June 25, 2004

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Palo Alto Online

News digest

Negotiations lasted until after 2 a.m. Monday night, June 21, between the City of Palo Alto and the Service Employee International Union. Although no settlement was reached, both sides were sounding more hopeful that a disruptive strike could be avoided.

"They've come closer than they were, which is good," said Assistant City Manager Emily Harrison. "Both parties feel they're negotiating."

A strike would disrupt utility services, libraries, and other basic city services. Negotiations continued on Thursday, and the union put off voting on a strike until after that session. "I think we're all holding our breath," Harrison said.

The union is hoping to avoid losing its most expensive health care plan and being forced to take three days off without pay. It also wants the city to reduce the number of managers and temporary employees. The city counters that it's trying to balance its budget in the face of diminishing revenues, and needs to make trims especially to its rising benefit costs.

On Monday, June 14, the union -- which represents more than half of the city's employees -- handed the city a notice that it could begin striking in 10 days. The city began making arrangements to continue basic services should such a strike occur.

The union does not represent managers, police officers, or firefighters. For updates in the event of a potential strike, check out www.paloaltoonline.com. --Bill D'Agostino
New director for Adolescent Counseling Services

Dr. Philippe Rey will head Adolescent Counseling Services as its executive director, replacing Sue Barkhurst, who is leaving the position in June after 16 years of service. Rey will officially become executive director on July 9.

Rey joined ACS in January of 1998 as the program director for Caravan House, ACS' residential treatment facility for teenage girls. After three years at Caravan, he became a member of the executive team as associate director.

"I can't imagine a more exciting time to become executive director of an organization like ACS. I believe profoundly in its mission, I have faith in its fine staff, and I know that its Board of Directors is committed to the cause of helping teenagers find their way. No agency director could wish for a better launch," Rey said.

Rey was born and raised in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and came to the United States to attend college in 1984. His credentials include a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology from University of California, San Diego, and a master's degree in counseling psychology from National University. "

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