Meet Our Newest ERG’s President

The County has ten great Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and it’s about to have it’s eleventh! The Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG will be hosting a launch event at the County Operations Center on World's Indigenous Peoples Day Aug. 9.

In the meanwhile, get to know the Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG President Maria Whitehorse, a human services specialist with Self-Sufficiency Service at the Northeast Family Resource Center.

Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for?

A: I’ve worked for the County for 15 years. I have worked in Child Welfare Services as an office assistant and human services specialist for the Self-Sufficiency Department.

Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?

A: I have been selected to various roles and assignments within my office as a human services specialist. I have been part of intake, the Perinatal Care Network, customer service, continuing, hybrid and specialized groups.

I have conducted eligibility review for public assistance, been a staff adjustment factor, conducted case reviews as a lead worker, assisted in training of new staff, assigned to community-based organizations as a representative, selected as a representative of the County of San Diego to attend fairs such as women’s fair, hunger coalition and community health fairs. And I have acted as supervisor role in the absence of my supervisor.

I have also been involved in tiger teams for my department. I also sit on the board of Children in Need, and the San Diego Latino Association. And currently now I am the founder and president of this new ERG Indigenous Sovereign Nations.

Q: What’s your workplace superpower?

A: I have a remarkable power of perception when it comes to other people. With my antennae up, I pick up on the needs and emotions around me, even when no one is saying anything.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work.

A: Most of my free time is spent with my husband and my little dog Bella. I have a deep love for animals. We like taking road trips, volunteering in the community, fishing, bike riding and skate boarding. We also belong to a very loving church. We like to travel and attend Pow Wows.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Being the youngest of three and the only girl, I developed a passion for being a fixer. I must always make sure my surrounding family and friends are OK and have what they need. I will never allow anyone to go without. My passion for people extends currently to what I do as a human service specialist.

Q. What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?

A: Forgive and let go.

When we carry unforgiveness, it’s like taking a massive rock, putting it in a backpack and carrying it around. It weighs us down, saps our energy, our motivation, and enjoyment of life. Additionally, it causes us to see people and life through the lens of bitterness and anger. We find ourselves getting offended and upset at minor things that happen to us. It harms not only our relationships with friends and family, but also with colleagues and clients.

Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?

A: If you’re interested in volunteering, this a great source to find local places to volunteer -volunteermatch.org.

Q: Tell us about your ERG.

A: Indigenous Sovereign Nations was established to bring culture education and awareness. The indigenous culture has a rich history that needs to be unlearned and taught. It is our hope through this group, together with the surrounding local tribes we can bring more visibility and understanding of our culture. We will also provide support to all County employees by bringing supportive services to build and strengthen professional and personal goals. We will also serve as a bridge to our County leadership.

Q: Why are ERGs important?

ERGs serve as a connection between all employees throughout the county. They provide various trainings, speakers, professional educational development and cultural education. ERGs can also provide a resource for leadership regarding staff/community issues, needs and policies.

Q: What is your ERG looking forward to this year?

A: Getting off the ground and running. We will be hosting a launch event Pow Wow with dancers, drummer and a guest speaker from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the County Operations Center. Join us!

For membership or additional information about the newest ERG, email ISN.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Also read:

Get To Know MEERG President Mehdi Khalili

Get To Know EWA Board Member Diana Eid-Chammas

Get To Know SDCLA Secretary Alex Talaro

Get To Know LGBTQ&A ERG Board Member Ryan Trabuco

Get To Know APACE Vice President Annamarie Hernandez

Get To Know PISCE Treasurer Isobel Kinsang

 Get To Know AAACE Secretary Nikki Horton

Get to Know DiverseAbility ERG Secretary Valerie Prado

Get To Know VALOR Secretary Thomas Velasquez

Get to Know CSDFEA Vice President Kathleen Mendoza

CAC Lit for Juneteenth

The County Administration Center was illuminated on Sunday to honor Juneteenth. It will also be lit on Monday for the holiday.

Recognizing Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

The County Administration Center is lit tonight for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Juneteenth Flag Raising at CAC

The County hosted its first Juneteenth flag raising event at the County Administration Center today. The flag will fly over the building through Monday, June 20, when the County will observe the holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Today’s flag raising celebration was hosted by Chair Nathan Fletcher, the Office of Equity & Racial Justice, the African American Association of County Employees (AAACE) employee resource group and several community groups.

Attend Film Screening with ERGs

Join a film screening and discussion of “Vincent Who?” a documentary about the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin and the Asian American Civil Rights Movement it ignited.

In partnership with the County of San Diego Filipino American Employees' Association (CSDFEA) and Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees (APACE), this event will take place at the Poway Library at 1 p.m., June 26.

RSVP now.

See the flyer below.

CAO Message: Commemorating Juneteenth

By Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer

On Monday, the County will be taking its first holiday in observance of Juneteenth.

I hope everyone enjoys the time off, and I also hope everyone takes at least a moment to reflect on the significance of the day.   

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. For anyone unfamiliar with the story, the name was formed from June 19, the day in 1865 when Union troops in Texas delivered word that all slaves were free – an announcement that came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

It’s now a day to celebrate freedom for Black Americans, and for all of us to acknowledge the truth of our history and the enduring impact slavery, and the racism that supported it, has on our society. That recognition underlies the steps the County is now taking to work toward equity in our community. Understanding how we got here is essential to creating the path forward.

Built right into Juneteenth’s origin story is the recurring theme that continues to challenge us today. The government declared slaves free, but then took years to make the very people affected aware of the fact. It was one more instance of justice delayed being justice denied.

Juneteenth is a time for us to consider the gaps between promises and fulfillment. Between the signing of a paper and the reality for people’s lives out in the world.

The County is taking concrete actions to examine and close those gaps in our own operations. The budget equity assessment tool we used to develop this year’s operational plan lets us better prioritize dollars to address inequality. We’ve restructured our health agency to focus on equitable communities. A cannabis program is designed to redress harms that were done due to the war on drugs and past criminalization that fell disproportionately on the Black community. We’re launching initiatives to uplift boys and men of color, and to give children with little access to the outdoors more opportunities to have that experience.    

These are moves in the right direction, but of course, much more remains to be done. Earning trust and undoing historical wrongs will take time and effort.  

Juneteenth can speak to each of us in multiple ways. No matter what you do on this day to celebrate freedom for all, let the spirit of the day move you toward the work ahead to create a more just San Diego.

Respect and Dignity in the Workplace

Know the Code is a monthly series highlighting different sections of the County of San Diego Code of Ethics. 

By the Office of Ethics and Compliance

As employees of the County of San Diego, we are all responsible for upholding the Standards of Conduct outlined in our Code of Ethics. Our treatment of each other and our customers is an important part of maintaining an ethical culture.

While it may be clear to most people that discrimination and harassment are against the law and County policies, there are other types of behavior related to how we treat one another that are covered by our Code of Ethics. Specifically, we are talking about respect and dignity.

The Code states that the County “is committed to the principle of treating each employee with respect and dignity. County employees in turn are expected to treat their customers, clients and colleagues with respect, dignity and professionalism.”

What does it mean to treat each other with respect, dignity and professionalism? It means we foster an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. It means we respect who people are and what they can do. It means we act responsibly with our words and actions and focus on how our words and actions may be perceived, not just how we intended them.

We all want to be treated respectfully and with dignity. Bullying behavior such as name calling, ridiculing and humiliation are inconsistent with respect and dignity in the workplace. There is a difference between this conduct and appropriate workplace differences of opinion and supervision. Routine workplace supervision is not bullying. Differences of opinion, differing work styles and disagreements in working relationships are an inevitable part of our work life.

If you have questions or concerns regarding respect and dignity in the workplace, you are encouraged to talk to your supervisor or departmental human resources officer (DHRO) as soon as possible so that appropriate action may be taken.

Check out the OEC webpage on InSite for information about upcoming Ethics & Compliance Program events, training, and resources including monthly “Know the Code” articles and micro-training videos.

If you have questions about Ethics & Compliance training or how to access the training and other Ethics & Compliance resources, please contact the OEC team at oec@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-531-5174. HHSA staff may also contact the dedicated HHSA Compliance and Privacy team at compliance.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-338-2807.

Sign Up for Digital Workplace Training

Whether you are working from home, the office or out in the field—all of us are using digital tools more and more often. If you would like to learn more about how to use tools such as Teams, Planner, Whiteboard, OneNote, Outlook, OneDrive and Windows, you can take a virtual class or self-guided learning session. 

The following trainings are available for registration at the Help Me kNow Hub. Sign up for a class now. 

Digital Workplace Essentials 

Learn key personal productivity skills in Windows, OneDrive, Outlook, and Teams. Reinforce your knowledge or learn something new. Discover tips and tricks. 

Take a class 
​​​​​​​This class is designed to supplement the Digital Workplace Essentials Skill Track and will highlight a few essential skills in OneDrive, Outlook, and Teams.  

Tuesday, June 21, 1PM 

Self-guided learning 
​​​​​​​Hands-on activities help you apply important skills. You'll receive a certificate by email when you complete this track.  

Digital Workplace Essentials Skill Track 

Planner 

Planner allows teams to work together effortlessly by organizing projects visually in an easy-to-use application that integrates with Teams and Channels. 

Take a class 
Learn about navigating the Planner interface, how to create a plan, add and manage tasks, filtering and grouping.  
Wednesday, June 22, 3PM 
Thursday, June 30, 2PM 

Self-guided learning 
​​​​​​​What is Planner? 

Teams Channels 

Channels are virtual rooms for communication and collaboration. You can use them to boost productivity and stay connected through real time, interactive communication, collaboration, and access to files and resources. 

Self-guided learning 
​​​​​​​What are Teams and Channels? 
Teams and Channels: A Comprehensive Course (Skill Track)  

Whiteboard and OneNote 

Learn about Microsoft Whiteboard collaborative digital canvas and Microsoft OneNote digital notebook. 

Self-guided learning 
Quick Guide: Whiteboard 
OneNote Digital Notebook 

CECO Wants to Hear from You

Help shape San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization’s future. Take a short CECO survey. Results will be used to identify priorities and opportunities to better support CECO members and services provided, including community grants.

Take the survey now through June 17.

CECO was established in 1956. The organization gives 100 percent of the donations received from employees and retirees to help local nonprofit organizations and County employees and retirees in crisis. Donations are entirely voluntary and are in the form of automatic payroll deductions or one-time contributions.

For more about CECO, to contribute to the fund, or to see a complete list of this year’s grant recipients, please visit sdceco.org.

PerkSpot: Deals for Dad

Shop all things dad, while staying on budget this Father’s Day.

Discover deals on PerkSpot for the special dad in your life, whether that’s a family member, friend or even yourself! Find discounts on ESPN+ for the sports lover; Omaha Steaks for the grill master; golf, bike and sports equipment for the outdoor enthusiast and many more sales for that special person in your life

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