Paycheck Changes Coming Soon

County employees may notice a decrease in their paycheck amounts beginning with the payday on November 13, 2009.  This change is a result of a state-mandated increase in California income tax withholding.

California income tax withholding is the amount of income that the County, as an employer, sends directly to the state as partial payment of an individual employee’s tax liability for the year. 

As a result of Governor Schwarzenegger’s declaration of a state fiscal emergency on July 1, 2009, Assembly Bill X4 17 (ABX4 17) was passed as an effort to prevent under-withholding of state income taxes and accelerate revenue to the state.  This legislation amended the Revenue and Taxation Code to increase California income tax withholding by 10 percent.  ABX4 17 becomes effective on November 1, 2009 and is reflected in County paychecks beginning the first payday in November.

Employees can make changes to their State and federal income tax withholding online through Employee Self Service available on the County intranet (cww). Employees with questions about their personal tax circumstances should seek professional tax advice.

Meet Brian Albright, Parks Director

Brian Albright tells CTN.org about his newly appointed position as head of Parks and Recreation, and shares a ride through the Ramona grasslands with Ramona resident and equestrian John Degenfelder.

County's Green Innovations Save Millions

The County of San Diego has made protecting the environment a top priority. It’s a major tenet of its guiding philosophy. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s the fiscally responsible thing to do.

The County is saving electricity, water, office space, and reusing or recycling everything it can. And that means saving taxpayers’ dollars.

The CAO's office directed each County department to examine the way it does business, and find ways to do it better, and greener. This video, produced by the Media and Public Relations Department and presented this morning to the Board of Supervisors, highlights some of the innovative ways the County is going green.

Part 1:

Part 2:

DAS Seeking Info on Duck Shooting

Animal Control Officers rescued a Muscovy duck that had been shot five times with a crossbow this week at Chollas Lake in East San Diego, near Highway 94.

The duck, with the arrows still in its body, was transported to the Department of Animal Services shelter on Gaines Street. One of the arrows penetrated the bird’s head, so a special avian veterinarian was called in to treat it.

“Whoever did this cowardly and malicious act needs to be brought to justice,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the Department of Animal Services.

The Department is seeking any information from the public regarding who shot the duck.  If you have any information, please call Lt. Dan DeSousa at (619) 767-2624.

A suspect could face felony animal abuse charges, which could include prison time and fines.

Caught on Film: Mosquito Fish Thieves

Nabbed!

Look who had their hands in the mosquito fish tanks outside the Department of Environmental Health's office on Hazard Way early this morning. 

County Executives Honor Customer Service Superheroes

No matter what's going on in their personal or professional life, they've got a smile on their face. And they get the job done right.

That's how Chief Administrative Officer Walt Ekard described the 23 County employees who were honored last week as "Customer Service Superheroes" at the Breakfast with Executives, an annual event hosted by the Department of Human Resources.

"If you're here today as a Superhero, it means you are the best of the best of what we have," Ekard told the Superheroes and department heads who gathered for breakfast at the Holiday Inn on the Bay.

"It's a big deal when someone takes the time after interacting with you to fill out a card, make a phone call or send an email."

The Superheroes were selected based on the number of Customer Service Hero nominations and/or customer service nominations they received over the past year. And two were included for going above and beyond in their jobs to help someone in need.

CTN.org was at the breakfast:

You can learn more about the program, and to see photos of the winners, here.

Microchips Reunite Lost Pets and Owners

Fewer than 4 percent of lost cats brought to shelters are reunited with owners. A microchip gives pets the best chance of being identified and returned home safely should they ever become lost.

The device is a small transponder, the size of a grain of rice, injected under the skin. It remains there for the life of the pet. The Department of Animal Services scans all incoming animals for the presence of a microchip. Animal Services is then able to locate the owners information through the number on the microchip.

Animal Services is providing free microchipping for cats during the month of October. CTN.org takes a closer look at micropchipping.

A Message from Deferred Compensation

National Save For Retirement Week is just around the corner: Oct. 18-24. The week should be a good reminder of the importance of saving beyond the pension system.  A crisis like we’ve had over the past year does not occur very often and it presents us with a great opportunity to improve our long-term investment returns. 

Nationwide retirement specialists will be available to answer all of your Deferred Compensation questions such as what the Deferred Compensation program is, what it means to invest pre-tax dollars, or how a change in contribution affects your paycheck.  They are available to meet with you for a one-on-one account review at your workplace. While they are not allowed to give financial advice, they are there to help guide you through the process so you can make the right investment decisions for yourself. For further information call the Deferred Compensation office at (619) 531-5840.

• Oct. 20: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, CAC Cafeteria, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego
• Oct. 21: noon to 2 p.m., HHSA Rosecrans Lobby, 3851 Rosecrans St., San Diego
• Oct. 21: noon to 2 p.m., COC Annex Hallway at Suite B, 5201 Ruffin Road, SD
• Oct. 22: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vista Courthouse Lobby, 325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista
• Oct. 22: noon to 2 p.m., Hall of Justice Lobby, 330 W. Broadway, San Diego

Girl Raises Money for Animal Services

A little TV time for a local 10-year-old turned into a community project that got a University City neighborhood involved in helping local shelter animals.

Fifth-grader Chloe Dillingham-Jones was watching television when she saw an ad about abused and neglected animals.  The images stuck with her, and she decided she needed to do something.

"We've had animals my whole life, and it made me sad that some didn't have homes," Chloe said.

Before long, Chloe enlisted the help of family and a neighbor to bake cakes, cookies and bread.  Not willing to depend on word-of-mouth, Chloe also made flyers, posting them in her neighborhood and handing them out door-to-door. 

The result? Chloe raised $97 and some change in just two hours, selling out of every last treat.

Chloe’s parents rounded out the earnings to an even $100 and recently presented a check to the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services shelter.  The money will benefit the shelter’s medical fund.

"It felt really good to raise money for the animals. Animals that were sick will now be able to get better," Chloe said.

And, it made the shelter staff feel good to meet someone as caring as Chloe.

“In this time of economic hardship, Chloe is to be commended for her selfless act of kindness and generosity,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the Department of Animal Services. 

“While many children are only concerned with buying the newest toy or doll, Chloe’s compassion should serve as an example for everyone.”

Chloe completed her trip to the shelter by visiting with some of the animals that will benefit from her donation.