Honoring Italian Heritage Month
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The County Administration Center was lit Friday night for Italian Heritage Month.
Get to Know SDCLA President Daniel Izaguirre
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The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by a respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community.
Get to know Daniel Izaguirre, president of the San Diego County Latino Association.
Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?
A: I just reached my 10 years at the County working all of them in the Health and Human Services Agency – Self-Sufficiency Services. I started off as a human services specialist and promoted to supervising human services specialist in the South Region Live Well Center, Chula Vista. Then I promoted to a program specialist for the Eligibility Training Center where I do training and development for a variety of staff in Self-Sufficiency Services through in-person and virtual training. I also work on video production for training videos for our department.
Q: What’s your workplace superpower?
A: Making good decisions on coffee beans would be one superpower. My second would be my ability to communicate with people.
Q. Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?
A: I have had many mentors; however, my parents and brother were incredible mentors to me. They showed me what hard work really meant at a young age and the value of family. In my professional life I had many mentors who were my former and current managers that I learned something from.
The reality is that anyone can really be a mentor because everyone has something they can teach you.
Who inspires me are my nieces and nephews. Seeing them grow and become the people they have gave me an appreciation to the future generations and the spirit to work in public service.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
A: First some quotes that I really appreciate from mentors are “Knowledge is power… as long as you share it” and “treat others the way they want to be treated”.
My biggest mentors have gone along the same route for this advice in that it is important to remain curious in learning. That means that we should always be willing to ask questions on the task at hand, ask for advice and be appreciative in constructive criticism in our work environment.
Finally, being cognizant in the biases that you may have. We all have some type of bias and knowing that will help in communicating better with people inside and outside of work.
Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?
A: Take advantage of the services at your local public libraries and through the employee assistance programs. Looking for a therapist and not sure where to start? Psychologytoday.com is a good resource.
Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?
A: Music, art, travel and sports. I just recently came back from a three-week trip in Europe where I got to visit five countries. Got to enjoy the different sights and sounds of each place (Vienna, Austria was my favorite). Oh, and how could I forget about food? I consider discovering and trying new cuisine an activity. Best meal I had? Duck paella in Barcelona, Spain. Hands down.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: From a young age it has always been about helping others. The intrinsic reward i get is why I am all about “The Noblest Motive Being the Public Good.” I am passionate about teaching and mentoring. When I am no longer here, I would like to know that I gave something back to people’s growth. I will always believe that when I work with people that if they succeed, I succeed.
Q: Tell us about your ERG.
A: Our employee resource group is the San Diego County Latino Association. The organization has been around now for over 40 years. We are here to service as a valuable resource for not only the employees of the County of San Diego, but to the San Diego community at large. We strive to be a resource that promotes professional excellence, leadership, and cultural awareness, while serving as a strategic partner for community achievement and the County’s success.
Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?
A: I joined ERG back in 2017 when I was 3 years into my career as a human services specialist. Through networking events I was able to get guidance from people more experienced in the government field which helped me decide in what direction to go for my growth.
I give a lot of thanks to the former board members for the imprint they left one me and the opportunity to give back to members.
I have created lifelong friendships because of this organization, and I can’t wait to make more.
Q: What are your favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?
A: Oh wow! This is a tough question because I appreciate all cuisine.
Favorite place to eat for a quick bite (cheat meal) will def be India Bonita down in West Chula Vista off Orange and Melrose. Get their Cali burrito add American guac.
Sit down or order for delivery? Olympic Café off University Ave (North Park Area). I haven’t had one bad thing there. My go too is their chicken and steak kabob plate.
Favorite meal? I am Peruvian so I must stick with their cuisine and the dish “chupe de camarones.” It’s a Peruvian shrimp chowder that I will always order if it is on the menu.
Oh, check out Eli’s Peruvian Kitchen and Sanguecheria Peruvian Street Food if you want some Peruvian cuisine in San Diego.
Q: Name one (or more) musicians/bands you are listening to right now?
A: So many artists and groups to choose from. I’ll keep it to genres I’m currently listening to 1990/2000’s hip hop and R&B, rock, and EDM with tech-house at the forefront.
Also read:
Gallery: No Tricks, Just Pet Treats
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County Animal Services is offering a Halloween treat to all. Free pet adoptions, if you mention that you saw these costumed cuties on InSite. Visit the adoptions page to learn more about these animals and others looking for forever homes.
To help inspire your fellow employees to adopt by Halloween, share a photo of your own pet in a costume. Email one photo to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov by Halloween.
Images will post below.
Employee Pet Photos
Natalia Santos, Self Sufficiency Services - Chula Vista Family Resource Center
Ivan Noriega, Workforce training & development HHSA
Yvette Urrea Moe, Communications Office
Jessica Demirdjian, Economic Development and Government Affairs
Barbara Catalogna Owens, Self Sufficiency Services
Yvette Urrea Moe, Communications Office
Michael Arce, Behavioral Health Services
Lance Edwards, Public Defender
Sara wilson, Edgemoor, BHS, HHSA
sir milo loftin, communications office
susie valenzuela, Edgemoor, BHS, HHSA
Jennifer Hernandez, Department of Environmental Health & Quality
Michelle Hollie-Luterick, Public Health Services
Melissa Moreno-Contreras, Self-Sufficiency Services
Carolina Arriaga-Contreras, Self Sufficiency Services – Chula Vista Family Resource Center
Jeska Chuaunsu, Self-Sufficiency Services
Alyssa Stewart, Self-Sufficiency Services | Finance and Contracts Dept.
Mike mallowe, registrar of voters
Olga Lucia Acosta, Del Mar Branch Library
Kathryn Lee, Edgemoor, BHS, HHSA
Philip Ainsworth, Behavioral Health Services
Felicitas Nunez, Public Health Services
Katherine Sahagun, Public Health Services, Epidemiology & Immunization Services Branch
Yvette Urrea Moe, Communications Office
Casey Bartolomucci, Self-Sufficiency Services – Access
Daniel Manzo, Public Health Services - Maternal, Child and Family Health Services
Jessica Watson, Public Health Services, North Coastal Region
Marissa Milloy, Fleet Support
Joanna Rivera, Aging & Independent Services / IHSS
Joanna Rivera, Aging & Independent Services / IHSS
Patricia McWilliams, County Library
austin shepherd, Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures
Esther Yorba, Office of Revenue and Recovery
Sam Hallis, Public Health Laboratory
Luningning G. Martinez, Child and Family Well-Being
Jae Roland-Chase, Private Road and Landscape Maintenance
Cynthia To, public health services
Elaine Villena, Environmental Health and Quality
Emily Defenbaugh, self-sufficiency services
sandra perez, child and family well-being
KELLY ROLLINS, CHILD AND FAMILY WELLBEING
luke burger, county library
Megan N. Watson, Inpatient Health Services
Ma Rae Aurea, Agriculture, Weights and Measures
angelina thomas, child and family well-being
Yoly dayrit, Aging aND INDEPENDENCE SERVICES
virgina dejesus, Housing and Community Development Services
Molly Lisowsky, Library
Yoong Kim, South Region Live Well Center at National City
LAcey Sopher, Public defender
Tracy Ellis, General Services - Fleet Management
angel young, self-SUFFICIENCY services
Bao Hoang, Public Health Services
Ramil Cruz, General Services
Maria F Alvarado Badillo, District Attorney
Maria Munoz, District Attorney - South Bay
Debby Matullo, HHSA
Fortune Cheng, First 5 San Diego
Charlie Ramirez, Registrar of Voters
Heidi plummmer, self-sufficiency services
kayla atadero, public health services
Ma Rae Aurea, Agriculture, Weights and Measures
emelyn trinh, aging & independence services
karina miranda, Aging & Independence Services
ana mccarty, behavioral health services
Heidy Hu, Self-Sufficiency Services, Access
Marti Brentnall, Tuberculosis Control and Refugee Health | Public Health Services
Jennifer Lopez Gomez, HHSA Self Sufficiency Services
Meghan Raddetz, Animal Services
Meghan Raddetz, Animal Services
Tito Airheart (formerly Escalante), Behavioral Health Services
Ma Rae Aurea, Agriculture, Weights and Measures
Sebastian Falcon, Information Technology Services HHSA
Patricia Novoa PHS, Office of vital records & statistics
Tito Airheart (formerly Escalante), Behavioral Health Services
Cecilia M. Omaña, Self-Sufficiency Services
Haily McCord, Self-Sufficiency Services
Melanie Pedrero, Self Sufficient Services
Melanie Pedrero, Self Sufficient Services
Kristin Brown, Public Health Services- California Children Services
Lila M. Estrada, Public Health Services – Laboratory
Emilie Kotik, Auditor & Controller
Sherry Brideau, Public Works
William Jordan, Public Health Services – Laboratory
Catrin Lewis, Child and Family Well-Being
Jessica Ho, Public Health Services
Victoria Yvette Zepeda, Self-Sufficiency Services – Southeastern Family Resource Center
Jehoaia Disa Pimentel, child and family well-being, Office of Child Safety
Maria Munoz, District Attorney - South Bay
Laura ortiz, self sufficiency services, Quality & Eligibility Support division
Maria Idioma, Aging & Independence Services
Yxchel Tejada, Public health services, epidemiology & Immunization Services
Jessica Ho, Public Health Services
Briana ruggeri, Self-sufficiency services, Chula Vista FRC
Erin contreras, Dept. of Animal Services
Paulo F. Galvan, Self-Sufficiency Services - Quality and Eligibility Support Division
Showing Support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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The County Administration Center was lit Wednesday night in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
AAACE Hosting Beach Bonfire and S’mores Gathering
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The African American Association of County Employees is hosting a Bonfire and S’mores gathering on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
This event is perfect for all ages, so come on out and make some sweet memories with AAACE.
Meet at Lifeguard Station #13 (left of the bathrooms) in Mission Beach, 3200 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego.
Bring chairs or blankets.
See the flyer below.
Honoring 4-H Week
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The County Administration Center was lit Tuesday night in honor of 4-H Week.
What You Need to Know About Halloween Happenings
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Get ready for frighteningly fun Halloween activities! So many tricks and treats are planned all October.
This year we are expanding the opportunity for participation by going virtual. This means employees working all shifts and in all corners of the County will be able to join the fun on InSite.
Stay tuned for weekly announcements of Halloween happenings. All activities will be posted here.
This week’s announcement is a big one. Lip Sync Battle is back! Interested contestants are invited to submit a video of their lip sync performance. No in-person event will be held this year.
While last year’s Lip Sync Battle was decided by applause at the County Operations Center, this year you will be the judge. Employees will be asked to vote on InSite for their favorite finalist on Halloween Day. The entry with the most votes will be crowned the Lip Sync Battle champion!
How to Enter
Entering is easy. Submit a video by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28. Include your name and department. If you are submitting as a group, include the names and departments of all employees.
No auditions are necessary. Your video is your entry. So, get creative - you can dance and don a costume, if you choose.
See an example from Public Safety Group Program Manager Royce Abalos.
This contest is 100% online - making it easy for employees to participate. The Halloween committee will select finalists from the video submissions on Oct. 30. And employees will vote on InSite for their favorite of those finalists’ videos.
There are multiple ways to submit your video:
Text it to 619-481-4309.
Email it to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Share it via Teams.
Rules
Solo acts and groups are welcome.
All participants must be County employees.
Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28.
Video entries should be no longer than 1 minute. Send videos as an MP4 or MOV.
All song lyrics, dance moves and costumes must be work appropriate.
Video must be recorded in October 2024.
Have fun.
See 'The Book of Life' on Día de Muertos
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The Emerging Workforce Association invites you to a free community screening of “The Book of Life” and partake in Día de Los Muertos festivities in Old Town. Gather with friends and family for a heartwarming cinematic experience under the stars, and a chance to network with your peers!
The family-friendly event will be held on Friday, Nov. 1 at Plaza de Armas at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St., San Diego, CA 92110.
Pre-movie activities start at 5 p.m. And the movie begins 15 minutes after sunset.
See the flyer below.
CAO Message: Our Organizational Culture
/A message from Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton:
Please take a few minutes to watch this video with details about my vision for our organizational culture and the important roles we all play. Thank you for your continued commitment to the County and support of the community.
Attend National Coming Out Day Picnic
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Our LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group is hosting a National Coming Out Day Picnic on Saturday, Oct. 12. Join the ERG from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Morley Field. There will be food, drinks and lawn games.
Morley Field is located at 2221 Morley Field Dr. in San Diego.
See the flyer below.
