Friday Photo: Post-Surgery Snuggles

Animal Services captured the compassion of County employee Anna Kremen snuggling up to a dog to help keep it warm after surgery.

Does this photo 📷 warm your heart ❤️? Share your fabulous photos! If you see a coworker getting the job done, a beautiful sunset over your office or wonderful County program being offered—snap a pic and submit it. Be sure to include information about the photo and your name. One image will be posted to InSite every Friday.

County Employees Volunteer at 2019 Camp Connect

County Employees volunteered their time to help reunite foster youth siblings at the 2019 Camp Connect.

The 11th annual Camp Connect kicked off on Aug. 1 and plenty of County employees were on hand volunteering their time during the four-day event.

Hosted by HHSA Child Welfare Services, in partnership with local non-profit Promises2Kids, 119 youth in foster care from San Diego County and surrounding counties participated in the camp that reunites siblings that live in separate homes.

The youth were able to spend  their time in the mountains of Julian engaging in activities such as swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing and zip lining. This year’s theme was “Out of this World” and incorporated outer space into the activities.

Volunteers for the event are critical to the success of the program. Many County employees from Child Welfare Services, Public Health Services and Human Resources participated, along with members of the community.

If you are interested in volunteering for a future Camp Connect or one of the many year-round activities, please contact Margo Fudge at (858) 616-5989 for more information.

Pets of the Week: Jessie & Joplin

Meet Jessie (Tag #N697) & Joplin (Tag #N7719)! These adorable kitties are both extremely sweet and are looking for their new forever homes.

The County is waving standard adoption fees this Saturday, August 17 for Clear the Shelter day. That means you can give one of these cats a loving home and save some green for toys and treats.

You can see Jessie and Joplin at the Department of Animal Services’ shelter in Carlsbad or visit sddac.com to give another animal their furever home.

PerkSpot Alert: Back to School Savings

The first lesson of the new school year is that you can save big on clothes and supplies through PerkSpot.

Save 20% off school supplies from Mead, find a backpack at eBags for 25% off, or step into some new kicks at Skechers for 30% off. You can also find deals on apparel and footwear from Columbia Sportswear, Crocs, Roxy, Tilly’s and Under Armour – all through PerkSpot.

PerkSpot offers benefits and discounts through more than 400 service providers and retailers, from movie theaters to florists and jewelers. Go to SDCounty.PerkSpot.com and shop. If you are new, click on “Create an Account” to register.

Each month, one of the most popular PerkSpot deals will be highlighted on InSite. 

Submit Your Homegrown Harvest Photos

Gardening is a relaxing hobby that is good for your health and the environment – and can save you money!

Do you grow grapes in your garden? Tomatoes on your terrace? Share a garden-fresh photo of your homegrown fruits and veggies! Be sure to tell us tell what we’re seeing in the picture, include your name and department, and send to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov.

If you are looking to up your garden game, learn more at the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners program.

John Fuss, Sr., Child Welfare Services- Polinsky Children’s Center, Grows Tomatoes.

Danielle Clayton, San Diego County Library, Grows tiger stripe pumpkins

Joann Fang, Department of Environmental Health, Grows Dragon Fruit.

Joann Fang, Department of Environmental Health, Grows Dragon Fruit.

Alex Oribello, Land Development, PDS, Grows Squash

Tuyen Ly, Child Welfare Services, Grows Mustard greens

Marie Osgood, In-Home Support Services, grows peaches.

Nancy Wickus, Agriculture/Weights and Measures, grows Blueberries.

Dana Hua, Public Works, Grows Peppers

Francesca Cervantes, Access & Access2Health

Dana Hua, Public Works, grows basil

Maria Joseph, Probation

Laura Flores, Auditor and Controller

Mariedel B. Coronel, Child Welfare Services, grows grapes.

Stephen Amberg, Air Pollution Control District, grows various squash, zucchini, watermelon, Tomatoes and a variety of peppers

Stephen Amberg, Air Pollution Control District, grows tomatoes

Janelle Martin, District Attorney’s Office, grows hops with help from her son

Nancy Wickus, Agriculture/Weights and Measures, grows peaches.

Anne ulm, Probation department, grows Blueberries, oregano and garlic chives

Zulim Obispo, Child Support Services, grows grapes

Zulim Obispo, Child Support Services, grows grapes

Alex Oribello, Land Development, PDS, has help from her son.

Ricardo Rodriguez, HHSA Business intelligence, grows avocados

Beatrice Lömer, CalFresh Healthy Living Specialist, grows grapes

Lauren Brookshire, HHSA, grows Peaches

Erica Osuna Johnson, Public safety group, grows Pineapples

Erica Osuna Johnson, Public safety group, grows artichokes

Jeffrey Johnson, Public Health Services, Grows Anna Apples

Nanette Encarnacion, DPW, grows figs, strawberries and more.

Nanette Encarnacion, DPW, grows persimmons

Luchie Delino, Child Welfare Services, grows tomatoes

Ashley Marquez, Parks and Recreation, grows kumquats

Ashley marquez, parks and recreation, grows pomegranates

Melissa Keane, Epidemiology and Immunization Services, grows squash, tomatoes, peppers and herbs

Virginia Exner, Human Resources, grows Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, carrots and herbs

Mark Martinez, Ag, Weights and Measures, Grows Very hot black dragon peppers

Joanna Diosa, Auditor & Controller, grows Dragon Fruit

Harold Randolph, First 5 San Diego, grows guavas

Terilyn Cunanan, Eligibility Operations: Health Coverage access, and her daughter grow blackberries

Virginia Exner, Human Resources, grows lots of veggies

Harold Randolph, First 5 San Diego, Grows Lemons

Nicole Goss, Ag, Weights and Measures, grows blueberries

Nicole Goss, Ag, Weights and Measures, grows cucumbers

Mike Duffek, Facilities operations, grows squash

Mae Tat, Child Welfare SErvices, Grows Kumquats

Jacqueline Muro, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, grows figs

Mike Duffek, Facilities operations, Grows Tomatoes

Mae Tat, Child Welfare Services, Grows red dates

Valeria Orendain, Assessor/recorder/county Clerk, grows chile peppers

Elizabeth miller, clerk of the board, has an herb garden on her patio

Elaine Sanders, Behavioral Health Services, Growing Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale

irene Chan, environmental health, grows figs in her front yard

Lisa Futrell-Williams, child welfare services, grows cauliflower

Phyllis ocampo, county counsel, grows moringa

Phyllis ocampo, county counsel, grows figs

Nadine lathan, child welfare services, grows apples

Nadine lathan, child welfare services, grows apples and nectarines.

Lisa Futrell-Williams, child welfare services, grows various types of lettuce

travis payne, parks and recreation, grows apples, plums, apricots and peaches

Kyle Leonard, Child Welfare Services, grows Artichokes

Vanessa Perez, Auditor & Controller, grows Pomegranate

Rosella Perez, Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office, grows watermelon

Rosella Perez, Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office, grows beans

Ressie Ramos, Aging & Independent Services, Grows figs

Vince Kunkel, Agriculture, Weights and Measures, grows Jalapeño Peppers

Cynthia Uribe-Sagrero, California Children’s Services, grows pomegranates

David Dat Mai, Child Welfare Services, Grows Fruit

Alfredo Villalba, BHS Children Youth and Families - Camino, grows grapes

Alfredo Villalba, BHS Children Youth and Families - Camino, grows grapes

David Dat Mai, Child Welfare Services, Grows persimmons

Explore the Possibilities at Innovation Day

Innovate today for a better tomorrow. Register to attend Innovation Day 2019.

The County’s Technology Office and Perspecta will showcase new information technologies that may greatly improve how your office runs. Innovation Day 2019 will take place on Aug. 29 and will show how available technology can help you increase efficiency and improve customer service.

The event is open to all County employees - not just IT types! - and will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the County Operations Center Chambers at 5520 Overland Ave.

Come and experience:

• How virtual assistants are being used in kiosks and websites

• New services provided by the County’s unmanned aerial services (drone) team is starting to provide

• The “tech bar” will showcases the latest hands-on technology and collaboration technologies from Microsoft and AT&T

• Cool swag

• Experience examples of solutions and strategic partners supporting innovation as the County implements its 5-year IT Strategy

Register today.

All information shared in the event will be available on the Innovation website.

Pet of the Week – Millie

Meet Millie (Tag #N729)! A 8-year-old pit bull mix looking for a new forever home.

Millie is a doll! She’s comfortable around people, loves to run around outside and play with her toys. So let’s get her adopted!

You can see Millie at the Department of Animal Services’ shelter in Carlsbad or visit sddac.com to give another animal their furever home.

Resources to Cope in the Aftermath of Violence

From Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Out shopping. At a festival. In an entertainment district. All places we could easily be ourselves. All places we’ve just watched turned into scenes of horrific violence.

We grieve with these communities and all those who have suffered losses. Every mass shooting leaves us heartbroken. Several in quick succession compounds those feelings, causing despair and anxiety. It’s absolutely normal to be caught in a mix of emotions.

If you’re feeling distressed, it’s not just acceptable to ask for help – we strongly encourage it. Our Employee Assistance Program is there for this very purpose. Professionally trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s free for all employees and completely confidential. Please don’t hesitate to call 888-777-6665 or visit the EAP website for more information. That link is always on the InSite home page. (Sheriff’s Department sworn staff has a separate service at 800-222-9691.) If you supervise employees, please reemphasize this service is available.  

Also, remember you can bring up concerns with your primary care doctor. Your mental health is part of your overall health, and your doctor should be able to direct you to the appropriate help.

At the same time, these attacks are a reminder that violence occurs in all settings and we need to be prepared. The message that you’ve heard before, but bears repeating, is “See Something, Say Something.” Be alert and report any suspicious behavior to your supervisor. Never assume somebody else must’ve checked it out or told someone.  

We have an Employee Security page with several resources involving active shooters, including the video “Run, Hide, Fight.” Departments can also request to have our Sheriff’s Department give an in-person presentation or conduct a drill on active shooters.

Every County department and facility has a disaster response plan. Make sure you’re familiar with the one that applies to you.

In the aftermath of mass violence, hopelessness can set in. We can counter that by taking positive actions to be prepared and by committing to look out for the safety of ourselves, our colleagues and customers.

InTouch - Our Canine Colleagues

As we head into the dog days of summer, I wanted to give a little attention to one particular group within our extended County family. They work like dogs – because they are.

Yes, dogs fill a variety of roles for us here, some well-known, others more surprising. It takes a lot of talents combined to do the County’s business, and while you all do amazing work, there are some ways you just can’t compete with our canine colleagues.

We love our furry friends just for being themselves. But understanding some of the ways dogs help us help the public, you may love them that much more. Let me give a few examples.

For a decade now, the District Attorney’s Office has been providing comfort dogs to witnesses testifying in court. It’s often for child victims having to recount traumatic experiences. The Court Dogs are right there with them on the witness stand, helping make the process as manageable as possible. The dogs are therapy dogs, and their handlers are all volunteers. In recent years, they’ve been on hand for more than 100 witnesses a year.

We’re using dogs’ remarkable noses to help guard against agricultural pests. The Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures has a couple detector dogs they use to sniff around mailing centers for packages containing fruits, vegetables or other plants. Those can carry pests or diseases that could mean disaster for local growers, so it’s critical we stop them before entering the area. This past fiscal year, detector dogs alerted inspectors to over 350 parcels with plants, with 34 interceptions of harmful pests.

The video features Tuk, who’s now retired. Podder and Yeti are the dogs currently on detector duty.

Several of our County Library branches have programs that bring in dogs and let children read to them. Some kids are nervous about reading aloud. Dogs accept us as we are – our favorite trait of theirs – and don’t mind if we have trouble with difficult words. So by reading to the dogs, children can practice and gain confidence in their ability.

Romeo

Our Medical Examiner, Dr. Glenn Wagner, has a German shepherd named Romeo that helps with the department’s unfortunate but essential work of finding and recovering human remains. He’s also trained to sniff out drugs. Romeo has assisted both the ME’s office and outside agencies. And, bonus points, Dr. Wagner adopted Romeo from County Animal Services.

Our approach to juvenile justice has changed dramatically in recent years. We now understand that many of the young people who get into trouble come from difficult or even traumatic circumstances. Putting them on the road to future success includes addressing emotional needs. One way we do that is to have regular visits from therapy dogs at juvenile hall. The dogs are a calming, comforting presence, and as you would expect, the program is very popular with the youths.

Everybody’s familiar with the Sheriff’s K-9s. The department has 31 dogs in the unit. They all go through an initial 12-week training, then train for 16 hours each month. They protect their deputy partners, track suspects, search for evidence and detect drugs. Most of the K-9s work up to 10 years, then after retirement, stay with their handlers.

Also with Sheriff, but a distinct unit, is the Search and Rescue K-9 Unit. These are the dogs of volunteers, and both handlers and dogs go through extensive training to be part of the team. They can be called in to search for missing persons. They also have the grim task of finding human remains after a natural disaster or help solve murder cases. They are ready to respond 24/7 to a variety of circumstances and help not just the Sheriff but other law enforcement agencies anywhere in the country.

The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue K-9 Unit trains earlier this year.

When off duty, the unit’s leader, Pam Medhurst, visits local libraries and schools to give a safety presentation to help prevent kids from getting lost. It's called Don't Run Around, Stay Found. Her best pal Simon and her beagle Banjo engage children of all ages.

The Sheriff's Department also has a Goodwill Ambassador in Teddy the Goldendoodle. With his owner, Sergeant Daniel Sloppye, they read to children at local libraries and represent the agency at community events.

Teddy even helped us get the word out about the importance of making pets part of your emergency preparedness plans.

Our County workforce is large and accomplished. But we’re clear we can’t do everything our customers need alone. We need partners of all kinds to make the collective impact we want, and dogs are part of that network, filling unique roles and helping us unleash – yes, I said it – our full potential.

If all this has left you thinking of adding a pet partner of your own, don’t forget our Animal Services. They have lots of dogs, cats and more waiting for forever homes.

Let’s give a hand, and a paw, to our canine colleagues and their handlers for their contributions. And thanks to all of you for your dogged efforts in serving our customers. Whether you’re at Dog Beach or other relaxing spot of your choice, I hope you’re enjoying summer in San Diego.

County Connection - August 2019

On this episode, see where teens can hang out during those summer nights, some new art at the County Operations Center, avoid getting scammed at the gas pump, and get ready to go for a swim!