CAO: Join Me in Reflecting on the Work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

We’re heading into a long weekend, and I hope you’ll enjoy the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. I also hope you’ll take a few moments to reflect on the messages and work of the man whose memory we honor.

The example he set with his leadership grows more inspiring to me with each year. He faced daunting challenges in his fight for racial justice, but always took them on with hope and optimism. He stood fearlessly in the face of violence, but always carried out his actions peacefully.

Nearly six decades after he so evocatively and passionately described his dreams for racial equality in America, we have not realized them. Yes, we’ve made much progress. But last year, the country was forced to confront the gap that still exists between the values we espouse and the reality too many members of our society live. We’ve recommitted to closing that gap, or, using Dr. King’s words, to living out the true meaning of our creed. That work will continue to reshape our operations at the County going forward. We’ll draw again from Dr. King’s dedication and sense of purpose as a model for tackling the tasks ahead.

Dr. King left us so many stirring words and deeds that echo with such force into the present. I want to share a clip of one speech he gave. He reflects on a few of his most significant achievements, events that changed countless lives. But he also talks about how much one note of encouragement meant to him. It’s a reminder that all movements, all great things, result from reaching one person at a time, then uniting them in common cause. Each of us can celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by pledging to work together toward his vision of a just and equitable community.    

Dr. Wooten Honored with MLK Human Dignity Award

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San Diego YMCA will pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King at their Annual Human Dignity Award Event on Thursday, Jan. 14. This year’s Human Dignity Award winner is our County Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten, who has led the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch the live broadcast of the virtual event at 6 p.m. on this page.

Congratulations, Dr. Wooten!

Security During the Presidential Transition

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Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

The nation is preparing for one of our most treasured and defining moments next week: the transfer to a new presidential administration at a designated time. We take this culmination of the democratic process for granted. It’s the envy of many people around the world.

We are all shaken by the assault on the U.S. Capitol last week meant to interfere with that process. And we are disturbed by law enforcement reports of potential violence in places around the country planned to coincide with the inauguration.

Federal and local law enforcement are actively monitoring for any harmful activity in the San Diego area, including County facilities. At this point, there is no cause for concern to share. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are taking steps to add security. Any staff from the County Administration Center not already working remotely, we’d like you to do so Jan. 20. Check with your department head if you have questions. Law enforcement will of course continue to watch for any signs of trouble and take actions as needed.

Our CAC has become a go-to spot for rallies and demonstrations of all kinds. That’s great. We consciously made the Waterfront Park a focal point for the region. But protests must be peaceful. We won’t tolerate violence, or even threats of violence. The essence of our system is that we resolve differences through our voices and our ballots.

It’s with that shared understanding that the country needs to move forward. The County as well. Our business is the public good. Specific policies may shift under changing leadership, but that higher goal unites, guides and motivates us as we enter a new era. I look forward to us continuing to work together on behalf of our residents.

Examining Race Through Conversation

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Conversations widen perspectives and the lens of normalcy, equity and justice helping us to create the connections for inclusive steps forward. Read this Q&A with five county employees on intersectionality and race. 

Does ethnicity play a role in your daily life? Take the poll on the InSite homepage (bottom left side of page). 

Watch the San Diego County Economic Roundtable

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What is in our future when it comes to San Diego County’s economy? Watch the 37th Annual San Diego County Economic Roundtable from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 14.

Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher will be giving opening remarks.

Panel of experts:

  • Daniel Enemark, chief economist, San Diego Workforce Partnership (moderator)

  • Karmin Noar, executive director, Biocom

  • Mysty Rusk, director, The Brink Small Business Development Center for Innovation at University of San Diego

  • Taylor Eubanks, recruiting sourcer, Tesla

  • Kerri Verbeke Kapich, chief operating officer, San Diego Tourism Authority

Watch the meeting live.