Ride Transit for Free in September with PRONTO

Gas prices are going up. But you can ride transit for free in September – and beyond!

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transportation System (MTS) is letting everyone ride their trolleys and buses for free — for the entire month of September — by getting their new PRONTO card.

MTS is replacing its old Compass payment system with the new PRONTO payment system, which offers easier ways to pay and greater accessibility. MTS will no longer accept Compass fare products as of Oct. 1. Prices to ride transit will remain the same.

To ride for free in September, riders must get the PRONTO card, preferably before Sept. 1, or download the app. People are expected to be able to start downloading the PRONTO app in mid-to-late August at Apple’s App Store or at the Google Play Store.

Try it out and consider making transit a part of your life if you haven’t already! The County supports transit and reducing carbon emissions by reimbursing employees for all or part of their transit costs, from daily fares to monthly passes.

People can arrange to get a PRONTO card by visiting the MTS Transit Store from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by picking one up at one of numerous PRONTO events MTS is holding this month at its centers (see the events list here).

People can also request a PRONTO card be mailed to them by:

·       Calling the PRONTO Support Center at 619-595-5636

·       Completing the online application form (this option is only available for adult PRONTO cards).

To learn all about the PRONTO system, what it does and how it works, visit MTS’ PRONTO card webpage.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

What are Miranda rights and why do I care? The San Diego Public Defender Community Outreach Team will present “Know Your Rights” on Aug. 20. The event hosted by the African American Association of County Employees (AAACE) and the Emerging Workforce Association (EWA) employee resource groups will be held virtually.  

The team will cover basic rights such as the right to remain silent, the right from unreasonable search and seizure, and the right to advocate for change. They will also discuss police encounters and the rights of those with a criminal history.  

The virtual presentation aims to help educate our friends, family and community about their rights and how to stand their ground in a safe environment for all. 

Please join this free educational webinar: 

• Date: Friday, Aug. 20 

• Time: noon - 1 p.m. 

• Meeting Link: On Teams 

So, What’s Your Story?

Even the best storytellers find tales of transition challenging. As storytellers we often relay just the facts. We present ourselves as safe, dull and unremarkable. Learn how to successful tell your story in this Harvard Business Review article.

Employees to Receive Hazard, Telework Payment

The COVID-19 pandemic presented the County and our workforce with unprecedented new challenges, and you not only rose to them but exceeded expectations, whether you were on the front lines of the response or working from home to support vital services for the public. You kept the County going while often taking on new roles, learning new ways to work remotely and facing the disruptions of daily life brought on by the pandemic.

In recognition of these efforts and your dedication during the pandemic, the Board of Supervisors approved a one-time payment for hazard pay or teleworking that will be paid on August 20. There are three designated categories:

• Category A ($2,500): Employees working directly with COVID-19 positive individuals or persons under investigation.

• Category B ($1,500): Employees engaged with the public, clients, or coworkers while reporting to work.

• Category C ($750): Employees who teleworked.

Eligibility requirements to receive the payment are:

• Must have worked a minimum of 1,040 hours (part-time 520 hours) between March 2020 and May 2021.

• Must have been employed as a regular County employee on October 19, 2020, or earlier.

• Must be a regular County employee with paid time on July 30, 2021, to receive the payment on August 20.

• Must have worked at least 50% of paid work hours under the conditions described in a category.

• Temporary employees are not eligible.

If you have questions, please contact your Departmental Human Resources Officer or your employee representative association or union.

The collective efforts of every employee helped the County support the public and provide critical information and services throughout the pandemic. Our organization is stronger and more resilient as we turn toward the work ahead of us.

CAO Message: New Masking Recommendation

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer:

I expect you’ve heard the County is following the CDC in recommending that everyone now wear a face covering in indoor public settings. Everyone – even if you’re fully vaccinated for COVID-19. 

Our local case numbers have shot up in recent weeks, and hospitalizations are climbing as well. Research shows the Delta variant of the virus is more easily spread, and that’s expected to drive numbers up even further. 

We’re trying to put the brakes on this trend. Masks are effective, and I’ll stress that this is a recommendation, not a mandate in most of our work settings. However, there are some areas where masks were already required due to the nature of work performed and that requirement continues. 

You may have also seen this week that the state will require its workers to show proof of vaccination or go through regular testing. Self-attestation of vaccination will not be sufficient. We will be implementing similar requirements for our County workforce before August 9. Details are being worked out so look for more on that soon. 

While masks can be a big help, I can’t emphasize enough that getting vaccinated is the real key to getting us fully reopened safely and back to enjoying all the things we love to do in San Diego! We are now in the midst of a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

I appreciate everyone taking the steps needed to protect our community’s health. Stay strong, stay well.  

Lunchtime Listen: Who Belongs?

“The goal is not to treat everyone the same, but to treat everyone fairly.” Learn more about equity, equality and targeted universalism in this lunchtime listen. Listen to the podcast.

EAP Can Help You Navigate the New Normal

If you are feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed about the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your work and personal life, help is available.

Our County’s Employee Assistance Program can help you navigate “the new normal.” Take advantage of the confidential counseling and referral services our EAP provides, which are quick and easy to access. The services will help you deal with life challenges. Professionally trained staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer a broad range of services, including managing stress, finding work-life balance, parenting and eldercare issues, and wellness benefits.

Take care of your mental well-being.

Both in-office and video-based counseling sessions are available to you and your family at no cost and they are confidential. (Please note: Sheriff’s Department sworn staff have access to their EAP provider by contacting The Counseling Team International at 800-222-9691.)

Here’s how to make an EAP counseling session appointment:

• Call the EAP’s toll free number at 888-777-6665.

• A representative will tell you more about therapy options, including video visits on your personal computer, smartphone or tablet using LiveHealth Online.

• If video visits are right for you, the EAP representative will give you details about how to schedule a visit, as well as a special coupon code that is entered online that allows all visits to be provided at no cost.

• You can select a therapist that’s right for you by reviewing the therapist’s background and qualifications before selecting a convenient appointment time.

• You will receive a confirmation email once you have scheduled a visit.

• The EAP video visit will last about 45 minutes and the therapist can set up future visits if needed.

For free and confidential assistance, call EAP at 888-777-6665 or visit EAPcosd.

See the flyer below.

LMS Has a New Look

The County’s Learning Management System (LMS) has a fresh new look and enhanced functionality. A website update went live on July 26.

In addition to the new design, the LMS has enhanced navigation including quick links, intuitive menus and a search feature. The homepage also has one-click access to frequently used features making it easier than ever to help you find trainings!

Have a look.

Join APACE for Interview Prep

The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees is hosting an interview prep workshop with Admin Analysts Gerardo Gurrola, Jr. and Jude Stephen on Thursday, Aug. 5. The virtual event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. 

Join the webinar through the link or call in (audio only) 619-343-2539; 254660879#.

Creating Consensus with Targeted Universalism

Targeted Universalism: Creates a universal goal and targets strategies based on where and how people are situated in structures and culture to close any gaps.

While the term and concept of “targeted universalism” may be new to you – the idea of setting goals with the lens of equity and belonging is not. Understand and embrace the power of targeted universalism. Learn more in this short article.