President's Message by Bill de la Garza Dear Friends, Once again, I’m very proud and humbled that your RELAC Board of Directors has elected me to serve as your President for 2012. I served as your President in 2001 and 2002 and now ten years later I have the privilege to serve you for another 2nd term. Being President of RELAC is not an easy job. It requires a great amount of time, good management and most important, a serious commitment to serve our members. To this end, I again accept my responsibilities and pledge to you that I will work hard in fulfilling the duties of your President. It is important for you to know that the success of RELAC is dependent on the work and efforts of its Board of Directors and standing committees. Our volunteer Directors are individuals who are truly committed to serving retirees and especially the retired employees of Los Angeles County. They recognize that our top priority is to enhance and protect our pension and medical plans and to continue the many services that we provide to our members. I urge you to carefully read your RELAC Newsletter and become familiar with important information that concerns County Retirees and the many Recreation services that RELAC provides. RELAC is the only non-profit organization whose total and only commitment is to serving Retirees of Los Angeles County. RELAC membership is open to all retired employees of Los Angeles County. Sad News and Good News: It is with regret that I inform you that Ida Ramos elected not to be placed on the ballot for our Board of Directors for another three year term. Ida served on the RELAC Board for six years. Her management and leadership skills have been an asset to RELAC. During her tenure with RELAC she served as Vice President and Chairperson of our Office/Management and Newsletter Committees. We will miss Ida, but she has indicated to me she will make herself available to help RELAC whenever she is needed. The good news is that RELAC has two new Board Members. Jason H. Williams was unanimously appointed to fill a Board vacancy. Jason has served RELAC on our Investments and Regional Support committees. Jason brings a multitude of management, investment and people skills to our table. While employed with the County, he served in major executive positions. James “J.P.” Harris was elected to serve on the RELAC Board of Directors for a three year term. J.P. retired in 2010 after 35 years of County service. He served as the Alternate Safety Member on LACERA’S Board of Retirement. J.P. also served as the President of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs. He has a Masters Degree in Leadership from USC. RELAC welcomes Jason H. Williams and J.P. Harris to our Board of Directors. Their backgrounds and credentials will contribute to maintaining the strength of the Board of Directors. On behalf of your Board of Directors and staff, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a healthy and happy 2012. As customary, I leave you with this thought: "The grand essentials of happiness are: Something to do, something to love and something to hope for." Thomas Chalmers