FROM: Christina Cintron, Chief of Member Services
SUBJECT: Returning Retiree Certification: Denise Diggs
RECOMMENDATION:
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Deny the request to extend the employment of Denise Diggs from November 15, 2025, through November 13, 2026, in accordance with SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, "Retirees Returning to Work." The request does not meet the policy criteria for extensions beyond the 18-month employment limit, as the employer has not demonstrated an extreme necessity or a time-limited operational need as required under the policy.
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BACKGROUND:
The California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) establishes limitations for retirees returning to work in the same retirement system from which they receive a pension. Under SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, extensions beyond 18 consecutive months of re-employment must be approved by the Board of Retirement and are permitted only under conditions of extreme necessity and for a limited duration.
Denise Diggs retired from the County of San Bernardino on July 20, 2019, after nearly 34 years of service as a Supervising Sheriff's Custody Specialist.
Ms. Diggs was subsequently re-employed on March 16, 2024, under an original returning retiree certification as a Sheriff's Custody Assistant, with employment continuing through September 15, 2025.
CURRENT REQUEST:
The Sheriff's Department is requesting to extend Ms. Diggs' employment from November 15, 2025, through November 13, 2026, under the classification of "Safety Extra Help", performing duties comparable to those of a Law and Justice Office Assistant. The retiree has not been employed in a returning retiree capacity since her original certification expired on September 15, 2025.
Extreme Necessity:
Under SBCERA Benefits Policy No. 032, extensions beyond 18 consecutive months require a showing of extreme necessity-that re-employment is necessary to maintain effective operations due to circumstances that are genuinely unavoidable or could...
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