Take the County’s Community Engagement Assessment Survey

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Community engagement is at the center of everything we do at the County of San Diego, with the goal that every person has an equal opportunity to inform the decisions that impact them.

The County Communications Office is conducting an assessment of community engagement efforts across the enterprise to identify areas of opportunity. The assessment will inform the development of a strategic plan for county-wide community engagement.

The International Association for Public Participation’s (IAP2) pillars for effective public participation and other sources were used to develop the assessment’s framework.

The framework includes multiple methods to evaluate our community engagement efforts. One method is to survey staff on their experience conducting community engagement on behalf of the County.

The survey will gather information on four main areas: culture, capacity, practice and impact, and may take up to 20 minutes to complete. Staff is asked to please complete the full survey.

Open through Sept. 2, you can take the survey here.

If you have any questions, contact Natalia Hentschel, Community Engagement Manager, at natalia.hentschel@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Additional Engagement Resources

Engage San Diego County

Engage San Diego County (Engagement HQ) is the County’s online engagement platform. Engage San Diego County allows staff to share information about County projects, programs and services while getting feedback directly from residents.

If you have a project, program or service that is looking to utilize online engagement, the first step is to initiate a request with an MS Form.

Engagement Center

The Engagement Center website is the County’s central engagement activity information hub. Think of it as a virtual corkboard. Here, you can post the details for active and upcoming public input opportunities like community meetings, surveys, and public comment periods. Use Engagement Center to expand your reach and increase participation in your engagement programs.

If you have current or upcoming public input activity you would like to promote, click here and select “+ Add new item” to submit your request.

Planning for Effective Community Engagement

This hands-on half-day training workshop explores what community engagement is, what makes it meaningful and effective, and how staff can do it well. The course introduces IAP2 and its resources. It is provided monthly and available for all County staff.

Register today through LMS.

Don’t Miss APACE Bonfire

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The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees (APACE) is hosting a beach bonfire this weekend. Join the employee resource group for summer fun.

Meet up at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. The bonfire will take place at Crown Point Beach on Crown Point Drive in Pacific Beach. The exact location will be confirmed closer to the event.

For more information, email apace@sdcounty.ca.gov.

See the flyer below.

Get to Know DiverseAbility ERG President Sarah Panfi

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Sarah Panfil smiles

The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by a respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community. Get to know DiverseAbility ERG President Sarah Panfil.

Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for?

A: 24 years in August. I have worked in Sheriff’s Data Services Division, the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and currently in Department of General Services.

Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?

A: I am currently an Administrative Analyst II. I track project expenditures, process invoices, create and process task orders on As-Needed Contracts, and create weekly and monthly reports. I am also a P-Card user.

Q: What’s your workplace superpower?

A: Shapeshifting: Adaptable, multitasking and comfortable with various roles.

Q. Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?

A: My parents.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?

A: Lead by example. Do the best you can. Strive for improvement. For the sake of your health (physical and mental), don’t sweat the small stuff.

Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?

A: LMS has a big library of useful information/trainings. Also, the County’s Library has many online books.

Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?

A: I like small road trips and social get-togethers like going to the movies, exploring and cooking/eating with friends.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Movies, friends and Pepsi. Of course, making the world more accessible but would saying that be too obvious of a choice? Haha.

Q: Tell us about your ERG.

A: The mission of the DiverseAbility ERG is to advance awareness and inclusion for people with disabilities at the County of San Diego. In doing so, we hope to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people with disabilities and their allies to share their stories, be heard, understood, and supported.

Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?

A: Met other employees (in and out of my department) that I would not have met without the ERG. It has improved my leadership skills.

Q: What are your 3 favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?

A: Meechai Thai, Luna Grill and Pizza Hut.

Q: Who is your favorite artist to listen to right now?

A: One OK Rock.

Also read:

Don’t Miss Financial Literacy Workshop

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The African American Association of County Employees will host a Financial Literacy Workshop.

The workshop is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions.

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 5560 Overland Dr., Suite 171, San Diego, CA 92123

The speaker, Michael A. Allen is a seasoned financial expert with years of experience in financial planning and education. He will guide participants through the essential aspects of financial literacy and provide practical tips that you can implement to secure your financial future.

RSVP by 2 p.m., Aug. 13 to confirm your attendance.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at AAACE@sdcounty.ca.gov.

See the flyer below.

Get to Know LGBTQ&A ERG President Angela Jackson-Llamas

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a couple formally dressed with their arm around each other

Angela Jackson-Llamas (right) and her wife.

The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community. Get to know our LGBTQ&A ERG President Angela Jackson-Llamas.

Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for? What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?

A: I was hired in 2007 as an Associate Real Property Agent for the Dept. of General Services (DGS), Asset Management Division. I’ve only worked in this department, and I've moved up through the ranks and I'm now a Project Manager in the Real Estate section.

In my current role, my team oversees the acquisitions of property for three County departments: HHSA, DPR and PDS. For HHSA, this primarily includes the development of affordable housing on County land and the development of emergency housing options (shelters). For DPR this includes the acquisition of open space for inclusion into County preserves as well as future active parks and trails. Finally, for PDS this includes the acquisition of Agricultural Easements, designed to conserve properties only for agricultural uses, that could’ve have otherwise been developed.  

Q: What’s your workplace superpower?

A: I think I’ve got a pretty cool ability to juggle dozens of things at a time (and I kind of like it!).

Q: Who inspires you?

A: I’m very inspired by people that use their power and voice for good - who are kind and fight for equality and social justice, particularly on issues surrounding gender equality and LGBTQ rights.

Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?

A: I’m not sure people realize what an amazing Talent Development team that we have, and the excellent training resources that are available on LMS. Also check out the “Help me know hub” on MS Teams for even more cool resources that are available to County employees.

Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?

A: I’m a big fan of urban hiking. I live in University Heights and is such a great walkable area so you will find me doing that multiple times a week. On the weekends I typically shop, brunch with friends or just relax at home with my dogs and my wife. We are also avid travelers! We take a couple vacations a year, most recently to Europe where we rented a car and drove all over England.

3 dogs stand on top step outside building

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I’m passionate about travelling to new places and exploring! Oh, and also animals -particularly dogs. They may be my favorite thing in the world.

Q: Tell us about your ERG.

A: The LGBTQ&A ERG is so much fun and so important. We are much bigger than just our excellent happy hours mixers and networking opportunities (let’s be honest, we throw superior mixers 😊). We are also at the forefront of gender equality and Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) issues within the County.

Our ERG was instrumental in the adoption of DHR policy 120 - Use of Pronouns. We also routinely review training and other materials under the D&I lens, and we are a resource for employees that are experiencing issues related to their gender expression, or other related topics. As a Live Well partner, we also host excellent hikes or other similar activities a couple times a year. We offer professional development opportunities such as professional headshot photos and skill-building webinars. This is just some of the great things about our ERG!

a group stand outside the County Administration Center, center people hold framed proclamation

Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?

A: I joined the ERG in 2016, disheartened by the tone of the climate at the time.  It was important for me to get involved to help facilitate changes that were within my control. The County culture was also a very different at the time, especially on the topic of LGBTQ&A equality. So, watching the evolution of County policies, and knowing that our ERG had a hand in those positive changes is a source of pride. This has resulted in a vast improvement of my County work experience. Not to mention all the friends I’ve made along the way in many other departments!

Q: What are your 3 favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?

A: Sushi Deli in Mission Hills, Taste of the Himalayas on Mission Gorge Road and Plumeria Thai in University Heights. My most favorite meal is Paneer Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan.

Q: Name one (or more) musicians/bands you are listening to right now?

A: I really don't listen to a specific band as much as I listen to specific stations. My go to right now is Bossa Nova radio on Pandora when I’m relaxing or cooking, and either 80’s alternative or Nicki Minaj radio when I’m out and about!

Also read:

Your View: Live Well on Wheels

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Live Well San Diego Mobile Office

It's not a school bus - it's a Live Well bus. Enter the virtual classroom (watch the video) to learn about this vehicle that provides residents with easy access to a wide range of County health and community services right in their neighborhood.

Share your 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.

Be sure to include information about the photo and your name. Images may be posted to InSite and shared on social media. 

See more of Your View photos. 

County Library Offers Many Adult Learning Classes 

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San Diego County Library hosts a variety of free adult classes that are led by local colleges and community organizations. Classes include English as a Second Language (ESL), computing, health and wellness, and more. 

Visit the website for each program or contact your San Diego County Library branch for more information: 

Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego County 
This all-volunteer organization offers free adult ESL classes every week at locations throughout San Diego County: North, South, East and Central. Students and tutors meet in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. 

Southwestern College, Continuing Education 
SDCL offers a variety of tuition-free, noncredit programs like ESL, computing, and Tai Chi at various branches: Bonita-Sunnyside, Imperial Beach and Spring Valley. 

Palomar College 
SDCL offers a variety of tuition-free, noncredit programs like ESL and Citizenship at various branches: San Marcos and Fallbrook. 

Grossmont and Cuyamaca College 
SDCL offers a variety of tuition-free, noncredit programs like ESL at various branches: Spring Valley and Potrero (Starting Fall 2024). 

Mi Universidad, UC San Diego 
SDCL offers an Introduction to Computers class in Spanish. This tuition-free, noncredit program is held at El Cajon and Lemon Grove. 

Jewish Family Services 
SDCL offers a 10-week Citizenship course at various locations: El Cajon, Imperial Beach, San Marcos, and Spring Valley. 

Join Celebration of Indigenous Culture

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Celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Join the Indigenous Sovereign Nations Employee Resource Group for an event from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 at the County Operations Centers.

There will be crafts, cultural dancers, a drum group, information booths and food in the Commons area.

For questions, email ISN.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov.

See the flyer below.

event flyer