Want Important Employee Announcements? Get Details Sent to Your Smartphone

No matter where in the County you work, you’ll never be far from important employee notices and reminders. Simply sign up for announcements on your smartphone! You’ll get text messages about the programs that matter most to you – no more need to wade through emails, and you can sign up on your work or personal phone.

Sign up for text message announcements about Employee Wellness activities, Countywide events and professional development opportunities. Sign up for one, two or even all three distribution lists.

Employee Wellness texts will help keep you active with details about the quarterly wellness challenge, biometric screenings, the Amazing Race and other wellness activities.

Countywide event texts may include notices about the annual Halloween festivities, the San Diego State football pep rally at the County Operations Center, ERG events and lunchtime TED Talks with CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer.

Professional development opportunities texts will contain information about upcoming trainings that may be of interest to you in pursuing your career interests with the County. 

Signing up for the text notices is quick and easy (messaging and texting rates apply). 

• Text “CoSD WELLNESS” to 468311 for Wellness events
• Text “CoSD EVENTS” to 468311 for Countywide events
• Text “CoSD PROFDEV” to 468311 for professional development opportunities

Please note, this is different than the workplace emergency alert system. You don’t need to enroll in that program – during an emergency, notifications will automatically be sent to your work and personal cellphones as well as your desk phone. Please review your contact information in PeopleSoft Self Service to make sure it is up to date.

County Law Enforcement Teams Finish Desert Relay Race

Probation Division Chief Alex Zermeno running his 4.2 mile leg of the 2017 Baker to Vegas Relay.

Officers from Probation, Sheriff and the District Attorney’s office took off on a foot pursuit through the desert to compete in the 2017 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay.  

The 120-mile race, which starts north of Baker, Calif. and ends in Las Vegas, is a law enforcement challenge that includes teams from throughout the United States and other countries. The race was held the weekend of March 25-26 and is about endurance, teamwork and camaraderie. Runners each complete a segment in the race, even throughout the overnight hours.

Competitors from Probation took first place with a 15-hour, 23-minute and 17-second finish in the Mixed Division, which means five members have to be women and all have to be sworn officers. Eighteen teams competed in that division. Overall, the Probation team finished 23rd of the 279 teams that competed in the race.

This is the 19th time the Probation Department has competed in the race.

via GIPHY

“Taking first place is the icing on the cake, after the long and hard work, in preparing to represent our Probation Department in this prestigious race,” said Probation Chief Adolfo Gonzales, who was at the finish line at 7:23 a.m. Sunday to cheer on the final runner. “I'm very proud of the commitment, dedication and perseverance of everyone involved with the B2V event.” 

Probation Team 24 had 20 runners, 4 alternates and 19 support staff. Among those were two members who either drove or took a flight into the area so that they could run their leg of the race and then immediately returned home.

The Probation team took first place in the Mixed Division in the Baker to Vegas Relay.

“It just shows how committed we are to making this race happen,” said recently retired Deputy Chief Probation Officer Dan DeLeon, who ran the last leg. 

In the past, the heat was often the most punishing part of the course, especially during the legs through the desert. But DeLeon, who has run the relay 17 times, said conditions were the best he had ever seen. He noted that this year it was cold at night. The highest temperature they ran in was 83 degrees when the race started at 4 p.m. and the coldest was 38 degrees in the middle of the night, he said.

A Sheriff's team member on the road to Vegas.The Sheriff’s Department finished 10th in the Open Division with a time of 14 hours and 53 minutes. The open division includes all sworn personnel of any gender or age. The Sheriff’s Team 12 finished 15th overall out of all the teams.

Deputies Steven Shepherd and Jennifer Albright at exchange point in the Baker to Vegas Relay.

The Sheriff's Baker to Vegas team including support staff. “We knocked off 9 minutes and 6 seconds from last year’s run time,” said Sgt. Denese Deal, a Baker to Vegas team captain for 15 years. “And we ran two minutes under our estimated run time with eight brand-new runners to the course. We did the best we could.”

DA Baker to Vegas runners ready themselves for the race.The District Attorney’s Office fielded two teams that both made a competitive showing in the Mixed Invitational Category. Team 57 finished at 18 hours 28 minutes and 46 seconds, and the DA’s Bureau of Investigations Team 226 had a time of 18 hours, 58 minutes and 58 seconds. Of the 46 teams that ran in the division, Team 57 finished 31st and Team 226 finished 35th. The Mixed Invitational category means all but two members have to be sworn and five members have to be women. Overall, Team 57 finished 194th and Team 226 finished 213th of all the teams that competed.

A DA team member on the challenging Baker to Vegas run.Team Capt. Chris Campbell said there were many last-minute challenges this year that meant they were still trying to put many of the runners, follow vehicle drivers and support team in place just days before the race.

“This truly is a testament to the commitment, dedication and teamwork that is apparent throughout the DA’s Office,” he said. “A special kudos goes to DDA Samira Seidu who agreed to step in for a downed runner the day before the race and ran a challenging six-mile leg despite being injured herself, ensuring our team stayed in the race.”

The DA team night shift on the Baker to Vegas Relay.

Probation officer and team member Shawna Berke echoed this sense of gratitude for support staff.

“None of this would be possible without the volunteers that go out with us. We cannot thank them enough,” she said.

The Probation Baker to Vegas team with the support vehicles provided by Mercedes-Benz of Escondido and Marvin K. Brown Auto Center.

Your Blood Could Save a Life

It’s that time of the year again…to donate blood.

The month-long County Blood Drive kicks off April 3. All employees are encouraged to donate blood and, if they qualify, to register to be a bone marrow donor at Be The Match.

Donating blood and bone marrow is safe, costs nothing and could save a life. Bloodmobiles will be at 19 sites across the county throughout April. You can make an appointment, or just walk in. Employees can use County time to donate blood, with approval from their supervisor.

If you can donate blood, do it. If you can’t, try to get a family member or friend to take your place. All blood types are needed.

This is the 33rd year the County has sponsored the blood drive, which supports the Live Well San Diego vision of healthy, safe and thriving residents and communities

Be the perfect match

The County is also encouraging employees to register to be bone marrow donors.

Registering for Be the Match is easy and pain free. All you have to do is swab the inside of your cheek and you can do it at one of the 19 blood donation sites.

Be The Match is especially looking for donors in the 18-44 age group because doctors request them over 90 percent of the time. This is because medical research has shown that cells from younger donors lead to better long-term survival for patients after a transplant. Registration is completely free.

People between the ages of 45 and 60 can also join the Be The Match Registry®, but will be required to make a $100 payment at the end of the online process. 

Be The Match is also looking for members of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds because patients are most likely to match someone who shares their ancestry.

Workplace Security: What to Do if Your Office Is on Lockdown

By Lt. Damon Blankenbaker 

The attack in Great Britain is a somber reminder that we all need to be prepared for any type of emergency or threat. The Houses of Parliament and nearby areas were immediately put on lockdown. What would happen if a County facility was put on lockdown? The County takes your safety and security seriously, and as the head of the County’s Site Security Initiative, I want to share important information with you about lockdowns.

You’ve probably heard the term lockdown. But what does it mean, and what should you do if the building you are inside is put on lockdown?

How would you identify a safe place to go, or a safe room?

Emergency personnel have often used the terms "lockdown” and “shelter in place" when ordering the public to find a safe place in the event of a threat.  These phrases are typically used to quickly communicate a threat or potential threat to your safety. The term lockdown has been used for decades in school systems.

During emergencies, both terms could have several different meanings, but essentially, both mean to take immediate shelter where you are. This could apply whether you are at home, work, school, or even in a public place like a mall.

You may be ordered to lockdown by law enforcement, but if you feel you are in danger, it may be a decision you make on your own.

The most important thing to remember is that during a threat or other emergency, there isn’t a “one size fits all” procedure for locking down a location and securing yourself. Every person, business, and department will need to develop a plan tailored to their location.

Lockdown protocols then must be practiced and debriefed in order to be effective.

Below are some ideas to consider when considering how and when to lockdown:

1. Do not minimize a threat during a lockdown. Over the years, we have found examples where folks have misjudged or discounted the threat.
2. Use plain language when communicating a threat and the need for a lockdown. The use of codes is often ineffective, may cause a delay, and could easily result in mass loss of life.
3. Perimeter doors should be closed and locked at all times. These are doors that provide access to your building but should remain locked, such as a warehouse door or emergency exits. This will help ensure that the majority of our work locations can be secured quickly.
4. Identify rooms within your facilities that can be accessed and securely locked. Ensure that they provide a level of protection to delay a potential threat. Most active shooter events end within three minutes and 60 percent end before law enforcement arrive on scene.

Security at work starts with all of us, and you can get more information about site security by visiting the Employee Security page on InSite.

Meet Your Employee Wellness Champions

San Diego County has 21 Employee Wellness Champions who are both inspirational and great cheerleaders! The champions support the Employee Wellness Program by helping to plan, promote and organize wellness activities at their work locations.

These champions work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the program, which is committed to the health and well-being of employees, is a success.

“They are one of the backbones of the Employee Wellness Program,” said Employee Wellness Coordinator William Erese. “They are generous in spirit and go above and beyond through volunteering their time to help make our Employee Wellness Program successful.”

The impressive growth of the Employee Wellness Program is representative of the champions’ hard work. They push for program expansion to accommodate interest from employees at numerous worksites and help make wellness a part of our daily County culture.

You may have seen the champions’ spirited outreach in your department’s newsletters, an email about the farmers market, a personal invitation to participate in one of the numerous wellness challenges, onsite fitness classes, lunch-and-learn sessions or behavioral health programs that the Employee Wellness Program offers.

A healthy thanks to all of our Employee Wellness Champions. You get our adrenaline pumping for wellness! Read more about them here.

If you are interested in becoming a champion, contact the Employee Wellness program at DHRWellness.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov

Workplace Emergency Alert System Launches; Confirm Your Contact Info

As part of our workplace Security Initiative, the County is introducing a new notification system that will be used to alert employees of active threats at our facilities.

The system will allow the Sheriff’s Department to send important notifications to your desk phone, cellphone – business or personal – and email with information and instructions, such as sheltering in place or keeping clear of a campus in the event of an active shooter incident.

Since many employees often travel between locations, alerts involving one site will be sent to all employees. Messages will explain which location is affected.

You do not need to sign up for the alerts. However, you do need to review and update your contact information in Employee Self Service (also known as PeopleSoft Self Service). Up-to-date contact information is critical and can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.

Here’s how to update your contact information:

1. Log in to PeopleSoft Self Service. If you forgot your password, call the HP Help Desk at (858) 573-3938 or (888) 298-1222. (Sheriff and DA staff should call their respective help desks.)

2. From the Main Menu, click on “Self Service.”

3. From the drop down menu, click on “Personal Information.”

4. Select “Phone Numbers” from the drop down menu and update your business (work landline), business cellular and personal cellular phone numbers. Save the changes.

5. Next, from the same “Personal Information” menu, select “Email Addresses” and verify both your business and personal email addresses and update them if necessary. Save the changes.

The notification system is the latest component of our County Security Initiative. Last month, CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer sent us a video message with an update on the initiative’s progress.

Remember, safety starts with you! Get involved by learning more about the initiative–visit the Employee Security page on InSite, review the County security policy, or register for Active Shooter training in the Learning Management System (for Sheriff, DA, and SDCERA, click here). In addition, departments can request County Security Coordinators to present tailored training for your facility.

Over 100 County Employees Win Bicycles

Aubrey Sheetz with Child Welfare Services

Congratulations to the 102 County employees who won mountain bicycles for their participation in the 2016 Employee Wellness program.

In order to be eligible for the bicycle drawing, these dedicated employees had to complete three quarterly wellness challenges, five lunch-and-learn sessions, and one cooking demonstration, and submit a biometric screening with online health risk assessment.

The winners were wheelie wheelie excited about the bikes and all of the Employee Wellness program activities.

Aubrey Sheetz, with Child Welfare Services, said she most relished the cooking demonstrations and making strides in HealthTrails.

“The bike was a huge motivation for me to participate in last year’s wellness challenge,” said Sheetz. “I made sure I completed all of the 2016 wellness requirements in hopes of being entered into the drawing. So, when it actually happened, I was excited!”

Daniel C. Rerucha, a social worker at Aging & Independence Services, not only completed all of the requirements for the drawing but he encouraged his co-workers to participate in the various Employee Wellness activities.

“The team activities are always exciting because my unit really motivates each other to get more steps, eat more fruits and veggies, or drink more water,” said Rerucha.

He plans on taking his bike to various trails at Mission Trails Regional Parks, which he knows well.

Myra Desquitado-Prado

Myra Desquitado-Prado, an occupational therapist for California Children’s Services, –HHSA, will start her new bike adventures with “training wheels.” Desquitado-Prado said she will begin with rides with her husband and kids along the J Street Marina in Chula Vista and progress to trails.

“In the previous years I never completely participated in all the Wellness activities because I thought it would be too difficult for me with my busy schedule,” said Desquitado-Prado. “But thanks to the support of the County and of my co-workers in my office, I realized that I could definitely fit in what I needed to in order to make healthier life choices.”

Catalina Pierce

Catalina Pierce, a district attorney investigator, said she loves the variety of programs offered by Employee Wellness including the quarterly challenges such as Maintain Don’t Gain and stress relieving yoga and meditation sessions.

“This program tells me the County cares about our employees,” said Pierce. “...  I really enjoy participating in the quarterly challenges. It is fun to challenge other employees and work on our goals together. It is a positive way to stay on track with your health and have fun at the same time. 

Pierce said she looks forward to riding her new bike with her children around Mission Bay, Coronado and San Diego County.

Now’s your chance to win big by participating in the 2017 Employee Wellness Program! Review requirements for this year’s drawing to compete for stationary exercise bicycles.

See where Employee Wellness can take you, visit them on InSite.

County Social Workers Honored

HHSA Child Welfare Services Director Cathi Palatella, 2017 Jay Hoxie Award Winner Belina Chapman and HHSA North Regions General Manager Chuck Matthews

The focus for San Diego County social workers is on strengthening families. Every day they are out in the community working to ensure that foster children are able to stay with or reunite with their families or relatives.

It’s a job that doesn’t always fit nicely into an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. And even beyond their job duties, many of our social workers volunteer in their communities doing everything from one-on-one mentoring to a variety of efforts with organizations that touch on every segment of our society.

Every year during Social Worker Appreciation Month, the County’s Child Welfare Services honors a social worker with the Jay Hoxie Award for demonstrating a compassionate commitment to others through volunteer work in the community.

The award is named after social worker Jay Hoxie, who died in a tragic car accident in 1990 while on the job.

The 2017 recipient was Belina Chapman, who specializes in work with local Indian tribes.

Chapman volunteers several hours a month with the Juvenile Diversion Program which serves first-time juvenile offenders and youth at risk for gang involvement.

She is a “go to” person for churches in Escondido looking for assistance for immigrant families. You will also find Chapman volunteering with Interfaith Community Services during the holidays as a food bank worker, food server or greeter at holiday events.

“They tend to trust me a lot because when they see me serving at Interfaith during the holidays or when I’m taking people to food distribution lines or showing them where to sign up or who they need to see. They see me so regularly that they trust me.”

Chapman also spends time contacting various agencies and local recreation programs to obtain scholarships to allow local youth without the financial means the opportunities to participate in activities such as karate or dance.

“I have kids as well so I’m a family person,” said Chapman. “Because of that, the community gets to see me a lot.

“I think I’m approachable and it’s made me easy for people in the community to ask me questions and seek assistance.”

The four other nominees for the award were:

• Dena Stoltz established an outreach program known as “Kidz Club” to target at-risk youth. She’s volunteered at her church for the past six years, plans ongoing fundraisers and events so children are able to attend camps and takes the time to obtain school supplies for the children on her caseload.

• Aseel Ross actively sought opportunities to work with the Middle Eastern community by joining the Newcomers Collaborative. Last year, she participated in the International Child Maltreatment Conference in Kuwait and will be a speaker at the San Diego International Conference on Children and Family Maltreatment in 2018.

• Shameka Clark volunteers her time with the Black Military Wives Club helping new spouses arriving in San Diego County with resources and support. Clark is also involved in the Casa Colina apartments for the disabled and seniors, transporting residents to the grocery store, reading to and baking for them and providing household assistance.

• Jonathan Ogle and his wife love dogs and wanted to give back to the disabled community and veterans experiencing PTSD, so they have been providing service dogs to those in need for the past 15 years. They raise the dogs to 18 months, training them along the way until they are ready for their new owner.

Kelly Barron and Joanna Khurshid were recognized from the CWS foster care eligibility for outstanding customer service.

Janna Khurshid, left, and Kelly Barron, right, were honored for their customer service. CWS Director Cathi Palatella is in the middle.2017 Jay Hoxie Award nominees Deana Stoltz, Aseel Ross, Belina Chapman, Jonathan Ogle and Shameka Clark.

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

Wonderful job, County employees! You work hard, have HEART and make San Diego a great place to live and work. For Employee Appreciation Day we are giving thanks to you.

While there are countless ways to recognize your peers, the simplest is to write a “thank you” note. Share your thanks as a comment below.

With much gratitude, here are some videos, photos and notes of appreciation:

“I would like to thank the Behavioral Health Services, Quality Improvement, Performance Improvement Team for not only doing a fantastic job, but for making it enjoyable to come to work every day!”

-Chris Strows, Admin Analyst III, Behavioral Health Services, Quality Improvement, Performance Improvement Team

“I would like to post my heartfelt appreciation for ALL employees that dedicate their skills, their heart, their compassion and commitment to our SDCPH patients. Our inpatient units and emergency room staff serve 24/7 some of the most severely mental ill individuals from within the county and beyond. Each day the staff face complex decisions and dangerous circumstances. It is their dedication and humanity that provides solace and safety to these individuals and their families and ultimately the community as a whole. I am so proud and grateful to work with this staff, as part of our mission to serve.”

-Izabela Karmach, Deputy Director Departmental Operations, San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital

“I just want to thank all of my staff for continuing to provide excellent customer service not only to their customers but among themselves. I have never seen a more cohesive, strong, transparent team than DPW HR Team. I can’t thank them enough everyday but they know that I sincerely appreciate and recognize all their unselfish contributions to the department. They concentrate more on what unites them than divides them; they set aside their differences in order to advance the mission of the department and the County as a whole. Thank you, staff!”

-Lita Santos, Sr. DHRO, Department of Public Works

“A big thank you to our Office of Revenue and Recovery Team! Your efforts and hard work is greatly appreciated today and every day!!! Know you make a difference! In business, it’s important to find people you can count on. You are one of those reliable employees and one of the reasons for our success as it can never be achieved unless someone, like you, has the shared vision, commitment and desire to achieve it. Our office is enhanced by your presence. Thank you for your excellence and for being our greatest and most valuable asset! Our sincerest thanks for all your dedication, hard work and for being such an important part of our team. Words cannot describe how much you are appreciated. Best wishes for a wonderful Employee Appreciation Day and weekend!”

-Sean S. Sander, Director, Office of Revenue and Recovery

“I would like to personally thank Jayme Gravett-Miller and Connie Myrick for their contribution as team members of the Project Management Division, Department of General Services. The administrative and fiscal support they provide to all the PMD staff is exemplary. With employees like them, it makes my job as a supervisor much easier!”

-Amie Meegan, Department of General Services

 “Thank you for always being an awesome team and going the extra mile. I appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication. Each of your individual contributions to our division’s goals and vision combined with teamwork consistently take us to the next level.  I am proud to be part of the ABO Dream Team (Apple, Dan, Erendy, -Linda, Lorena, Mary, Max, Miriam, Peter, Rissa and Rocio).”

-Ardee Apostol, Revenue & Budget Manager, Agency Budget Office, Health & Human Services Agency

“It is such a privilege to work every day with such a dedicated and professional team. This team has served over 7000 customers in 2016. You have provided the public with excellent records and protected the confidentiality of the clients served in Child Welfare Services. You are sensitive to the needs of our customers and have demonstrated excellent customer service while meeting the individual needs of our clients. I appreciate every day walking into an office where the people who work here serve the public good while maintaining a positive attitude and wanting to do more to better the quality of what we do. I am so proud to be a team member for Legal Support Services and thank each of you for all the hard work you do.”

-Marie Hommel, Protective Services Supervisor, Child Welfare Services Policy and Program Support, Legal Support Services

Rita A.M. Smith, Sr. DHRO, County Library, submitted this selfie photo with her fellow DHR employees.

CTO staff really takes the cake!