PerkSpot: Celebrating Dad

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Father’s Day is a time to celebrate all the important men in our lives! It might be your father or someone who has been like a father. Or it might be celebrating the memory of your dad. Let’s honor all the dads out there on Father’s Day with the perfect gift. While you’re at it, you might as well save a few bucks on PerkSpot, too!

Find some great discounts on PerkSpot for that special person in your life with a cool tool for the fixer upper or how about a jazzy necktie -- which might be the most popular of all Father’s Day gifts!

PerkSpot offers benefits and discounts through more than 400 service providers and retailers. Go to SDCounty.PerkSpot.com and shop.

Learn the Science of PACEs

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By the County’s Trauma-informed Systems Integration team

Here at the County, we use the science of Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs) to support our County's Trauma-Informed Systems Integration. Being trauma-informed means acknowledging that trauma is prevalent and has an impact on behavior and relationships.

No matter what our life experiences are, learning about the science of PACEs can help us thrive in our roles at work, and at home. Building on the evidence-based knowledge that the brain is elastic and the body wants to heal, we can actively practice compassion, understanding, and promote resilience-building. 

Learn more about PACEs

If you are interested in helping on the County's Trauma-Informed Systems Integration committee, learn more here.

Better Times Ahead

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On the last day of Mental Health Month, we are sharing a photo submitted by Brenda Zapari, an administrative secretary at the San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital. She included the affirmation that after every storm comes a rainbow.

Share your photos! If you see a coworker getting the job done, a cool worksite, or a wonderful County program being offered—snap a pic and submit it. One image will be posted to InSite every week and may be shared on social media.

See more of Your View photos.

Be ‘Petpared’ for Emergency Evacuations

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Most pets are not going to plan for a disaster and build their own evacuation kits. While Sheriff’s volunteer dog Teddy is the exception, in most cases it’s up to us humans to take the lead.

Animals are part of our families, and we want them to be safe. So, if you are asked to evacuate, bring your pets with you. If you are unable to take your pet with you, it could be several hours or days before you are able to return to them due to an evacuation order.

The goal is to be able to evacuate in 15 minutes or less. Before an emergency is when you need to plan how to evacuate with them for a disaster such as a wildfire. During an actual emergency, you will likely be stressed and important items may be forgotten.

Consider asking a neighbor or nearby family member, who is home during the day/night when you might be at work, to grab your pet(s) for your if you are unable to return home in time to take them in an evacuation. If so, show them where you keep your pet carrier(s) and other special items. It’s also a good idea to show them some places where your pet(s) tend to hide.

Whether it is you or a neighbor, you need to have everything ready to grab and go.

Animal Services recommends that pets wear a collar with identification and are microhipped. They also recommend owners build a pet disaster kit which includes pet vaccination and veterinary records, microchip information in case you are separated, and a recent photograph of the pet(s). The information can even be stored as a file on your smartphone, if scanned as documents.

Grab and Go Pet Kit:

  • Travel carrier(s) or crate(s)

  • Food and water supply *Particularly if your pet has special dietary needs

  • Medications, if needed.

  • Pet records, photograph

  • Sanitary items such as a pet waste bags or litter for cats

  • Comfort items or toys

 If you are separated from your pet, photographs and microchip information will be important to share with animal rescue groups helping communities being evacuated or returning to evacuated communities when it is safe to look for animals and feed animals left behind.

In an emergency, County Animal Services will be assisting in rural areas as well as local rescue groups. If you need assistance evacuating call County Animal Services’ 24-hour emergency line (619) 236-2341.

For more detailed information on pet disaster planning, visit the County Department of Animal Services.

Be Ready for Any Emergency

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The perfect time to assess your personal disaster plan is before peak fire season. Not sure where to start? Check out one of four Wildfire Safety Fairs for information on keeping your family safe in an emergency.

The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services and San Diego County Fire will be participating and will offer guidance to residents interested in tips on what to stock in your emergency kit, making your home more fire resistant and developing your plan.

The Wildfire Safety Fairs are hosted by SDG&E and held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

  • June 10 at the Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane in Ramona

  • June 24 at Joan McQueen Middle School, 2001 Tavern Road in Alpine

  • July 29 at Julian High School, 1656 CA-78 in Julian

  • August 26 at Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Road in Valley Center

The no-cost fair includes a prize wheel, displays, live demonstrations, live music, kids activities and more.

Join Elevator Pitch and Speed Networking Workshops

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The Emerging Workforce Association invites you to an Elevator Pitch Workshop. The event will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., June 6 at County Operations Center, 5560 Overland Ave., 1st Floor, Room 171.

At the workshop, you'll learn concise and impactful techniques to communicate your skills, experience and goals.

Complete the interest form and you will be emailed a calendar invite to attend this event.

In addition, EWA is planning a Speed Networking Workshop. This workshop will allow you to connect with leaders from various County departments, fostering collaboration and community. Stay tuned for additional information and a date! If you are interested in this event, fill out an interest form.

For more information, contact Cindy.Jones@sdcounty.ca.gov.

See the flyer below.

County’s Free Summer Movies in the Park Season Starts Friday at Waterfront Park

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Party location? Check. Hot box-office movie? Check. Snacks? Check. The County Department of Parks and Recreation kicks off its “Sweet 16” season of “Summer Movies in the Park” on Memorial Day weekend with evening showings on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27.  

The celebration will start with Friday’s showing of the animated comedy “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” at the Waterfront Park. Although the movie starts at dusk, about 15 minutes past sunset, a host of free activities are expected to begin at 6 p.m. Make sure to bring a chair and blankets to cozy up for a night under the stars. 

This year’s schedule includes 150 movies at dozens of parks across the County. Theme weekends have also been scheduled, including Juneteenth (June 16 and 17), Comic-Con (July 21-22), Ladies Night (Aug. 12), International Dog Day (Aug. 25 and 26), Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and Halloween (late October).

Action fans will love outdoor showings of “Top Gun: Maverick;” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever;” and “Ant-man and The Wasp: Quantumania.” If cartoon heroes and villains are preferred, you won’t want to miss “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “DC League of Super Pets;” “The Incredibles;” or “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”   

If you’re a fan of modern-day classics, “Angels in the Outfield;” “The Goonies;” “The Sandlot;” “Cool Runnings;” “Free Willy;” “Hook;” and “ET the Extra-Terrestrial” may spark your interest. You can even go back in time to see the 1951 version of “Alice in Wonderland!”  

The line-up has something for everyone to enjoy. View the complete schedule and plan to attend movies near you as the Department of Parks and Recreation celebrates 16 years of taking back parks, after dark, through safe and fun nighttime activities. 

Movies, dates and locations are subject to change. For more information, visit summermoviesinthepark.com.   

Starry, Starry Night Events Coming Your Way

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“For my part, I know nothing with any certainty but the sight of the stars makes me dream” – Vincent Van Gogh

There aren’t many sights as beautiful or inspiring as a starry night sky! Especially in a place removed from intruding city lights like a County Park. If that sounds good to you, you’re in luck! San Diego County Parks has three nightime events coming up, starting this weekend. All are free to all ages.

Star Party

Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch, 13898 SR-67, Lakeside, CA 92040 (The event will meet at the Highway 67 Staging Area located at the end of Sycamore Park Drive, which is only accessible from the southbound direction on Highway 67)

Join up with park rangers and the San Diego Astronomy Association for an evening of giant telescopes, stargazing and space education! View seasonal stargazing phenomena with help from local experts. Please call ahead as inclement weather will cancel. Phone: (858) 513-4737

Full Flower Moon Hike

Saturday June 3, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Potrero County Park, 24800 Potrero Park Dr, Potrero, CA 91963 

Come and enjoy an evening stroll while looking for twilight blossoms and creatures that only come out at night. You will be walking to a lookout point in the dark with just the moonlight to guide you, so you are encouragd to bring a flashlight! Please call ahead; inclement weather may cancel. Phone: (619) 478-5212

Nightime Nature Walk

Saturday June 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Flinn Springs County Park, 14787 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon, CA 92021

Join Ranger Nate on a short, ¼-mile walk through the park and learn about the native flora and fauna that make up the unique habitats in this East County biodiversity hotspot! Bring water, snacks and wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket. Please call ahead, inclement weather may cancel. Phone: (619) 561-0180

So come out into the night. Feel enormous and tiny and inspired all at the same time!