Update for April 23

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

You’re no doubt aware the whole country, and much of the world for that matter, has been scrambling for a limited amount of protective supplies. So it’s really impressive what our purchasing and medical operations center staff have been able to get ahold of and put at our disposal.

That’s to protect San Diegans in general, but also supplies specifically for County employees. Your safety continues to be a top priority as we work together to protect the public’s health. Here’s a little “by the numbers” of items they’ve gotten just for our staff.

• N95 respirator 25,215

• Face mask 36,150

• Bandana 23,316

• Face shield 760

• Goggles/Glasses 2,123

• Gowns 4,096

• Gloves (pairs) 104,960

• Hand sanitizer, 1-12-oz bottles 2,381

• Sanitizer refill (gallons) 482

• Disinfecting wipes (tubs) 12,665

• Disinfectant spray (bottles) 420

That’s over 200,000 individual items!

First responders deserve our gratitude (check out our tribute lighting at the CAC). But today I also want to single out the folks who have been working tirelessly to keep us supplied with safety gear. Great job!

We really are all in this together. My thanks to everyone for their part in this fight to protect the public.

'Thanks' on Display for COVID-19 First Responders

The County Administration Center will be lit up in red, white and blue as a thank you and tribute to COVID-19 first responders through April 30.

Update for April 20

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

We began April by calling it a critical month. As we quickly approach the end, I’m proud of your tremendous dedication and efforts in helping us toward our goal of “flattening the curve.” We are seeing progress – enough in fact that we can start preparing to dial back some of our public health restrictions. First steps we’re looking at include beaches, passive recreation in parks and on trails, as well as a phased-in plans for water sports, golf, boating, tennis and basketball. 

I’ll repeat preparing. During today’s press conference, our health and policy leaders explained the planning that will need to go into cautious reopening of some recreational areas of the county. But they stressed – we’re not there just yet. For now, we are asking everyone to continue staying home, except for essential needs, with the goal of re-opening recreational activities by the end of the month. What a joyous day that will be!

Once we do re-open, we will experience a “new normal.” We will still need to exercise caution and follow the new guidelines as they are announced and not get ahead of them.

Until then, please continue to lead our community in protecting the public’s health by practicing all the measures that have gotten us this far. Thank you, and stay strong.

Update for April 17: Help Fellow Employees in Need

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only changed the way we do business as a County, it’s had a great impact on County employees and their families. Some have been affected more than others. That is why today I am asking, for those of you who are able, if you can help our colleagues that need it most.

Since 1956, the San Diego County Employees' Charitable Organization has been the charitable arm of the County of San Diego. Over the years, it’s taken your generous contributions and given out $6.9 million, most of it going to local nonprofits. Perhaps less noticed is that a portion of the dollars raised go to an Employee Crisis Fund.

CECO has now created a COVID-19 Relief Initiative to boost that fund and help eligible County employees and their households experiencing a one-time financial crisis. The organization had a similar campaign after the 2007 wildfires to help our colleagues affected by that disaster.

I invite anyone who can to contribute to this relief effort and boost the Employee Crisis Fund. You can use this PayPal CECO site or email Sdceco@sdcounty.ca.gov for alternate ways to donate. Funds collected and not granted during the Health Order will be returned to CECO's general fund. I’ll take the opportunity to also encourage you to become a biweekly contributor to CECO. To learn more, please visit sdceco.org.

Thank you for everything you’re doing and for the support, in whatever form, you offer your fellow County employees as we help each other through this difficult time.

Friday Photo: It's Wise to Stay Home

An El Monte County Park visitor recently found an owlet that had fallen off its nest and got stranded. Typically, park rangers leave owlets alone, but rangers felt she should not be near the public. They felt it was essential that she #StayHomeSD until she was ready to leave the nest.

Share your fabulous photos! If you see a coworker getting the job done, a beautiful sunset over your office or wonderful County program being offered—snap a pic and submit it. Be sure to include information about the photo and your name. One image will be posted to InSite every Friday.

See the Friday Photo gallery.

(Photos by Sam Sun)

Stitching Our Community Together

Amid the recommendation to wear face coverings while social distancing, some of our colleagues have us covered. Numerous employees are using their free time to sew masks.

One employee is Human Resources Analyst Barbara Auckland-Bartleet. She’s sewn more than 350 face coverings and has given them away to local medical professionals, law enforcement, friends, family and fellow County employees. (See her in action to the right.)

She started sewing face coverings after work in February and has been busy with requests ever since.

“When there is a crisis, I ask ‘what can I do?’” said Auckland-Bartleet.

Are you going above and beyond during this difficult time? Tell us about your good deed or the good deed of a fellow employee in the comment section below or email communications@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Sandra Mentel-Brooks, HHS with North Coastal Family Resource CEnter, has made more that 160 face coverings for her Neighbors, friends, family, nurses, hairdresser, County employees and other essential employees. She’s Also donated fabric to other sewers.

Tracey Hazel, Program Specialist II, Eligibility Operations, has been busy sewing face coverings for family, friends and neighbors. “Whatever I can do to help!” she said.

Jennifer Campos, with Eligibility Operations, has been making face coverings for friends and family who are essential workers.

“I’m an avid, but sporadic, sewing enthusiast, so I have lots of fabric to use!” said Campos.

Yunice Danque, HHSA, is sewing face coverings for her sister, a doctor, and Her sister’s colleagues.

Virginia Exner, Senior HR Analyst in Talent Development, is busy making masks for family, coworkers, friends, neighbors and donating to seniors and first responders.

Human Resources Analyst Barbara Auckland-Bartleet Has made face coverings for fellow employees and others.

Human Services Specialist Janan Yousif (right) has been making face coverings and face shields. She even makes face coverings in Disney prints for children.

“This is my way to say thank you to my colleagues who are working directly with clients,” Yousif said.

Senior Protective Services Worker Lori Ross has been making face coverings on her Vacation. She started a Facebook group with a friend to make and distribute face coverings to medical staff, other essential employees including County workers, and family.

“Keeping medical and essential workers safe, helps keep all of us safe,” she said.

Occupational Therapist Patty Noerbaek has been making face coverings for the Edgemoor residents.

X. Carolina Poblano has been making face coverings for County employees at the Mills Building, family, friends and neighbors.

Chris Lee, Program Coordinator for HHSA’s Medical Care Services Division, has been making face coverings.

Sherry Brideau, Corrective Action Specialist, has been making pet-themed face coverings for the staff at the Humane Society.

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.