Celebrating Black History Month

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

February has arrived and it also means we’re starting Black History Month. It’s a time for us to all become better informed of the challenges so many Black American men and women faced and celebrate the challenges they've overcome.

Our County departments have traditionally celebrated this month in various ways. Given our unique work environment this year, we'll need to approach it creatively. For starters, I invite you to check out a CNN article shared by staff at our North Central Family Resource Center about National Freedom Day. It commemorates an important step in the abolition of slavery.  

I’m linking to the article here, but keep an eye on the Ethics, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion section of InSite for more articles or activities throughout the month. Our African American Association of County Employees will be hosting a listening session in coming weeks. And we’ll be lighting the County Administration Center tonight in honor of Black History Month. 

I hope you’ll take these opportunities to learn and build understanding of one another so we can be more supportive of our colleagues and more responsive to the community we serve. 

FRC Commemorates Black History Month

The North Central Family Resource Center’s Black History Month Committee shared a CNN article with employees on Feb. 1. It was the first of more than a dozen messages that will be shared this month to commemorate Black History Month.

Read the article now.

You’ll Love Saving Big

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank. Shop deals on flowers and other sweet treats through PerkSpot.

PerkSpot offers benefits and discounts through more than 400 service providers and retailers. Go to sdcounty.perkspot.com and shop. If you are new, click on “Create an Account” to register.

Each month, one of the most popular PerkSpot deals will be highlighted on InSite.

It’s Data Privacy Day!

Safeguarding personal information, such as from clients, customers, and employees, requires diligence. Please take time to review your own department and group policies and procedures, as well as County of San Diego policies and procedures to recognize and safeguard personal information, and confirm steps to report potential privacy and security incidents, issues, or concerns.

• The CAO Admin Policy 0400-11 County Information- Classification, Protection Level, and Proper Security directs the classification, protection level, proper security and handling of County Information.

• HHSA Agency Compliance Office resources can be found on InSite.

• Additional training materials can be found on LMS (Learning Management System).

From Invisible to Visible

Representation matters. Watch how NPR anchor Maria Hinojosa went from feeling unseen and unheard to learning to speak up and amplify voices. In this TED Talk, she describes how her experiences as a Mexican-American sparked her desire to become a journalist committed to valuing and covering all American experiences in the media.

County Doctor Appointed to Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel

The County Health and Human Services Agency’s child health officer has been appointed to a state board that provides advice on issues impacting children whose parents have limited income and resources.

Dr. Kelly Motadel is one of 15 members on the Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel, which advises the California Department of Health Care Services on policy and operational issues that affect children on Medi-Cal. Read more.

Restrictions Eased for Restaurants, Other Businesses

After seven weeks of closures, restaurants, museums, theaters and other businesses can resume outdoor operations immediately under state guidance. Learn more.

Picture Perfect Snow at County Park

Supervising Park Ranger Nick Sloan captured a photo of the snow at Palomar Park on Sunday.

Did you visit the snow?

Pause to Disrupt Bias

Bias isn't always obvious. It can show up in all kinds of subtle ways. Pausing can disrupt our biases and make sure that they don't get in the way of the decisions we make. Pause to watch this short video.

Does this video get you thinking? Read more in the D&I Digest.

Remembering Lives Lost to COVID-19

The County Administration Center was lit-up in amber Tuesday night to remember the lives lost to COVID-19.