Two County Attorneys Named Judges

Marcella McLaughlin and Saba Sheibani were appointed as San Diego Superior Court judges.A San Diego County deputy district attorney and a deputy public defender are moving to the other side of the bench.

All rise for Marcella McLaughlin and Saba Sheibani as they enter San Diego County Superior courtrooms. The two were among 25 judges appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. 

McLaughlin had worked since 2005 as a deputy district attorney, and prior to that, as a deputy city attorney in the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. She earned her law degree from the California Western School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from UC San Diego.  

Since 2016, Sheibani has been an assistant supervising attorney at the Public Defender’s Office and served as a deputy public defender since 2004. Sheibani earned her degree at UC Hastings College of the Law.

Public Defender Randy Mize praised Sheibani’s work ethic and dedication to serving others.

“Our loss is certainly the court’s gain as her capacity for excellence and commitment to fairness will make her an exceptional judge,” Mize said.

Nice Work, DPW!

Snow fell in the higher elevations of the county overnight and our Department of Public Works crews were out plowing throughout the night and morning. Thanks for working snow hard! See more photos.

Buy Your Tickets for CECO's Awards Breakfast

The County Employee’s Charitable Organization (CECO) is proud to have raised $167,990.28 in 2017 and will be distributing grants to 95 local non-profit programs at its annual Awards Breakfast at the County Operations Center on March 15. 

Be a part of the inspiring morning. Buy a ticket to the awards breakfast. Seating is limited so purchase your tickets early. A light breakfast will be from 7 to 7:30 a.m. The program starts at 7:30 a.m. 

The deadline to purchase tickets is March 12. For more information or to reserve your tickets click here.

For questions, please email SDCECO@sdcounty.ca.gov.

County Meteorologist's Forecast for the Weekend and Beyond

The Department of Public Works has its own meteorologist as part of its flood control staff. Here's Rand Allan's forecast for the coming days.

Blustery, cold, and showery weather will continue today, ending by this evening as the storm system in the interior western states moves east and the skies clear. Estimated rain totals will range from zero to less than 0.10 inches. Snow level is around 3500 feet this morning and about 2 inches of total snowfall is expected at the upper elevations. Skies will remain clear and cool through Monday afternoon. A more potent storm moves in Monday night through Tuesday evening with chances for widely scattered light showers Wednesday and Thursday. Models are indicating increasing chances for rain next Friday into the weekend.

Lorena Gonzalez-Fabiny, Supervising Communicable Disease InvestigatorArnel Phil Fabian, Imaging Technician II, ARCC

Photo by Joanne Emerick, Administrative Secretary, Office of Ethics and Compliance

Susan Green, Assistant Chief Information Officer

Teresa Dutra, Senior Assessment Clerk

Martha Landeros, Office Assistant, HHSA

Florence Aquino, Accounting Technician, ARCC

'Big Bang Theory' Actress Adopts Pets from County Shelter

Lt. Kathy Cleveland, Department of Animal Services, stands with actress Kaley Cuoco, who adopted two bunnies.Actress Kaley Cuoco of TV’s “The Big Bang Theory” paid a surprise visit to a County animal shelter on Sunday and adopted two white rabbits. 

According to an Instagram post by her fiancé, Karl Cook, Cuoco woke up to say she wanted to adopt some rabbits. Cook lives in the North County. He and Cuoco were out and about when they decided to visit the shelter on Gaines Street.

Once inside the rabbit area, Cook took video of Cuoco as she was picking out one of her new pets. He then posted it on Instagram.

Don’t worry, DAS staff says Cuoco was crying happy tears as she said, “This is the one!” They said she was fine by the time she filled out the paperwork to adopt the animals. The two female rabbits had been at the shelter since Jan. 16. 

Click to view the Instagram post.Cuoco said she was so glad she came.    

Employees recognized Cuoco right away. They said the actress, who plays the character Penny on “The Big Bang Theory,” was very nice and agreed to take photos with the staff. She, in turn, thanked them for being fans.

Department of Animal Services employee Yesenia English poses with Kaley Cuoco.

Department of Animal Services employee Marina Daniels poses with Kaley Cuoco.

Security Trainings and Resources Available

While the Florida school shooting Wednesday was an unspeakable tragedy, it is a reminder that we all need to be prepared for any type of emergency or threat.

Find training and resources by visiting the Employee Security page. And, if you see something, say something.

Also remember that free, confidential counseling is available through the Employee Assistance Program.

Joining Your Retirement Family

Saying hello to retirement does not mean saying goodbye to workplace family and friends. It means a chance to join another community—the Retired Employees of San Diego County.

RESDC is dedicated to being an advocate for retirees and providing pertinent retiree information and services to its 6,700+ members, said RESDC Executive Director Mark Nanzer.

“We’re focused on our connection to the County,” said Nanzer. “And on protecting the interests of all County employees and retirees.”

Plus, the nonprofit knows how to have fun! RESDC’s annual summer Flag Day celebration, autumn health fair and picnic, and festival holiday luncheon are some of its most popular social events. Last year, they held an outing to a Padres’ game and an evening at the theater. And, they are an active Live Well San Diego partner.

Because some retirees are more active than ever, RESDC also helps connect members with volunteer opportunities such as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and AARP Experience Corps.

Start daydreaming of your retirement now. Read up on what RESDC offers members:

Keeping You Informed

The organization holds three annual general meetings highlighting relevant retiree issues through professional speakers including representatives from Aging and Independence Services. In addition, RESDC produces a monthly newsletter to keep members up to date on actions of the SDCERA Board of Retirement, pertinent legislation, upcoming meetings and activities. The newsletter—The NETWORK—is available in print and online. Plus, the organization is on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Providing Benefits and Discounts

RESDC offers group benefits including dental and vision programs, travel insurance, pet insurance and discounted home and vehicle insurance. Plus, a variety of discounts are available to members including tickets to movie theaters and amusement parks. Members also get a sweet deal on See’s Candies.

Advocating for You

The RESDC Board of Directors works closely with the San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA) Board of Retirement, the Board of Supervisors and statewide county retiree associations on behalf of retirees.

Membership is open to all County retirees for $5 per month or $60 per year. Non-voting active employee memberships are available for $12 per year.

For more information on becoming a member or the benefits that RESDC provides, visit resdc.net or call 866-688-9229.

Share Your Most Memorable Valentine’s Day Moments

Does Valentine’s Day set your heart aflutter? Take a stroll down memory lane and share a romantic, cute or even disastrous date story from Valentine’s Days past.

Tell us in the comments below. Please include your full name and County email address.

County Construction Fence Turned Art Gallery

Something new is celebrating something old at Cedar and Kettner. Large murals depicting Little Italy’s cultural history have been installed along a construction fence on the east side of some County property. You might be familiar with it. The property lies just outside the Cedar-Kettner employee parking garage.

The County and the Little Italy Association agreed to set up an art walk of sorts until the property is developed. Passersby can’t miss the colorful four-by-eight-foot-long murals. Each one features a caption describing the historic scene. Artist Elisabeth Sullivan prepared the drawings and made the art panels.

The art will remain on display until the site is turned over to a developer. The Little Italy Association will then relocate the panels to another part of the community.

You’ll Love These PerkSpot Deals

Have an extra sweet Valentine’s Day! Save on chocolates, flowers or even sparkly jewelry for your significant other. Through PerkSpot, you could save up to 50 percent off at Ghiradelli, Godiva, Shari’s Berries and find bountiful deals at 1-800-Flowers, FTD and other flower retailers

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.