On January 27, 2010, District Court Judge Theresa Baca ruled that the fire Union President conducting union business during his 40 hour work week is not a violation of  the "anti-donation clause" which stipulates that the city cannot gift or pay individuals without receiving due "consideration." The anti-donation argument was the basis for reassigning IAFF Local 244 President Diego Arencón in mid-January and prohibiting him from working on union business during his 40hr work week. The Judge's ruling was reached after testimony was heard from Paul Broome (who previously represented the City in contract negotiations with the IAFF Local 244), former Fire Chief Robert Ortega, former Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Perlman, Fire Chief John Garcia as well as President Diego Arencón himself. All testimony confirmed the benefits of having a strong collaborative relationship between the City and the IAFF Local 244.  Protecting our collective bargaining rights is very important to us and our families!