EDI Digest Is Out!

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on books

The latest D&I Digest is out with a new name! Now called the EDI Digest, the interactive newsletter has the same great curated articles, videos, podcasts and webinars that will help educate, build connections and spark inclusive conversations.   

Check out the Connecting the Dots section featuring Senior Deputy County Counsel and D&I Executive Council Member Smitha R. Arons. 

Explore it now.  

Know the Code: Having Boundaries

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By the Office of Ethics, Compliance and Labor Standards:

Too close for comfort. That phrase may come to you as you stand in a crowded elevator. Or when someone stands too close to you in line at the grocery store.

You can take the next elevator or move several steps away from the other shopper. At work, it’s not always that simple.

We all have boundaries, but they may differ. What is too close for you, may not seem that way at all to other people or those from different cultures.

Touching is another boundary. Friendly pats, back rubs, hugs. Kisses on each cheek. The last one is a very common greeting in some countries or cultures.

Those gestures may not bother some people. But they make others feel nervous, anxious or uncomfortable.

Some people do not like to be touched. If someone says they’re not a hugger, they usually mean it.

If you’re a so-called touchy, feely person, keep in mind, there are times you need to respect other peoples’ boundaries.

At work, touching and invading others’ space could be seen as harassment.

If you’re the worker who feels uncomfortable, you can set boundaries. Politely explain, it’s not personal. You need more space or don’t like being touched.

It ensures a healthy and professional work environment.  

Some children learn about boundaries at an early age. There’s even a song. The lyrics say: "Please stop. I don't like that. I'm feeling uncomfortable. I need more space. Not around me. Don't take it personally. It's just a boundary."

Establishing boundaries is a skill for kids and adults alike. Here at the County, learning this skill aligns with our values and Code of Ethics.

The County also has a Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment policy. If someone is not respecting your boundaries and talking to the other person hasn’t helped, you have options.

Talk with your immediate supervisor, your departmental human resources officer or contact the Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC) by:

Your View: Blanket Sounds at Waterfront Park

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The Parks and Recreation Department shared this photo of San Diego’s new arts and music series, Blanket Sounds 2024, kicking off at Waterfront Park.

People gathered on Sunday to see local artists, musicians, and collaborators come together to enjoy a little family fun and a creative space downtown.

People on blankets at Waterfront Park

If you missed it, there’s still time to catch another date. The event is free for all ages from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 7, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8. And picnics are encouraged! For more details about the event, visit blanketsounds.org.

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. 

Join Juneteenth Festival with AAACE

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The African American Association of County Employees invites employees, family and friends to attend a Juneteenth Healing the Community Festival in Southeast San Diego this weekend.

The gathering will take place from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 15 at Memorial Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113.

The event is designed to unite and heal the community by providing opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth and discover local services and resources in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Hosted by the Cooper Family Foundation, the gathering will have music, food trucks, vendors, a kid zone, testimonies, giveaways and more.

Please bring chairs.

See flyer below.

flyer with event date and details
event flyer continued

Joan Bracci Appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer

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Joan Bracci has been named the County’s interim Chief Financial Officer, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of the Finance and General Government Group.

Bracci will begin her new role June 14, stepping in to replace Ebony Shelton, the County’s former longtime Chief Financial Officer who was named the County’s new Chief Administrative Officer last week by the Board of Supervisors.

For the past three years, Bracci helped Shelton lead the Finance and General Government Group as its Chief Operations Officer.

Bracci has been a steadfast influence and financial expert throughout the organization since joining the County in 2008. Bracci has been known for, among other traits, her ability to analyze complex data and help employees from different departments with different skills work together to accomplish common goals.

The Finance and General Government Group is the financial and operational backbone of the County. It includes 15 departments, nearly 2,000 employees and a $927 million budget.

The group provides many services that support the entire County organization including human resources, information technology, data analytics and performance management, legal counsel, employee and public communications and community engagement, the County’s legislative program, ethics and compliance, and facilities and fleet management. Departments in the group also provide services to the public such as elections, economic development, recruitment and hiring as well as purchasing and contracting.

In her role as chief operations officer, Bracci helped the Finance and General Government Group develop its annual budget, provide long-term operational and financial forecasting, and update the County’s American Rescue Plan Act framework. Prior to this, she served the County in the roles of financial policy and planning manager and debt finance manager.

Before joining the County, Bracci held public finance roles in the private sector. She holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University College of London and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and psychology and social behavior from the University of California at Irvine.

Interim CAO Message: Updates in the Organization

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A message from Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sarah Aghassi:

Hi team, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on some important organizational changes.

First, it has been an honor to serve as your interim Chief Administrative Officer, a temporary role I accepted to give the Board of Supervisors time to conduct their recruitment process for the permanent CAO.

My nearly two decades at the County have been deeply rewarding for me professionally and personally in each of the roles I have served, but none have made me prouder than my time as your Interim CAO. 

In the last six months, we have come together to help community members impacted by the January floods, collaborated across the organization to create a recommended budget for all, while ensuring the continuity of operations during this time of transition. Our team is as wonderfully diverse as our programs and services and is stronger than ever and will continue to make positive impacts in our communities. 

It has been a privilege to help lead you through these times, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me. 

We always knew my role as CAO would be temporary. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Ebony Shelton as the new Chief Administrative Officer. Ebony has a long history of commitment to public service that I know you share. Ebony will begin her new role on June 14.

With this transition, I want to share that, after a rewarding career with my County team, I have decided to pursue new adventures outside of the organization. My career has come full circle with years of public service and work with businesses, community organizations and non-profits, and now I am excited for what lies ahead as I bring all of that together in my next professional venture outside of the County organization. My last day with the County will be July 5.

I am humbled to witness the work our team does every day under a shared vision, shared mission and as One County Team. I wanted to be sure to take the time to thank you – each of you – for being the heart and soul of our organization. You embody the County’s values of integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence and sustainability. It has been a privilege to serve in this role with you. And the future is indeed bright!

Interim CAO Message: Enter to Win Tickets to See New Musical Comedy

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A message from Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sarah Aghassi:

In the words of Mrs. Doubtfire, hellooooo,

As an extra thank you for all you do, I am donating two front row seats to Broadway San Diego’s “Mrs. Doubtfire” at the San Diego Civic Theatre on Saturday, June 8 at 2 p.m. Enter to win tickets now.

This performance will have American Sign Language interpretation.

Please note that Broadway San Diego recommends guests aged 6 and up for this show.

Deadline to enter this raffle is 9 a.m., Friday, June 7. A winner will be announced and contacted on Friday, June 7. Tickets will be electronically transferred to the winner.