Update for April 13

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

We have all been working so hard on the COVID-19 response, following the governor’s Stay at Home Order, and maintaining our County operations. Now the question is being asked, what’s next?

Today we heard from Governor Newsom that as early as tomorrow, we may hear the state’s plan for easing restrictions. He was careful to point out that we can’t let down our guard, and we need to proceed by keeping the health of the public at the forefront. Governor Newsom also announced that he is working with the governors of Washington and Oregon to create a West Coast plan and approach to reopening our economies.

I look forward to the direction and next steps from the governor and the state, and I want to remind everyone that the next few weeks are critical. Our community and our County team have put forth a tremendous effort to “flatten the curve,” and we can’t give up now. This final push for April could make the difference in our ability to clear a gradual path for reopening our businesses and our community in the weeks and months ahead.

Thank you for all you continue to do.

Update for April 10

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

I’ve been talking about the changes we’ve made to the way we work. Today I’m going to let a couple of your colleagues tell you themselves. One out in the field, another working from home. They share experiences I’m sure many of you can relate to in this great video message above.

Besides their stories, the video has thank-yous from much of our department leadership. I hope you can take a few minutes to watch. It’s one example of how we can use technology to stay connected.

The video sums it up, but I’ll say again – thank you for everything you’re doing to help our residents through this challenging time and for your support of each other.

Update for April 8

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

You’ve all plunged into our new reality with incredible energy and flexibility. But however well you’ve been able to adapt, I know the strain of physical distancing will also wear on everyone over time. You’ll miss many of the things that offer a sense of community.

This week brings Easter and Passover. Ramadan begins soon. We would’ve held one of our biggest and most popular County employee events – the Amazing Race – this month. I want to acknowledge it’s incredibly hard to let those opportunities for coming together go, or to change long-held traditions. I can’t offer a replacement. I do offer my thanks and my encouragement for holding strong in a difficult time.

Please continue to use whatever channels you have to stay in touch with and support your fellow employees, as well as family and friends. We can – we have to – remain connected. At the County, we are separated, but we’re united in purpose. 

We’re seeing some encouraging signs in our fight against this disease, but we have a ways to go. Stay strong, stay connected. Thank you again for everything you do.

Find COVID-19 Employee Resources

Find COVID-19 employee resources on InSite

Get additional information at CountyNewsCenter.com and coronavirus-sd.com.

Watch the Board Meeting Online

Watch the Board of Supervisors meeting online. The County will be broadcasting the meeting through a variety of services. Note that there may be a 45-second or more delay when viewing the broadcast online, depending on the service and your Internet connection.

• Agenda Web Stream

• Vimeo Livestream

• County YouTube Channel

• Facebook Live

• Twitter

April 6 Update - Take the Pledge!

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

Over the weekend, we launched a “stay home” pledge for San Diegans to take online and then share. It’s a way to rally everyone to the cause of physical distancing, which is essential to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

I encourage you to take the pledge, and if you use social media, share it. Even if you’re still reporting to a location for essential work, the pledge applies to safe practices on the job and to your hours off. It’s a simple act with a powerful message – that one at a time, we can work together and make a difference that will save lives.

The experts say we are entering a critical period in the course of this disease. There are already signs that the restrictions we’re living with are having the intended effect. Now’s the time to affirm our commitment to doing what it takes to keep the spread at a manageable level, to “flattening the curve.”

The County has long relied on the power of collective impact. We’ve never needed it more. Join me in taking the pledge, and invite people you know to do the same.

Thank you for all you’re doing.

CAO Update for April 4

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

As we continue to work together in our COVID-19 fight, we have received tubular bandanas that will be made available for all essential county workers who are required to work outside of your homes. These bandanas are similar to neck scarves that should be pulled up to cover your mouth and nose as a facial covering whenever you leave your home. 

If you prefer to wear some other type of face covering, you are welcome to do so. But please – cover your nose and mouth. These new CDC guidelines are important, in addition to maintaining social distancing and washing your hands frequently.  

The tubular bandanas will be distributed through your department HR staff. Health care workers and first responders will receive additional protection equipment as determined by your specific assignment. Please check with your department leadership. HR has these additional guidelines on protective equipment and interacting with customers.

We’d LOVE to see a photo of you wearing your new stylish tubular bandana. So if you want to show off your beautiful new accessory, send to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov.

If you leave your place, cover your face! Hang in there everyone. You’re amazing!

Robin Barrett- Senior Assessment Clerk

April Mora- Assessment Clerk

Maria Gaxiola- Assessment Clerk

AMy Pinto, HHSA

Elene Y. F. Bratton, Program Manager, Behavioral Health Services

Alejandra Palafox, Homeless Services Central Region

Melanie Alvarado, Edgemoor Hospital

Sandra Quinonez, edgemoor hospital

Dr. rebecca ferrini, Edgemoor Hospital

Don Brown, Electrician, DGS

Rasheed Hassan, Julian Petersen and Pablo Picazo, Human Services Specialists, Centre City Family Resource Center

Kelly Bateson, EOC/MOC- Healthcare Provider Status Taskforce

Anita LightfooT, HHSA Executive Office

JAcob PArli, General Services

Lisa Lawrence, Homeless Outreach team

Ava Salunga, SheRiff’s Department

Luis Peris, Project Manager, General Services

McEmil Atendido, Sheriff's Department

Soly Yakhi, George Fay, Joanne Seo, Environmental HEalth, Food and Housing Division

Christopher G. Henderson, Solid Waste Site Supervisor, Public Works

EOC/MOC- Healthcare Provider Status Taskforce

Dianne Elaine Santos, Administrative Secretary I, Eligibility Operations,

Mary Quito, Communicable Disease Investigator, Public Health Services – HIV, STD & Hepatitis Branch

Lisa Storing, Senior Deputy County Counsel

Albert Candelaria, Auditor & Controller

Christina De La Toba, office of the public defender

Sulay Felix, Agriculture, Weights and Measures

El Cajon FRC

Reggie Angquico, Public Works

Centre City Family Resource Center Team – Eligibility Operations

Jennifer Sulangi, Housing Aide, Housing & Community Development Services

Rachelle L. Reyes, EO/DPC

Teresa Lemke, Human Service Specialist, Eligibility Operations

Cristina Alvarez, Housing and Community Development

Jose L. Mendoza, Jr., Senior Revenue and Recovery Officer, Office of Revenue and Recovery

Cecilia Campos, Recordable Documents Specialist II, Recorder/County Clerk

ERic Martens, Human REsources

Mike Brass, Senior Electrician, Department of General Services

Yunice I. Danque, Financial Services & Support Division, MAA/TCM Unit, Health & Human Services Agency

Nick Romero, PArks and REcreation

Lily Mabolia, Planning & Development Services

Jason Kuy, Land surveyor, DPW

Jeff Arsua, REHS, Registered Environmental Health Specialist ll

Monica Bahr, DHRO for Eligibility Operations

Anthony Calata, Administrative Secretary II
Eligibility Operations

Treasurer-Tax Collector staff

Sherry Brideau, Corrective Action Specialist – PS 1, Eligibility Operations

Brian Day, Supervising Probation Officer

Lynn Khuna-tarasak, Eligibility Operations – Contracts and Finance

Miezelle Espinoza, HR Analyst, DHR

Dea Tanciatco, CFE, Sr. HHSA Contract Auditor

Juan Zazueta-Valenzuela & Rosa Sotomayor Department of Agriculture Weights & Measures

Anna Lisa Acedo, Human Resources Services manager

Martha Bayer, PS II, Automation Coordinator, North Central Family Resource Center

Jenette Tan Catalan, Sheriff’s Department

Elizabeth Sarmiento,Office Assistant, Child Welfare Services

Dung Tran, Office Assistant, Eligibility Operations, Hospital & Community Support Services

Denise Alvarez-Negrete, Office of Ethics and Compliance.

Pamela Hunt, Eligibility Operations

Tina Bagsic, Department of Public Works

Rosimari Mejia, Office Of Strategy And Innovation

Steven Hoadley, Alternative Care Center Taskforce Support, Care & Shelter Branch

Molly McKinley, Administrative Secretary I, California Children’s Services

ANgel Hendrie of Cal Fire assisting in the Care and Shelter Branch

Jennifer Sieber and Anna Lisa Acedo, DHR

tim boncoskey, ARCC

Jerald A. Coleman, Information Technology Manager, San Diego County Fire Authority

James InGlis, staff officer, land use and environment group

Cynthia Truong, Human Resources Manager, Office of the District Attorney

X. Carolina Poblano, Corrective Action Specialist - PSI, Eligibility Operations

Luis Pedraza, Manager, ARCC

Liliana Iribe-Moreno, Protective Services WorkeR, Child Welfare Services-South Region

Mikel Haas, Chief Technology Officer

Michael F. Alaysa, Public Health Services, Office of Vital Records & Statistics

Michael Arce, Program Specialist I, Eligibility Operations-Appeals DivisioN

Hasti Javid, Environmental health

Aaron Morgan, Human Resources

Arleth Rubio, Foster & Adoptive Resource Family Services, Child Welfare Services

Julie Ann San Juan, Recordable Document Specialist I, ARCC

Ryan Clabo, Alternative Care Center Taskforce Lead, Care & Shelter Branch

Lori Ross, Child Welfare SErvices

Vince Kunkel, Insect Detection specialist II

Hyve Porcioncula, Environmental Health

Daniela Lembo, Communicable Disease Investigator, PHS

Roxanne Confer, Supervising Assessment Clerk, ARCC

Mikael Cabal, Administrative Analyst I, ARCC

Kenneesha Jackson, Administrative Secretary II, Public Health Services

Corina Aldaco, Probation

Cristi Page, Staff Development Coordinator, Department of Public WorkS

LisA LaWrence, Human services specialist

PHPR Warehouse Crew

Edgemoor Hospital

Tyler Eickholt, Public Heath Nurse

Denise Learned, Edgemoor

Naomi Kowalewski, edgemoor hospital

Steve Parli, General Services

PHPR Warehouse

Farnaz farhang, Environmental Health Specialist

Paola Giaquinto, Legal Support Services Supervisor I, Centralized Child Welfare Services

Mishelle Shaffer, Senior A&C Accountant

Behavioral Health Services - Fiscal Team: Sally Saluta, Junida Bersabe, Edd Urbano, Arnel Encabo, Marita Ambata, Jacquelyn Guthrie, Kim Moolmuang, Rene Santos, Hojin Kyung

Public Health Nurse Kathleen Johnson and nursing student Joy Brown

Probation Department’s RISE Court Officers Cynthia Gamboa, Terry Berman and Sarah Fahl

Kathleen Johnson and Jessica Gaylord, Public Health Nurses

CAO Update for April 1

Message from Helen Robbin-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

A lot of what the County does, even in normal times, is work with people in difficult circumstances. Specific, vulnerable populations that need our help. Then, in a crisis, our residents really look to us to get them through it.

Put those two facts together, and the message is clear. This really is our time to come through for the people we serve. We’ve all chosen public service. This moment has chosen us.

Since our COVID-19 response began, I’ve been constantly impressed and inspired by the ways County employees have stepped up. All of us need to do our parts. I know the nature of this public health threat can make some of us anxious. Those concerns can’t stop us from doing what we must do. If you are sick, yes, please stay home. Everyone else, we need to keep doing our jobs.

We are still at the outset of this emergency. We will continue to be challenged. What you’ve shown me over and over, is that rising to challenges is what I can expect County employees to do. It fills me with pride and with confidence in our ability to lead our community during this unprecedented period.

Thank you for answering this call to action.

Printed Paycheck Delivery

If your paper paycheck or advice is typically delivered to your office on payday, please read the important information below.   

Beginning payday April 3, 2020, your paper paychecks will be mailed to your mailing address on file in PeopleSoft. They will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service on Thursday morning prior to payday. This change will remain in effect during the County’s COVID-19 response.

As always, and even more importantly now, please make sure to update your mailing and/or home address(es) in Peoplesoft Employee Self-Service to ensure proper delivery. 

If you have questions, contact your Departmental Payroll staff.

If you receive direct deposit, this will not affect you.

Live Sessions on Mindfulness

Join a series of live, web-based mindfulness exercises that will help you focus, release tension and reset.

The sessions are a free benefit from your Employee Assistance Program.