Restored Art Installed at CAC

Ocean

Four restored landscape paintings that long-time employees may have seen at a couple other worksites were recently installed at the County Administration Center. The oil on wood art represents County views to the north, south, east and west, depicting, respectively, mountains, Baja California, desert and ocean.

The large art pieces were installed in the south wings of the third and fourth floor hallways for employee and public view.

The County commissioned artist Leslie Nemour to create the series Seasonal Borders in 1989 for the lobby of what was then the Department of Social Services in Chula Vista. The paintings were relocated to the COC Annex. Over time, they required some restoration effort.

Nemour is an active Southern California painter and muralist. She’s taught at MiraCosta College, Southwestern College, UC San Diego, San Diego City College and Grossmont College. In addition, she’s participated in local exhibitions at Lyceum Theatre, the Escondido Center for the Arts and the old San Diego Public Library.

DesertMountains

Baja California

Paintings at the Chula Vista office.

Healthy Eating Starts With Planning

Registrar of Voters Michael Vu keeps things healthy at home by planning out meals before the shopping trip. Watch the video above to see how the Wellness Quarterly Executive Sponsor's family stays healthy together.

County Employees Appointed to Superior Court

Lisa Rodriguez

Two veteran County employees will soon take the bench. Deputy Public Defender Marian F. Gaston and Deputy District Attorney Lisa Rodriguez were appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown Friday to judgeships in the San Diego County Superior Court.

Rodriquez, of La Mesa, was sworn in Thursday by presiding Judge David Danielsen in Superior Court. She has been with the District Attorney’s Office for nearly 17 years. She’s being assigned to the East Branch, Family Protection, Superior Court, Pretrial and Disposition, and Case Issuing/Extraditions. Most recently she served as the Chief of the DA’s new Collaborative Courts Division.

Rodriquez, 44, earned her master’s degree from Chapman University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego. In addition, she’s been an adjunct professor at the USD School of Law since 2014.

The DA’s Office reports that Rodriguez is recognized statewide as the go-to expert in areas like reentry, sentencing, AB109 and Prop 47.

Marian GastonGaston, of San Diego, has served in the Office of the Primary Defender since 1996. She is a recognized expert in juvenile rehabilitation throughout the state as a former supervisor in the juvenile delinquency section for the Public Defender. She also supervised the sexually violent predator unit.

Currently, Gaston had also served as the point person in the Public Defender’s Office on Proposition 47 and AB109 issues.

Gaston, 44, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University and her Juris Doctor degree from UC Berkeley. She will be sworn in on April 13.

How Low Can We Go?

I’m a numbers person. Here’s one that grabbed my attention and some headlines recently.

Zero.

We broke ground on a new library in Alpine that will be our first zero net energy building. That means it will generate all the energy it needs on-site, using solar power in this case.

What's got Alpine residents excited? They're getting a new "zero net energy" library! http://t.co/d7p9qoerbp pic.twitter.com/KM8h9E8Crd

— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) March 10, 2015

Zero came to mind again while cleaning out the fridge one day and thinking about another stat I saw recently. Between the farm and the time we clean off our plates, America wastes 40 percent of its food. Forty percent! What if we could bring that down to zero?

Or trash. America is doing a lot more recycling, but on average, about 900 pounds of stuff per person winds up in landfills each year. What if we could cut that to zero?   

Source: National Resources Defense CouncilIn a few weeks, we’re holding an Earth Day Fair in the big green space we created around the CAC: the Waterfront Park. Watch InSite for more details, but it’s a chance to rally around the cause of reducing waste and protecting the environment, while picking up a few ideas on what else we might do.

The one-day fair is great, but it’s also just a part of how we do things at the County now. We’ve made Sustainable Environments one of our four strategic initiatives. Those initiatives guide everything we do.

So what does sustainable mean? In short, it’s all about wise management of our resources. It’s like our budget. We spend money – $5 billion a year. But we’re smart about how we spend it. We avoid waste. We plan, so we don’t run out in the future.

It’s the same with our environment. People need places to live and work. And our county population will keep growing. But we need to be smart about it. Sustainability is taking care of the natural environment so everyone who lives or visits here now and in the future has the resources they’ll need and can continue to enjoy the outdoors.

One way we’ve made watching our resources a priority is by adding an Energy and Sustainability manager to our General Services Department. They oversee anything the County builds.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Many of you reading this right now are sitting in buildings designed to be environmentally friendly. They have features that save energy, water and building materials. It’s already our policy that all our new buildings be LEED certified, meeting conservation standards from the U.S. Green Building Council.

We also go back and make improvements to our existing property. Just a couple recent examples: we put in water-efficient equipment at jails and parks, and at some parks we added synthetic turf on ball fields.

These projects are one-half of our Strategic Energy Plan. The other half is working with the community and other government agencies on conservation. When it comes to protecting the environment, we really are all in this together.

And we’re part of the community. The last few years, we’ve encouraged employees to take part in the annual Coastal Cleanup Day. It’s not a County event, but many of you pitched in because we all care about clean beaches and inland waterways.

We can all help in many small ways every day that add up to big differences. Those blue recycling bins scattered around our workplaces have collected literally tons of material and kept it out of landfills. Everyone should know how to print double-sided, and that’s of course after considering whether something needs to be printed at all.

I could go on and on about things we’re doing here at the County to conserve. But your time is a precious resource, and I don’t want to take too much of it! Your excellent work helps make San Diego County a wonderful place – and sustainability means we’re all working to make sure it stays that way.

Happy Earth Day!

Loss and Life: March of Dimes’ New Meaning for One Employee

Ari Hamed was born at 26 weeks and weighed just over 2 pounds

“I never thought it would happen to me.”

That’s what Jackie Hamed thought after she started donating to March of Dimes when one of her good friends had a premature baby a couple years ago.

“It seemed like a really good cause,” said the operations research analyst for the Health and Human Services Agency. “I had seen it being promoted at work before and then my friend started walking for it. So I’ve been donating for the past two years or so.”

But Hamed never knew how valuable the research done by March of Dimes really is until she found out she was expecting identical twin boys last March. What started off as morning sickness turned out to be something much more serious. The mom-to-be was diagnosed with hyperemesis – she couldn’t keep anything down and, as a result, was admitted to the ER for dehydration.

After several examinations, doctors found Hamed’s unborn baby boys – Ezra and Ari – had selective intrauterine growth restriction, which results in one twin not growing at the same rate as the other.

At just 20 weeks pregnant, Hamed underwent an emergency procedure to try to save the boys.

“It was really scary – they’re essentially puncturing the womb,” she said. “If the water broke during the surgery, we would lose both babies.”

Unfortunately, Ezra did not survive the emergency surgery. In order to make sure Ari stayed safe and healthy, Hamed’s activity was restricted, never walking or standing for more than 10 minutes at a time. Doctors told her if she could make it to 24 weeks with Ari, he’d have a good chance of survival.

At 26 weeks, after going into pre-term labor, Hamed’s surviving son Ari was delivered via C-section. He was born on Aug. 5, 2014 at just over 2 pounds.

“They said he was big for [26 weeks], believe it or not!” Hamed said. “But he couldn’t breathe on his own and had to be intubated. He suffered a ruptured lung a week after birth and was born with a hole in his heart.”

Ari Hamed at 6 months old.Ari was given medication that resolved his heart issue. But the preemie spent 83 days in the NICU and didn’t come home to be with mom and dad until Oct. 27. He was kept on oxygen until January, but Hamed said Ari is doing much better and getting stronger every day.

“I see him and I just think ‘he’s here! We could’ve lost him and Ezra – it could be worse.”

Hamed has a personal goal this year to raise $350 for the March of Dimes (with the County’s total goal set at $100,000) and will be participating in the March for Babies in Balboa Park on Saturday, April 25. She says she encourages her colleagues to donate to the non-profit whose research and mission helps give babies a healthy start.

“The research they do saves lives – it saved my baby’s life. People don’t think about it until it happens to them or someone they know,” Hamed said.

“The March for Babies makes a real difference for the thousands of local families, like Jackie’s, who face the challenge of premature births each year,” said Nick Macchione, HHSA director and this year’s chair for the fundraising walks in the San Diego region. “Strong support from County employees will help babies get off to a good start in life, which fits the goals of our Live Well San Diego vision of a region that is building better health, living safely and thriving.” 

The first of two walks is April 11 in Oceanside. Learn more about how you can participate in the County’s March for Babies and how to donate to the March of Dimes.

Below is a video Jackie and her husband made about their story.

Registrar Worker Gets Two Votes of Approval

A long-time employee from the Registrar of Voters Office has been recognized with not one but two honors just 10 days apart. Outreach Coordinator Carmen Lopez was named one of 16 Women of the Year by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez at an awards ceremony last Friday. She will also be honored with the Visionary Award Monday, March 30 at the 17th Annual Cesar Chavez Community Breakfast.

As a Woman of the Year, Lopez was recognized for her civic engagement. While Lopez does volunteer work in her off hours, she says her work in educating voters in the Spanish-speaking community probably played the bigger role.

“It’s totally different in other countries: no voting by mail, no provisional voting,” said Lopez. “Immigrants come to this country for opportunities and democracy. Are we really taking advantage of this democracy and giving back to the community?”

Lopez goes on to say that it’s a privilege to vote and also a responsibility, a way of giving back to the country.

During elections, Lopez is often seen on Spanish-language TV stations explaining the voting process. She also translates Registrar of Voters news releases into Spanish. She runs outreach booths to help people register to vote and tells prospective voters that election materials are available in a number of different languages.

But recognition as a Woman of the Year?

“A total surprise for me,” said Lopez.

“It doesn’t come as any surprise to me that Carmen has been honored in this way,” said Registrar of Voters Michael Vu. “She consistently goes out of her way to educate everyone, especially those in the Spanish-speaking population, all about the voting process and how it works.” 

Carmen Lopez (left) stands with Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzales with her Woman of the Year award.

On the same day as the Women of the Year ceremony, Lopez learned she was going to be a recipient of the annual Visionary Award from the San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Commemoration Committee. The award is given to a community member who goes above and beyond for social justice. It honors people who in a personal or professional capacity demonstrate the same values as Chavez when it comes to hard work, helping others and making a difference in their community. 

Specifically, Lopez is being recognized for her work in helping to create a more diverse electorate no matter what the language and helping get the vote out for natural-born Americans and new Americans. 

Lopez says she just helps voters connect the dots when it comes to the voting process. But that’s made her a winner, not just once, but twice. 

Colleague's Memory Inspires Employees for Blood Drive

“Your blood or marrow could save the life of a loved one, your neighbor or your friend.”

This was Elisa Escandon’s main message at the launching of the County’s bone marrow registry campaign almost two years ago.

Unfortunately, Elisa lost her battle with cancer last year. However, her co-workers at the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) are convinced she would be thrilled if a blood or bone marrow match could be found for someone else.

The month-long County Blood Drive kicks off April 1. All employees are encouraged to donate blood and, if they qualify, to register to be a bone marrow donor at Be The Match. Donating blood and bone marrow is safe, costs nothing and could save a life. Bloodmobiles will be at 14 sites across the county throughout April.

“The annual County Blood Drive is one of the San Diego Blood Bank's largest and most successful collection events,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn. “Your donation has the power to touch many lives.”

Last year, County employees donated more than 250 pints of blood helping countless people in need of a transfusion.

“The response from County employees has always been amazing, but we can do even better. There are 17,000 of us. Imagine the impact we could have,” said Supervisor Greg Cox, a lifelong donor. “Donating blood is easy. I’ve given more than 23 gallons over the years and will be giving blood again next month.”

The San Diego Blood Bank must collect 400 pints of blood every day. Although 80 percent of us will receive a blood transfusion during our lives, only 5 percent of the U.S. population donates blood.

If you can donate blood, do it. If you can’t, try to get a family member or friend to take your place. All blood types are needed. Donors can make an appointment online or walk in to make a donation.

Be the perfect match

In August of 2013, Supervisors Horn and Cox launched the County’s campaign to also get employees to register to be bone marrow donors and try to find a match that might save Elisa’s life.

“Elisa is the reason why we did the bone marrow registry. She needed a match,” said Gloria Estolano, chief of DEH’s Food and Housing Division.

When Estolano began searching how the County could do its own bone marrow registry campaign, she came across Juan Olmeda. The Health and Human Services Agency employee has organized the County Blood Drive for several years and was himself the recipient of several blood transfusions as well as a bone marrow transplant after he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Juan was instrumental in getting the process started, and reaching out to Be The Match. With a lot of help and the support of County leadership, Estolano and Olmeda worked to bring the bone marrow registry to the County.  

“She was one of ours. She was a dear friend to everybody. She was an amazing person,” Estolano said. “The County’s Bone Marrow registry is Elisa’s legacy.”

Since the campaign began, dozens of County employees have registered at Be The Match and many more are expected to join during the month-long push. Registering for Be the Match is easy and pain free. All you have to do is swab the inside of your cheek and you can do it at one of the 14 blood donation sites. The Sheriff's Department will have two additional bone marrow drives on April 6 and 8 from 3–6 p.m. The drives will take place in the Media Room at the Sheriff's Communications Center, 5580 Overland Avenue, in Kearny Mesa.

Be The Match is especially looking for donors in the 18-44 age group because doctors request them over 90 percent of the time. This is because medical research has shown that cells from younger donors lead to better long-term survival for patients after a transplant. Registration is completely free.

People between the ages of 45 and 60 can also join the Be The Match Registry, but will be required to make a $100 payment at the end of the online process.

Be The Match is also looking for members of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds because patients are most likely to match someone who shares their ancestry.

Estolano hopes that County employees will donate blood or bone marrow to honor Elisa’s memory and help save someone’s life. 

“Elisa really wanted for the County to be able to do something,” Estolano said. “She used to tell us: ‘Even if we don’t find a donor for me, maybe we can find a donor for someone else.’”

Workplace Wellness Winners Saluted

Some of the heathiest and most inspiring County employees were recognized at the 2014 Wellness Awards at the County Operations Center Tuesday. Honorees included Wellness Champions and numerous others fitness superstars committed to participation in the Human Resources’ Employee Wellness Program throughout the year. These strong, fit and dedicated winners represented 20 departments across the County.

Wellness Coordinator William Erese said the ceremony is just one way to celebrate and reward employee commitment to health.

“Today is our way of showing each and every employee, not just those in this room, but those spread out across the entire County, our appreciation for their support of the program,” Erese said.

Some 2014 program highlights include climbing 8.8 million steps in the Stairwell Champaign, an increase in attendance at healthy cooking demonstrations and a tougher Amazing Race.

Nearly 100 employees, mostly those being lauded, attended the annual celebration. And 21 of them won beach cruisers!

Terri Foster, an administrative analyst with the Health and Human Service Agency and a wellness champion for the Mills Building, was one of the many recognized at the appreciation event. Foster said she participates in County wellness activities because of the direct impact it has for her coworkers and herself.

“Overall it makes for a better, healthier team environment as well,” she said.

Watch the video above to see what some of the other Wellness Champions had to say.

Ekard Calls 'Character-Driven Team' His Legacy

We built libraries and substations, achieved phenomenal bond ratings, won many awards. But Walt Ekard doesn’t view those successes that came during his tenure running the County as his legacy.

“My legacy is the incredible character-driven team I left behind. A group of highly skilled professionals who come to work every day and do the right thing by the people we serve—a government that is better today than the day I left,” Ekard told employees at the County Operations Center this week.

The former chief administrative officer returned to the County to speak about his time as a public administrator and how “character is king” during a presentation for Ethics Awareness Month.

Ekard, who left the County in 2012, said great government organizations are character-driven organizations with a focus on ethics, integrity and doing what is right.

“My vision of a great organization is one that is filled with character-driven people—one that prides itself on hiring first for character, second for skills. One which fills its most important positions with people who are known first for their integrity, then for their particular intelligence they bring to the job. And that candidly is what you have here in San Diego County.”

Ekard stressed that acting with integrity is important at every level of the organization and critical to the success of our community.

“Believe it or not, people really do notice organizations focused on doing the right thing. Lots of people notice,” he said. “Our reputation for character is appreciated by those we serve, even if we don’t hear it very often.”

Ekard noted that the work by public servants is important, necessary and noble. He said the motto on our County seal is more than just a slogan.

‘“The Noblest Motive Is the Public Good’ is real for us,” he said. “There is a nobility to what we do in service jobs. It’s not just firefighters and cops, like those that went into Twin Towers on 9-11, that do noble work. The nobility of public service extends to all of us that do the work of the people—the nurses, and the auto mechanics, and the plan checkers, and the restaurant inspects, the people caring for our animals, our seniors, our poor people and our kids. What they each do is noble, too.”

During the lunchtime occasion, he said if he had one lasting piece of advice, it would be to fill our ranks with people that care and have character.

“Character has become a far more important factor in hiring and promoting than it ever has before,” he said. 

Joe Cordero, Director of the County’s Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC), said under Ekard’s leadership the County established itself as one of the best run in the nation. He credits this recognition with the commitment to ethics from our leaders and employees.

County Engineer Harshal Salway came out to hear Ekard speak about principles he tries to apply in his own profession and personal life.

“We should all be examples of good character at the County,” said Salway, who’s been with the County for more than 30 years. “The community will be better because of our actions.”

District Parks Manager Cailan Hunsaker said she went to the talk because she values Ekard’s experience both with the County and now as a consultant.

“I enjoy tapping into the leadership of our County and learning about their perspective,” said Hunsaker.

The speaker event was hosted by the Office of Ethics and Compliance Office, which formed during Ekard’s nearly 14-year tenure.

Even if you missed Ekard’s presentation, employees can still celebrate Ethics Awareness Month.

Employees can participate in the following ways:

• Take the Ethics 101 online training. Head over to LMS and search for “Ethics 101.” The video is just 8 minutes long.
• Request that OEC conduct an on-site ethics training or speak at your March all-hands department meeting.
• Check out the "Ethics In-a-Box” training resources for managers/supervisors. 

And remember: If you have a question on what is the right thing to do, reach out to your department’s chain of command. If an employee isn’t comfortable going to a supervisor or other manager, or if their concern relates to a supervisor or manager, they can call OEC or the County’s Ethics Hotline at (866) 549-0004. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is operated by a third party. So employees can report concerns anonymously. Employees can also report concerns online.

Time’s Running Out to File for FSA Reimbursements for 2014

There are just a few more days to file your flexible spending account (FSA) receipts for reimbursement on approved medical expenses from 2014. All documents and supporting receipts are due to ASI Flex on or before March 31—so don’t be late!

Approved medical expenses could include such things as office visits and prescription copays, acupuncture and chiropractic visits, eyeglasses, dental work and many other health expenditures. Services and purchases need to have been made between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014. For a complete list of eligible purchases, refer to the information compiled by ASI Flex.

In addition, you may be able to roll over some of your unspent 2014 funds into 2015. Employees can carry over up to $500 into this year’s flex spending account. This IRS guideline applies to employees not enrolled in a high deductible health care plan.

If you are not sure how much you have left in your flex spending account, check your account balance through ASI Flex’s website, or smartphone users can use the ASI app. To download the app, go to Google Play or the iPhone App Store and then search for ASI Flex.

For more information on the Department of Human Resources’ Benefits division, visit their website on InSite.