Hit the Streets to Help Count the Homeless

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If you’re reading this, then you have a job. And if you have a job, you probably have a roof over your head at night and enough food to eat.

But so many in our community don’t. San Diego County has the fourth largest homeless population in the nation: more than 8,700 people.

You can help them. The Board of Supervisors is once again appealing to your spirit of volunteerism and asking you to spend some early morning hours taking part in the Point-in-Time Count Project with the WeALLCount campaign on Jan. 29, 2016. The Board agrees this is such a worthy cause that for the third year in a row, employees who come forward will be allowed to participate on paid County time.

"...it struck me how incredibly fortunate I am to wake up in a warm bed, with a roof over my head and cupboards full of food. I cannot fathom the kind of life where there is so much uncertainty about basic needs: where I will sleep at night, will I be too cold/hot, when will I get my next meal?" --Tiffany Anderson, Public Safety Group

The Point-in-Time Count is a snapshot in time of the homeless people that can be counted in one morning throughout San Diego County. County volunteers will work in teams, be assigned a specific location and simply tally how many homeless people they see.

Volunteers who participate are important because the numbers that are generated bring federal funding to help this at-risk population. The count also helps County staff identify the scope of the problems and work on solutions.

"We were assigned to the downtown area between Ash, 9th, Broadway, and State. There were a surprisingly high number of homeless individuals in that area, most of whom had nothing but a piece of cardboard and a blanket. After spending several hours out on the street, I realized how fortunate I was to have a comfortable home, a steady job, good health, and a network of family & friends ready to help me if I fell on hard times." --Brian Hagerty, Community Services Group

In 2014, County employees made up about one-fourth of the volunteer force. In 2015, nearly a third. And for the 2016 count, the Board hopes even more will step forward. So far, more than 100 County employees have signed up to take part in the campaign but hundreds more are still needed.  

The Regional Task Force on the Homeless leads the WeALLCount campaign, which takes place Friday, Jan. 29 from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. To sign up, employees need to get approval from their supervisor with a supervisor approval form and then review the registration guidelines and FAQs. (*DA, Sheriff and SDCERA can use these links:supervisor approval form; registration guidelines; FAQs)Once completed, you can register for the WeALLCount campaign on the Task Force’s website. A short training course will be emailed to you. County time is being allowed for the training as well as the count itself. 

"Whenever I see the homeless in San Diego, I can’t help but wonder will their situation ever get better. Is there really some help out there for this population? Participating in the Point-In-Time homeless count this morning gives me some relief that people do take the time to get something started for them." --Agnes Latimore, HHSA

The Time for a Flu Shot is Now

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Dr. McDonald, medical director of the HHSA Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch

Dr. McDonald, medical director of the HHSA Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch

December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week 2015. Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

If not, you should before influenza starts to spread in the next weeks and months.

“Everyone should get a flu shot,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent getting sick.”

Flu activity in San Diego County continues to be low, which is normal for this time of the year.

For the week ending December 5, 2015, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:

  • Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 3 percent of all visits (down from 4 the previous week)

  • Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 12 (up from 9 the previous week)

  • Total influenza deaths to date: 1 (compared to 0 last season)

  • Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 144 (compared to 144 last season

Your Best Shot Against the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.

If you haven’t gotten flu vaccine yet, please consider taking a few minutes to get yours. If you are a Kaiser member, you may book an appointment for a flu shot by calling (858) 278-2802. You also can receive the flu shot at the Kaiser Kiosk at the County Operations Center. Doctor’s offices and retail pharmacies are other options where flu vaccine is readily available.

And if you get flu vaccine during the month of December, tweet #SDHealthy4Holidays and include a selfie.

RELATED: First Local Flu-related Death of the Season Reported

Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:

  • People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if your symptoms are under control

  • Pregnant women

  • People 65 years and older

  • People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

Other Tips to Stay Healthy

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

  • Wash hands thoroughly and often

  • Use hand sanitizers

  • Stay away from sick people

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

  • Clean commonly touched surfaces

  • If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others

As County employees, one way to support the Live Well San Diego vision is by getting an annual flu vaccine. You will also be helping to protect our community and the citizens whom we serve.

You can also learn how to debunk common flu myths.

Be healthy for the holidays. Get your flu shot!

From the CAO: Being Strong, Remaining Vigilant

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We are all shaken by the unspeakable attack in San Bernardino this week. Any and all violence is upsetting. When it’s targeting county employees, in a government building, we feel it even more acutely. Taking place in a nearby county, it literally hits closer to home. Our hearts go out to our fellow public servants and their loved ones as they cope with this tragedy.

This shooting incident also reminds us that we all need to remain vigilant.
 
It pains me that we’ve had to think of teaching our own employees how to respond in a shooting like this. But the hard truth is we have to be prepared. We can’t live our lives in fear, so let’s stand strong by being prepared and educated on what we can do.  
 
More than a year ago, we took steps to share the best advice law enforcement has on how to try to protect ourselves in an attack of this kind. We’ll roll all that information out again for everyone to review.
 
Last year, our Sheriff’s Department held “Active Shooter” training for County employees. Many of you may have seen the “Run, Hide, Fight” video that was created by the City of Houston’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security. You may have read through the Department of Homeland Security’s “Active Shooters, How to Respond” booklet, or downloaded its Active Shooter Pocket Card.
 
Years ago we added a “Terrorism” Web page to our County ReadySanDiego.org and ListoSanDiego.org websites. They feature our “Eight Signs of Terrorism” video, written information on how to spot suspicious activity that could be terror-related, and links to where to report it. Both sites stress this important message: If you see something, say something. If something doesn’t look right, if it looks suspicious and it could have anything to do with terrorist activity, you need to report it.
 
Our departments and facilities have disaster response plans. Take the time to make sure you know them.
 
I also want to remind you about our Employee Assistance Program. It’s a safe place we can all call if we need help with emotional distress. It’s free and completely confidential. Please keep this important resource in mind.
 
Again, our hearts go out to all of the people who were killed, their families and everyone who was hurt, shocked and grief-stricken by the shootings in San Bernardino.
 
As we continue to live our lives, we must be strong and remain vigilant. 

New Tax Forms Coming Your Way

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Many County employees can expect a special delivery to their home mailbox early next year: important new tax filing forms. These documents may be needed to file your 2015 income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service.

Information on the forms is used by the IRS to administer the Affordable Care Act, the federal health care law. The forms also serve as proof of compliance with the law for both employees and employers.

What You Need to Know

You may receive one or more of three new tax forms around the same time you receive your Form W-2.

You will receive a Form 1095-C from the County if you worked full time (30 or more hours per week for at least one month in 2015).

In addition, if you elected medical coverage, either through the County, through a spouse’s employer, or on your own, you will receive Form 1095-B directly from the insurance carrier.

These forms will be mailed no later than Feb. 1, 2016.

Why This Is Important

Whether you do your own taxes or have the help of a CPA, these forms may be needed to file your 2015 income taxes. Please save them and have them ready.

Learn more about the 1095 forms and what to expect.

CSG Raises Most Money in Battle of Bands Benefit

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The results are in! The Community Services Group has won the fundraising trophy for collecting the most money for the March of Dimes during the Battle of the Bands campaign.

The small but mighty group raised $1,277 for the non-profit, which funds research and programs and works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. 

Along with the four other groups, the County collected $3,280 for the cause. The event was part of the County’s year-long goal of raising $80,000 for the local chapter. You can still give by contacting your group staff officer: CSG – Janice Downs, FG3 – Carl Smith, HHSA – Christi Knight, LUEG – Conor McGee, and PSG – Marc Regier.

In case you missed it, the rocking event had a second champion. Land Use & Environment Group’s band won the best performance trophy by applause when the competitors took the stage at the County Operations Center on Nov. 20. The group was represented by Steal Dawn, which has two County employees—Admin Analysts Jerry Schoen, from Parks and Recreation, and Phil Varela, from HHSA. They performed Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” and in the final round a mashup of Flo Rida, Tone-Loc and Sir Mix-A-Lot.

Miss the live showdown? Watch the performances.

A Few Favorite Things

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Have you finished your shopping yet? Won’t start for a couple weeks?

It seems so much during the holidays revolves around all the giving and getting. And no doubt, stuff can be nice. 

But as the Grinch learned and we all know, what really makes the holidays memorable is the time together with friends and family. Getting to know each other a little better is what brings us closer.

So I wanted to take a little inspiration from the My Favorite Things shows Oprah used to do during the holidays. But I didn’t want to just rattle off a bunch of items as gift ideas.

I’m more interested in finding out a few favorites from some of the people you and I work with. It’s just nice to learn more about them by letting them share the things they enjoy. Maybe some of the things will in fact wind up sparking an idea for a present. Some, like watching a sunset, you can’t put in a box – and they don’t cost a dime.

I’ll chime in, but let’s hear first from several department heads on their favorite things.    

 

Michael Vu, Registrar of Voters

Favorite movie, this year: "The Martian" – best since "Braveheart!"

Favorite San Diego restaurant: Without kids it would be Pacific Coast Grill.  With kids it would probably be Sammy’s.

Favorite album, all time: "Tracy Chapman," Tracy Chapman

Favorite book, all time: "No Ordinary Time," Doris Kearns Goodwin

Favorite place to watch sunset:  Ponto Beach, Carlsbad

Favorite County park: Lake Morena

Favorite charity: Make-A-Wish Foundation

Favorite sports team: University of Utah Football.  Go Utes!!!

Favorite way to spend day off: Soccer with the boys, beach, movie

Favorite magazine:  They still produce magazines? Runner’s World

Favorite radio station: Spotify…My own playlist

Favorite TV show: "The Good Wife" or "Suits" - it’s a toss-up. They are so well-scripted.

 

(Note from Helen here. Michael, this must be the only toss-up the Registrar likes!)

 

GizmoPalSusan Brazeau, Human Resources Director

Favorite TV show: "Impractical Jokers" 

Favorite tech gadget: GizmoPal

Favorite place to watch sunset: Carlsbad Beach

Favorite sports team:  Michigan State Spartans

Favorite way to spend day off: Walk at the beach with my daughter and BFF

Favorite radio station:  92.5

Favorite websites: Amazon

 

Heritage ParkEbony Shelton, Director, Office of Financial Planning

Favorite movie: Best movie ever “Labyrinth” with David Bowie. I never watch movies twice. I’ve seen this one about 100 times. J

Favorite album: Jill Scott “Who is Jill Scott”

Favorite book, this year: “Minutes to Kill,” Scarlet Falls

Favorite County park: Heritage Park. I got married there in November of 2000

Favorite tech gadget – Kindle Fire

Favorite way to spend day off: My perfect Saturday includes: Reformer Pilates, Starbucks and lounging by the pool (in that exact order).

Favorite magazine: Harvard Business Review

Favorite flower: Orchid (a new hobby I picked up about a year ago)

Favorite doughnut: Anything with pink frosting

 

Rhodesian ridgeback (not Chuck's)Chuck Matthews, Deputy Director, Health and Human Services Agency, North Inland and North Coastal Regions

Favorite charity: Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue (My family fosters Ridgeback shelter dogs in our home)

Favorite radio station: Pandora: "Sunday Funday Brunch Radio" station (on any day)  

Favorite daily drink: Trenta Green Iced Tea Unsweetened 

Favorite movies: The entire Bourne Series (Identity, Supremacy, Ultimatum and Legacy)

Favorite place for sunset: Brief time: Crossing west on Coronado Bridge. More time: End of Santa Cruz Ave. in Ocean Beach

Favorite San Diego restaurant: Parma Cucina Italiana in Hillcrest

Favorite TV show: "Big Bang Theory"

Favorite Book:  "Oh, the Places You'll Go," Dr. Suess

Favorite Sports Teams:  Die-hard Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. "Wait till next year!"

 

Jose Aponte, County Library Director

Favorite sports team: University of Arizona basketball

Favorite way to spend day off: Cycling the coast 3-4 hours

Favorite movie, all time: "The Fog of War"

Last Week Tonight with John OliverFavorite TV show: "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver"

Favorite album: Flaco Jiménez & Max Baca Perform Best Of The Conjunto

Favorite book, this year: "In the Kingdom of Ice," Hampton Sides

Favorite San Diego restaurant: Indigo Grill

Favorite place to watch sunset: Swami’s, Encinitas  

Favorite County park: Sweetwater Reservoir

Favorite tech gadget: Garmin Forerunner

Favorite charity: Habitat for Humanity

 

Ha Dang, Agriculture, Weights and Measures Director

Favorite TV show: "Everybody Loves Raymond"

Favorite place to watch sunset: Mission Bay

Favorite book, all time: "Walden," Henry David Thoreau

Favorite way to spend day off: Hang out with family, gardening

Favorite websites: PBS Nova, Nature

Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving

 Sunset at Mission Bay

 

Glenn Wagner, Medical Examiner

Favorite way to spend day off: Working with my search and rescue K-9s

Favorite magazine: Bon Appetit

Favorite charity: Cancer Society

Favorite sports team: Chargers (most of the time)

Favorite movie, current: "James Bond: Spectre"

Favorite album: "Sinatra: Nothing but the Best (2008)," Frank Sinatra

Favorite book, current: Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault that changed a Presidency" (I was personally involved in that investigation)

Favorite San Diego restaurant: Fillippi’s in Little Italy

Favorite radio station: Sirius, Blend and Pulse formats

Favorite TV show: NCIS series

 

OK, good lists. I know I had a few “Who knew?” moments. Here are mine:

 

Favorite movie, this year: "Bridge of Spies"

Favorite TV show: "Shark Tank"

Favorite album, all time: "Born to Run," Bruce Springsteen

Favorite book, all time: "Pillars of the Earth," Ken Follett

Favorite San Diego restaurant: Brooklyn Girl

Favorite place to watch sunset:  La Jolla Cove

Favorite County park: Waterfront Park, of course!

Favorite tech gadget:  GoPro

Favorite charity: CECO

Favorite sports team: Oregon Ducks Football

Favorite way to spend day off: Beach

Favorite magazine: Economist

Favorite radio station: Sirius

Favorite website: Politico

Now my main point here was just to have a little fun. But there is a little message you can take away, too.

Every one of us in the County would come up with a different list. We all have different things that make us tick, and they give us each different perspectives. That goes right to the heart of the Diversity & Inclusion initiative we kicked off recently. It starts with the desire to learn about and from each other. Maybe something as simple as a favorite TV show or restaurant. With time, more about someone’s background and life experiences. The more we know, the stronger we’ll be as a team.

Your dedication to excellent service all year long is the best gift I could ever wish for. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you’ll have many chances over the next few weeks to share good times with co-workers, friends and family.

Happy Holidays!

 

See more InTouch columns, including last month's Thank You from the Boss (That's Not Me!)

 

Online Shoppers: Smile and Say CECO

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We’ve got a holiday shopping tip that will really make you smile. Shop AmazonSmile and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization (CECO).

AmazonSmile functions the same as Amazon, but the online retailer donates 0.5 percent of the product price of eligible purchases to a charity of your choice. It is almost guilt-free shopping!

This deal is good whether you are shopping in your pj’s on Black Friday, from your phone on Cyber Monday or any other day of the year. You could be shopping for a white elephant gift for your office’s holiday party, that sought-after Star Wars toy for your children or new slippers for grandma.

Using AmazonSmile is easy.

  1. Go to smile.amazon.com (different from the regular Amazon link).

  2. Sign in to your Amazon account or create one.

  3. If it is your first visit, pick your own charitable organization. Type “San Diego County Employees' Charitable Organization” or “CECO” as your charity.

  4. Shop as you normally would! (You will see eligible products marked as “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on product detail pages.

  5. Bonus tip: Save the AmazonSmile link as a favorite and always shop from there.

There are several other ways to support CECO throughout the year. Make a biweekly donation via payroll deductions for as little as $2 per pay period. See CECO pledge instructions. Or you could make a one-time donation by contacting your CECO Department Representative or a member of the CECO Executive Committee.