’s Telecommuting Policy Questioned
I-Team Learns Some Workers Who Don’t Live In Calif. Telecommute
POSTED: 6:17 pm PDT July 9, 2012
UPDATED: 6:34 pm PDT July 9, 2012
SAN DIEGO — As the state’s courts run out of money, some are questioning how court leaders are handling their budget, including a decision to allow dozens of employees — some who don’t live in California — to telecommute.
The 10News I-Team learned the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) currently allows 97 employees to work from home or other locations.
“That’s disappointing to know that the leadership of the courts has allowed that to go on,” Vista Judge Dan Goldstein said.
Goldstein and hundreds of other state judges were also critical of the AOC’s spending on simple maintenance items, including hundreds of dollars to change light bulbs in courtrooms.
There were also questions raised about the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on a failed court computer upgrade and after a 10News investigation revealed court leaders spending taxpayer money on steaks and liquor.
Because of the court’s financial shortfall, some courthouses will close and others will have hours cut back. The cuts will limit everyday citizens’ access to justice, according to critics of the closures.
Goldstein and other judges across the state are questioning why some AOC staffing is necessary if they don’t need to show up to the office.
AOC attorney Todd Torr lives the furthest from the AOC’s headquarters in San Francisco. According to the AOC , Torr lives in Geneva, Switzerland, and earns $10,086 a month.
AOC spokesman Philip Carrizosa wrote, “Mr. Torr has been allowed to work from outside California as an alternative to ending his employment.”
Torr is one of 97 state court employees allowed to telecommute, according to the AOC. Some earn as much as $16,000 a month.
An investigation by several state judges recently questioned how the state courts got into its financial situation. One item questioned were the telecommuting employees, including one state lawyer living in Maryland and another in Minnesota.
The report says, “Such telecommuting does not comply” with state policy, that the courts “cannot afford the luxury of such arrangements.”
It also mentions an example when a telecommuting employee was not able to meet with a state judge as requested because they were not available.
”
Court hours are life and death,” former San Diego City Attorney Casey Gwinn said. “The ability to file on a given day when you need protection is life and death.”
Gwinn, who runs the National Family Justice Center, said responsible spending is key to keeping courts open, and with the courts cutting hours, the battered women and children he represents can’t get the protection they need when they need it.
“There are tools that the court provides to family violence victims like restraining orders, like this emergency protection, and if it’s not there at that moment in time, she doesn’t have it and then we just have to keep our fingers crossed,” Gwinn said.
According to state records, the 97 telecommuting employees make up roughly 10 percent of the AOC workforce.
Administrative Office of the Court’s spokeswoman Leanne Kozak sent the follow email after the I-Team’s request for an interview about the telecommuting court staff.
Your request on the subject of telecommuting was forwarded to me. Unfortunately, due to our crushing workload on the budget and related matters right now, no one is available for interviews.
You asked whether telecommuting is beneficial to California. I did a little research, which definitely supports the concept that telecommuting is a widely accepted practice in the 21st Century. Even the feds are out in front. Go figure.
California Dept. of General Services
About Statewide Telework (Telecommuting)
“Appropriately planned and managed, telework is a viable work option that can benefit managers, employees, and customers of the State of California. Telework, called telecommuting in statute, is also an important means by which we can help reduce air pollution, traffic and parking congestion, and demand for office space.” http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/ProgramsServices/telework.aspx
The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (Act)
(http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ292/pdf/PLAW-111publ292.pdf) was signed into law on December 9, 2010. “The Act is a key factor in the Federal Government’s ability to achieve greater flexibility in managing its workforce through the use of telework. Well-established and implemented telework programs provide agencies a valuable tool to meet mission objectives while helping employees enhance work/life effectiveness.”
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Report to Congress 2/11
“President Obama, the Congress, and OPM have all encouraged Federal agencies to expand their use of telework to ensure continuity of operations; find targeted productivity improvements and reduce overhead, real estate, environmental, and transit costs; and improve employees’ ability to manage their work and life obligations.”
“22% telework to some extent”
“67% of these employees teleworked on a regular basis”
“33 agencies reported cost savings/benefits as a result of telework; of these, the greatest benefit was in the area of productivity (39%), then human capital, such as recruitment and retention (37%), and realized savings in leave (34%)”
“Overall, a high percentage of teleworkers appear to be well-positioned to perform their jobs with excellence. When compared with respondents not able to telework, more teleworkers are clear about work expectations (83% versus 79%), are held accountable for results (87% versus 83%), and have a clearer sense of control over work processes (53% versus 44%).”
WorldatWork Telework Trendlines 2009
The number of Americans who worked from home or remotely at least one day per month for their employer increased from approximately 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008. A 39% 2 year increase and 74% increase since 2005.
Guest
July 10, 2012
I am starting to think that Roddy better get the AOC Director job because the judges in San Diego seem pretty restless. I also hear that the San Diego court is a mess under Roddy. He apparently announced a few weeks ago that he needs to layoff over 200 employees but he hasn’t said who or how the layoffs will occur. The employees in San Diego may be joining the judges in running Roddy out of town. Returning to the AOC may not be a choice.
unionman575
July 10, 2012
Roddy’s career is going up in smoke in a hurry…He is one big FUCK UP…This one is for you “Hot Rod”:
JAD
July 10, 2012
This comment follows the News 10 story. . .
“court.news.update@gmail.com
Channel 10 has once again misled its audience about the AOC. To clarify, of the total workforce of 846, only 97 employees (11%) telework, and 86 do so from their home offices once per week or less. An example for perspective: 25% of the federal Office of Personnel Management worked outside the office in 2011.
Only one AOC employee teleworks full time – a temporary arrangement while his spouse is stationed outside the country. There’s a strong business case for the arrangement. Mr. Torr has been a valued employee since 2005, a highly skilled transactional attorney who has successfully assisted more than 16 courts throughout California while teleworking. Mr. Torr returns to S.F. as needed, at his own expense.
Finally, as we have told Channel 10 repeatedly, NO state money has ever been spent on liquor.
Leanne Kozak
Office of Communications
Administrative Office of the Courts
Been There
July 10, 2012
Mr. Torr has been a “valued” employee since 2005; how long has he been telecommuting from Switzerland? In other words, over what period of time has he rendered service to the 16 courts named in the press release?
I am still mystified how it is that a bloated OGC with over 100 attorneys on the payroll is so dependent on the transactional skills of Mr. Torr, that no other attorney in the OGC could do the same work as Mr. Torr, and do it from SF. Sounds like there is a dearth of legal talent in the OGC or something.
unionman575
July 10, 2012
Good old Leanne Kozak is sniffing glue again. Sheesh!
🙂
disgusted
July 11, 2012
Is this (Kozak moment) a joke? I’m so embarrassed by the AOC. We are the largest judicial system in the country and this is what things have come to, whether the “state money” has been spent on their liquor? How much longer can this nonsense go on? Oh, speaking of which, I definitely want to buy in on the movie rights!
Judicial Council Watcher
July 10, 2012
If you’re wondering why the toady community is so quiet, tonight’s post will lay it all out. They’ve just unfolded their strategy and it is priceless.
unionman575
July 10, 2012
What do YOU think about this???????
Click to access SP12-05_RooseveltM.pdf
Click to access SP12-05_AikmanAB.pdf
Been There
July 10, 2012
Mr. Aikman sounds like he’s an applicant for the Vickrey II job. Note to Mr. Roosevelt: the AOC does not give a rip about diversity.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s the AOC employed a secretarial supervisor named Carrie Templeton. All the secretaries (with one exception) and all the exec secretaries to the directors (with one exception) were Filipinas. Carrie, who was Caucasian, boasted to me: “I only hire Filipinas because they do what I tell ’em and they don’t talk back”. I was literally rendered speechless.
Unionman, on that note I am mixing up pitcher of Tanqueray martinis.
Oh, and a note to Leann Kozak, NO state money is being spent on my liquor.
Wendy Darling
July 10, 2012
Note to Mr. Roosevelt: Mr. Fuentes, who is identified in your comments, once stated that he wanted an African American candidate hired into the AOC’s HR Division — for the sole reason that doing so would be “good” for Fuentes’ “statistics.” Which should tell you just how much the AOC cares about “diversity.” Oh, and for good measure, Bluto didn’t want an African American that was “smart.” To put it more directly, Fuentes’ wanted to hire an African American that was “stupid. His own words. And FYI, Fuentes didn’t use the term “African American” – he preferred a more derogative term.
Long live the ACJ.
wearyant
July 10, 2012
Thanks for your input, Been There. I find it totally credible (unfortunately). The AOC cares as much about diversity as they care about the well-being of our trial court judges.
As far as taxpayer funds being spent on steak and liquor that mz leann Kozak staunchly denies, I thought that info was pulled off submitted expense reports from AOC execs?! The lies have worked so well for the AOC in the past, they think that ol’ game should be continued. Well, no! Dealing with the AOCs yammering does tend to drive one to drink!
Been There
July 10, 2012
Thanks, Ant. Wendy’s tale from the Fuentes Reign of Terror is, if possible, even worse.
As for the expense reports, some people thought they were too damn smart and would manipulate them. You could go to Chez Grey Goose with 10 or more of your BFF’s, feast on fabulous foods, put it all on your credit card, and then play with the numbers for each attendee’s DAILY (not just dinner) per diem allowance. It happens all the time and the AOC Accounting Office dares not question,
anonymous
July 10, 2012
Carrie Templeton. That’s a blast from the past. The AOC (and Nash) learned a lot from her. That whole accounting department that won’t ask questions is staffed by meek, submissive asian females. Coincidence?
Been There
July 10, 2012
LOL, Anon. Ms. Templeton was a piece of work! I recall her screaming at me — alas I was a lowly new hire analyst — for “talking to her people.” No one was allowed to talk to these women, we could only talk to Carrie. She ran the secretarial pool like an overseer at Tara.
But her legacy continues: the women she hired are still at the AOC quietly serving. I am not comfortable stereotyping Asian women. Many were immigrants who carried the burden of all newcomers in a strange land, in a different culture, and desperate to have and keep a job.
unionman575
July 10, 2012
Woo Hoo Been There: “Like an overseer at Tara”.
Nice!
Jonas Wilkerson – The Yankee overseer of Tara whom Gerald fires for impregnating
Emmie Slattery. Jonas works for the Freedmen’s Bureau after the war and marries Emmie. He raises taxes on Tara to try to force out the O’Haras, prompting Scarlett’s marriage to Frank Kennedy.
wearyant
July 10, 2012
Unionman, you are such a hoot! Hahaha. I’ve got to watch Gone with the Wind again …
courtflea
July 11, 2012
No Mr. Aikman will never get the Bill V gig. While I did not read his entire comments, Alex has more than pissed off the folks at the AOC over the years. Alex (and yes i know him) is a scholar and is taking a look at the issues from that level, not as a suck up to the AOC but merely giving his take on the issue, wheather you agree or not. Trust me.
JCW was my last comment so bad you would not post?
Judicial Council Watcher
July 12, 2012
Hi courtflea: There are no pending comments in our moderation queue so we don’t even know what your comment was……..
Please go back to the thread you posted to and see if the comment is awaiting moderation – or more likely – and it has happened to us a few times, you tried to post but it did not post.
unionman575
July 10, 2012