Area K Resource Kit

Area K Logo
December 13, 2024

Area K is a strong, diverse team of CSEA members and member leaders working to help our students live a fulfilling life and create a thriving future for our members and their families. Because of the vast resources that exist just in our two large counties alone, we've created this page to easily get you to the right place.

The date above is when this page was last updated; contacts are current as of that date.

 

Who Do I Go to for Help?

It depends! Most issues or concerns with your job can be resolved with the assistance of CSEA staff (usually your Labor Relations Representative, or LRR), while other issues such as Chapter governance and the way your union operates can only be handled by Chapter, Regional, or Association leadership. You can also consult with your Standing Committee Area Representative. If you are completely unsure, contact your Chapter President (CP) or the Regional Representative (RR) of your Region first.

 

Resource Kit Index

Quickly tap to a resource here.

Area K Chapters, Regions, and Regional Representatives (RRs)

What Chapter / Region am I located in? Go to My CSEA to find out!

Area K encompasses approximately 24,000 CSEA members across 52 total Chapters in 8 Regions (37 Chapters in San Diego County and 15 Chapters in Imperial County). District K includes 6 Retiree Councils that serve CSEA members living in Area K who have retired from classified service.

Tap the Region number or Chapter name to visit their website.

(Jump to: Region 15 | Region 52 | Region 53 | Region 63 | Region 96 | Region 97 | Region 98 | Region 99)

Region 15

Mark Reagles, RR 15

Serving the Geographical Communities of East County: El Cajon, Dehesa, Grossmont, La Mesa, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, Sycuan Reservation of the Kumeyaay People

CSEA retirees in Region 15 may live closest to Central San Diego Council 5056.

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Region 52

Ahmad Swinton, RR 52

Serving the Geographical Communities of South County: Coronado, National City, San Ysidro, Bonita, Otay Mesa, South Bay

CSEA retirees in Region 52 may live closest to South West San Diego Council 5054.

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Region 53

Susan Zarate-Sandoval, RR 53

Serving the Geographical Communities of the Valley: Calexico, Imperial (including County Office of Education [COE]), El Centro, Heber

CSEA retirees in Region 53 may live closest to Imperial Valley Council 5044.

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Region 63

Carlos Magana, RR 63

Serving the Geographical Communities of North County: Fallbrook, MCB Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, San Marcos, Encinitas, Bonsall, Vista

CSEA retirees in Region 63 may live closest to San Diego North Coastal Council 5052.

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Region 96

Matthew Busacco, RR 96

Serving the Geographical Communities of East County: Lakeside, Borrego Springs, Santee, Alpine, Jamul, Julian, numerous indigenous reservations

CSEA retirees in Region 96 may live closest to Central San Diego Council 5056.

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Region 97

Sylvia Alvarez, RR 97 & Area K Mentor RR

Serving San Diego Unified School District and San Diego County Office of Education (COE)

CSEA retirees in Region 97 may live closest to San Diego Council 5009 or Central San Diego Council 5056.

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Region 98

Maria Bravo, RR 98

Serving the Geographical Communities of the East Valley: Brawley, Holtville, Westmorland, Calipatria

CSEA retirees in Region 98 may live closest to Imperial Valley Council 5044.

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Region 99

Juan Vargas, RR 99

Serving the Geographical Communities of: Escondido, Ramona, Valley Center, Pauma/Yuima and surrounding indigenous reservations, Warner Springs

CSEA retirees in Region 99 may live closest to Escondido Council 5030.

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Area K Elected Leadership

Area K Director
Troy Johnson

Troy was first elected to the CSEA Board of Directors in 2022. He previously served as Alternate Area K Director, Regional Representative (RR) for Region 97, and Chairperson of the Research & Negotiations Committee (R&N). Troy works as the Senior Administrative Assistant in the Special Services Department of the Sweetwater Union High School District and is a proud member and Past President of Sweetwater OTBS Chapter 471.

What is an Area Director?

Alternate Area K Director
Ahmad Swinton

Ahmad was first elected as AAD for Area K in 2023. He currently serves as RR for Region 52 and previously for Region 15. He is one of several CSEA representatives on the VEBA Board of Directors to advocate for better health and welfare benefits for all employees in public education. Ahmad works as a Child Nutrition Accounting Specialist for La Mesa-Spring Valley Schools and is the current Chapter President (CP) of La Mesa-Spring Valley Chapter 419.

What is an Alternate Area Director?

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State-Level Appointments - Area K Representatives

CSEA has several volunteer state-level positions appointed by the Association President (AP) to serve for a two-year term.

Standing Committee Representatives

Standing Committees address various topics and issues across CSEA. Find out more about Committees.

Standing Committee Chairpersons

Area K is proud to have 3 members appointed as Chairs of Standing Committees.

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VEBA, VRC (Resource Center) & Benefits

Ahmad Swinton, California Schools VEBA Board Member

California Schools VEBA is the primary health, welfare, and benefits trust for many Districts in San Diego County. VEBA also operates several VEBA Resource Centers, or VRCs, that provide classes, advice, and services to better members' physical and mental health, and overall well-being. VRCs are located in Kearny Mesa, Mission Valley, and Carlsbad.

CSEA was one of the founding members of VEBA, and in addition to Area K's representation on the VEBA Board of Directors through Ahmad, 2 CSEA staff members and 1 Chapter President from across the state also represent CSEA on the VEBA Board.

VEBA Website

VEBA Resource Centers

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Central Labor Council: San Diego / Imperial Counties (CLC, AFL-CIO)

Miguel Arellano, Labor Council Board Member
Representing San Diego Paraeducators Chapter 759

The Central Labor Council (CLC) is the regional arm of the AFL-CIO, the national organization for America's unions. CSEA is formally affiliated with the AFL-CIO at the national level, but Chapters can join the local CLC to expand its advocacy for labor. Benefits of joining the CLC include networking with other unions, assistance with organizing labor actions for your Chapter, and potentially receiving endorsement and resources for your local political campaigns (local boards of trustees). The San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council wields large influence in our Area and may give your Chapter the opportunity for political assistance your members need to effectively make positive change.

In order to join a CLC, your Chapter must follow the provisions of CSEA Policy 628. Consult with your Regional Representative (RR) as it requires amending your Chapter Constitution plus Association approval.

Miguel represents CSEA de facto through his service on behalf of Chapter 759 as a member of the Labor Council Executive Board.

San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council

Resources for Joining the CLC

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Area K Member Benefits: Local Attraction Discounts

Area K is home to many attractions, and as a CSEA member, you get discounts to many of them for you and your family! Visit our Member Benefits page to learn more about discounts to:

  • Flagship Cruises
  • LEGOLAND
  • Old Town Trolley Tours
  • San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
  • SeaWorld
     

Of course, there are discounts to other well-known theme parks just outside of Area K like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. A CSEA.com login is required to access this page.

Member Benefits Discounts

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Retirement in Area K

COMING SOON: CalPERS Board Election - Troy Johnson

Our Area K Director, Troy Johnson, is running for the CalPERS Board of Administration in 2025. The CalPERS Board is entrusted with overseeing the management, disbursement, and administration of our pension and ensure it is being invested wisely. We need Board members who will protect our pensions from being reduced, attacked, and dismantled by interests whose ultimate mission is to undermine working people.

You will be receiving information from CSEA about Troy's campaign soon. All Area K members are being asked to get involved in Troy's campaign.

CSEA Endorsement for CalPERS Board

CalPERS San Diego Regional Office (Mission Valley)
7676 Hazard Center Dr.
Suite 350
San Diego, CA 92108

The CalPERS Regional Office in San Diego helps members prepare for retirement and inquire about their pension and benefits. Don't forget to contact your Pre-Retirement Resource Committee representative and attend a Pre-Retirement seminar anytime before retiring. Remember, it's never too early to think about retirement.

CalPERS Regional Offices

District K Director (Retiree Unit): Bea Mora

Bea was first elected as the District K Director on the Retiree Unit Executive Board (RUEB) in 2024 after serving as RR for Region 53. She served for several years as the Area K Director prior to Troy succeeding her upon retirement. Bea retired as a Bus Driver / Service Mechanic Helper for the Central Union High School District, was a member of Central Union High Chapter 726, and now serves as CUHSD's newest school board member. She also serves as the Council President for Imperial Valley Council 5044.

The Retiree Unit Executive Board is elected by CSEA retirees, oversees CSEA Retiree Councils across the state, and reports directly to the CSEA state-level Board of Directors. It has no jurisdiction over Active members, but retirees can assist Chapters if authorized by the Chapter Constitution.

More About the Retiree Unit

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Merit System (Personnel Commission) Resources

The merit system is designed to hire, promote, and retain the most qualified classified professionals based on merit and fitness. In merit districts, CSEA members appoint one of the personnel commissioners who oversee the HR office dedicated to classified staff. Area K has strong involvement with merit system districts, including the first community college merit district established in over 50 years.

Area K Merit Chapters (Districts with Personnel Commissions)

The following Area K Chapters have Districts with personnel commissions.

Visit the CSEA Merit System Committee website for additional resources for both current merit Chapters and non-merit Chapters that would like to learn about the system. In addition, the California School Personnel Commissioners Association (CSPCA) can give you additional resources and directly support your personnel commission. CSEA provides a short Merit System Training for members, and CSPCA holds an intensive Merit System Academy for members, District administration, trustees, and anyone interested in learning about merit.

CSEA Merit System Committee

CSPCA Website

Interested in learning more about laws governing merit systems? It's important to know what laws apply to your District, in addition to your local merit system rules and regulations, and your CSEA contract.

Always consult your LRR before attempting to enforce Education Code.

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