RELAC History
RELAC was incorporated on February 5, 1958 as a non-profit organization consisting of retired employees of Los Angeles County (government) and those on the threshold of retirement. Its purpose was to preserve and promote the general welfare of its members. It has done so ever since.
Over the years we have variously been known by two different names; RELAC and the Alumni Employees of Los Angeles County (AEOLAC). Our organization adopted its final name change on December 20, 1979 when it reverted to RELAC.
During that same period annual dues have fluctuated between $3.00 a year ($ .25 month) to $12.00 a year, to the current $2.00 per month. It's still the best deal around. Not much of an increase over 44 years!
Since 1958 we have seen many changes throughout the county, the state, nation and the world. Some things, however, have remained relatively the same. In 1961 RELAC was hosting its annual picnic in Sycamore Park at 4800 N. Figueroa Street and its general meetings in Patriotic Hall at 1816 S. Figueroa Street. Attendance at the picnic was 400 and at the general meeting about 740. Great turnouts, huh? Just remember, the flight to suburbia had not yet begun, our retirees were then mostly living in Los Angeles County and their lives were more centralized to downtown - RELAC activities were close at hand. Meanwhile, our membership continued to grow over the years from 2,050 in 1961, up to 4,000 in 1964, and continues to grow to this day with over 30,000 general members in the year 2002.
Newsworthy issues were on RELAC's agenda in the early days much as they are today. Your RELAC officers were active during the 1960's in promoting the passage of retirement pay packages and the County adoption of the retirement COLA (cost of living adjustment). During that same period they were likewise actively seeking out better health insurance for retirees. As they did so, they were at the same time advancing the revolutionary idea of paying dues via payroll deduction. More importantly, in 1965 there were discussions about "what if the Medicare Bill passes?" It did on July 1, 1966.
Currently, RELAC is engaged in the defense of our pensions and health benefits against the relentless attacks of their critics.. |
