County IT Provider Changing Name to Perspecta

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The main provider of IT services to the County will have a new name, beginning June 1: Perspecta.

DXC, the current provider, is spinning off its U.S. public sector business, which will then merge with two other technology companies to form the new parent company, Perspecta.

The subsidiary of DXC that provided services to the County under our outsourcing agreement will remain intact under Perspectaand will continue to provide all IT and telecommunication services under that contract.

For us here at the County, our “help desk” telephone lines will now be called the “service desk," lines, but the telephone numbers will remain the same: (858) 573-3938; (888) 298-1222.

DXC was created last April when Hewlett Packard’s Enterprise Services — which had been the County’s IT provider since 2006 — merged with Computer Sciences Corp.

Perspecta is being formed by the merger of DXC’s U.S. public sector business, Vencore Holding Corporation and KeyPoint Government Solutions.

County Programs Win National Recognition

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Featured are some of the County's award-winning programs.

The County of San Diego received 41 awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for innovative government programs.

“As a County, we are always striving to improve our services and address unmet needs, so it is heartening to have 41 programs recognized for those efforts with an Achievement Award,” said Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. 

The winning programs are from various departments including County human resources, public safety, health and human services, parks and libraries. San Diego County programs received the second most awards in the state, trailing San Bernardino County by one award.

NACo selected 615 programs from among 116 counties and state associations in 29 states for its Achievement Award. The Best in Category was given to one award in each of the 18 categories.

A San Diego County program, Person-Centered Service Coaching, garnered a Best in Category award in the Personnel Management, Employment and Training category.

The program came from HHSA and helps staff understand how to approach customers with complex set of needs and circumstances. As part of that, intake workers can share information provided by customers with other departments or agencies, so, for example, victims of crimes such as domestic violence no longer need to repeat their stories every time they are referred to another department of agency.

This approach is being taught to supervising line staff who then train other employees with the goal to give people better outcomes for the services they receive from the County.

The complete list of winners are below:

  1. Defense Transition Unit (Office of the Public Defender)

  2. Know Your Hazards – A Public Map to Discover Regional Hazards by Location (Office of Emergency Services)

  3. Portable Charging Station Program (Office of Emergency Services)

  4. In Their Shoes (Child Support)

  5. Military and Veteran Liaison and Outreach (Child Support Services)

  6. Early Intervention Team (Child Support Services)

  7. San Diego County Regional Leadership Institute (District Attorney)

  8. Storytime Salon: An Afternoon of Music and Words (Library)

  9. Back to School Jam (Library)

  10. Kindergarten Gear Up (Library)

  11. Energy Leaders of the Future (General Services)

  12. How to Pay by E-check Video (Treasurer Tax Collector)

  13. Online Electronic Tax Sale Notification Program (Treasurer Tax Collector)

  14. Next Level Supervising (Human Resources)

  15. Diversity & Inclusion Training Series (Human Resources)

  16. Sexual Harassment Prevention for Supervisors eLearning Course (Human Resources)

  17. Healthy Balance Program - Weight Management (Human Resources)

  18. Living Well with Diabetes Program (Human Resources)

  19. Streamlining the Administrative Analyst Recruitment Process (Human Resources)

  20. Employee Appreciation Day (Human Resources)

  21. Online Submittal of Gasoline Station Performance Test Reports (Air Pollution and Control District)

  22. iTrapp: A Mobile App for Protecting Agriculture (Agriculture, Weights and Measures)

  23. Online Structural Notice of Intent Program (Agriculture, Weights and Measures)

  24. California Environmental Reporting System Help Desk (Department of Environmental Health)

  25. Making Camps Safer Through Communication, Education and Preparedness (Department of Environmental Health)

  26. Gramping (Parks and Recreation)

  27. Using Technology So Everyone Can Find a Park (Parks and Recreation)

  28. Parcel Analysis Initial Research Tool (Planning & Development Services)

  29. Customer Experience Initiative (Land Use and Environment Group)

  30. Hepatitis A Field Assessment App (Land Use and Environment Group)

  31. Hepatitis A Housing Program: Preventing the Spread (Public Health Services)

  32. Utilizing Foot Teams: Reaching the Unreachable During a Hepatitis A Outbreak (Public Health Services)

  33. Vaccination Strategies: Engaging Hospital Emergency Departments as Vaccinators During a Hepatitis A Outbreak (Public Health Services)

  34. Summary Career Discovery Program for the Health and Human Services Agency (Health and Human Services Agency Human Resources)

  35. Onboarding for New Employees at the Health and Human Services Agency (Health and Human Services Agency Human Resources)

  36. Universal Workers (Eligibility Operations Administration)

  37. Cultural Responsiveness Academy (Child Welfare)

  38. Person-Centered Service Coaching Program (Health and Human Services Agency)

  39. ConnectWellSD (Health and Human Services Agency)

  40. Access & Access2Health Customer Service Call Center Launches a Job Share Pilot To Enhance Customer Service (Central Region)

  41. Access & Access2Health Customer Service Call Center Expands Use of Technology to Include a Telephonic Signature Process (Central Region)

Two HHSA Employees Honored for Efforts Preventing Child Abuse

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HHSA's Lindsay Vernetti, center, was a nominee for the 2108 Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council's STARS Awards. She's pictured with Kim Giardina, CWS deputy director (right) and STAR 94.1's Delana Bennett, who served as the emcee for the ceremony. CWS' Cristine Rosas-DiMaggio was also honored but unable to attend the event.

Two HHSA Child Welfare Services workers were honored Tuesday at the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council’s annual STARS award ceremony.

Lindsay Vernetti and Cristine Rosas-DiMaggio were recognized for their efforts in preventing child abuse in the region.

STARS stands for: Support children and parents in the community; Take a positive perspective; Address the issues; Recognize that parenting can be challenging and offer support; and Strengthen communities.

Rosas-DiMaggio is a protective services worker and the program coordinator and family support group leader to CWS’ OPTIONS for Recovery Program. She recruits foster parents who are willing to participate in intensive and comprehensive training in order to care for children who are drug exposed.

Vernetti was a nominee for the award and is a senior public health nurse who works with CWS children that have life-threatening illnesses. She works with protective service workers to assess children’s physical and medical safety in their home.

El Cajon Police Department detective John Pearsely, Kristin Gist of Rady Children’s Hospital, Kym G. Miller of Voices for Children and the Vista Hill ParentCare Alumni Association were the other STARS Award winners.

Others honored at the ceremony include nominees Angela Rowe of Vista Hill, Carol Bess of Cultural Brokers, the Mi Escuelita Therapeutic Preschool and HERE Now and Anti BIAS programs from San Diego Youth Services.

Phone Calling Changes Coming May 19

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Many of us will soon need to dial extra numbers for a lot of phone calls we make.

Starting May 19, calls to numbers with 619 or 858 area codes will require adding that area code – even if you’re calling from a phone with the same area code. For County employees, this will affect outside calls using a landline. You’ll still dial *9 to start. Then 1+area code you’re calling, plus the seven-digit number.

Cellphone calls within 619 or 858 will also require the area code, even if both ends of the call have the same area code.  

If you don’t include it, you’re going to hear a recording telling you to hang up and dial again.

WHAT ABOUT CALLING OTHER COUNTY EMPLOYEES AT COUNTY FACILITIES?

For the most part, we’re in luck! In general, we can still reach one another by just calling our seven-digit numbers — without *9 or an area code — if we’re calling from one County landline to another, regardless of the area code.

There are exceptions. The County has smaller and/or more remote buildings and facilities that get phone service by outside providers, not the County phone system. People in those places will have to dial *9 then 1+area code and the seven-digit number.

WHAT ABOUT EMERGENCY NUMBERS?

You’ll still be able to emergency numbers like 911 and 211 directly.

WHAT ABOUT ALL MY CONTACTS? DO I HAVE TO ADD IN THE AREA CODE FOR ALL OF THEM THAT DON’T HAVE ONE NOW?

Yes. At first, we were told this would not affect cellphones, but that’s turning out not to be the case, at least for Verizon. If you have contacts without area codes, add them in.

DO WE HAVE TO ADD IN THE “1” TO THOSE CONTACTS TOO?

No, we don’t recommend adding the “1” within the contacts. In our experience it can inadvertently cause you to make international calls.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Because there are so many phones these days, the 619 area code will run out of prefixes for new phones in 2019. To handle that problem, the California Public Utility Commission is combining the 619 and 858 area code “boundaries” — and callers inside those boundaries will now have to dial the area code.

Try These Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes

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Healthy meals don’t have to be boring and bland. At a Lunch and Learn Thursday, County employees found out how cooking for people with diabetes can be really delicious! Participants of a demonstration-based cooking class at the County Administration Center tried several new flavorful recipes.

The class, put on by Employee Wellness, focused on how to integrate lower glycemic foods into your diet. Each dish included high-fiber ingredients, to slow the sugar release into the bloodstream. And they included low-glycemic index fruits, vegetables and whole grains in a way that was tasty and satisfying.

Try two of the recipes yourself. Plus, to learn more on how to manage diabetes, visit Employee Wellness on InSite.

Kale Salad Wrap with Lemon Dressing

First make the dressing and set it aside.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon oregano, minced

  • ½ teaspoon salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk.

Now that the dressing is done, start on the salad.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup kale, chopped

  • 1 tomato, half-moon slices

  • ¼ cucumber, half-moon slices

  • 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese, small cubes

  • 6-8 black olives, sliced

  • 1/8 red onion, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and toss with dressing.

  2. Enjoy!

The final step is to add the salad with dressing to a wheat tortilla and roll it up.

Fruit Salad with Honey Yogurt Sauce

If you are looking for a sweet treat, try this fruit salad with honey yogurt sauce for dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 4 kiwis, diced

  • 2 oranges, diced

  • 2 apples, diced

  • 2 cups strawberries, diced

  • 2 oz. almonds, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Combined yogurt, honey and vanilla extract in a bowl and set aside.

  2. In a separate bowl, combine fruit and gently mix together.

  3. Spoon the fruit into individual serving bowls and top with yogurt and sprinkle of almonds.

  4. Enjoy!

In Touch - Here’s Where We’re Going

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Helen_Official.jpg

If you want to know where you’re going, you check a map. If you want to know where the County is going, you look at our operational plan and budget.

So where are we headed? In the plan we’ve just released for the coming year, we expect to spend $6.2 billion – nearly half a billion dollars more than this year. While that amount covers countless items, we are stepping up our investments in four broad areas. Those really represent our priorities for the year ahead.

I want to give you the big picture strategies, and for each of those, just a few examples of how we’ll work at getting there. There are a lot more, and the details will lead down to specific programs many of you spend your days on. But this will just give you some idea of how your work supports our larger goals.

Off the top is ramping up resources to help the most vulnerable San Diegans: those who are homeless and those struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, which are two of the top risk factors for homelessness. We’ve been increasing the resources we direct at these issues the last few years, and now we’re pushing even further.

More than $175 million of the new spending and 120 new staff positions will be devoted to meeting the need of the vulnerable population. We’re tripling our spending on individualized treatment programs for people abusing drugs or alcohol. The personalized approach improves the person’s chance for success.

We’re putting $1 million toward domestic violence response teams and mobile family trauma services. We’ll keep building on the early success we’ve seen with Project One For All, which focuses on homeless people with severe mental illnesses.

Our public health nurses were instrumental in tackling the hepatitis A outbreak. Our budget adds 12 nurses to keep up the fight and work on other public health priorities.

Far too many people who enter the criminal justice system wind up in a cycle that’s difficult to break. We need to keep those at risk out of it in the first place, and help those already in successfully leave. People on either of those paths can face obstacles, so one of our focus areas is breaking down those barriers to success.

For young people, we are supporting mentoring programs using what are called “credible messengers.” These mentors have overcome their own involvement in the justice system, so their words carry a lot of weight with the youth they advise.

We’ve made tremendous strides in recent years in reducing the number of juveniles we have in custody, and that’s partly because of all the work we do to steer them away from trouble. We’re expanding the Alternatives to Detention program from 500 to 750 youth.  

We’ll also expand another successful diversion program: Summer Night Lights. This provides positive activities for young people on summer evenings and weekends, times they’re at greater risk.

Sheriff Gore will tell you our jails are the largest provider of mental health services in the county. We’re adding new assessments and services to reduce the number of people in jails, and to help those leaving the system successfully re-enter the community.

We’ll have more attorneys in the Public Defender’s office work on criminal record assistance for victims of sex trafficking and thousands of others trying to make a fresh start.

You can probably find a headline every day about local housing costs or how many people are priced out of the market. You may know it all too well from trying to find a place to live yourself. So we’re addressing housing affordability at all income levels.

We’re taking a couple of County-owned buildings we don’t (or soon won’t) use anymore – the family court and the current crime lab – and turning them into affordable housing. We’ll add 16 positions to support development of at least 400 to 600 affordable housing units for low-income or special needs residents.

For middle-income households, we’re going to cut permitting process time and costs make it easier for developers to get homes built. We’ll start updating 15 community plans to allow for a range of housing options.

We’re investing in neighborhoods countywide with enhancements that raise our residents’ quality of life. We’ll be opening new parks and trails, improve or build three library branches, and fund 180 miles of road repair and new sidewalks. We’re adding or upgrading new fire stations and paramedic service in the backcountry.

We’ll work on two new County Live Well Centers: one in San Diego’s southeastern community and the other at the current Health Services Complex on Rosecrans. Both will give residents one-stop access to a variety of services.

There’s an old proverb that says society grows great when we plant trees whose shade we’ll never enjoy ourselves. We’re putting 3,500 trees on public land in the County’s unincorporated area. We’ll also add another 500 acres of open space to the nearly 50,000 acres already preserved.

We’ll invest millions to reduce the urban runoff that leads to polluted beaches. And we will remain committed to constructing zero-net-energy buildings and reaching LEED standards.

Even though we are investing a lot more dollars in these key areas this year, we are doing so with a balanced budget. We’ll continue to use the fiscal discipline that’s gotten us to this position of financial strength, where we have the resources to step up our efforts to meet  pressing needs.

There’s much, much more in the full operational plan. I don’t expect anyone to plow through the whole thing, but I encourage everyone to give it a look. You can read it or use the interactive budget tool. Either way, it helps connect the dots between the numerous things we do each day and our ultimate goal: creating a region that’s healthy, safe and thriving.

The video has details of our budget and stories of individual residents and the County staff who serve them.

Celebrate Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage All Month Long

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The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees kicked off Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the County Operations Center May 2. The employee resource group had guest speaker Cathlyn Choi, from Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen on PBS Food, food samples, resource booths and several performances.

See a photo gallery from the kickoff.

The event was the first of many planned for this month:

Learn more about APACE on InSite.

PerkSpot Alert: Canvas Prints for Mother’s Day

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Turn your photos into a memorable Mother’s Day gift while saving money. Easy Canvas Prints is offering up to 85 percent off canvas prints when you shop through PerkSpot. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.

Order now so mom can proudly display a family photo printed on canvas on her big day—May 13.

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.