We are continuing our Veterans Day tradition of recognizing County employees who have served in the armed forces. Thanks to those veterans who chose to share their stories and thank you to all veterans for your service. We are building on the submissions we've had the last few years.
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Conquer what is arguably the toughest trail in the county this Veterans Day weekend. Trek up El Cajon Mountain in El Capitan County Preserve during the Warrior Hike Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 9.
County Parks’ Warrior Hike Challenge launched in 2015 as a way to celebrate the athleticism and mental stamina shown by members of the armed services and that’s required to climb El Cap. It now takes place twice a year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.
There are several levels to this “warrior” journey. Participants can choose their own adventure, navigating the length of trail that matches their individual interest and ability.
Boot Camp
Trail Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Recon
Trail Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Difficult
Distance: 6+ miles
Warrior
Trail Difficulty Rating: Difficult
Distance: 11+ miles
The event is free and open to all ages and dogs on leash. Parks and Recreation encourages all guests to consider the demands of the challenge, which include the trail’s steep inclines and lack of shade when selecting their hiking buddies.
Attendees should bring ample water (1+ gallons for Warriors), and wear sturdy hiking boots. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a walking stick or poles are also recommended.
Healthy refreshments are available at “celebration stations” at the staging area at the base of the preserve, and the 1-mile and 3-mile turnaround points.
The Warrior Hike Challenge officially starts at 7 a.m. and staff will be onsite until 4 p.m. to answer questions and provide support.
El Capitan is located at 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road in Lakeside. The parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and Blue Sky Ranch Road. Overflow parking is at Oakoasis County Preserve across the street and along Wildcat Cayon Road. RSVPs are not required.
Learn about volunteering for the 2024 Warrior Hike Challenge.
Congratulations to the 2024 County Employees Costume Contest winners. More than 1,200 employees voted in the poll to select the winners.
This year we had four categories and four winners:
Scariest: Leandra King, Self-Sufficiency Services
Most Creative: Sherry Brideau, Public works
Best Makeup/Face Paint: Nined Penuelas, Self-Sufficiency Services
Best Group: Armida Nieblas, Maria Ugarte, Deere Garcia, Paula Cuevas, Mike Schmidt, Ubaldo Chavez, Shantal Diaz, Bianca Graciano, Jacqueline Gopez, Paola Jimenez, & Leticia Ramos from Self-Sufficiency Services – Hospital and Community Support Services
Michele Light, the County’s Debt Finance Manager, was recently named an Issuer Ambassador at the 28th Women in Public Finance (WPF) Annual Conference held in San Diego this year.
WPF is a national, professional organization that supports and advances the careers of women in public finance by fostering relationships and networking and providing educational and learning activities and forums. The 2024 Issuer Ambassador Program included 14 chapters and 19 ambassadors nationwide.
As a member of the San Diego Chapter for the past several years, to include serving as the President for two years, Light was nominated and selected for her dedication to the San Diego Chapter and experience in debt finance in the San Diego region.
When asked, ‘what does this honor mean to you?’ “I was humbled to have been nominated by my peers in the finance industry and was thrilled when I was selected to serve as an Issuer Ambassador. I remember attending my first annual conference held in Los Angeles several years ago and how motivated, encouraged and supported I felt when the conference ended. WPF reminds us how important we are to the field of finance and to each other in our career journeys,” said Light.
Light joined the County 23 years ago and has served as a manager in several departments that include the Sheriff, Auditor and Controller, San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA), and currently serves as the Debt Finance Manager in the Office of Financial Planning.
Vote for your favorite finalists in the Costume Contest. The polls are open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. The top vote getters will win!
It’s not too late to share a photo of your costume. Email a photo to be added to the gallery.
Congratulations to the 2024 Lip Sync Battle champions. Employees voted and selected the Zumbaholics from HHSA Fiscal Services as the winner. The group is Alyssa Monge Peralta, Debbie Ordonez, Jasmin Resurreccion, Joy Bernardo, Maggie Zaratan, Janice Almazan, Rina Bondoc, Hoda Pooladi and Lu Florendo.
Watch their video. (You must be on network to watch this video.)
Miramar Career Fair
Human Resources Analyst/Executive Recruiter and Veteran Outreach Coordinator Jorge Puente shared this photo taken at a career fair at Miramar.
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.
Kristin Masangkay, HHSA Fiscal
The results are in! HHSA Accounting Technician Kristin Masangkay won the pumpkin decorating showcase. More than 900 County employees voted in the poll.
Voting is still open in the Lip Sync Battle. Watch the finalists’ videos and vote now.
Learn more about all the Halloween Happenings for County employees.
Get to know the County’s new leadership team in a series of stories highlighting some professional and personal highlights. It started with Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton.
In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to the CAO’s leadership team – the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officers and Chief Financial Officer.
Right now, it’s Brian Albright’s turn. He’s the new DCAO for the Finance and General Government Group. As the former director of County Parks and Recreation, see how he enjoys the outdoors!
What is your leadership style?
Supportive. Establish the vision, equip the team with the resources they need to achieve it, roll up your sleeves to help when needed, otherwise get out of the way.
What prompted you to apply for a job at the County?
I wanted to build the biggest and best regional park system in America. The County gave me that opportunity.
Advice to someone who wants to move ahead in their career.
Be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Seek out new challenges. Build relationships across the enterprise and the industries/communities you serve.
Do you have a particular philosophy, motto or saying that inspires you?
Truth matters and character counts.
Favorite activity or hobby?
Too many to name, but golf, surfing, hiking and biking are a few.
Oddest thing that ever happened to you?
Too many to name the top oddity. I seem to attract oddness, probably because I’m kind of odd myself.
Where did you grow up?
Denver
Favorite food or cuisine?
Pizza
Least favorite food?
It’s a tie…cilantro and onions.
Favorite place to eat?
Street tacos anywhere (hold the cilantro and onions).
Do you have any pets and what do you like about them?
A dog Buckeye. I like him because he’s a fighter. He’s 15 years old, blind and deaf, and has way exceeded his life expectancy as a big dog. But he keeps hanging on and bringing joy to our family.
How do you juggle home and professional life?
I work hard, but when important home and family stuff comes up, I don’t miss it. I hand the work keys over to someone else. I have regretted missing special family moments because of “important” work assignments but I have never regretted the times when I prioritized family and friends.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I like going to Broadway musicals with my daughter.
Also read:
Get to Know Your DCAO: Kim Giardina, HHSA
Get to Know Your DCAO: Dahvia Lynch, LUEG
Get to Know Your DCAO: Andrew Strong, PSG
The Lip Sync Battle finalists have been named! Now it’s time to vote for your favorite.
Check out the video performances below and then vote in the poll (lower, left side of the InSite homepage). The poll is open through 5 p.m. on Halloween, Thursday, Oct. 31.
Note: County employees must be on network to watch these videos. If prompted, click on sign-in.
The finalists (in no particular order) are:
Finalist 1: “Day-O”
Finalist 2: “Lose Control”
Finalist 3: “This Is How We Do It”
Finalist 4: “Made You Look”
There was so many amazing submissions this year! With that said, the Halloween Committee selected three honorable mentions:
Rose Trujilio, Human Resources - “I Will Survive”
Christine Bolos, Madelynn Dahms, Carina Garcia, Jessica Ho, Bao Hoang, Kelsey LaBerge, Eunice Lee, Dani Lindsey, Megan Lytle, Julia Sison, Vicki Striebel, Jessica Lawler and Susan Devencenzi, Public Health Services-California Children’s Services - “Drop It In the Cart”
Diana Camacho, Sheriff - “Whenever, Wherever”
You can watch those here:
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