Aug. 10 Update from CAO

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Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

While the last couple weeks we’ve seen some encouraging trends with COVID-19, it’s clear we’re not headed to a rapid, widespread reopening. In particular, it appears most schools will at least start the fall semester with virtual instruction.

This is not what anyone wants for our kids. And I understand this is a tremendous challenge for the parents in our workforce. A lot of you made it work through the spring semester. Few of us expected then that this would extend into fall. It’s one thing to juggle a job and children at home short-term, another to keep it going with no clear end in sight. This really is turning into a marathon, and the various closures and restrictions continue to be a strain on everyone, not just parents of school-age children.

I want you to know we will do our best to work with you to get through this. We provide services that are vital to our community, so we can’t accommodate every situation. But we will continue to provide flexibility where we can to help you manage the difficult circumstances you’re facing. Your supervisors are managing a lot of special staffing situations so please work closely with them, tell them what you need and give them as much notice as you can of schedule impacts.

In general, let’s all keep helping each other out. Some folks will get used to the current conditions; others will find this more difficult as time goes on. Check on your co-workers or friends you haven’t been able to see, ask how they’re holding up. Please remember to take care of yourself. 

It helps to remember the goal of all these actions: to protect the public’s health. That’s turning out to be a more protracted fight than we’d hoped. But it remains as essential as any effort at the County to serve our residents.

All the ways we serve our community are taking center stage this week with our public budget hearings. Given current events, we expect a lot of participation with our Wednesday evening session, and I appreciate the work of many of you getting ready for this.

Stay strong, stay safe!

CECO Awards $132k to Community

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The San Diego County Employees’ Charitable Organization (CECO) awarded $132,277 to 83 programs, including the Employee Crisis Fund. Although the Annual Awards Breakfast was canceled earlier this year due the COVID-19 pandemic, grants were awarded to non-profits in all regions of San Diego County (see complete list of recipients).

This was made possible thanks to the generous support of County employees and retirees like you! There are three simple ways to give to CECO: 

  1. Become a biweekly contributor for as little as $2 per pay period or increase your current biweekly contribution by $1.

  2. Make a one-time donation with cash, by check or PayPal Giving Fund.

  3. Make CECO your nonprofit of choice when you shop at Amazon Smile.

In addition, a newly elected Executive Team came onboard in April and excited to continue the legacy of “lending a hand,” as well as further extend CECO’s reach and impact.

To learn more, visit www.sdceco.org or contact sdceco@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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Community Outbreaks Continue to Increase

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The number of COVID-19 outbreaks has been trending in the wrong direction. Over the past seven days, 39 community outbreaks have been confirmed, the highest seven-day total since the pandemic began. Fifteen of the 39 outbreaks were reported in restaurant/bar settings, seven in businesses, four in restaurants without bars and the rest in other settings.

Read more on County News Center.

Donors Needed for County Blood Drive

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Blood is needed now more than ever. Not as many people are donating during the pandemic and your donation can help save a life!

Donate at the 36th annual San Diego County Employee Blood Drive taking place at 14 worksites throughout the county. Donors of all blood types are needed!

The San Diego Blood Bank is taking additional precautions due to COVID-19. Donations are by appointment only and all donors must wear a face covering. Find deferral restrictions and frequently asked questions related to coronavirus online.

Employees can use County time to give blood by asking for their supervisor’s approval in advance. Make your appointment today! If you cannot give blood, invite a family member or friend.

For more information, send an email.

Friday Photo: Comic-Con Spirit

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Not all superheroes wear capes. The San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital celebrated Comic-Con last week by recognizing their superhero staff of doctors, nurses and staff. Employees dressed up in their finest comic and superhero gear and the administration area was transformed into a mini Convention Center.

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.

kNow Now with New Software Hub

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Need help using OneDrive, Teams, Outlook, Excel, Adobe Acrobat and other applications? Want to learn some tips and tricks? Get in the “kNow” with the Help Me kNow Hub.

The hub, available to all County staff, is a place to learn about software like Microsoft applications and Adobe Acrobat. You can take short virtual classes, self-guided learning courses, or ask an on-demand advisor for help. Assistance is available by chat, email, or phone 24-7.

Take advantage of micro-trainings and special skill tracks for County users. You can visit the Help Me kNow Hub anytime. If prompted to sign in, use your County login username and password.

Bookmark the hub, find it on the InSite homepage in the Top Links (called Software Coaching) and County Technology Office’s InSite page, or enter helpmeknow.sandiegocounty.gov in your web browser.