CAO Message: New Year, New Vision

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer

We’re more than halfway through January, and it’s been so busy already, I’m just now extending a proper Happy New Year!

As a time for new beginnings, it’s the perfect opportunity to roll out reimagined versions of our fundamental guides for running the County.

One is our General Management System. It’s long served as our operating manual, and we’ve depicted it as a wheel to reflect the ongoing, cyclical nature of the process. It took us a lot of miles, but it needed changes for the new directions the County is traveling.

For starters, we’ve revamped the system’s five phases. Planning phases remain, but they’re now followed by Evaluation and Accountability, reflecting our emphasis on data and performance measures. Continuous Collaboration takes the place of Functional Threading. Then comes Employee Investment and Satisfaction, which broadens and better captures the ultimate goal we intended with Recognition.  

We’ve added a hub to that wheel: community engagement. That reflects the principle that everything we do to serve our residents has to be created in partnership with them. They are – literally, in the illustration – at the center of our efforts.

And we’ve added a layer around the circle of our six values: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. They are infused throughout our operations.

The GMS is essentially the how. The Strategic Plan is more the what, and we’ve given that a top-to-bottom refresh. It lays out the overarching initiatives for the County. Even with the incredible variety of services we provide, they all feed up into these common themes: sustainability, equity, empower, community, justice. Each of those breaks down into more specific areas of activities where you may start to see your duties reflected. It’s important to see how your work supports these high-level efforts. The continuing work we do with Live Well San Diego is also woven into these themes.

Atop everything is an updated County vision: a just, sustainable, resilient future for all.

Perhaps it’s impossible to really sum up what guides us in one succinct line. But for where we are as we enter 2022, that captures it for me as neatly as anything could. Each of those three pillars encompasses so much. And capping it with “for all” attaches an essential check on our work.

As the GMS cycles forward, part of the process will be engaging with employees to help shape the goals that support the initiatives. We’ll need the benefit of your experience in identifying ways we can operate more efficiently and effectively.    

For now though, I encourage you to take a few minutes to check out the new GMS and Strategic Plan. They fit into two easy-to-read pages, but they say so much. They give us a context and stability that sometimes escapes us in our hectic day-to-day. They’ll be indispensable in keeping us all moving together as we tackle the challenges ahead.

Let’s go!

Don’t Miss Virtual Lunch and Learns on Social Security & Medicare

Save the dates! The Department of Human Resources is hosting two presentations to help you plan for retirement. Experts from Social Security and Medicare will discuss eligibility, enrollment, and benefits.

A Social Security Session will be held noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 and a Medicare Session will be held noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Registration is not required. Just click the links below to join or call in.

Social Security Session

• Join online (passcode 951052)

• Join with one tap mobile:  +16699006833,,86508347715#,,,,*951052# US (San Jose)

• Join by phone: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099

  • Webinar ID: 865 0834 7715

  • Passcode: 951052

Medicare Session

• Join online (passcode 015974)

• Join with one tap mobile: +16699006833,,89235382637#,,,,*015974#

• Join by phone:  +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592

  • Webinar ID: 892 3538 2637

  • Passcode: 015974

For more information, contact the Department of Human Resources Employee Benefits Division at 888-550-2203 or DHRBenefits.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Advancing Budget Equity

By the Office of Equity and Racial Justice  

Happy New Year! And with it comes a new tool for County staff as we continue on our collective journey to advance equity throughout the region.  

The Budget Equity Assessment Tool (BEAT) was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and will begin to be rolled out in the upcoming fiscal year budget cycle. It is a questionnaire that will be completed by each department annually as part of the budget process and was developed through the initial guidance provided by the Board in April 2021, a lot of research, and feedback from County staff and the public.  

Comprised of six questions in total, the BEAT will assist staff in evaluating new budget requests through an equity lens, with particular attention to the impacts to communities historically and currently suffering from inequalities and inequities, and to develop mitigation strategies for any negative unintended consequences of budgetary decisions. The tool also focuses on ensuring deep and intentional community engagement, and the use of disaggregated demographic data and data on lived experience to prioritize and develop criteria for resource distribution.  

Trainings for County staff on the use and application of the tool will kick off later this month. The Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the Office of Financial Planning will continue to work closely to provide ongoing support to staff as departments prepare to submit the first questionnaire responses as early as March 2022. Moving forward, our offices will continue working with departments through an iterative process to evaluate the relevance, applicability and impacts of the Budget Equity Assessment Tool to ensure its success.  

CAO Message: Working Our Way Through the COVID Surge

Message from Helen Robbins-Meyer, Chief Administrative Officer:

We’re all dismayed to see the large recent upswing in COVID-19 cases. I know this is affecting all of you at some level. Some of you have caught the virus yourselves, others have sick family members.

The high number of illnesses has impacted us in the workplace. Even if you’ve managed to avoid falling ill, you may have had co-workers who are out, and that means stepping in to help. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone rallying to support each other as we continue to serve residents who are also struggling with this surge.

As it has throughout the pandemic, the guidance has kept shifting, and I know it’s a challenge to keep up. The science evolves, our understanding grows, and at the same time, the virus mutates.

The CDC and state health officials recently revised steps people should take if they have COVID-19 or think they were exposed to someone with it. We are following these guidelines for our workforce. Human Resources and Public Health Services have put together information to help you through what actions to take in different circumstances. It can’t cover every situation perfectly. If you have questions, work with your department’s HR representative.

I mentioned we’re stretched thin. Many of you are conscientious and don’t want to let your colleagues down. We need you, but we need you healthy, especially if you report to a site in person. If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Do it for yourself and for those around you.

And continue to take the additional preventative measures. Wear a mask in indoor public places – wear it tight, wear it right. If you haven’t gotten your booster, get it. 

We’re all feeling exhausted by the pandemic. As the line goes, we’re through with COVID but it’s not through with us. It’s tremendously hard for us to fight through these surges while also addressing the many other priorities before us. I thank you for your continued energy and commitment, and I wish you and your loved ones the best as we work through this difficult time.

New County Probation Chief Brings Expertise and Diversity

The San Diego County Probation Department has a new Chief to lead the department’s transformation and support the successful transition of people back to the community.

Tamika Nelson is the first woman to lead the County’s probation department. 

Read more.

Virtual Book Discussion: 'Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights'

The Aging and Independence Services Diversity & Inclusion Team along with guest facilitator Eric McDonald, chief medical officer for San Diego County, and Benjamin Parmentier, chair of the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group, invite fellow employees to participate in a virtual book discussion on Kenji Yoshino’s “Covering: The Hidden Assault On Our Civil Rights.”

*You do not have to read the book to participate. All are welcome to simply listen to the discussion.*

When: Tuesday, Jan. 25

Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. via TEAMS

RSVP: Email your RSVP by Jan. 24 to Elizabeth Wellbrock

Book Description:  Against conventional understanding, Kenji Yoshino argues that the demand to cover can pose a hidden threat to our civil rights. Though we have come to some consensus against penalizing people for differences based on race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, and disability, we still routinely deny equal treatment to people who refuse to downplay differences along these lines. Racial minorities are pressed to “act white” by changing their names, languages, or cultural practices. Women are told to “play like men” at work. Gays are asked not to engage in public displays of same-sex affection. The devout are instructed to minimize expressions of faith, and individuals with disabilities are urged to conceal the paraphernalia that permit them to function. In a wide-ranging analysis, Yoshino demonstrates that American civil rights law has generally ignored the threat posed by these covering demands. With passion and rigor, he shows that the work of civil rights will not be complete until it attends to the harms of coerced conformity.

See the flyer below.

DCAO Helps Connect the Dots from Belonging to Bridging

By Sarah Aghassi, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer LUEG and D&I Executive Council Member

A rising tide of social unrest, buoyed by racial and cultural bias and polarizing political events, has divided communities across the United States, including San Diego. And although much work is being done at the County of San Diego to recognize implicit bias and microaggressions, restore respect and trust and promote equity, this divide makes it difficult to create important community connections.

This quarter, the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Team is highlighting the concept of “bridging” and sharing resources that can help us close the gap and strengthen those connections. Each time we make the choice to interact with someone new, to share ideas, interests or beliefs, we invite in opportunities to create a larger network of diverse perspectives – in essence, we create a bridge that shortens the distance between our differences. Bridging allows us to see the benefits of our diversity and asks us to focus on our shared humanity. When we fully engage with bridging, we transition away from the notion of “them” (othering) and seek out ways to strengthen “us” (belonging and inclusion).

We are demonstrating this right now in how we are implementing the Board’s Framework for the Future that broadly seeks input from our wonderfully diverse community and County team. Focusing on our shared humanity supports a deeper understanding and helps us to respond intentionally, learning and growing as individuals and County professionals. This is encouraging. Working together toward our shared humanity will help us all become better public servants, colleagues and neighbors. To learn more about bridging, please visit the links below.

Article: Bridging & Belonging

Video: A Society Built on Belonging

Also read: Susan Brazeau, Director of Human Resources and D&I Executive Council Member’s message on Belonging

Learn more about belonging in the D&I Digest.

Live Like You’re Retired with RESDC

Dreaming of retirement? You don’t need to wait to enjoy some of the benefits of retired life. Active County employees can join the Retired Employees of San Diego County (RESDC) to take advantage of the many perks it offers its 6,500+ members.

RESDC Executive Director Mark Nanzer said the nonprofit has evolved over time from a largely social group to an organization that offers benefits, discounts, representation, advocacy and, of course, fun.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, RESDC started offering meetings, programs and parties online. A significant plus associated with these “travel-less” events was many more people could participate, including members who have moved away from San Diego County.

“Our goal is to watch over and protect the interests of County employees and retirees, and ensure they stay connected and informed,” Nanzer said.

Some of the perks of RESDC membership include:

Discounts–A variety of discounts are available to members including for trust and estate planning services, tickets to movie theaters and amusement parks and sweet deals on See’s Candies.

Events and Social Activities–Due to the pandemic and prioritizing what is in the best interest of the health and well-being of members,  in-person events have been suspended for the time being and replaced with virtual membership meetings via Zoom web-conferencing and on demand at the RESDC YouTube channel. When it is safe to hold group events again, RESDC will resume hosting bi-monthly in-person membership meetings featuring professional speakers addressing relevant issues. RESDC will also resume holding its annual Flag Day Luncheon, an autumn Health Fair Picnic, a festive Holiday Luncheon and other group events including Padres baseball games and theatre outings. The organization also has hosted virtual general meetings highlighting relevant retiree issues through professional speakers including representatives from Aging and Independence Services.

Advocacy and Representation–RESDC should not be confused with San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA), which administers retirement and associated benefits for eligible employees of the County. The 8th seat on the SDCERA Board of Retirement is elected by all retirees and has a fiduciary duty to represent all SDCERA members. RESDC also works closely with the Board of Supervisors and statewide county retiree associations on behalf of retirees.

Benefits–When you actually retire, RESDC offers group benefits including dental and vision programs, travel insurance, pet insurance and discounted home and vehicle insurance.

Scholarship Program–The organization offers five Merit Scholarships annually. The scholarship program is open to RESDC members’ immediate family who are outstanding high school seniors planning to attend college.

Information: RESDC distributes a newsletter to keep members up to date on actions of the SDCERA Board of Retirement, pertinent legislation, upcoming meetings and activities. The newsletter—The NETWORK—is available in print and online. Plus, the organization is on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Membership is $5 per month or $60 per year. For more information on becoming a member or the benefits that RESDC provides, visit resdc.net or call 866-688-9229.

Renew Your Commitment to Your Wellbeing

Commit to wellness in the New Year. Take advantage of the many new and exciting activities our Employee Wellness Program offers!

Get ready for quarterly wellness challenges, virtual fitness and meditation classes, virtual discount produce program to help you fill up on fresh fruits and veggies, numerous lunch and learn sessions and much more.

In 2022, Employee Wellness will also be focusing on mental/behavioral health. Check out the new Mental Safe Space, which is filled with mental, emotional and behavioral wellbeing sources.

In addition, employees that participate in the annual Employee Wellness Program opportunity drawing may be eligible to win a once in a lifetime experience such as a tour, family trip to amusement parks, zoo, dinning, learning a new skill, or selfcare day, by completing the list of 2022 opportunity drawing activities!

County Public Works Crews Making it Safe for Drivers

Plowing through Mt. Laguna.

For most of us, snow is such a novelty in San Diego County that everyone wants to pile into their cars and take a drive out to see the wintry wonderland. Well, that is just not possible without our Public Work crews who worked through the freezing temperatures overnight and early in the morning to clear the roads of snow, ice and falling trees or boulders for vehicles to drive through. Take a look out their “office” windshields in some cases. It’s frosty!

Sunrise Highway before the sunrise!

Sunrise Highway.

Two snow plowers work faster than one on Palomar Mountain.

Palomar Mountain roads being cleared of snow.

Hard at work on Mt. Laguna.