Grow Your Gardening Knowledge

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watering can pouring water onto a small plant

Prepare for fall planting and gardening. Attend a lunch and learn at the County Operations Center Demonstration Garden on Wednesday to hear experts from the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. The event will be from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Master gardeners will cover soil amendments, seed starting, how to determine seed viability, what veggies you should be planting now and how to protect your fall crop from pests. Plus, they will have free seeds for participants to take home.

The Demonstration Garden is located in the plaza outside the Commons, 5520 Overland Ave., San Diego.

County’s New Chief Geriatric Officer to Help Advance Elderhood in Region

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For the first time, a chief geriatric officer will help lead the County’s efforts surrounding the health and wellbeing of San Diego’s growing older adult population. Lindsey Yourman, MD will fill the role of Chief Geriatric Officer, joining the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Medical Care Services department.

Learn more about this position.

Re-Thinking Disabilities in the Workplace

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Rethink disabilities in the workplace in three simple steps. Watch this Ted Talks to learn how during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

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Are you looking to get rid of unwanted and expired prescription drugs? The Sheriff’s Department will collect and dispose of these medicines during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 29. Learn more about this event and dropoff locations.

In addition, there is a prescription drug drop box at the County Administration Center located at 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. This box is located near the south entrance and can be accessed during business hours Monday through Friday.

AAACE Accepting Nominations for Board Positions

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The African American Association of County Employees (AAACE) is accepting nominations for the following board positions: president, vice president, technology officer, vice chair of fundraising, vice chair of membership outreach, and board aide.

The mission of AAACE is to recruit, promote and inspire County employees to connect and succeed through education and charitable causes and to accomplish County initiatives and unifying goals that result in improved career opportunities.

Joining a County Employee Resource Group as a board member is a great way to showcase your skills, develop your passions, expand your County professional network and serve you fellow County employees.

Please note that you need to hold an active membership to be considered! Memberships can be activated or renewed via the AAACE website.

Interested? Submit the nomination form by close of business Nov. 30.

Qualifications to serve as a board of director or officer member:

  • You must be a County of San Diego employee

  • You must be a member of AAACE

  • Time Commitment/Requirements: Attend bi-monthly meetings (typically after work for 1 hour, teleconference available)

Term will begin January 2023 and last two calendar years

Questions: Email AAACE at aaace@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Your View: Rainbow Connection

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rainbow over HHSA building

Double rainbow all the way! Sandra Perez, a records clerk with Juvenile Probation Services, captured this beautiful rainbow over the South Region Family Resource Center in Chula Vista.

Share your fabulous photos! If you see a coworker getting the job done, a beautiful sunset over your office or a wonderful County program being offered—snap a pic and submit it to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov. Be sure to include information about the photo and your name. One image will be posted to InSite every week and may be shared on social media.

See more of Your View photos.

The Flu Is Here; Your Best Shot Against It

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employee waits to get her flu shot

Even if you missed the onsite flu shot events at County facilities, it is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is readily available at numerous locations in our area, including doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. The best part is, it’s covered by medical insurance, so there’s no charge to you. 

Getting vaccinated sooner than later is especially important this year as the flu season arrived earlier than usual. County health officials are encouraging San Diegans to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of influenza, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their family members and coworkers. 

Respiratory illnesses historically increase during fall and winter as many people move gatherings indoors, but flu activity typically does not peak until December or January. 

This year, the County has already seen several large suspected respiratory outbreaks in October, including a cluster of illnesses at local schools. The high number of flu cases and other respiratory illnesses this early in the season is prompting health officials to urge San Diegans to take precautions. 

“We have reason to believe that respiratory illnesses could be extremely disruptive in the region this year for businesses, hospitals, and people’s lives. San Diegans must do their part to prevent the spread of these illnesses,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “I want to remind San Diegans to use precautions we know are effective in protecting against illness, including the flu.” 

Wooten added that people should recommit themselves to the following precautions this fall and winter: 

  • Wash hands thoroughly and often. 

  • Use hand sanitizers, if unable to wash hands. 

  • Stay away from sick people. 

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

  • Clean commonly touched surfaces. 

  • If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.