New Mural Supports Commitment to Neurodiversity

Next time you’re at the County Administration Center, be sure to check out a beautiful new mural near the Waterfront Park playground. It represents the County’s commitment to neurodiversity and inclusivity in our workforce, and it was made possible by many employees and their families who provided input and support during every step of the process, sharing ideas for the design and grabbing paintbrushes to bring it to life.

See the transformation from blank wall to work of art and learn more about neurodiversity in a series of online trainings.

Check to See If You Qualify for Free Safety Services Offered

No one can guarantee total freedom from crime and danger. But County public safety departments are offering some free services and programs for people living in County service areas, or who meet specific criteria. Find out if you can take advantage of some of these services.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies provide law enforcement services in nine contract cities, 18 Indian reservations and the unincorporated areas in the county. For those living in these communities, the department offers various services through its crime prevention bureau and the Senior Volunteer Patrol.

These include:

• Guidance for establishing a Neighborhood Watch in your community as well as free materials including decals.

• Home security checks where a crime prevention specialist can meet residents at home to advise them of security weaknesses and suggest improvements.

• Vacation check service by the Senior Volunteer Patrol which regularly drive by homes and look for unusual or suspicious activity while the homeowner is away.

• The You Are Not Alone program which offers a regular telephone check for elderly, disabled and shut-in residents and weekly brief visit.

• The Take Me Home Registry Program, previously called Silver Alert, was created to give law enforcement quick access to critical information about a registered person with disabilities or medical condition in case they get lost or wander away.

San Diego County Fire offers programs to help residents prepare for hazards and stay safe.

• The Defensible Space Program is a program that helps homeowners who need to safeguard their homes in the event of a wildfire but can’t due to physical, economic or other barriers. The program, done in cooperation with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego, does have an extended wait list and depends on funding availability and geographic location.

• The Residential KnoxBox Program is for residents who live in County Fire service area and certain districts in Deer Springs and Ramona who meet specific criteria. Qualifying residents can receive a free KnoxBox that gives emergency responders secure access to a home in the event the person is unable to answer the door for an emergency call.  

• Residents who live in the County Fire service area or Deer Springs fire district, with an above or below ground level pool can apply to receive a free pool alarm. The first-come, first-serve program has limited quantities available.

The Office of Emergency Services offers free resources to help people assemble emergency kits and create a plan for what to do before, during and after a disaster or local emergency.

• Download a free Personal Disaster Plan template on the OES website in various languages. A plan is also created for people who may need assistance.

• An application-version of the disaster plan is also available on the office’s free SD Emergency App as well as ShakeReadySD, early earthquake warning.

Join a Speed Networking Event with EWA

The Emerging Workforce Association is hosting a Speed Networking event from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 26 at Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128.

EWA is excited to offer an opportunity for County staff to network with other professionals in the County, learn more about different departments, and share their experiences.

To reserve your spot, please RSVP.

OERJ Commemorates Pride

By the Office of Equity and Racial Justice

Last week the County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing Pride Month. As we celebrate this honor, the Office of Equity and Racial Justice would like to take the opportunity to highlight some of the history and efforts of our County as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. 

San Diego has been celebrating Pride since 1974 as thriving and diverse LGBTQ+ community. The County’s LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group has over 60 members, and multiple County departments will be represented in July’s Pride parade. Belonging and equity are among the County’s core values, and we support and respect our LGBTQIA+ employees by creating a workplace where every employee can be their authentic self.  

But this Pride, it’s not enough to say that we support the LGBTQIA+ community – we must voice our support for trans and nonbinary people to stand up against the hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric and acts. In recent years, there has been a backlash against certain members of the LGBTQIA+ community across the country. Transgender and nonbinary people have lived in cultures and societies throughout human history, but they have increasingly become targets of hate crimes and physical violence. We know that events in recent years have made it even more important to bolster the County’s mission of promoting a just, sustainable and resilient future for all.

This spring, the CAO directed the Office of Equity and Racial Justice to form a Gender Identity and Expression Working Group which has been exploring how our organization could increase belonging among trans and nonbinary employees and community members. They will produce recommendations later this summer. And the County has many resources and learning opportunities for all employees:

• Two sessions of an LMS webinar, “Creating an Inclusive Culture for Transgender and Non-Binary Employees and Customers.” Register for the virtual sessions on July 27 and Sept. 19, which are hosted in partnership with TransFamily Support Services. While all employees are welcome, the first is geared towards supervisors.

• This video from the University of Central Florida explains different aspects of gender identity and expression, how they impact all of us, and how challenging binaries can create more space for everyone to be themselves.

• The County has a Pronoun Policy to create an affirming environment for all employees. Learn how to use gender pronouns and learn how to practice gender inclusive language in your communications and work.

If you would like more information or to join the Gender Identity and Expression Working Group, please contact Mica Miragliotta or Vanessa Green.  

County Hires Chief Dental Officer

The County has a new Chief Dental Officer, Fadra M. Whyte, DMD, M.P.H., who has joined to help develop policies and expand programs that promote oral health to all San Diegans. 

Read more.

Rewind: LGBTQIA+ Panel Discussion

Did you miss the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, allies (LGBTQIA+) panel discussion on Friday, June 30? Don’t worry - you can watch it now!

Panelists:

• Fernando Zweifach López Jr. (they/them), San Diego Pride Executive Director

• Dahvia Lynch (she/her), Planning and Development Director

• Taryell Simmons (he/him), Human Resources Services Manager

• Dr. Eric McDonald (he/him), Interim Director, Health and Human Service Agency

• Tamara Watson-Foster (she/her), LGBTQ&A ERG Board Director

• Miko Osada (she/her), Youth Services Librarian

• Mica Miragliotta (they/them), Office of Equity and Racial Justice Management Fellow

• Vivien Bernardo (they/them/she/her), HHSA, Equity & Strategic Partnerships

Celebrating Independence Day

The County Administration Center was lit Tuesday night for the July Fourth holiday.

Unlock the Power of Inclusion!

A new training strives to create an environment where everyone can unleash their full potential, no matter their neurological profile.

The County launched a Neurodivergent Excellence training series on June 30. The three-part e-learning series is designed to inspire a culture of neurodiversity and foster an inclusive workplace. With each course (Disability 101, Neurodiversity 101 and Autism 101), you will gain an understanding of the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals and acquire the tools to break down those barriers.

These training tracks were created with a dual lens of best practices and lived experience in partnership with Rangam Consultants Inc., a global workforce solutions company with a focus on neurodiverse and inclusive employment. This program is part of our commitment to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

In taking these courses, you will contribute to a workplace that recognizes and values the unique talents and perspectives of all employees. Take the training now.

Learn More About Gender Identity and Pronouns

The Office of Equity & Racial Justice is working to ensure that San Diego County is a place where transgender and nonbinary people experience belonging, safety, and affirmation. Watch this video from The Knowledge Center to learn more about gender identity and personal pronouns or sign up for the upcoming training on July 27 hosted by TransFamily Support Services. If you’d like to get involved in the County’s Gender Identity and Expression Working Group, please reach out at oerj@sdcounty.ca.gov.

County Adopts Budget

Thank you to all of the employees who help put together the County’s budget. The Board of Supervisors adopted the new budget this week for the fiscal year starting July 1. Here’s a snapshot of what is included, and you can get more details on the Open Budget site.