CAO Message: Farewell and Thank You!

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Message from Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer:

How does one say goodbye and thank you to friends and colleagues who have been such a joy to work with? Over the years, I’ve had the honor of getting to know many of you. I’ve relied on you to serve our residents with compassion and excellence. You’ve built a reputation for San Diego as one of the most respected and admired counties in this nation. You’ve worked tirelessly to keep our roads in great condition, to help our most vulnerable residents get the assistance they need, to keep our communities safe, to preserve our environment for future generations, to help our kids grow up happy and healthy, and so much more. 

Public service is the most rewarding opportunity one could ever imagine. Every day we are faced with challenges. And every day we rise to them, with commitment to ensure we are doing everything possible to help improve the lives of our residents. It’s not easy. In fact, it’s really hard. But every day YOU make it happen. And for this I will be forever grateful. I couldn’t have asked to serve beside more caring, compassionate and competent people. You’ve made me proud every single day to work for the County of San Diego as your CAO.

Retirement is something we all dream about. But when it actually comes, it is daunting. Because you leave behind decades of relationships and feelings of professional accomplishments every single day and step into the unknown. But there is also a sense of wonder as to what’s next. For me, it’s spending time with my husband, my children, and my grandchildren. It’s volunteering with some of the organizations that I’ve had a chance to learn about. And most importantly, it’s about stepping aside to allow a new generation of leaders to take over. It’s time for me to get out of their way and cheer them on from the sidelines! They are ready! And so are you. Change keeps things fresh, exciting and relevant. And all of you have so much to look forward to as the Board officially appoints a new Interim CAO tomorrow while they conduct the search for a permanent replacement.

Let me wrap up 26 years of service with a very simple THANK YOU. It’s been an absolute honor to work with you and to play a small part in making San Diego County great. 

Best wishes forever.

Join MLK Jr. Parade

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The African American Association of County Employees invites County employees to march in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in San Diego on Jan. 14. The employee resource group will be walking in the parade with the AAACE banner.

There is no need to register. Just meet at the Guardian of the Water fountain on the west side of the County Administration Center located at 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego at 9 a.m. (See a photo of the fountain below.) Look for AAACE President Kalia Kincade, Office of Equity and Racial Justice Director Andrew Strong or the OERJ or AAACE banners.

Learn more about AAACE on InSite.

AAACE members in 2023

Guardian of the Water Fountain

Changes to Your 2024 Paychecks

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Stock image of taxes

County employees may see a change to their net pay starting Friday Jan.5. These changes are due to new 2024 tax rates that took effect Jan. 1.

Changes include updates to mileage reimbursement rates, SDI employee withholding rates and Social Security base limits.

You can find a full list of 2024 tax changes here.

For more information, visit Auditor and Controller, Central Payroll Administration’s InSite page for Federal and California withholding schedules, IRS tax withholding estimator and more.

Employees wanting to make changes to their income tax withholding information can do so through Employee Self Service.

The deadline to submit a request for a paperless 2023 W-2 and to update your mailing address is Friday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m.

Employees with questions about their tax circumstances should seek professional tax advice.

Deadline to Submit Request for Paperless 2023 W-2 and Update Mailing Address Is Friday

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A reminder that employees who would like to receive their 2023 W-2 electronically must give their consent by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5. 

If you elect to receive your W-2 electronically, you will not receive a paper version of your W-2 from the County. 

Among the benefits of receiving your W-2 electronically are providing you access to your W-2 earlier, eliminating the chance of it being lost in the mail, enhancing your data security and identity protection, and supporting the County’s core value of sustainability. 

Once your consent is submitted, it automatically continues forward each year. It does not need to be resubmitted unless you have withdrawn your consent and wish to give consent again. 

To sign up for W-2 electronically, use the Instructions for Electronic W-2 Consent.  

If you do not elect to receive your W-2 electronically, the County will mail a paper W-2 no later than Jan. 31 to the current mailing address in PeopleSoft. 

For those who will receive their paper W-2 via U.S. mail, the deadline to review and update your mailing address through Employee Self Service is also 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5.  

Verify that your address is up to date and contains the correct nine-digit zip code. 

For more information or questions, email Central Payroll Administration, Auditor & Controller at CentralPayroll@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

'Listening Is One of the Loudest Forms of Kindness'

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Being a good listener is one of the most important life skills anyone can have. And i is said that “listening is one of the loudest forms of kindness.”

Watch this TED Ed video “Being a Good Listener” from last quarters D&I Digest and think through these four key points:

  1. Good listeners egg us on. It's hard to know our own minds. We often worry in the vicinity of something, but do not quite close in on what's bothering or exciting us. We benefit from encouragement to elaborate, to go into greater detail, to push a little further.  

  2. Good listener urges clarification. It is easy to say vague things. We simply mention that something is lovely or terrible, nice, or annoying, but we do not explore why we feel this way. The friend who listens often has a productive and friendly suspicion of some of our own first statements. That friend is after the deeper attitudes that they are lurking in the background. 

  3. Good listeners do not moralize. They give the impression that they recognize and accept our follies. They reassure us that they are not going to shred our dignity. Our vulnerability is something they warm to, rather than they are appalled by. 

  4. Good listeners separate disagreement from criticism. They are powerfully aware that a lovely person could end up a bit muddled and in need of some gentle untangling. When we are with people who listen well, we experience a powerful pleasure but too often we do not realize what it is this person is doing that so nice. By paying strategic attention to the pleasure, we can learn to magnify it and offer it to others, who will notice, hear and repay the favor in turn. 

Top County Stories in 2023

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Last year was a busy one —from Tropical Cyclone Hilary bringing lots of rain to a new County supervisor being sworn into office. Here’s a glimpse of the top-viewed topics and stories from InSite over the past year.

County Names Interim HHSA Director

In June 2023, County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric McDonald was named to serve as interim Health and Human Services Agency director by Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer.

Dr. McDonald continues to hold the position as the County hears from the community about the qualities and qualifications, they would like in the next leader of HHSA. The agency oversees numerous programs and has nearly 8,000 employees who directly provide services to more than a third of the region’s residents.

County Gets a New Brand

The County adopted a new logo on July 1, 2023. It reflects the region’s geographic diversity, the County’s new energy and takes inspiration from the County seal and the Live Well San Diego brand.

The logo is meant to complement our County seal which has been in use since 1937. The seal will continue to be used for formal official documents like Board of Supervisors policies, County proclamations and others.

Find all the logo information you need to roll through 2024 on-brand and in style.

Picture Lovers

Employees loved showing off their personalities in 2023. More than 555 photos were submitted to a gallery filled with employees’ cute pets. More than 250 photos were shared in the virtual costume party and costume contest on Halloween! And a jolly amount of pictures were shared in a gallery showcasing “ugly” holiday attire.

Jay’s Program

In March 2023, the County hosted a graduation ceremony with five interns from an inclusive employment internship called Jay’s Program. Watch a short video from this celebration.

Jay’s Program helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities improve their job skills and increase opportunities for future employment while allowing participating County departments to expand their perspective on inclusivity and belonging in the workplace. 

Buildings on the Horizon

In February 2023, General Services shared an update on ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and capital expansion projects for both 2022 and the upcoming year of 2023. Projects included the Lakeside Library, the Southeastern Live Well Center and the East Otay Mesa Fire Station 38.

Recognizing Our Long-time Employees

Each month we recognize long-time employees of the County in Service Awards. The list honors employees who have been with the County for 20, 25, 30 years and more!

In addition, we celebrate those who have retired after serving the public through the retirement post.

Positive Experience

County employees are committed to providing our customers with a positive experience. Quotes from customer satisfaction surveys, online reviews and social media comments are highlighted each week on InSite. And employees LOVE to read them. The “Positive Experience” quotes are some of the most read content on InSite. If you want to share your own Positive Experience, email communications@sdcounty.ca.gov or share Praise on Teams.

InService

We met 50 incredible employees through the InService this year. The video series, which features a different employee each week, is a celebration of everyone who makes the County work. Check out all the videos. We look forward to celebrating more of you in 2024!

Read more popular stories from 2023: Top Stories from the San Diego County News Center in 2023

Get Information at Social Security and Medicare Lunch and Learn Sessions

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Want to retire? Attend Department of Human Resources virtual presentations on Social Security and Medicare. Experts will discuss eligibility, enrollment and benefits.

Registration is not required. Save the event session information below to join.

Social Security Session
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Noon – 1 p.m.
Click here for the Social Security session

Medicare Session
Wednesday, Jan. 17
Noon – 1 p.m.
Click here for the Medicare session

For more information, contact the Department of Human Resources Employee Benefits Division at 888-550-2203 or DHRBenefits.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

CECO Seeks Executive Committee Members

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The County Employees’ Charitable Organization has distributed more than $7 million to local non-profits and County employees/retirees experiencing a crisis since 1956. Continuing this giving legacy would not be possible without volunteers. Submit your self-nomination form to serve on CECO’s Executive Committee.

CECO is currently seeking passionate and highly motivated individuals who want to volunteer their time and talent to the efforts of the CECO Executive Committee.

Interested candidates are invited to attend an information panel on the self-nomination process and to learn more about the open roles. This session will be held noon to 1 p.m., Jan. 11 on Teams.

Join on your computer, mobile

Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 253 765 639 302
Passcode: E6K535

Or call in (audio only)

+1 619-343-2539,,357393943#  
Phone Conference ID: 357 393 943#

“Lending a hand to CECO makes a huge impact in our community and to employees in need,” said CECO President Nadia Moshirian Binderup. “Attending the new info session is an opportunity to learn more about CECO and to demystify what responsibilities those positions hold.”

Candidates must submit their self-nomination along with candidacy statement (see more information below) by Jan. 18, 2024. The Board of Directors will vote the week of Jan. 22, 2024.

Open Positions:

  • President

  • Vice President (2 positions available) 

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer (2 positions available)

  • Member at Large – Active Employee or Retiree (3 positions available)

 General Requirements:

  1. Must be a County employee with exception of At-Large retiree position.

  2. Must be a member of CECO. Membership is obtained by contributing to CECO by way of a biweekly payroll deduction, retirement deduction, or one-time annual donation. For membership instructions, go to http://sdceco.weebly.com/lend-a-hand.html.

  3. Able to serve a two-year term in a volunteer capacity. The two-year term will commence on April 1, 2024 and conclude on March 31, 2026.

  4. Able to fulfill the duties of the position in a volunteer capacity. 

    President – oversight and management of the organization; works closely with the officers, Executive Committee and committee chairs to ensure that CECO accomplishes its mission and goals by leveraging volunteer resources, and County and community partners.

    • The President shall be responsible for the management and oversight of all functions of the organization.

    • The President shall be responsible for ensuring that the efforts of the organization are aligned with the mission of the organization.

    • The President shall develop the agenda for Executive and Board of Directors meetings.

    • The President shall call and preside over all meetings of the Officers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors. When directed by a petition signed by at least fifteen members, President shall call a special meeting of the members.

    • The President shall report back to membership on all business relative to the work of the organization.

    • The President shall serve as the Chair of the Employee Crisis Fund.

    • The President shall coordinate the Executive Committee election process

Vice President – works closely with the president in the oversight and management of the organization; assumes the duties and responsibilities of the president in the president’s absence or inability to function. 

  • The Vice-President(s) shall assist the President in the management and oversight of all functions of the organization.

  • The Vice-President(s) shall assist with the development of the agenda for Board of Director meetings.

  • The Vice-President(s) shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the President in the President’s absence or inability to function.

  • The Vice-President(s) shall help facilitate the Employee Crisis Fund.

  • The Vice-President(s) shall help facilitate the Executive Committee election process

Secretary – provides administrative support to ensure that meeting minutes and other records and documents are properly recorded and maintained. 

  • The Secretary shall record and maintain meeting agendas and minutes of meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

  • The Secretary shall be responsible for the retention of meeting minutes.

  • At the direction of the President, the Secretary shall send notice to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the date and place of meetings and upcoming elections.

Treasurer – responsible for the proper accounting and reporting of: CECO funds, state raffle reporting, and ensuring compliance with U.S. Treasury Internal Revenue Service and the California State Franchise Tax Board tax exemption requirements to include preparing and submitting annual non-profit tax forms as required. 

  • The Treasurer(s) shall be responsible for the proper accounting of the funds of the organization.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall maintain and be responsible for all financial records necessary to execute their responsibility.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall properly deposit and disburse funds per the approval of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, or President, whichever is applicable.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall provide a financial report to the Executive Committee at its monthly meeting(s) and to the Board of Directors' meetings.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall be responsible for registering CECO with the California State Franchise Tax Board in order to comply with tax exemption requirements.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall be responsible for filing annual Federal and State income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and California State Franchise Tax Board and be responsive to all other tax related matters as they may occur.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall be responsible for filing accordingly with the Secretary of State for eligibility to conduct raffles and report annually on conducted raffles.

  • The Treasurer(s) shall help facilitate the Employee Crisis Fund.

At-Large Members – assists the officers as needed with operational activities; active participation in establishing policies, management, and direction of the affairs of CECO.

Candidate Statements:

Complete the Candidate Statement form which contains the following information:

  • Name

  • Department

  • Classification / Job Title

  • Years of County Service

  • Candidate Statement - (Why are you interested in this role and what can you contribute to it based on your experience, skills, and interests) Text Limit: 400 words or less.

For questions, contact CECO at sdceco@sdcounty.ca.gov.

2024 Bucket List

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How will you live life to the fullest in 2024? Whether you want to go back to school, learn to play the ukulele or eat pizza in Italy – we want to know what’s on your bucket list for the new year.

If you’d like to send your bucket list plans to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov, we may share them here on InSite.

Taryell Simmons
HR Services Manager
Human Resources

Bucket list: Thanks for this exciting opportunity to share my bucket list for 2024. One special adventure that comes to mind is a Disney cruise with my family. My wife and daughter have been discussing this magical experience, and I'm eager to make that dream come true. Plus, none of us have ever been on a cruise ship before, so this will be an entirely new and thrilling experience for us!

Fernanda Lopez
Group Communications Officer
Health and Human Serices Agency

Bucket list: After completing the Spartan Trifecta this year, my goal for 2024 is to do another trifecta but with the San Diego Triathlon series.

Deb Mosley and daughter

Deb Mosley and daughter on New Year’s Eve

Deb Mosley
Deputy Director
Environmental Health and Quality

Bucket list: I feel like there are so many places in San Diego county that are amazing and my family (husband and 3 kids) has not yet explored. I would like to go to 6 new places this year with my family in San Diego county – whether it be a new park, museum, or restaurant. Just something new to explore and see.

Also, I was given some sourdough starter last summer by a family member who brought it all the way from the Netherlands to share with me knowing how much I wanted to make start making my own artisan sourdough bread. I have yet to make any fresh sourdough bread with it because I have been too busy or just have not made the time. I have been keeping the starter alive in my refrigerator so it’s ready to go. This year I want to make sourdough bread at least once a month.

Thomas Bush
Procurement Professional
Purchasing and Contracting

Bucket list: I have one Major Bucket Plan, walk again! 

Teresa A Rogers-Marsh
In-Service Education Coordinator
Behavioral Health Service
Edgemoor DPSNF

Bucket list: My Bucket list is both personal and professional.

Professionally I am going to obtain certifications for NC-BC (Nurse Coach Board Certified) and HN-BC (Holistic Nurse Board Certified) through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation in 2024. My personal bucket list is to visit one Caribbean island this year.

Benevic Mallari
Human Services Specialist
Centre City Family Resource Center

Bucket list: More travel and healthy diet.

Rachel Kinney
Human Resources Analyst
Human Resources

Bucket list: This year I plan to push my limits and truly challenge myself mentally, physically and emotionally in new and exciting ways that also allow me to help my community as I am signed up for the 2024 Trailblaze Challenge with Make-A-Wish San Diego!

I will be hiking 28 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail in one day! This scenic trek provides participants an opportunity for adventure, fun and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of children in our community battling critical illnesses. I’ll have to train intensively (this is longer than a marathon!) and fundraise as I prepare for the event at the end of May; wish me luck!

Cynthia Williams
Office Assistant
Self-Sufficiency Services - Document Processing Center

Bucket list: I went on a Pacific Coastal cruise in 2023 to celebrate 65th Birthday! This trip was amazing and it opened my mind to complete more of my travel dreams. This year, I plan to take a cross country trip on Amtrak to visit a few friends and primarily to see my daughter in North Carolina. Looking forward to checking this one off on my bucket list. 😊  I’m also working on health goals so I’m more prepared to travel. Love seeing different places and meeting friendly people from so many backgrounds.

Marcus Mathis
Information Technology Analyst
Environmental Health and Quality

Bucket List: Continue or finish seeing every Major League Baseball stadium and affiliated stadiums in the U.S., Mexico, and Dominican Republic. Marry off my 2 little girls when they are 30 years old, retire from the County of San Diego after 15 years, and walk on the moon holding my wife’s hand.

Napoleon S Ochoa
Office Assistant
Child and Family Well-Being

Bucket list: Reunite in Moab, Utah with my Marine Corps brothers and sisters, after almost 30 years, for this year’s reunion.

Araceli Casas
Supervising Office Assistant 
Medical Care Services

Bucket list: Since 2019 Hubby and I started our bucket list to visit all 132 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico. We have visited 56/132, we are hoping to visit 9 this 2024! We are also looking forward to our Alaska cruise and hopefully incorporate a handful of National parks in Utah. 

Shaina Lee
Health Advisor
Public Health Services – HIV, STD & Hepatitis Branch

Bucket list: My 2024 goal would be to better improve my interpersonal relationships with my coworkers – both in the clinic and within my immediate department. The last four years I have dedicated almost all my mental capacities attempting to “tiger parent” my daughter. However, after an intense 4 years of starting preschool early and endless trial/error within children’s classes and programming, she’s shared with me her life goals: she wants to be a butterfly or Super Mario when she grows up… Any who, mentally checking in to have casual conversation at work would be a change of pace (I’m a flower power mom now).

Griselda Reyes Gonzalez
Poll Worker Recruitment
Registrar of Voters

Bucket list: My bucket has the 3 most important items in my life at this moment. Find a full Time job.Get a VISA for my 3.6 Yr old, adopted son (got him when he was 16 days old). And see my two kids Graduate this year 2024!!

Rheana Corirossi
Library technician 3
County Library

Bucket list: I purchased an online 8 module course “how to make sourdough.” I want to make my own starter and create the perfect loaf.

Josh Alfaro
Office Assistant – Immediate Needs
North Coastal Family Resource Center

Bucket list: This year I want to eat healthier, spend more time with my family, and finish my accounting degree… but my most ambitious goal on my 2024 bucket list is to become a published author!

The first issue of my comic, Kontra – Against Evil is almost finished! Kontra is an original Filipino horror comic about a young monster huntress who goes on a quest to slay an aswang. By the end of February, it will be published. I can’t wait to check this off my bucket list!

Your View: Holiday Bowl Parade

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Boutros Chihwaro from General Services shared this photo from the 2023 Holiday Bowl Parade as a Sheriff’s Department vehicle participating in the parade passed by the County Administration Center.

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. One image will be posted to InSite every week and may be shared on social media.

See more of Your View photos.