A Message from Our CAO

Dear Fellow County Employee,

Most people don’t realize what a serious and widespread problem premature birth is. In just one year in San Diego County, over 4,700 babies are born too soon. 

Nearly all of us have felt the emotional strain of a baby born too soon – either personally or through family, friends or co-workers.  In fact, to help illustrate how serious this issue is, two of our very own County colleagues have agreed to share their personal stories in a CTN video that’s posted here on CWW. While their children are happy and healthy now, premature babies can suffer from chronic lung ailments, developmental delays, impaired vision and other serious impediments to their growth and health. 

The County of San Diego has a longstanding partnership with the March of Dimes, which is working to address this issue, and for a good reason - we have the same goals.  One of the County’s Strategic Initiatives is for all kids to be safe and healthy.  The March of Dimes goal is that one day all babies will be born full term and healthy. 

When we raise funds for the March of Dimes, it’s important to note that 100% of those funds stays in San Diego County; with 88% going right back out to research, education, and programs.  In fact, research at UCSD, funded by the March of Dimes, is responsible for discovering a life saving lung therapy for preemies- a therapy that saves thousands of lives a year and is used worldwide.

That’s why I’m so proud that we support the March of Dimes each year and participate in their annual March for Babies.  We raised more than $63,000 last year. This year, our fundraising goal is $67,000 and our theme is “I make the Difference.”  And be assured, with charity donations down, this year’s goal will be a challenge and every single person will make a difference.

One of the best ways to contribute -- and have a great time -- is to join your fellow County workers, their families and me at the March for Babies in Balboa Park on Saturday, April 24^th.

Signing up for March for Babies is easier than ever. You can register online at http://www.marchforbabies.org/ and create your own e-mail message and personal web site that family and friends can use to donate online and support your walk. Be sure to search for the County of San Diego team, then select the team that represents your Group.

And, if you can’t walk, how about sponsoring a co-worker who is walking? 

If you have any questions please contact any of the following:

            Chair:  Holly Davidson: holly.davidson@sdcounty.ca.gov

            CSG lead:  Vicki Chappell: vicki.chappell@sdcounty.ca.gov

            FG3 lead:  Steven Penner: steven.penner@sdcounty.ca.gov

            LUEG lead:  Susie Vaughn: susie.vaughn@sdcounty.ca.gov

            HHSA lead:  Shauna Rose-Pfeiffer: shauna.rose-pfeiffer@sdcounty.ca.gov

            PSG lead: Derryl Acosta: derryl.acosta@sdcounty.ca.gov

On behalf of the County, the March of Dimes and the future babies and families who will benefit from your generosity, I thank you all.

Sincerely,

Walt Ekard

Chief Administrative Officer

Fine-Free Forgiveness

Overdue Library books or DVDs at home? Afraid of the fees, the shame of a librarian's disproval?

Never fear. There's no need to hide!

Tomorrow is Fine-Free Friday, when you can return your overdue Library materials and all is forgiven. The slate is wiped clean.

LEARNing to Read

For some, learning to read comes later in life with help from the County Library.

Giving Babies a Healthy Start

Over 4,700 babies are born too soon in San Diego every year. CTN.org talked to a few parents to discuss how their premature babies impacted their lives and what County employees can do to help give all babies a healthy start in life. Since 2002, the County of San Diego has raised nearly $400,000 for the March of Dimes. 

Chairwoman Delivers State of the County

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price delivered the annual State of the County address to more than 500 people at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall in Sorrento Valley last night.

Watch the speech.

Watch the entire ceremony.

Read the speech.

County Joins "The Big Read"

County Libraries are participating in the nationwide "The Big Read" program. This year's featured novel is "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck.   

Workout + Nature = Healthy, Happy You

Get a total body workout - and a nice view of the ducks - at Lindo Lake Park.

Finding Forever Families

Two County departments are teaming up to share the stories of local children in need of adoptive homes.

“As many as 75 foster children are available every day through the Health and Human Services Agency’s County Adoptions. The Heart Gallery puts a face to the need, giving the public a chance to see beautiful photos of these children as the exhibit travels to Library branches throughout the county,” said Board Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price.

Local photographers donate their time to take professional portraits of children currently in foster care. County Adoptions keeps the exhibit updated as some children are adopted and others become available, and the Library provides 33 branches where the photos can be featured. It will be at the Ramona branch at 1406 Montecito Road in February.

The exhibit has produced an increase in calls from people who want information about adoptions, and has also raised awareness about the need for adoptive families.

To see some of the photos featured in the Heart Gallery, check out this album. For more information about adoptions, visit the Health and Human Services Agency Adoptions Program page, or call 1-877-I-Adopt-U (423-6788).