Drive Delivers for the Food Bank

Representatives from the County’s Land Use and Environment Group, Health and Human Service Agency’s Knowledge Center and Public Administrator/Public Guardian office and the Registrar of Voters gathered with the donations they collected for The Knowledge Center’s food drive for the San Diego Food Bank. Donations were collected in six barrels located at various locations in the County Annex throughout November and early December. Front row, from left: Eden Quijano, Diane Sitz, Doreen Telles, Linda Italiano, Sherri Luke and Adriana Ramirez. Back row, from left: Angie Riley, Alexandra Navarro, Zia Nawabi, Pamela Jordan, Deanna Helenihi.

A Generous Holiday Dish Served to Others

The Health and Human Services Agency's North Central Family Resource Center clerical staff decided this year that instead of going out for a holiday luncheon to do something to help their community. They had an in-office potluck and each person contributed what the luncheon might have cost to instead make a donation to charity. The result was a $150 donated to Children In Need and $150 to the resource center's Food Pantry. The Pantry is entirely supported by staff on a voluntary basis, and is used to provide food for families who may not be eligible yet for benefits.

Latino Association Announces 2012 Board Election Officers

Congratulations to the newly elected Board of Directors for the San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA). The new board was sworn into office at the Association’s holiday event December 10.

The new officers are Amber Tarrac, president; Juan Pérez, vice president; Laura Flores, treasurer; Steve Lujan, secretary; Oscar Talaro, District 1 representative; Laura Diaz, District 2 representative; Luis Mallet, District 3 representative; Guadalupe Rabago, District 4 representative; Nicole Temple, District 5 representative; Claudia Sandoval, director at large; and Helmer Rodriguez, director at large.

“I am honored to be elected president of SDCLA for 2012 and to have the support of Supervisor Dianne Jacob,” said Amber Tarrac, a policy advisor for Jacob. “The Association is developing exciting plans for next year and will continue to be a dynamic resource and strategic partner that contributes to the County’s success, as well as the career growth of our members. Together with the incredible, spirited energy of our entire workforce, we are ready to take this organization to new heights.”

Formed in 1983, the County Latino Association is one of the oldest employee resource groups in the country. SDCLA's mission is to support County initiatives, assist with the recruitment and retention of employees, raise cultural awareness, give back to the community and help its members develop leadership skills and prepare for career advancement.

The Latino association, in collaboration with the County of San Diego Filipino Employee Association, supported the Live Well, San Diego!  initiative by helping to promote it not just to employees, but also to the community.  SDCLA has also partnered with the County Library and the County Health and Human Services Agency in disseminating health screening information to underserved communities.

The Latino Association also mentors its members, providing educational scholarships, and conducting workshops and seminars on educational opportunities and career advancement.

For additional information about the San Diego County Latino Association, please visit sdcla.net and the Association’s Facebook page SDCLA for up to the minute information.

Santa Arrives Early for Public Guardian Clients

PA/PG Assistant Director Terrance Corrigan manages the gift project.

County Public Administrator/Public Guardian (PA/PG) staff members will become Santa’s elves for the holidays, delivering presents to their clients

For the past month, PA/PG has been collecting blankets, sweaters, slippers, pajamas, toiletries, gift cards and other presents to give to clients, generally older, frail, and vulnerable adults who are at risk or have been a victim of abuse or neglect.

This week, about 20 PA/PG employees began delivering the donated presents to about 150 clients in nursing homes who would otherwise not receive any gifts this holiday. The employees will make the daily visits through December 23.

“We bring the presents and spend time with them during the holidays because they have no relatives visit them,” said Terrance Corrigan, Assistant Public Administrator/Public Guardian, who manages the project. “It makes us feel good to be able to do this.”

The Public Guardian’s Office serves as the legally appointed guardian or conservator for people the Court finds unable to take care of themselves or their assets.

Three years ago, PA/PG began collecting gifts for clients, and the department always ends up with excess items thanks to the generosity of people like Eunice Horn and her husband, who buy the presents themselves or collect them throughout the year from church members at the Tierrasanta Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  

This year, Mrs. Horn prepared 58 bags with toiletries and snacks for men and women.

“It really makes her happy,” said Corrigan, who visits two to three clients each day. “We try to give a gift to everybody. It’s a good project. We all feel good about it.”

Tree Lights up the CAC

The 12 1/2- foot tree will deck the hall of the County Administration Center until the new year. Those "presents" underneath are just for show, but a stable County government with sound financial direction and great management are this year's real gifts, says CAC Property Manager Leonard Pinson.  

County Executives Organize Health Fair for Monarch Students

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They kicked soccer balls, threw footballs, hoola hoopped, and balanced themselves on indo boards. They learned how to plant vegetables and tried to name common and unusual vegetables.

Most importantly, the students from Monarch, a school for homeless children, learned about the importance of healthy eating and exercising during a health fair organized specifically for them outside the County Administration Center.

“These are kids who really need to eat properly,” said Helen Robbins-Meyer, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, who was joined by Chief Administrative Officer, Walt Ekard, other County executives. “Any information you provide on how to live well and eat nutritiously will help end the cycle of homelessness.”

During the two-hour health fair, about 140 students in grades K-12 arrived in groups, collected a bag, and visited the many tables where they learned about staying active and how important it is to eat fruits and vegetables.

According to recent studies about one third of 5^th, 7^th, and 9^th graders in the region are overweight or obese. Children who are overweight are more likely to be obese and unhealthy when they grow up. 

Furthermore, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking are three behaviors that contribute to the four chronic diseases—heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lung disease and cancer— that are responsible for more than 50 percent of deaths in San Diego County.

The County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has been working with community partners to prevent chronic disease and childhood obesity. The Live Well, San Diego! initiative is a 10-year plan to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the region.

At the health fair, while some students collected healthy snacks or played with County executives in the many recreation areas. If they stopped by each table and recreation area, they collected stickers and treats.

“These are kids who live in cars or shelters and oftentimes don’t have access to healthy foods,” said Richard Haas, Operations Team Leader at Monarch School, adding that school staff have been instructed to provide healthy snacks to students. “This is an opportunity to make sure they make healthy choices.”

Prepare for Potential Big Rainy Event in December

Last winter, San Diego County saw above-normal rainfall throughout the county. What can we expect this winter season and further out?

The National Weather Service wants us to be a “Weather Ready Nation.” So, meteorologists based in the Rancho Bernardo office talked to city and county representatives including firefighters and law enforcement this week to prepare them for weather-related hazards this season.

First of all, you may have already heard, we are experiencing a weak to moderate La Nina weather event which generally means less rain here in San Diego and more in other regions like the Pacific Northwest. However, forecasters pointed out that last year we actually had more rain than usual and it was also a La Nina event. This year, they are comparing models that show what has occurred historically in San Diego during years when there have been consecutive La Nina events to predict the winter outlook.

Alex Tardy, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said that just because the season started off wet in November, it doesn’t mean that it will continue. Data seems to show there will be an average season for rainfall, but we can still have some big storms that would impact the county in December or January.

“There’s still a threat of a big rainfall event this season,” Tardy said. “These types of scenarios are more common in a weak La Nina or neutral event.”

Tardy explained that one 4- to 10-day period of intermittent heavy rainfall is all it would take to cause significant flooding and hazards in the county.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler than normal this winter with increased chances of frost or freeze in December through mid February. Low snow levels are also predicted during several storms.

After one or possibly two heavy rainfall events this winter and a few smaller storms, it is likely that February through March will be drier than normal.

“We’re not out of the woods with wildfires,” Tardy said. “If we enter into the predicted dry weather, an early fire season could be in the making this spring.”

If this prediction holds true, the seasonal grasses and plants that come up after the rains could quickly dry up and become fuel for wildfires.

While Tardy offered the long-range outlook for first responders, he said the public can also take this information and prepare at home.

• Residents can get sandbags if flooding typically occurs in your area.
• Clean out storm drains on your property.
• Never cross a flooded intersection or stream in a vehicle or on foot. The water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears.
• Keep up with the yard work this spring by clearing away dead and dry vegetation before it becomes a hazard.

National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Moede also provided the city and county with an overview of resources for weather information starting with their redesigned web site at weather.gov/sandiego. The site was reorganized to be more user-friendly and has new front page features. It retains a “point and click” interface meaning people can click anywhere on the map and get current weather conditions and a forecast for that point. The site also offers a “Weather Story” thumbnail for quick updates, headlines that quickly state the latest news, and popular links in a new toolbar tab menu.

Chula Vista emergency services coordinator Tom Leonard, who attended the meeting, said the forecast information and online tools are a great resource for the region.

“If we have a weather event, it’s more helpful to get fast information for my city,” Leonard said.

Shopping now to pay later? What if you sign up now to save later?

Holiday madness is upon us, but soon we’ll be celebrating the beginning of a new year and making New Year’s resolutions.

So if you’ve decided 2012 is the year to finally put your financial house in order, sign up now for a workshop that will help you do just that and keep at least one of your resolutions.

Money advisor George Chamberlin and realty expert Gary London are presenting an Investment and Retirement Symposium Wednesday, January 25. Chamberlin is the money advisor for NBC Channel 7/39 and hosts his own radio program on KOGO called Money in the Morning. He’ll tell you how to start taking control of your financial future.

Gary London is the president of London Group Realty Advisors and advises real estate developers, financial institutions and investors on what is happening with San Diego’s real estate market. What will it look like five or ten years down the road? Should you buy now?  

Take advantage of these presenters’ expertise and start putting your financial plans into action.

The symposium takes place Wednesday, January 25 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Mission Valley. Dinner and parking are included in the price and there will be great giveaways and prizes too!

The cost is only $15.00 per person or $25.00 per couple if you register before January 10. After that date, the cost rises to $20.00 per person or $30.00 per couple. All current and former County employees and their guests are welcome, but seating is limited and registration closes January 20.

So start the New Year off right and get the financial advice you need, after all, it’s Your Money, Your Retirement, Your Future that we’re talking about!

To register, click here or call the Deferred Compensation Department at (619) 531-5840.

Rec Club Teens Spread Cheer in Annual “Ring and Run”

A dozen teenagers stifle giggles as they creep towards an apartment building in Spring Valley on a mid-December night.

When they get to the right door, every kid puts something on the porch. They can’t believe no one’s seen them.

One finger rings the doorbell; a hand bangs on the door; some kids are already running away. The storm of feet makes neighbors look out windows, but the group hurls themselves into a waiting van and they’re off.

Back at the apartment, a mom comes to the door. Momentarily confused, now she sees what’s happened.

Her porch is completely covered — with brightly wrapped presents for the kids and a frozen turkey, stuffing and everything else for the holiday feast she thought the family would have to skip.

This festive and caring prank called “Ring and Run,” is an annual tradition of the Rec Clubs at Parks and Recreation’s Spring Valley and Lakeside Teen Centers. Every year, the Rec Clubs identify families in need and collect donations from the community.

The exciting twist on community service gives the Rec Club members a positive feeling about civic participation and connects them to their neighbors.

The Rec Club Ring and Run has helped 65 families in Spring Valley and Lakeside over 10 years.

The goal of the Rec Clubs is to provide a safe, fun, positive environment free of violence, drugs, prejudice, and racism. The middle and high school kids in the after-school and summer program participate in all kinds of physical, artistic, leadership, educational and community service activities that help them grow.

Ryan Flickinger, our County’s Program Coordinator for the Lakeside Rec Club, calls the annual fundraiser, “one of the most rewarding things I’ve done at my job.”

The Lakeside and Spring Valley Rec Clubs are getting ready for this year’s “Ring and Run” and are seeking donations of cash or checks, frozen hams or turkeys, boxed mashed potatoes, gravy packets, stuffing, canned food, dinner rolls and unwrapped gifts for children of all ages.

Any County employee who wants to support Ring and Run can drop off items at the Parks and Recreation County Operations Center office at 5500 Overland Avenue, Suite 410. Donations can also be dropped off at the Lakeside Teen Club at 9911 Vine Street, or contact Ryan Flickinger at 619-443-4169. 

Check out these videos that capture the Ring and Run’s excitement.

  http://youtu.be/maRfHz16XOo 

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mSFUCMADLQ

Make No Mistake, Boston is an Outstanding Community Partner

The County of San Diego has a lot of unsung heroes – County employees who do a lot of good work out of the spotlight and the public eye. One such employee – the Health and Human Services Agency’s Susanne Boston – couldn’t escape notice and was named one of the 2011 County Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) Outstanding Community Partners.

 “When she found out she was getting this award, she thought it was a mistake because she is usually the one doing the behind the scenes work to make everyone else look good,” said Kristin Garrett, President and CEO of CHIP. “I am very proud to have had the honor to work with Susanne for the past 10 years. She’s very deserving.”

Boston is a Health Information Specialist II at HHSA. She has represented the County on the Access to Care for Children Team project, participated with CHIP Needs Assessments, organized numerous health events on an array of public health issues, helped to schedule Question, Persuade, and Refer Suicide Prevention trainings for the North County, has been instrumental in the coordination and implementation of the urban rural roundtable and been involved with the Resident Leadership Academy.

“I would describe Susanne as passionate, energetic, gracious, positive, humble, and committed to serving the community at a local neighborhood level,” said Garrett. “She is just very exceptional in her commitment to helping people.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by those that work closely with her. “Susanne is so passionate about the work she does to further the goals of Live Well, San Diego! and improve the lives of North County residents,” said Barbara Jimenez, HHSA Deputy Director. “We are so proud of her and fortunate that she is on the Health & Human Services Agency team.”

“Susanne is a gem, a true unsung hero who exemplifies the intent of CHIP’s award,” said Carey Riccitelli, Boston’s direct supervisor. “It’s not just that she has a great personality - she’s very passionate about her work, and very fun, but she also has one of the strongest work ethics of anyone I know.”

In 2000, Community Health Improvement Partners, better known as CHIP, launched the Outstanding Community Partner Awards. The awards epitomize those who go above and beyond to volunteer their ideas and expertise and provide leadership.

Previous winners from HHSA include Nick Macchione, Alan Smith, Leslie Ray, Rhonda Freeman, Nancy Bowen, Holly Shipp, Tracy Delaney and Dr. Wilma Wooten.