Probation Dog Ready to Chase Balls Instead of Bad Guys

Despite his sweet demeanor, this white lab has a serious job, and his name provides a clue about his duties with Probation’s East County Gang Task Force.

Kilo is retiring his super-sniffing skills after nine years on the team, working alongside his handler, Deputy Probation Officer Mike Anderson, on searches and operations. Anderson said Kilo’s playful nature helps the dog detect drugs and money that human smell and sight might miss.

“He thinks it’s just a game of hide and seek. He thinks I hide it, and he has to find it,” said Anderson.

 It’s a game that’s produced impressive results. Over the years, Kilo has found: a seizure of 2,121 pounds of marijuana; more than three pounds of methamphetamine; 236 grams of cocaine; and more than $215,000 in cash.

Kilo has also participated in many demonstrations to help the public understand how narcotic-detecting canines do their jobs and the dangers of drug use.

To honor his service, the Probation Department recognized Kilo at the recent Chief’s Awards and the lucky canine received an engraved jar full of dog biscuits.

Kilo will continue to live with Anderson and his family but he will be missed around the office, said Anderson.

“He’s just a big teddy bear. Every time he’s in the office, he just wants to play with everyone.”

Val Wood Appointed Chief Deputy Recorder/County Clerk

San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Ernie Dronenburg announced today that he has appointed Val Wood as Chief Deputy Recorder/County Clerk.

"Val comes to us from Washington State where she had over 25 years experience in government records management, recording, and information technology," said Dronenburg. "She has held positions as the King County Deputy Director of Records and Licensing Services in Seattle, Washington, Deputy State Archivist and Director of Corporations and Charities under Washington’s Secretary of State, Sam Reed, and as Recording Manager in two Washington counties. In addition, Ms. Wood has held information technology positions in both the public and private sector." continued Dronenburg.

Ms. Wood earned a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Technology from the University of Washington. She is also a Certified Archivist and a Director for the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators.

"Val is excited to join our team and lead the Recorder/Clerk staff," said Dronenburg. "As I continue to improve customer service and increase efficiencies, Val’s public and private sector experience in recording, records management, and information technology will be invaluable," stated Dronenburg.

They Like Us, They Really Like Us!

County employees: Stand up and take a bow!

Judges for the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) have honored San Diego County with eight awards for innovation in County government, the greatest number of CSAC awards ever won by the County. The most prestigious honor, the California Counties Innovation Award, was given to San Diego County for reforming In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). CSAC also selected the County for two Challenge awards and five Merit awards.

“In these tough economic times where everyone is trying to do more with less, this type of recognition is a great honor for San Diego County,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn. “I am very proud of what we can do. CSAC looks for unique programs that can be easily replicated by other counties.” 

In-Home Supportive Services helps seniors and disabled individuals by providing assistance with meals, grooming, house-cleaning, laundry and shopping. These services allow residents to continue living in their own homes.

Reform efforts involved conducting criminal background checks, surprise home visits to make sure residents were getting the required services, fraud training for staff members and a new document scanning system to improve record-keeping and documentation. In the first fiscal year after implementation, the program realized $24 million in savings. 

Here are the other winners:  

Challenge Award for Camp Connect San Diego, a camp that brings together siblings separated while in foster care.

Challenge Award for Free Foreclosure Prevention HOME Clinics, a free program offered at County libraries which provides education and counseling for people facing bankruptcy.

Merit Award for “Engaging Non-Custodial Parents” Video Series. The video is posted on the Child Support Services website and allows non-custodial parents to educate themselves on the child support process. Staff members save about 15 minutes per interview with non-custodial parents and the additional time allows them to focus on the specifics of their case instead of the general process.

Merit Award for Improving Regional GIS Data Exchange. A new computer script gives GIS improved reliability in the flow of information between it and the San Diego Geographic Information Source or SanGIS, a partnership with the City of San Diego. The implementation of the computer script cut the number of network outages to zero and saved $34,440 in the first year.

Merit Award for the Responsible Pet Ownership (rePO) Program. This is a program for animal owners who have been cited for minor violations. The program educates the owners and saves time, money in court costs and reduces recidivism. 

Merit Award for Senior Expo: Protect Yourself and Your Wallet, a program which teaches seniors how to protect themselves from physical and financial abuse.  

Merit Award for Integrated Fire Suppression/Storm water Compliance Program. The use of diffuser/filter systems allows the County to test building fire sprinklers and fire pump systems in a safe and effective manner and has saved the County $190,000 since August, 2008.

Board Adopts Redistricting Ordinance

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a redistricting ordinance that sets new boundaries for the County’s five supervisorial districts.

The new districts will guide County supervisor elections starting in 2012. The boundaries will be in place through late 2021.

The redistricting ordinance is culmination of a public process that began in January. Over the months, the Board of Supervisors considered direct public testimony and the recommendations of an advisory committee.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Supervisor Greg Cox called it a “long process,” but a job well done.

“I’d like to take a moment to thank all the community representatives who took the time to attend meetings,” Cox said. He also thanked the advisory committee, and County staff. 

Most residents will find their districts haven’t changed, but some communities have shifted. For example, La Jolla moves from District 3 to District 4; 4S Ranch and Fairbanks Ranch, formerly in District 5, will now be in District 3. The new map, with all changes, will be available for viewing on the County’s redistricting website later today.

The new boundaries also give District 1 in the South Bay a majority of Latino and black voters for the first time.

Redistricting is done every ten years following a federal Census to balance populations in voting districts.  This year the county grew, so the Board of Supervisors needed to divide the region into five districts of equal population of about 619,063 people apiece. 

State law charges county supervisors with drawing the new boundaries.

In January, San Diego County Supervisors appointed the five-person Redistricting Advisory Committee to gather public input and recommend proposed redistricting plans. Supporting public participation was a redistricting website that helped people follow the process, view proposed plans, submit their own plans or send a suggestion.

The advisory committee met 14 times, with night meetings in each district. Incorporating public input from the meetings, the website and letters, the committee ultimately forwarded three proposals for the Board to consider.

In late June, the Board agreed unanimously on one of those proposals. But at that June 28 meeting, the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial County submitted a brand-new plan for consideration.

Several speakers supporting the ACLU’s plan urged the Board to reshape District 1 so that it included a majority of black and Hispanic voters.

The Board of Supervisors directed staff and County Counsel to evaluate the ACLU plan.  At the next meeting, County Counsel told the Board that it would be possible to draw a new map with a majority of black and Latino voters in District 1 that also kept most of the features of the Redistricting Advisory Committee’s proposed plan.   

The Board of Supervisors unanimously directed staff to create such a plan and ultimately adopted it Tuesday.

What You Like About Fall

On the first day of autumn, we're asking County employees their favorite things about the season.

Autumn is my favorite season.  One of the most spectacular sights I’ve ever seen was from the back seat window of a single engine plane while flying over northern Ohio in October.  The colors of yellow, green, orange, red & brown were a sight to behold.

Joyce Easterman, HHSA

I like the leaves turning orange.

Vangie Carino, HHSA

I love the autumn colors; the leaves falling from the trees, the different weather climates, baking goodies when it’s too cold to be outside.

Yolanda Moeller, HHSA

I like that Idyllwild and Julian beckon and provide a multitude of sensory experiences!

Anne Fitzgerald, HHSA

It’s the changing of the leaves
The cold chill in the mornings
The smells of baking cookies, pumpkin pie, soups
The family gatherings, FOOTBALL!
Field trip to Julian
The romance of it all, I love Fall….it’s my favorite season!

Pearl Luciani-Howard, SDCERA

Autumn…
I celebrate my birthday
Start of school season
Memories of my first kiss after raking a pile of leaves and jumping in
Crisp air and the smell of burning wood
New TV shows
My mom’s delicious chili and now my own recipe
An extra hour of sleep
Many holidays and lots of family time

Jackie Collins, Communications

The drama in the skies…amazing cloud formations!

Angela Ryan, ARCC

My favorite season hands down!  It’s right between the fun-packed summer days and the jam-packed month of December.  I always feel like I have a new lease on life, love pumpkin anything. a time for reflection and of course giving thanks.  There’s a calmness and color about fall that I embrace.

Selinda Hurtado-Miller, Civil Service Commission

Well, I often notice heavier traffic on my way to work when fall begins but that just allows me more time to listen to Bob Marley :)  Fall means Charger football and Padre playoff games (sometimes).  I tend to go to bed earlier which means I get up earlier and actually catch a sunrise which at times can be really beautiful.  Hiking at many of our awesome San Diego spots becomes much more enjoyable during the cooler fall weather.

Richard Larrabee, HHSA

I like fall because of its distinctive atmosphere transition-- from the busy, hot summer into a gentle, cool weather.   The changing autumn foliage never fails to amaze me! It makes me realize that nature has its timeless trend and abundance; from daring colors to stylish array of flowers; from harvest time to festivities.   I also like the way stores and houses accessorize with orange, yellow, brown, red, burgundy, green and yellow.  I also think that autumn is the perfect time to take pleasure in dressing up.  Imagine the layers and assortments of clothing one can wear.  But best of all, I like fall because it leads me to my most favorite season of all and I will reserve the bright ideas for later.

Ma Carmen Saline, HHSA

The Wind.  I grew up in San Bernardino so the summers were hot & then the thunderstorms came around August. Around October we’d get the winds that came with cooler weather plus they smelled like fall. There is something wonderful about Southern California fall winds.

Mary Hammond, Probation

Fall for me is a introduction to beloved holidays where it seems that everyone is on one accord.  I love the color of nature as it prepares for the winter (especially Christmas).  I also love the weather because it reminds of favorite childhood memories of school days, football, and of course, the holidays!

Pendeza Lawrence, HHSA

I like that fall is a time of new beginnings.  Traditionally, fall was a time when school started, new teachers, new classes, new projects.  Now it is still a time that begs for change.  For me, fall is a time to start something that will make me a better person.

Nancy Page, HHSA

I love getting all bundled up and going to the Charger game.  We make a whole day of it – getting to the stadium early, doing a little tailgating, watching the team warm-up.  It is a great family day for us.

Shauna Rooney, HHSA

I appreciate fall because of the change in atmospheric conditions. As an avid hobbyist photographer, sunrise and sunsets seem to be so much crisper versus the previous season.  Also San Diego usually gets some different weather conditions during fall, which makes for some interesting photos. I also enjoy cooler temperatures! Oh, one last thing, I know that I will be smoking a couple of turkeys on Thanksgiving Day in my smoker. Yummy!

Pete Jacovino, ARCC

Fall is football and pumpkin spice lattes.
It’s scarves and boots and nights by the fire.
Fall is a perfect cold chill in the air and hot chili for dinner.
Fall is gold, burnt orange and yellow leaves.
Fall is hot chocolate, early dark nights, and time with family.
Fall is my favorite season.

Holly Crawford, Communications

I love the smell of wood smoke from my neighborhood fireplaces especially on crisp mornings.

Mikee Ritter, HHSA

When Fall comes – the air seems crisper and cleaner.   Trees become pieces of art turning multicolored and more breathtaking.  And fun holidays such as Halloween (my absolute favorite) and Thanksgiving happen!  Costume parties and family gatherings!  And best of all – it’s cool enough to wear the wonderful long sleeves and sweaters that hide so many flaws!!

Pauline Thomas, HHSA

Having grown up back East, I love the fall.  There’s nothing better than having crispness in the air and crunchy leaves under foot.  One of my favorite chores was to rake leaves into a large pile and jump into it, scattering leaves everywhere!

Barbara Crane, ARCC

I get a special “feeling” every Fall, it’s hard to describe but it’s a feeling of excitement, of new beginnings, a chance to start clean.  Fall also makes me feel like nesting a little, getting my house in order in readiness for the Winter.  The chill in the air makes me want to be cozy and warm with a hot chocolate and good friends.  I love the Fall, it is my favorite season.

Tracy Watkins, General Services

This is my favorite time of year. I love the color of the sunsets, the colors of autumn, the breezy cooler temperatures, pumpkin pie, Halloween, etc.  I could go on and on; I love it all!

Cassandra A. Tena, Human Resources

The things I love about the fall are the homemade soups I can start making, like Abondigas (meatball soup), Caldo de Res or Pollo (beef or chicken soup), and oh! Sunday mornings waking up to the smell of Menudo (tripe soup with hominy) or Pozole (pork soup with hominy) watching the leaves fall and wind blow out the kitchen window, then snuggling up on the couch for a good movie. 

Kim Preciado, HHSA, Human Resources

I love seeing hundreds and hundreds of pumpkins on a farm.  It is so bright and picturesque. 

Imelda Holst, HHSA

Preparing Ahead of an Emergency

An "evacuee" gets their blood pressure checked by a Public Health Nurse during a mock emergency shelter drill conducted Thursday by the County's Office of Emergency Services and Health and Human Services Agency.Spending time in an emergency evacuation shelter is not something anyone wants to do. But in the event of an emergency, you might not have a choice.

If you do have to go to an emergency shelter, you may be frantic and stressed, having left your home – sometimes at a moment’s notice – not knowing what you’ll find when you eventually return home. Everyone else at the shelter is in a similar situation to you. There could be hundreds or even thousands of your fellow neighbors and friends at your local shelter.

San Diego County is hoping to lower residents’ stress levels by training staff to run an efficient, organized emergency shelter.

On Thursday morning, County staff from the Office of Emergency Services and the Health and Human Services Agency’s Public Health Services conducted an emergency shelter drill to train staff to open and manage safe shelters during emergencies.

“This gives you the opportunity to find out about all the operations that go into running a shelter,” Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., Public Health Officer told the Public Health Services staff before the drill began. “This exposure to the nuts and bolts of setting up and running a shelter is a wonderful opportunity.”

Dozens of participants were broken into groups and received their instructions from the drill coordinators. Some were assigned to nursing stations; others greeted and registered “evacuees.” Some displayed their acting chops by playing residents who arrived at the shelter with various ailments from rashes and head lice to broken limbs and respiratory problems.

This drill was just one of the numerous emergency drills conducted by the County every year to be sure our region is prepared in the event of any sort of disaster.

During a disaster, you can find shelter locations at www.sdcountyemergency.com or by calling 2-1-1.

LUEG Head Wins “40 under 40” Award

Sarah Aghassi, our Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/ General Manager for the Land Use and Environment Group, has been named one of San Diego Metro Magazine’s “40 Under 40.”

The award honors young business and civic leaders who are changing  the region’s future, the publication says.

Aghassi oversees LUEG and its seven departments: Public Works; Environmental Health; Planning and Land Use; Parks and Recreation; Agriculture, Weights and Measures; Air Pollution Control District; and the Farm and Home Advisor. Together, the departments have a workforce of 1,550 people and an annual operating budget of $400 million.

Previously, Aghassi was director of our Office of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Outside of work, Aghassi serves on the board of directors of the San Diego Spine Foundation and the Iranian-American Scholarship Fund, according to San Diego Metro. She has been volunteering for more than seven years with a local grassroots, volunteer-run nonprofit organization, Dollar-A-Month Fund, which raises funds to support efforts throughout the world to improve the lives of children, the magazine notes.

Puppy Clothed in Love

A County animal control officer’s generosity and tender heart have transformed a waifish puppy into a dapper dog.

Over the weekend, Officer Gina Raygosa picked up the 1.9-pound, 7-week-old terrier that someone dumped along a deserted Potrero road. A Good Samaritan had found the animal huddled by the roadside and called Animal Services.

Off-duty on Sunday night, Raygosa went shopping and bought the teeny puppy a full wardrobe, including a "Top Dog" T-shirt, a sweater, and a skull-and-crossbones collar.

Upon seeing the presents, Raygosa’s supervisor jokingly asked the officer if she would be packing the puppy’s suitcase when he was adopted. Without hesitation, Raygosa pulled out a small satchel she had also bought the pup.

County animal control officers have to be tough....but they clearly have a soft side too.

Deputies Awarded Governor's Medal of Valor

Sheriff's deputies Scott Bligh (left) and Gary Kneeshaw

Two of our own have been awarded the 2010 Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.  Deputies Gary Kneeshaw and Scott Bligh were honored for their actions on August 21, 2010. The ceremony took place Wednesday, September 14 at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

On August 21, 2010, shortly after 1:00 p.m., ASTREA was asked to assist on the ‘Monte Fire’. The fire was at the east end of El Monte Road, in Lakeside, and would eventually burn approximately 1,000 acres.

While en route to the fire, the Sheriff’s Communications Center advised ASTREA 1, piloted by Deputies Kneeshaw and Bligh, they had received a cell phone call from two rock climbers in the area, who believed they were in danger and needed immediate rescue. A cursory search for the climbers yielded no results, until a request was made of the GPS coordinates from the climbers’ cell phone company. After flying to these coordinates, ASTREA located the two climbers, however, due to their location, the fire aircraft was not a viable option for rescuing them due to the steep rocky terrain.

Due to the rocky south face of El Cajon the pilots realized they would not be able to land anywhere near the climbers and the only option for their rescue was through a ‘toe-in’ maneuver.

During their initial ‘toe-in’ Deputy Kneeshaw estimated the flames were between 50 and 75 yards downhill and burning toward them. Initially, the crew planned to load both climbers into the aircraft, but due to the steep drop-off under the aircraft and the winds that they were fighting, the plan was aborted. Only one of the climbers could safely be loaded onto the ship. Deputy Kneeshaw then stayed behind with the second climber and awaited ASTREA’s return.

While waiting, the wind created from the fire was becoming stronger and 15-foot flames approached within 20 feet of their location. Deputy Kneeshaw and the climber began moving laterally along the slope away from the rapidly advancing flame front.

As Deputy Bligh flew back into the area, all Deputy Kneeshaw could see through the dense smoke was the landing light on the aircraft. With the wind continuing to bounce the aircraft around, Deputy Bligh was barely able to maneuver the ship into the toe-in position. As Deputy Kneeshaw loaded the climber into the front seat, he realized the flames were now within 10 feet of the tail rotor. Deputy Kneeshaw climbed onto the helicopter skid and yelled to Deputy Bligh to liftoff.

With embers blowing throughout the aircraft cockpit, Deputy Bligh flew through and eventually out of the smoke and down to the valley floor with Deputy Kneeshaw standing on the skid for the entire flight.

“The courage these deputies evidenced during this operation goes beyond remarkable,” said Sheriff Bill Gore. “We often take for granted the miraculous life-saving flights these pilots make on a frequent basis. They do so without thinking twice about their own safety and with great humility. I am honored to know them personally and have them as deputies on our department.”

Deputies Gary Kneeshaw (left image) and Scott Bligh accept plaques flanked by California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Governor Jerry Brown.

Finding their Voice in Arts

Working with local artists and the Family & Youth Roundtable, HHSA's Children’s Mental Health program directors offered a summer art program for youth receiving services within the County’s provider systems.

“Voice in Arts” provided kids from the San Diego Center for Children, and others, ranging in age from 9 to 16 with an opportunity to learn fine art techniques and gain a voice - a way to express themselves through the creative process.

On October 22, to raise awareness of the program, and raise funds to continue it, there will be a gala event at the Space 4 Art, the co-operative organization that has donated studio space, artist time, and supplies for the classes. Established in 2010, Space 4 Art provides work and work/live studios for local artists, in San Diego’s East Village. The participating artists work on and in the building to keep costs down, and they also contribute to education and resource development.

Artists who have taught classes to the youth free of charge:

• ·         Ben Dehart – chalk art
• ·         Meghan Berkeley Augustine – colored pencil
• ·         Valerie Henderson/Marcy Gordon - monoprinting
• ·         Isaias Crow – storyboarding with colored pencils