Improve Your Zzz

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Our Employee Wellness Program recently launched an employee wellness challenge called “Renew.” While the registration has closed, you can still benefit from these wellness micro-learnings and activities. Check back often for activities to help you create calm, boost happiness, sharpen focus and increase energy.  

Today’s lesson is on sleep.

Practice good sleep hygiene for more restful, restorative slumber.

Just as maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires regular oral hygiene, so too does quality sleep require regular maintenance. Sleep often takes a back seat to busy schedules, work and family demands, or holidays and travel. But good sleep is vital to feeling your best; getting 7-9 hours consistently should be a top priority. Research shows sleep benefits learning and memory, the immune system, cardiovascular health, and more. Try these tips to get the rest you need:

  • Set a sleep schedule — go to bed and get up at the same time every day (even on your days off)

  • Make it dark, cool, and quiet — create a sleep-conducive environment by covering light sources or using a sleep mask, setting your thermostat between 60-67 degrees F, and using a sound machine or earplugs

  • Go screen-free — transition away from TV, phones, and tablets at least an hour before bedtime

  • Avoid disruptive food/drink — stay clear of large meals, alcohol, and caffeine close to bedtime

  • Reset when necessary — if you haven’t fallen asleep within 20 minutes, get up and read or do something relaxing before trying again.

For more information on Employee Wellness offerings, visit this InSite page.

Read more lessons from Renew.

Give Blood at the Annual County Blood Drive

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Person giving blood in a reclined chair

Did you know one in seven people entering a hospital need blood? Even more urgent, blood banks supplying those hospitals are often faced with shortages.

That is why for 39 years, the County has hosted a Blood Drive to meet the critical need for donations.

Make an appointment today to give blood,

Blood Drives at County Facilities

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER | BOOK NOW 
MON, APR 3 | 9:30 am-4 pm | Mobile parked in front on Pacific Hwy., 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101 

FALLBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER | BOOK NOW 
MON, APR 3 | 11:30 pm-4:30 pm | Parking Lot, 341 Heald Ln., Fallbrook, CA 92028 

JULIAN LIBRARY | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 5 | 12 am-5 pm | 1850 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036  

EDGEMOOR HOSPITAL | BOOK NOW 
THUR, APR 6 | 9 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 655 Park Center Dr., Santee, CA 92071 

COUNTY OPERATIONS CENTER | BOOK NOW 
THUR, APR 6 | 9 am-3 pm | Main Entrance Cul de Sac, 5560 Overland Ave., San Diego, CA 92123 

EAST REGION LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW 
MON, APR 10 | 9 am-2:30pm | Parking Lot, 367 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 

SAN DIEGO SUPERIOR COURT - SOUTH COUNTY DIVISION | BOOK NOW 
TUES, APR 11 | 9 am-2pm | Parking Lot, 500 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910 

MISSION VALLEY FRC- NORTH CENTRAL/RESIDENTIAL | BOOK NOW 
TUES, APR 11 | 8 am-1:30 pm | North Parking Lot area, 7947 Mission Center Ct., San Diego, CA 92108 

LEMON GROVE FRC | BOOK NOW 
TUES, APR 11 | 10 am–3:30 pm | Parking Lot, 7065 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 

PROBATION - SOUTH BAY REGION | BOOK NOW 
TUES, APR 11 | 9 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 1095 Bay Blvd., Chula Vista, CA 91911 

SAN DIEGO COUNTY ROADS DEPARTMENT | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 11 | 11 am-4 pm | Parking Lot, 11970 Singer Ln., Spring Valley, CA 91978 

NORTH INLAND LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW 
THURS, APR 13 | 9 am-2 pm | Parking Lot, 649 W. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 

SEVILLE PLAZA | BOOK NOW 
THUR, APR 13 | 9 am-3 pm | Campus Visitor Parking Lot, 5469 Kearny Villa Rd., San Diego, CA 92123 

SOUTH REGION LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 14 | 8:30 am-2 pm | Parking Lot, 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, CA 91911 

NORTH COAST FRC | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 14 | 8 am-1 pm | 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056 

SAN DIEGO SUPERIOR COURT | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 14 | 10 am-3:30 pm | Parked in front of Hall of Justice, 330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES | BOOK NOW  
TUES, APR 18 | 9 am-3 pm | Parked Curbside, 3989 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123 

JUVENILE PROBATION CENTER | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 19 | 9:30 am-3:30 pm | Parking Lot, 2901 Meadow Lark Dr., San Diego, CA 92123 

NORTH CENTRAL FRC | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 19 | 10 am-4 pm | Parking Lot, 5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123 

SOUTH REGION FRC | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 19 | 9 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 401 Mile of Cars Way, National City, CA, 91950 

SHERIFF HEADQUARTERS | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 19 | 9 am-3 pm | Parking Lot, 9621 Ridgehaven, San Diego, CA 92123 

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES | BOOK NOW 
TUE, APR 25 | 8:30 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 8911 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123

Let's Go Camping at the COC!

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The County of San Diego Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC) is holding a series of activities highlighting ethics and compliance activities throughout March in honor of Ethics Awareness Month.

This week, an Ethics Fair will be held at the County Operations Center Plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 16. The theme this year is “Camp Ethics.” There will activities, giveaways, information about County departments and other resources. Participating departments include General Services, HHSA Compliance Office, Probation, SDCERA and Sheriff.

Do you like games? The OEC Team has a few fun ways for employees to learn the Code of Ethics:

You can submit the completed Scavenger Hunt to OEC by email or drop off at the Ethics Fair to be entered in an opportunity drawing. Online participants are automatically entered.

Interested in ways to champion ethics in the workplace? Consider the below:

  • Recommitting to the Code of Ethics. Our code of ethics is the foundation of our County culture.

  • Sharing your favorite Know the Code micro-learning (posted on InSite and LMS).

  • Requesting that OEC conduct an on-site ethics training or speak at an upcoming department meeting.

  • Checking out the "Ethics In-a-Box” training resources for managers/supervisors.

If you ever have a question about what is ethical, don’t wait to get answers. Employees can always turn to their supervisor or manager first if they have a concern. Check out the OEC webpage on InSite for information about Ethics Awareness Month, as well as, upcoming Ethics & Compliance training, resources including monthly “Know the Code” articles and micro-training videos.

Join a Bee & Butterfly Sustainability Festival

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Join the Indigenous Sovereign Nations Employee Resource Group for a Bee & Butterfly Sustainability Festival at Valley Center Library from noon to 4 p.m., March 25.

The event is free and open to all.

Activities include open ceremonies, seed library launch, activities and crafts, workshops, free produce and food, and environment and agriculture information.

Valley Center Library is located at 29200 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center.

See the flyer below.

Rewind: DHR Director Susan Brazeau Talks Ethics

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If you missed the Office of Ethics and Compliance’s Ethics Awareness Month Speakers Series featuring Human Resources Director Susan Brazeau on March 7, you can watch the virtual event online. Watch now!

Doing the right thing is everyone’s business. Participate in an upcoming Ethics Awareness Month Fair at the County Operations Center on Thursday, March 16. Find more information on InSite.

For more information, email oec@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 619-531-5174. In addition, you can visit OEC’s InSite page.

Take an Active Break

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Our Employee Wellness Program recently launched an employee wellness challenge called “Renew.” While the registration has closed, you can still benefit from these wellness micro-learnings and activities. Check back often for activities to help you create calm, boost happiness, sharpen focus and increase energy.  

Today’s lesson is on active breaks.

Move your body to give your brain an edge.

When you need to refresh and recharge for better focus, shake a leg. Physical activity promotes good circulation and balances neurotransmitters that influence learning, attention, and decision making. Get in the habit of taking active breaks, and you’ll improve your ability to concentrate.

Extended periods of sitting impair circulation and metabolic health, detracting from mental performance. You’ll do your best thinking when you break up sedentary time with movement. Actively stepping away from any task gives your brain a needed rest and change of scenery. A brisk walk works wonders, but it’s not the only option. A few ideas:

  • Take several flights of stairs

  • Do a couple sets of jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, or lunges

  • Stand up and stretch your back, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, hips, and legs

  • Use exercise equipment like a stationary bike, elliptical, or rower

  • Be active outdoors whenever possible

  • Follow along with a fitness video

  • Try some yoga poses

  • Build strength with dumbbells or resistance bands

  • Jog in place or dance for a few minutes.

For more information on Employee Wellness offerings, visit this InSite page.

Read more lessons from Renew.

County Employees Give $110K in Grants

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The County Employees’ Charitable Organization (CECO) distributed $110,252 in grants to 68 local nonprofit programs and the Employee Crisis Fund at its annual awards breakfast at the County Operations Center Friday.

Several local not-for-profits, including the Blind Community Center of San Diego, Elder Help of San Diego and Girl Scouts San Diego, received grants. See the full list.

Formed in 1956, CECO distributes 100% of the funds it raises back to the community and has given more than $7 million back to San Diego County.

Help CECO provide greater support to local nonprofits and County employees and retirees in need. Make a one-time or reoccurring donation or encourage another person to support CECO.

There’s three easy ways to give: donate through PayPal, set up a reoccurring donation or through automatic payroll deductions.

Don’t Miss Fireside Chat on Leadership Opportunities

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Learn how alternative leadership opportunities can help with your career progression and personal growth. Join an Employee Resource Group Council’s Fireside Chat on Tuesday, March 21 from noon to 1 p.m. on Teams.

These quarterly sessions are moderated conversations with County leadership on the secrets to their career success and are held in partnership with the County’s DHR Equity Diversity and Inclusion team.

This event will feature Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Michael Vu and Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures Ha Dang. The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employee ERG will moderate the chat.

Join in the discussion in one of two ways:

1.       Try out the new option. Register to get an automated calendar link. (Open in Edge.)

2.       Save the following information to join on March 21.
Join on Teams
Or call in (audio only) +1 619-343-2539,,319747103#  Phone Conference ID: 319 747 103#

This session will be recorded.

See the flyer below.