New ERG Supports Veterans

County veterans of military service are on a new mission: to launch an employee resources group focused on veterans. The ERG, named VALOR, is one of three ERGs “start-ups” joining the existing five groups this year.

The group has a new website, is currently compiling a list of interested members and has already participated in several ERG events this fall, including the unveiling of a dedicated exhibition space at the COC for diversity and inclusion—the ERG Wall.

VALOR anticipates attracting members from every group and across many departments.

“We cannot reiterate enough the message that we are an all-inclusive group,”said Carl Smith, a CAO staff officer leading the charge of forming VALOR. “This ERG was formed not only for vets, but for all those who support and align themselves with our military veterans and their families.”

Smith, who retired as a Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service in July 2012, answered a few questions about the organization:

What is VALOR’s mission and what will be the group’s focus?

The mission of VALOR is to drive and support organization and individual growth through a network of colleagues leveraging their collective range of skills, talents, and diverse perspectives while being a resource to veterans and the County of San Diego.

Where is VALOR in the process of forming?

VALOR just finished finalizing our bylaws and has officially become a County ERG. 

What are some of the challenges veterans see in the workplace?

Transition from active duty to civilian life is a common challenge and easily met with support from fellow veterans. For those employees who are still active reserve members, there could be the challenge of being deployed with their reserve unit and returning to work after your tour of duty. The County has always been an advocate and a resource to these reservists. There may also be some veterans who struggle with mental or physical disabilities from their time in service.

What programs/events will be offered to members? What is planned?

We see VALOR partnering with other ERGs to offer a lot of different programs and events together. As we gain members, we really want to engage them to be part of the process to develop the programs and events in which they would like to participate. Professional development workshops, guest speaker events, and social events are just some of the ideas being discussed.

Why is this ERG needed?

San Diego is a military town with a long and rich history of service through the various bases in our region. Many veterans and their families have settled in or returned to San Diego after their term of duty has ended. It seemed timely to create VALOR to provide a forum for veterans, colleagues and regional partners to support each other and County initiatives. Our vision gets to the core of why we created this ERG: A group that shows its patriotism by honoring and supporting the men and women who serve our country past and present.

Do You Have the Recipe for Sweet Success?

Break out the baking sheets, gather up those measuring cups and let the scents of the season fill your kitchen – the Holiday Dessert Recipe Contest is back.

The annual competition, which is part of the County’s Wellness Program, is a chance for those with a passion for cooking to showcase their talents to their colleagues.

“It’s a fun time of the year,” said Wellness Coordinator William Erese. “It’s a time where it’s ok to indulge in something sweet – just as long as you don’t overindulge.”

Employees are encouraged to whip up something fantastic – and low-calorie – and submit the recipe between Nov. 10 and Nov. 21. The top five recipes will be judged on Dec. 11 at the County Operations Center (COC) cafeteria.

Prizes, like a rolling tote bag and electric juicer, are awarded for various places.

The winner will get their delectable treat prepared and featured at the COC cafeteria as the “Recipe of the Day.”

Last year’s winner was Planning & Development Services accounting technician Natasha Garcia. She knocked out her 64 competitors with her Pear-Almond Clafouti.

Think you have the recipe for sweet success? Read the contest rules and learn how to submit your recipe. Happy baking and creating!  

CECO Auction Raises Over $4K; Grant Applications Being Accepted

The San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization (CECO) raised more than $4,200 in its online auction last month. The second annual event auctioned off nearly 250 items, including beach cruisers, harbor cruise tickets and lunch with CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer.

Plus, nearly 40 more employees have signed up in the last month to donate to CECO through an automatic payroll deduction. All proceeds benefit non-profit programs throughout the San Diego region and County employees in crisis.

Applications for grants funding those programs are now being accepted. Based upon recent donation trends, approximately $200,000 will be available for next year’s grants. In 2014, CECO distributed approximately $214,000 to support 93 local non-profit programs throughout San Diego County, with grants ranging from $305 to $7,940.

Grant applications must be submitted by end of day, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. All selected recipients will receive their grant in March 2015. Visit www.sdceco.org for details on how to apply.

CECO’s Power of One Campaign is still taking place with various fundraising events throughout County departments and opportunities to enroll new membership.

Flash Food Drive a Success - and Raffle Winner Sought

Updated on Nov. 5 at 11 a.m.: Michele Curley from HHSA is the raffle winner.

Halloween was all about fun and fright at the County this year, but it was also about the spirit of giving.

A Flash Food Drive was held at last Friday's Haunted Plaza and 502 pounds of goods were donated in 90 minutes for the San Diego Food Bank.

In addition, a winning ticket for the food drive raffle has been picked. If you have ticket number 057021, contact the LUEG Executive OFfice at 619-531-6256 so you can collect your prize.

Thanks to all who donated food!

County Goes Crazy for Halloween

On Friday, County employees celebrated Halloween in a big way. Some decorated their workspace, others dressed up in costume and even more planned to head to the Haunted Plaza at the COC. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the plaza will be full of tricks and treats.

Share photos of your costumes or office celebrations. Email them to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov with your name and department.

Wicked Winners Named in Halloween Contests

Sam Bledsoe, with the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

The unnerving wait is over! The fangtastic winners to the Workplace Decorating and Scary Face contests were crowned.

After casting more than 1,300 votes, County employees selected the top three workspace winners. While all participants impressively decorated their workspace with ghastly ghosts, terrifying tombstones and morbid mummies, only three spirits were crowned wicked winners. (See the photos below.)

Sam Bledsoe, with the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s office, won the Scary Face contest. His transformation is frighteningly fun.

Don’t miss out on the thrilling Haunted Plaza on Halloween Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the County Operations Center. Some of the planned activities include dancing the Monster Mash, games, and more tricks and treats. Employees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the San Diego Food Bank to the big bash. Each person who brings in an item (or items) will receive one entry into a raffle. Winner need not be present to win. 

Patrick Baker, with Sheriff's Department came in 1st place.

Joneal Chu, with Auditor& Controller, came in 2nd place.Norweena Asignacion, with Probation, came in 3rd place.

Diversity on Display at New ERG Wall

 

The County’s Employee Resource Groups, in partnership with the County Library, dedicated a new exhibition space this week to promote cultural awareness. A room at the Library’s administrative offices at the County Operations Center is now home to the ERG Wall, a project honoring individuals for their accomplishments in diversity and inclusion.

The inaugural exhibit “Breaking Barriers—Military Trailblazers” honors a group of veterans. The five established and three forming ERGs selected four individuals who represent each branch of the military: the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy. The display consists of posters of each military leaders with a photo and short synopsis of their support of diversity and inclusion.

Mavette Sadile, with the County of San Diego Filipino-American Employees’ Association, said she hopes the ERG Wall exhibit will spark conversation, learning and inspires the community.

“This wall is a great opportunity for the employee resource groups to come together and collaborate on a special project that really speaks to the county’s initiative with regard to cultural awareness and diversity,” she said.

Joe Cordero, Director of the Office of Ethics and Compliance, said the Military Trailblazer exhibit is the first of many installations. The display will be changed quarterly, and after each exhibit’s run on the ERG Wall, it will tour County library branches and other County facilities.

Zenobia Howard, with the African American Association of County Employees, introduced the print honoring Adm. Michelle Howard:

 

Angelica Fortin, with the San Diego County Latino Association, introduced the print honoring Lt. Col. Olga Custodio:

 

James Inglis, with the County of San Diego Filipino-American Employees’ Association, introduced the print honoring Col. Rayfel Bachiller:

Carl Smith, with VALOR—the veterans’ employee resource group, introduced the print honoring Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith:

Stop by 5560 Overland Ave., Conference Room B, at the County Operations Center to see the display yourself.

Open Enrollment Can Be Done From Home

Due to the high volume of employees accessing the Open Enrollment system from work, the system is at maximum capacity. Many employees are receiving an error message. But don’t give up – Human Resources has some simple tips to ease the process. The department encourages employees to try enrolling during off peak hours or from home.

Review at work and enroll from home.

Employees are encouraged to review, compare and prepare their enrollment at work. Surf over to the Open Enrollment Benefits webpage for information. The page includes medical plan pricing, plan summaries and frequently asked questions. Take notes, print out, or download and email yourself important documents you may need in the decision making process.

Now that you have the 411, enroll from home. That’s right, you can access Open Enrollment from a home computer or even your smartphone. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Follow these steps to access the system:

1. Visit cosdportal.sdcounty.ca.gov and enter your County username and password.
2. Next select “e-Benefits.”
3. At the Tier login, enter your employee ID number and pin. You are in!

Open Enrollment ends this Friday at midnight, but don’t delay and get caught in a last-second rush. Enroll as soon as possible.

Don’t Miss Halloween Contest Fun

There’s still time to sign up for two frighteningly fun contests being held on Halloween at the County Operations Center.  Sign up to dress up or carve it up at the Haunted Plaza on Friday—there are openings in the pumpkin carving and costume contests.

All you need to do to sign up is click on the blue links below. Here are the details:

Pumpkin Carving Contest: The contest is open to both freestyle and pattern carvers. Registration is required, so sign up now. Participants carefully carved creations will be displayed at the Haunted Plaza where County employees will vote for the best of the best. Register to enter as a pattern or freestyle carver by emailing your name, title and department. Read the rules before finding the most perfect pumpkin as your canvas.

Costume Contest: Dress to impress! There are four costume contest categories this year: funniest, most creative, scariest or best group. (For best group, make sure to submit only one submission.) The costumes will be judged during the witching hour (12:35 p.m.) at the Haunted Plaza on Oct. 31. Read the rules before fabricating your disguise.

Don’t miss out on a wicked good time! Attend the Haunted Plaza at the County Operations Center on Halloween day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Some of the planned activities include dancing the Monster Mash, games and contests with sweet prizes, a mummy wrap, and more ghoulish fun.

A new highlight of this year’s celebration is a food drive for the San Diego Food Bank. Employees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the big bash on Oct. 31. Each person who brings in an item (or items) will receive one entry into a raffle. Winner need not be present to win.

Which Workspace is the Most Wicked?

Ghouls and goblins of the County have deviously decorated their workspaces with cobwebs, creepy crawlies and more. Now, it’s your job to vote for the cream of the crop!

The first five photos in the slideshow below are the finalists. Scroll through the rest to see all the creative and festive entries. You can click on the picture inside the slideshow to enlarge.

Winners will be recognized at the Haunted Plaza at the County Operations Center on Halloween.

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite finalist!

Verint survey software