Celebrate AAPI Heritage All Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. To help you appreciate and learn more about the diverse AAPI cultures and their rich history, our Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees has prepared an AAPI Heritage Month calendar that you can use as inspiration. Mark your calendar!

In addition, APACE invites you to Amplify AAPI Voices. Grab your lunch and listen to Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Michael Vu’s stories that shaped what it means for him to be an Asian American on May 6 at noon. Share your personal stories or stories of community members “in order to shed a spotlight on all the amazing AAPI folks that make the County of San Diego shine.”

(Click on the calendar below to see it full screen.)

Red for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Week of Action

The County Administration Center was lit up in red in recognition of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Week of Action on Wednesday night.

Balboa Park's Botanical Building and lily pond and the San Diego Convention Center were also illuminated in red.

Rewind: Speaking Our Stories

Did you miss “Speaking Our Stories?” The May 5 lunch and learn, which coincided with Mental Health Month, was a collaboration between the Middle East Employee Resource Group (MEERG), the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Allies Employee Resource Group (LBGTQ&A) and the San Diego County Latino Association Employee Resource Group (SDCLA). Watch above.

(Warning: This video contains emotionally difficult topics. Resources can be found at the end of the video and through our Employee Assistance Program.)

Recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month

The County Administration Center was lit in blue Saturday night to recognize the close of National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April).

Honoring Arab American Heritage Month

The County Administration Center was lit in red, green and white on Friday night in honor of Arab American Heritage Month.

Webinar: Learn Auto Buying Basics

Join our LGBTQ&A ERG and SDCCU for an informative online session on the basics of buying a vehicle. This session will walk you through the complete process, including ways to shop and find your vehicle, the pros and cons of new vs. preowned vehicles, loan vs. lease, 0% financing offers and how to make the financing process smooth and convenient for you.

Please join this free educational webinar:

• Date: Tuesday, May 4

• Time: noon - 1 p.m.

• Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4560610819412684813

Amplified Voices: Hear ACAO Michael Vu's Stories During AAPI Heritage Month

Grab your lunch and listen to Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Michael Vu’s stories that shaped what it means for him to be an Asian American as Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees (APACE) opens the 2021 celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.

The theme for this year’s virtual event is Amplify AAPI Voices.

The new APACE Leadership Team for 2021-2023 will also be announced at the event.

Amplify AAPI Voices

• Guest Speaker: Michael Vu, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer

• When: Thursday, May 6 at noon – 12:45 PM

• Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93943510577

• Flyer: https://apacesd.weebly.com/events.html

For questions, please email APACE at apace@sdcounty.ca.gov.

New Pronouns Policy

The County has approved a new policy on the use of pronouns. The policy, which fosters an environment of inclusiveness and belonging, supports employees who wish to be addressed by their expressed pronouns and name.

The guidelines in the policy will help you navigate the use of pronouns whether they are “he, him, his,” “she, her, hers” or “they, them, theirs.”

The use of correct pronouns is important because it acknowledges and respects someone’s gender identity.

“It is heartening to see the County implementing this pronoun policy. This action demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion is more than just on paper, it is part of our County culture,” said Ben Parmentier, chair of our LGBTQ&Allies Employee Resource Group. “Using correct personal pronouns shows respect, and fosters an inclusive environment for coworkers and our customers.”

Learn more about the guidelines, voluntary steps you can take and find resources in the policy.

If you have questions, reach out to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Division at 858-505-6620.

Microaggressions Are a Big Deal

Microaggressions are the everyday, thinly veiled instances of racism, homophobia, sexism and other biases that come across in gestures, comments or insults. But the "micro" doesn't mean that the acts don't have a big impact. Have a listen and learn more.

Book Club: A Beginner's Guide to America For the Immigrant and the Curious

Join the County of San Diego Filipino American Employees Association (CSDFEA) and Middle Eastern Employee Resource Group (MEERG) for a discussion of "A Beginner's Guide to America For the Immigrant and the Curious" by Roya Hakakian on June 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Register to attend via Eventbrite. Online event details will be provided to registrants. 

Book Synopsis:

A stirring, witty, and poignant glimpse into the bewildering American immigrant experience from someone who has lived it. Also, a mirror held up to America. Into the maelstrom of unprecedented contemporary debates about immigrants in the United States, this perfectly timed audiobook gives us a portrait of what the new immigrant experience in America is really like. Written as a "guide" for the newly arrived and providing "practical information and advice", Roya Hakakian, an immigrant herself, reveals what those who settle here love about the country, what they miss about their homes, the cruelty of some Americans, and the unceasing generosity of others. She captures the texture of life in a new place in all its complexity, laying bare both its beauty and its darkness as she discusses race, sex, love, death, consumerism, and what it is like to be from a country that is in America's crosshairs. Her tenderly perceptive and surprisingly humorous account invites us to see ourselves as we appear to others, making it possible for us to rediscover our many American gifts through the perspective of the outsider. In shattering myths and embracing painful contradictions that are unique to this place, A Beginner's Guide to America is Hakakian's candid love letter to America.