County Probation’s Research Director Honored for Study

  

County Probation’s Dr.  Natalie Pearl has been honored by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) for her study on a tool our Probation Department uses to help predict juvenile offenders’ risk of further trouble.

Dr. Pearl, Probation’s Director of Research, received the 2011 “Sam Houston State University” award at the professional association’s annual conference, held in San Diego last week.

The award goes to one person who publishes an article that enlightens the profession with “new information and insight into the operation, effectiveness or future of,” community corrections, according to APPA.

Dr. Pearl’s research on the “San Diego Risk and Resiliency Checkup” was published in the  industry publication Federal Probation, so it may indeed influence juvenile supervision nationwide.

The study has certainly already influenced our Probation Department. Based on Dr. Pearl’s research, the department has refined the way it uses the Risk and Resiliency Checkup to decide what level of “community supervision” a particular teen on probation needs.

The Checkup is 60-item survey of the risk factors and the positive influences in a young person’s life. Pearl’s research confirmed that the assessment is effective in predicting a juvenile’s risk of reoffending.  But it also found that certain items on the survey were even more predictive than others.

“Delinquency factors,” as a group, turn out to be particularly powerful predictors of whether or not a youth will commit another crime.

Delinquency factors include things like prior arrests, whether there is significant crime in the child’s neighborhood, whether the latest offense came while the youngster was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a history of fights or assaults and a lack of community support, positive adult relationships and structured activities.

The research was so compelling, the Probation Department decided to use just the delinquency score to determine what level of supervision a young person should get in the community. Other items on the Risk and Resiliency Checkup are used to make a case plan to fit each individual youth.

The study wasn’t the first time Dr. Pearl has shaped the way the Probation does things. Departmental leaders say that, in her five years with the Probation, she’s been “indispensible” in steering the department towards evidence-based practices.

Employees Take Advantage of Free Health Screenings

A nurse calls the next employee for a health screening at the CAC.

Veronica Preciado knew she was overdue for a checkup.  So when free health screenings were offered at the County Administration Center Tuesday, the Treasurer/Tax Collector employee made sure to pay a visit.

“I haven’t done anything like this in a long time,” she said.  “You can just come out on your break, so it’s convenient.”

The screenings are done in a mobile health vehicle that’s making nine stops at County facilities this month.  Check out the full schedule of dates and locations.  Nurses can check your blood pressure, measure your height and weight, calculate your body mass index, and check your blood sugar.  You’ll get results on the spot.

Kaiser Permanente is providing the screenings, but employees with any health insurance are welcome to participate.  Those with Kaiser can have the screening results automatically added into their patient records.  If you have Anthem Blue Cross, you can enter the results into a self-assessment on their website.

The vehicle has two exam rooms and the screening takes about 10 minutes.  You’re encouraged to make a reservation by calling (619) 641-4194 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Walk-ins are accepted.  But during Tuesday’s stop at the CAC,  there was a long enough wait that many employees who showed up made a reservation to come back later in the day.  When you go, make sure you bring your County ID badge.

The screenings are no substitute for a full physical.  But even if you’re good about making those routine doctor’s visits, it’s always worthwhile to keep tabs on key health indicators. 

“There are times when incidents come up,” said Esperanza Gregorio, a Human Resources employee.  “Instead of waiting, you can take advantage of this right away.”

County Nature Center Featured on National Magazine’s Cover

When the story is environmentally-friendly design, sell it with the County of San Diego’s San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center. 

That’s the strategy for publishers of Parks & Recreation, a magazine for parks professionals around the country.  The County’s award-winning center is featured on the cover of the March issue.

And while the headline is “Green is Gold,” you should know that when it comes to LEED certification, the center is platinum – the highest rating possible. 

The article itself focuses on green building in general, with only a brief mention of our County.  You can read the whole story, but here’s the part you’re probably most interested in:

“In San Diego County, California’s first LEED Platinum park building, the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, serves a dual role in teaching about nature while helping to conserve natural resources. Situated in a 975-acre ecological reserve, the nature center offers public environmental education while at the same providing a living lesson in energy and water conservation. For example, solar panels on the building have generated 65 percent of the building’s power since it opened in 2009, saving the equivalent to 16.4 tons of carbon dioxide, according to Amy Harbert, County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation.”

You can watch a video about the center below.  Please note, when the video was made, the center was LEED gold.  It was later upgraded to platinum. 

DEH Earns Environmental Award; Chief Named to Presidential Advisory Board

The Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Division racked up a couple of impressive honors recently, winning a state environmental achievement award and having Chief Mike Vizzier invited to join a presidential advisory council.

Vizzier accepted the invitation to join the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Good Neighbor Environmental Board, which means that for at least the next two years Vizzier’s expertise will not only help counsel 1600 Pacific Highway, but 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue — yup, the White House.

The 30-member board was created in 1992 to advise the president and Congress about environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Vizzier, who has also worked for years as part of the Border 2012 Program, said he was honored by the invitation and eager to get started.

But Vizzier was more excited by the “Secretary’s Environmental Achievement Award 2012”  that was presented to the County’s Hazardous Materials Division by California EPA at a statewide conference in February.

“This one was a real thrill,” Vizzier said, “because they don’t give it out every year and it’s not one that you nominate yourself for.”

San Diego County’s Hazardous Materials Division was designated as the sole agency to manage and regulate hazardous materials and wastes for the county (including its cities) in 1996. They monitor everything from gas stations to industrial businesses, medical and biotechnology firms to businesses like dry cleaners. EPA officials said the County had shown award-winning leadership by, among other things, developing and administering a web-based inspector training course that teaches inspectors around the state how to monitor above-ground petroleum storage tanks. EPA officials also praised the County’s division for working with local elementary, middle and high schools to promote careers in environmental health;  for working with the U.S.-Mexico Border Enforcement Task Force; advocating and supporting state efforts on electronic reporting; and for creating an outreach program that tracks the 10 most common hazardous material and waste violations — as a way to educate and prevent future violations.

Vizzier credited the County’s leadership, from the Board down, for the honor, because they encourage departments “to go out and do something special.”

“I feel this is an award for San Diego County, really,” Vizzier said. “This is a direct outcome of our General Management System (GMS) and the leadership of the County.”

What’s in a Name?

Despite its name, the San Diego County Public Law Library isn’t part of the County’s library system at all. It’s an independent public agency, but the County owns the building, pays for the utilities and selects several Law Library Board members. Why? You need to go back to the 19^thcentury to find the answer.

More than 100 years ago, the California State Legislature told every county to create a law library so the public could learn the law. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance 57 on June 10, 1891 and the law library was born.

The County must provide the building, maintenance and utilities. The courts must give a percentage of civil court filing fees, and that money along with funds raised by the library, pays for books, computers and staff.  

The courts also select several judges for the Law Library Board, so both the state and the County have ties to the library, but they don’t actually run it.

That puts the agency in an interesting position. As Director John Adkins puts it, if the Law Library takes money from the state and the County, what does it give back? Adkins says he works hard at creating great partnerships so that people know what they do and have a true understanding of where those dollars are going. For example, the library worked with the Department of Child Support Services which used its Vista branch for a case resolution meeting, making good use of the branch on a Saturday when it’s closed to the public.

“We’re quasi,” says Adkins, “so I want to be at the table.” As far as the County is concerned, the library falls under the Public Safety Group. Adkins says he’s been invited to share what the agency has to offer in meetings with the group’s department heads. The Public Defender’s Office already uses the Law Library as a resource. As you would expect, about half of the visitors are lawyers from all over the County. The other half?  Regular folks like you and me.

It’s the only public law library in San Diego County, and it’s the second-largest in the state on par with Orange County. “This is the central hub for all free legal resources. We have all the printed materials, they’re all updated… we have the legal databases” said  Adkins. “It is free for folks. It is a legal research haven for people who want to do a little research. This is the place to be.”

Visitors can choose any one of four locations, downtown at 1105 Front Street and branches in Vista, Chula Vista and El Cajon. A good number of them have the same intention – how to beat a traffic ticket. Others want to represent themselves in court or simply have an interest in the law. The library’s collection contains 350,000 volumes. Recently, General Services managed the refurbishing of the downtown branch from the inside out. The renovation forced the branch to close its doors for a year. Donations covered the $4.25 million remodel which made dramatic changes in the electrical, I-T and plumbing systems plus some desperately needed cosmetic changes. “It was scary. It was dark and it was creepy and it didn’t smell good, and yeah it’s right next to the jail. It’s still right next to the jail… but now we want to show people how beautiful it is,” said Adkins. “People do walk in and say wow.”   

The interior went from dark and unwelcoming to light, bright, and airy with glass walls and red splashes of color. No institutional green or blue here. On the exterior, 12 new windows were cut into the granite for a timeless look that blends in with the rest of the block.

It’s now open, and Adkins says it’s there for everybody. He points out the law touches us in many ways. From that traffic ticket to the neighbor’s tree that seems to be encroaching on your property to much more serious matters.  

“People come in here in desperate conditions. They’re getting kicked out of their apartment or trying to save their kids or adopt somebody,” said Adkins. “All of that stuff happens right here.”

Amidst the quiet drama, staff members do what they can to help visitors find what they need. Sometimes they hear back on how it all worked out.  “It’s so wonderful when people come back and tell us their stories and how if it wasn’t for us, they wouldn’t have had that outcome,” said Adkins. “It’s very heartwarming.”

While access to the materials at the branches is free, anyone who wants to borrow materials must pay a fee. Legal forms are available and reference librarians can help you find them. No, they will not fill them out or give you legal advice. Typewriters are available in the Main and North County branches but on a first come, first serve basis. Yes, you read that correctly. Typewriters are still needed to fill out all of those legal forms. The branches all have computers for public use and free wireless access as well. For more information, visit www.sdcpll.org.

And now you know, while the official name is the San Diego County Public Law Library, it’s exactly what the State Legislature intended all those years ago. The library’s motto says it all Law Made Public for All San Diego County.

Chance the Dog, Animal Control Officer Reunite for Magazine Cover

Keep your eyes peeled for the March issue of San Diego Pets. It’s out starting March 2, and you can pick it up at various points around town where your find other free circulars. (Sometimes they’re found on fourth floor of the CAC, by the cafeteria.)

As you see, the monthly magazine’s cover is a huge photo of County Animal Control Officer Gina Raygosa and Chance the dog. Raygosa is the animal control officer who aided Chance when he was found critically injured with a bullet wound on the Viejas Reservation a couple weeks ago. (More coverage of Chance’s saga here.)

Raygosa and Chance were reunited for the first time for the photo shoot. The pictures pop with joy, and they’ve captured the essence of the entire department, says Supervising Animal Care attendant Tiffany Shields.

“This is why we in the Department of Animal Services do what we do every day, for the chance to make a difference in the life of animal,” Shields says.  

County's Community Centers Offer Free Leap Day Exercise Classes

Leap year presents us with an extra day this February — which is also American Heart Month.

In celebration, our Parks and Recreation Department is inviting people to do some literal leaping on Feb. 29 with free exercise classes at its three community centers.

Choose from Zumba, Boot Camp, Fitness Fusion or Fitness Yoga. Take the free day to try a fun class — it might just inspire you to return often and keep your heart healthy for many leap years to come.

Please arrive 10 to15 minutes early to register for the class. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information please contact the individual centers or visit www.sdparks.org. 

Free Classes

Spring Valley Community Center 8735 Jamacha Boulevard 619-479-1832. 

Zumba 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Located outside in the gazebo area. Ages 12 and up.Zumba is the Latin inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie burn­ing, feel-it-to-the-core fitness party. You will get a marvel­ous workout and condition all muscles while having fun. 

Lakeside Community Center 9841 Vine Street  619-443-9176  

Boot Camp Fitness 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Ages 14 and up. Are you having trouble getting motivated or looking to change up your workout routine? This class is appropriate for all fitness levels, as you can set you own pace. The class will be taught at a moderate intensity, and will include aerobic conditioning and flexibility, strength, balance, speed and agility training.  

Fallbrook Community Center 341 Heald Lane  760-728-1671

Fitness Fusion 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Ages 13 and up.Stamina + Strength + Stretch + Serenity!  Come experience joyful low-impact cardio dance with a fusion of strength training, yoga, stretch, and relaxation techniques. This class keeps up with the latest balanced fitness approaches and creates a wonderful community environment.

Yoga Fusion 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Ages 13 and up. Yoga Fusion is a wellness journey with a gentle, adaptable approach. The class embraces the traditions of Hatha yoga to strengthen, heal and nurture the body. We also enrich our yoga practice by incorporating other fitness methods such as using light weights, chairs for focused balancing, and other tools that aid our growth and bring about a balanced, whole-body fitness style for life-long wellness. 

Pet of the Week: Will.I.Am

“Will.I.Am” is an 11-month-old American Staffordshire terrier. He loves playing with “Fergie,” his three-legged best buddy! They are like Black Eyed Peas in a pod, but Will.I.Am is ready to make his own music with a family that is just his.

He is an energetic, fun-loving dog that can boogie all night and still go for that morning run! Meet Will.I.Am at the County Animal Services shelter in Carlsbad, 2481 Palomar Airport Road. Please bring his ID number, A1450609, for reference. His adoption fee is $69 and includes which includes, neutering, vaccinations, licensing and a microchip.

By the way, his friend Fergie  is still available at the shelter in Carlsbad, where she’s been waiting for a forever home since  December! (Read her story here.) Her adoption fee is $35.   

Survey Says: IT Satisfaction High

 

Is the Help Desk living up to its name?  Does your technology toolkit have what you need?

In not so many words, those are the kind of questions the County Technology Office (CTO) recently asked all employees in its latest IT Customer Satisfaction Survey.  The results are now in, and they’re overwhelmingly positive. 

On a five-point scale, the County had an average score of 4.08 – the highest since the annual survey began in 2008.  The consulting firm Gartner, which worked with CTO on creating the survey, says when compared with similar Gartner clients, the score puts the County just shy of a Best in Class ranking.

“We’re extremely pleased.  This is a major step up for us,” said CTO’s Patty Carpenter, who leads several customer – that’s you – support initiatives.  “All indications are that customers are really happy.  It’s a very good feeling to know that our customers are satisfied. “

Carpenter noted the survey came after the year when HP took over the County’s IT contract, and the results are evidence of how smoothly that transition went. 

The top grade came for IT support responsiveness: how quickly you get help when you need it.  The Help Desk in particular had the highest score of all services in the survey.  Eighty-six percent of respondents said they call the help line at least once a month.  That would explain why in a ranking of all services by importance, the Help Desk led all others by a wide margin.

A team will be charged with combing through the responses more closely and reviewing all comments.  They will look for trends and come up with specific proposals for improvements.  The same process has been used after previous surveys and resulted in a number of positive changes.

A little more than 10 percent of County employees took this year’s survey.  Gartner says with that level of response, the County can be confident the score is representative of all employees.  But CTO would like to see participation even higher in the future.

“This survey helps us stay in tune with the needs of our customers,” Carpenter said.  “It helps us sharpen our focus on areas that may need improvement and work with our outsource partners to find ways to deliver better services.”

You can get more details on the survey results from this report (PDF).  And you don’t need to wait for the next survey to give CTO your thoughts on IT.  Email the office anytime at cto.feedback@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Civil Service Commission Exec. Makes Charitable Cambodian Journey

Our Civil Service Commission’s Executive Officer Patt Zamary recently journeyed to Cambodia with a local charity that raises money to improve the lives of impoverished villagers in the nation over 8,000 miles away.

The highlight of the journey for Zamary and her 26 fellow travelers was seeing the Cambodia Village Fund’s greatest accomplishment so far: a new school building for the Kaun Khlong Primary School.  Kuan Khlong is a rural village near Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia.

Zamary, who had donated to the fund for several years but had never visited Cambodia before the January trip, recalled the experience this week with emotion in her voice.

“The children were so wonderful—and there’s so many of them,” she said. “There’s such poverty there.”

Cambodia is still recovering from the devastating Khmer Rouge regime that controlled the country in the mid-70s. Under the Khmer Rouge, millions of Cambodians were moved out of cities and placed in rural work camps. Hundreds of thousands, and possibly millions, of Cambodians were killed by the brutal regime. 

Zamary connected to the far away land’s plight through her friend, a former County employee, Bill Bamberger.

Bamberger, an economist in the Department of Planning and Land Use two decades ago, founded the Cambodia Village Fund with his wife Nancy in 2006, Zamary said.

The Bambergers were inspired by Nancy Bamberger’s Cambodian hairdresser, who described the great poverty and need in her native village.

For Zamary, supporting the fund had been a way to support her friends and a cause close to them. But now that she’s been to Cambodia, she plans getting even more involved.

“It really sealed my commitment to that organization,” she said.  

View a short and colorful video about the trip Zamary, the Bambergers and their group made to Cambodia and the work of the Cambodia Village Fund.