O.C. Workers Left Dispirited Over Holidays

A wave of uncertainty, fear and anger swept through many county offices two days before Christmas as anxious employees wondered if they would have jobs to come back to after the holidays.

As of late Friday, most of the 18,000 county employees didn’t know what to expect or how the dramatic budget cuts announced by the county the day before would affect them personally.

“It’s the not knowing what is going to happen that is so upsetting,” said 51-year-old Jim Dukette, who has worked for the county Community Services Agency for 24 years. “If people could find out specifics, then they could deal with it.”

Most of the county’s employees worked in stunned silence Friday, still reeling from news that $40.2 million has been slashed from the county budget. The action was taken Thursday, 2 1/2 weeks after the County Board of Supervisors was forced to declare bankruptcy.

Anxiety hit an even higher level when employees heard that the county was in for another round of cuts in June--possibly $80 million worth.

Some workers were already preparing for the worst.

An accountant in the auditor-controller’s office said her children have offered to give up their Christmas presents. A seven-month employee still on her customary one-year probation, she has no illusions about holding on to the position.

“I asked point-blank and I was told it would be a good idea to look out for No. 1 and start sending out resumes,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.

The blow just before Christmas hit hard at home.

“My daughter said, ‘Mom, I know you’re thinking about taking the Christmas presents back, but let me look at them first,’ ” said the accountant.

The Himalayan cat she bought will have to stay, but plans to buy her 16-year-old daughter car insurance are out of the question now, she said.

The news brought reminders of two years she spent searching for a job after being laid off from the slumping construction industry.

“I imagine I’ll probably declare bankruptcy so I don’t lose equity on my home,” she said.

A clerk in the registrar of voters office said she hadn’t even done any Christmas shopping because she is so worried about the financial crisis and about possibly losing her job.

“I’ve got 14 years here, it’s not fair--my grandchildren keep me going,” said the woman, who began to cry. “I just worry about my house payments. It’s not a happy time.”

Stella Snell, a 51-year-old Community Services Agency employee, has also experienced the pain and hardship of losing a job, something she feels almost certain is about to happen again.

“It would be so sad to wake up New Year’s Day and not have a job,” she said. “All my life I’ve been laid off and laid off. I feel like I may be out on the streets again.”

In the Social Services Agency, workers flocked Friday morning to read an e-mail message sent by agency head Larry Leaman. The message told employees that the agency might be able to get by without making any layoffs, said Nikki Niznik, an eligibility worker and union leader.

“The stress level in the workplace is so high,” she said.

Employees in the registrar of voters office were told Friday that their department would be among the hardest hit and to expect many layoffs. They were given few details but were at least assured that they would not lose their jobs during the holidays.

A supervisor in the registrar’s office said employees “are all very nervous.”

“Until we get some definite word, we don’t know who will be laid off or how hard we’ll be hit. Everybody has been very quiet.”

If cuts have to be made, Dukette said, employees in the Community Services Agency said they want to have input “instead of just having them handed down from above.”

“People want to participate in ideas such as job sharing and work furloughs,” he said.

The furlough concept is one supported by 28-year-old John Tran, who came to work for the agency only five months ago.

“I wish they could have a two-week work furlough and keep everyone’s job,” he said. “I understand that they have to do what they have to do. But it would be so extreme to have layoffs during the holidays. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude because it is the holidays. I’m hoping for the best.”

Despite the grim situation, a twisted humor prevailed in some circles.

“If they took all the money they spent on outside consultants and put it together, they could build a replica of Graceland--Graceland of the West Coast,” said Greg White, an accountant and auditor who has worked for the county for more than three years.

Another suggested that the county take over Disneyland and use those proceeds to get back on track.

But underneath the jokes was a sense of betrayal.

“The general feeling is the Board of Supervisors should take a walk, and the CAO (county administrative officer) too,” said an employee in the tax collector’s office. “I think (former Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert L.) Citron should take his $90,000 pension and give that back, to make up for what he lost.”

A longtime General Services Agency employee said bitterly: “I’ve paid my dues into this system for 18 years and now they are going to say that it’s worth nothing? I came to work today afraid that I might not have a job. I don’t think that will be the case but the day is not over yet.”

Many employees vented their wrath toward the Board of Supervisors, who they hold responsible for the crisis.

“I think the board should resign immediately,” one employee said. “I have no faith in them whatsoever. I am extremely angry with the board. They are the ultimate authority in this county and were warned numerous times about Citron. His risky investments came up during the election in June and other times before that.”

“We are paying for their mistake,” said Snell of the Community Services Agency.

“I’m pretty upset that the (bankruptcy) was allowed to happen,” said Jane Tripp, a supervisor in the county’s Municipal Court criminal division. “The Board of Supervisors, who are making these decisions, are also to blame.”

Tripp said that department heads were told that the jobs in the Municipal Court’s criminal division are secure. But only through June. Then an assessment will be made based on employees’ merit, she said.

Other employees said they felt no bitterness about the drastic cuts.

“I really feel sorry for the department heads. They’re caring people too. They’re doing something that they have to do,” said Joyce Harrell, a Human Resources office technician. “I’ve been here four years and I’ve acquired a lot of skills. I’m marketable. If I stay it’s a blessing. If I go it’s a blessing.”

Stella Adams, a secretary to Supervisor Roger R. Stanton, said the anger has given way to a sense of determination to pull together.

“It’s going to pass and we’re all going to get back strong again,” she said. “It’s what has to be done countywide. We have to do our share too.”

Joan Silverman, a 17-year Community Services Agency employee, described her co-workers as “numb” but extremely professional under trying conditions.

“We see a lot of clients who are having hardships and who have been laid off and need help finding a job,” Silverman said. “So we need to stay positive, and this is a staff that is up to it. We don’t know what’s going to happen but we have a job to do.”