Shining a Light on Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
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The County Administration Center was lit Thursday night for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.
Share Your Summer Reading Recommendations
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Anytime is a great time to enjoy a good book, but the long days of summer really welcome a good read.
Share your book recommendation. Email the name of the book and a brief description of why you love it (75 words or less). Submissions will be featured here on InSite. Links are added for the titles we have in the County Library.
Whether you plan to pack a book on your next vacation or to take along for a beach day, here are some recommendations from your teammates. A big thank you to Library staff for getting us started!
Cassie Koldewyn, librarian at La Mesa Library
“Mister Magic” by Kiersten White
“‘Mister Magic’ by local author Kiersten White is a captivating blend of mystery, horror, and psychological thriller. The novel follows former child stars who reunite years after their TV show mysteriously ended, only to uncover dark secrets about their past and the enigmatic Mister Magic. White expertly weaves themes of childhood trauma, belief, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The compelling characters and bizarre setting create a spooky atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. Perfect for fans of chilling mysteries and intricate storytelling, ‘Mister Magic’ is a must-read that will linger long after the final page.”
Daniel Aguilar, librarian at Vista Library
“Starship Troopers” by Robert Heinlein
“Humanity has spread to space and is governed by the merit-centric Terran Federation. Racism? Non-existent. Sexism? Nope. Religious Discrimination? Unheard of. Citizenship? A privilege earned through self-less dedication, of placing the life of our species before your own. Huge freaking star-spanning insectoid empires? Of course! Loved reading how Juan ‘Johnnie’ Rico navigated the particularities of personal relationships, the rigors of military life, and debated the virtues (or lack thereof) of different types of human governments and societies, while fighting insanely-deadly bugs the size of cars.”
Southida Seriphayrath, accounting technician with County Library
“Sam” by Iain Rob Wright
“Awesome horror story with a lot of twist and turns. You also get suspense and mystery. A great read if you are into The Omen and The Exorcist.”
Carmen Ruiz, librarian at El Cajon Library
“Plain Jane and the Mermaid” by Vera Brosgol
“Everyone says Jane is plain and not too much to look at. Everyone has always told her to. When she gets kicked out of her home she has to figure out a way to be independent, survive and maybe make a friend or two in the process. An absolutely delightful graphic novel about loving yourself, finding where you belong and what true friendship really is.”
Stephanie Kern, youth program services librarian
“Happy Hour” by Marlowe Granados
“Isa and Gala are twentysomething party girls in pursuit of fun and glamour during one heady summer in New York. The problem? They’re broke. The narrative, told in the style of Isa’s diary, follows the girls through pinching pennies and hobnobbing with New York’s elite, the recounting of their adventures punctuated by Isa’s dry and acerbic observations. A bright, fizzy satire for fans of Ottessa Moshfegh, Kevin Kwan, and Evelyn Waugh.”
Lucy Park, library technician at Fallbook Library
“James” by Percival Everett
“Fan fiction at its best! James, by Percival Everett is a book that starts out very closely to the original story of the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Jim his slave friend. But as their story progresses the story takes off in a direction all its own. Jim turns out to be well educated, is bilingual, a gifted tenor, and anything other than mild mannered. It is fun romp based on an old classic, great reading.”
Jodi dela Pena, youth program services librarian
“A Day of Fire” by 6 bestselling authors including Kate Quinn and Ben Kane
“Everyone knows what happened to Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted, but did you ever think about the terror and survival thoughts of the inhabitants as the earthquakes rumbled and ash began to fall? Six authors come together to tell the story of six different characters and how they either survived the eruption – or didn’t. The novel is based on historical facts derived from archeological digs in the now excavated and preserved city of Pompeii. It is a thrilling journey through its last days and keeps you guessing which character is a survivor or was found buried in ash.”
Greg Thompson, library technician at Encinitas Library
Thompson had three books to recommend for summertime reading. They gave short descriptions for each book.
“The Black Powder War” by Naomi Novik: “Dragons during the Napoleonic Wars.”
“Written in Red” by Anne Bishop: “Wolf shifters, Blood Psychics, and Vampires Oh my.”
“Women of the Post” by Joshunda Sanders: “The real story of African American Women in WWII.”
Jenne Bergstrom, principal librarian
“Wild Things” by Laura Kay: “A group of friends in London decide to buy an old house in the country and fix it up. I love a book about people working on a project together, and if they happen to fall in love while doing it, so much the better!”
“Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo: “How about something chilling and dark for this hot weather? What if Yale’s creepy secret societies could do actual magic?”
Nicole Bollhalder, departmental HR officer, HHSA
“The Temptation of Forgiveness” by Donna Leon
“In this mystery series, Commissario Guido Brunetti - a detective in the state police force stationed in Venice is back. He is approached by a friend of his wife. Professor Elisa Crosera is concerned about changes in her 15-year-old son’s behavior and suspects they may be due to drugs. She wants Brunetti to investigate who might be selling drugs to kids at Sandro’s school, but she doesn’t have any actual proof or leads.”
Sara Wilson, administrative analyst I, Edgemoor
“Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982” by Cho Nam-joo
“I read “Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982” by Cho Nam-Joo and it changed by life. Here is why I loved it: ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’ is not an easy read. A fictional account of the real struggles of women in South Korea. I think this quote summarizes what it means to be a woman: Some demeaned it as ‘bumming around at home,’ while others glorified it as ‘work that sustains life,’ but none tried to calculate its monetary value. Probably because the moment you put a price on something, someone has to pay.”
Delores von Mirbach, alcohol & drug program specialist, Probation
“The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City” by Kim Foster
“I love this book because it is raw, revealing, and represents everything we don’t show on the front page of our tourist city. Just like Las Vegas, we have real people suffering from real longing of basic human needs. The author does a good job of giving the reader a step into how food scarcity and systematic control of access to food impacts interpersonal traumas and entire socioeconomic classes, keeping whole generations in the doldrums.”
Juan Salgado, administrative analyst, General Services
“The Sellout” by Paul Beatty
“A black farmer in an ‘agrarian ghetto’ in Los Angeles runs into some ‘Constitutional issues.’ Includes biting racial commentary and satire, and doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable, while remaining darkly hilarious.”
Angela Zehr, departmental HR officer, Agriculture, Weights and Measures
“Eruption” by Michael Crichton/James Patterson
“Patterson did excellent bringing Crichton’s story to publish. It reads like Crichton and a little Patterson flare here and there. Like all of Crichton’s books, this one I could not put down and I finished it in one week. It had the excitement you are hoping for muddled with a little fact, fiction, and mystery. It left me wondering if something like this is happening somewhere in the world today.”
Sir Milo Loftin, communications specialist, Communications Office
“Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson
“This book is like a fantasy version of Ocean's 11, with unique magic users plotting to overthrow an evil empire. The Mistborn series is part of Sanderson’s interconnected book universe called the Cosmere, with each series set on different planets with unique magic systems. It's like the fantasy book version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Mistborn books are a good entry point into the Cosmere and a fun read on their own.”
Erin Jensen, administrative analyst, Public Health
“The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston
“This is a cute and funny rom-com type book. The main character is a ghostwriter, who writes love stories, but no longer believes in love and is struggling to finish the final book in a famous author’s contract. She has to return to her small home town after a decade away and encounters an unexpected ghost that has her second guessing everything she knows about love.”
Vianca Lopez, human resources specialist, Public Defender
“The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith
“‘The Cuckoo's Calling,’ by Robert Galbraith, is the first in a series of books about private detective Cormoran Strike. In this book, he is hired to assist in the resolution of a case that the police have already ‘solved.’ Beautifully written and completely captivating, with an ever-evolving plot that makes it difficult to put the book down. The whole series is amazing!”
Wilfredo W. Perez, retiree rehire, Aging and Independence Services
“Forced to Marry Him: A Lifetime of Tradition and the Will to Break It” by Davinder Kaur
“I highly recommend this book by a friend and County colleague, Davinder Kaur. In “Forced to Marry Him,” Davinder tells her powerful personal story as a victim of a forced marriage. The book details her struggle as a seemingly helpless victim of her culture’s tradition to marry off girls at a young age, often to much older men they barely know and do not like. Davinder chose not to become a victim of her culture and tradition and she courageously escaped her forced marriage. But there was a price to pay, as she was shunned by her parents, siblings, and community. The book is an eye-opener in that it explains the global problem of forced and child marriage.”
Emily Posedel, human services specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
“The Women” by Kristen Hannah
“It’s the story of women who fought in the Vietnam War, and how everyone reacted to them. Very well written!”
Angeli Cabal, admin analyst, Behavioral Health Services
“Lone Women” by Victor LaValle
“Captivating (and short!) enough that I inhaled it in one sitting – ‘Lone Women’ is about a Black homesteader who arrives in the American West with a mysterious trunk hoping to settle in a new place with enough space to hide a horrifying secret.”
Kathy Griffee, public health nurse supervisor
“The Alienist” by Caleb Carr
“Historical story set in 1896 New York City as told by a New York Times Reporter. His friend and former classmate at Harvard, Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist (‘alienist’ in the 1800s) help Theodore Roosevelt, the newly appointed police commissioner) in the murder investigation of the serial murders by a ‘twisted minded’ suspect. Very suspenseful!”
Tomas Sanchez Suarez, office assistant, Behavioral Health Services
“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of The West” by Gregory Maguire
“The book, about to be turned into a feature film and a huge production on Broadway centers on the Wicked Witch of the West. Telling her story during her college years, with key flashbacks to the past. The book tells the tale through the ‘villain’ and serves as an in-depth analysis of perception, good vs evil, and prejudice. You also get the story of Glinda, the good witch, and her struggle to know what is just in these years. This story features many beloved Wizard of Oz characters and is a must read for anyone who loves the play or is planning to see the movie.”
Monica Paul, human services specialist, Northeast Family Resource Center
“The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” by V.E. Schwab
“I love reading and I love this book! It's the story of a young girl in the early 1700's who is different then the rest, not content with the predestined life her family and small village expect her to live. Addie, our main character befriends Estele, the local mad woman as her father would call her. Estele teaches Addie about the old gods, how to pray to them and how to make offerings but she gives Addie a very strong warning, never pray to the gods that answer after dark. As a young child Addie promises never to do such a thing but at 16 facing an arranged marriage that she is desperate to flee she breaks her promise and learns just how cruel the gods can be.”
Cody Blake Ambrose, senior park ranger
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
“In ‘Project Hail Mary,’ Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with no memory, where he soon learns that he is the sole survivor on a desperate mission to save the earth. With only the two dead bodies of his crewmates as company and his memories slowly retuning, he must piece together what has happened and complete his interstellar mission to save humanity, possibly more.”
Antoinette McKinley, agricultural/standards inspector
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
“I love this book because it’s the perfect summer adventure read about space, mystery, friendships, and the fate of life on Earth. I couldn’t put it down when reading it and since then I’ve convinced many friends and family to read it too. It’s a non-intimidating sci-fi book that anyone can enjoy, and it’s being made into a movie that will star Ryan Gosling!”
Molly McKinley, administrative secretary, Public Health Services
“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
“Man wakes up inside a spaceship and has no recollection of how he got there. He slowly starts to figure out his surroundings, the science, and discovers the dark history that led him there.”
Casey Shirk, human services specialist, South Region Live Well Center at National City
“The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon
“‘Priory’ is a high fantasy novel that has everything a high fantasy fan wants, dragons, mages, and a detailed lore of the lands. The novel follows a young queen struggling to keep her court peaceful, the queen’s faithful lady’s maid and (unbeknownst to the queen) protector, and a young dragon rider from a faraway nation. The nations are divided, and it is up to these three to defeat the common enemy; The Nameless One. This epic fantasy is a great read for anyone looking to get away from this world.”
Charles Redmond, office assistant, Ramona Community Resource Center
“An Unfinished Love Story” by Doris Kearns Goodwin
“This is an unusual style of writing which intertwines actual history with firsthand accounts from the author and her husband. The personal files and archival material the author uses, brings alive history from the ‘fly on the wall’ perspective of great events from the 1960’s. The author is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and a Historian. This book shows why. A great read!”
Inez Pelayo, human services specialist, El Cajon Family Resource Center
“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummings.
“‘American Dirt’ is a great book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and will catch your attention just by reading the first few pages. For me this book hit close to home. I grew up in San Diego very close to the border and immigration issues as well as Mexican cartel issues have always been top of mind. I have family in Mexico and this story could happen to anyone. This book touches on many subjects regarding immigration and the things some undocumented immigrants must face to arrive in America. It is I must read.”
William Proctor, seasonal vector control technician aide, DEHQ
“Forest of a Thousand Daemons” by D.O. Fágúnwà
“An amazing book I would like to recommend is ‘Forest of A Thousand Daemons.’ Written in 1934 by D.O. Fágúnwà the story is an epic telling of a Nigerian folktale. From sixteen eyed monsters, gnommids, and deceitful kings the hunter, Akara-ogun fights his way through a forest of horrors and enchantment seeking fortune and fame.”
Amelia Barile Simon, community health program specialist, HHSA
“We Were Dreamers” by Simu Liu
“‘We Were Dreamers’ by Simu Liu made me a HUGE Simu Liu fan so I went to the library DVD collection to borrow ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ *AND* ‘Kim's Convenience’ (All 5 seasons) which was hilarious and so awkward that I would laugh out loud. I really loved that Simu was an Asian Canadian who managed to film a local CBC TV series and a Marvel movie simultaneously.”
County Employees Head to MIT for Evaluating Social Programs Course
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Five County employees are heading off to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology next week to take part in a course on “Evaluating Social Programs” from the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab.
The five employees include: Rebeca Appel, a program manager of policy and data with the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice; Ariel Hamburger, planning manager with Planning & Development Services’ sustainability planning division; Carol Manisouk, epidemiologist with HHSA’s behavioral health services; Johanna Avelar Portillo, principal data & research analyst with the Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics (OEPA); and Sienna Rodriguez, epidemiologist with HHSA’s behavioral health services.
All five successfully applied to attend the course and were awarded financial support covering tuition and travel.
The weeklong course opportunity continues a relationship that started last year between the poverty action lab, also known as J-PAL, and OEPA.
OEPA was chosen in November to team up with J-PAL, for the poverty action lab to provide technical assistance to help evaluate a County pilot program that pays low-income seniors to keep them from homelessness, the Shallow Rental Subsidy program.
The County created OEPA in 2021 to use modern analytics to study the County’s vast collection of data in new ways; to look for patterns, trends and associations that can help leaders improve programs, services and policies.
That particularly includes top priorities including homelessness, mental health, equity and racial justice.
The course that the five County employees will take through J-PAL at MIT next week will focus on randomized evaluations.
Randomized studies not only measure and compare the results for people who receive the benefits of a program, they also measure and compare them against similar groups of people who don’t receive the benefits.
The weeklong course will take an in-depth look and when and how randomized evaluations can be used to thoroughly measure impacts; how they should be designed and used; and how their findings can improve policies.
Ricardo Basurto-Dávila, the head of OEPA, said randomized evaluations of programs could give the County more confidence that the results of their assessments reflect the actual impacts of programs.
Celebrating Juneteenth
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The County Administration Center was lit Wednesday night for Juneteenth.
Your View: Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow
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This might sound “bunny”, but I think you will find this photo submitted by Aging and Independence Services ear-resistible! This rabbit was spotted hopping around the grounds at the County Operations 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. Images may be posted to InSite and shared on social media.
See more of Your View photos.
Andrew Strong to Serve as Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Public Safety Group
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Andrew Strong has been named the County’s interim deputy chief administrative officer for the Public Safety Group. He will begin his new role July 1.
Strong replaces Holly Porter who will move to a new role in the Sheriff’s Department. Porter has been a pivotal figure in ensuring the safety and well-being of San Diego County residents in her almost five years with the Public Safety Group, delivering critical services with the support of a team of over 8,000 employees.
Strong joins the Public Safety Group from his current role as the director of the Office of Equity and Racial Justice, where he has been dedicated to identifying and eradicating systemic bias and racism while fostering a culture of equity and belonging within the County.
Strong will oversee a budget of more than $2.5 billion in the Public Safety Group which includes the following departments: Animal Services, Child Support Services, District Attorney, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Services, Medical Examiner, Probation, Public Defender, San Diego County Fire and Sheriff.
Andrew first joined the County of San Diego in 2008 as a human resources analyst after serving in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. He has held various key positions, including chief of departmental operations for the Department of Planning & Development Services and chief of staff to the chief administrative officer.
Strong’s leadership extends beyond the County. He has served as a commissioner for the City of Chula Vista’s Growth and Oversight Management Commission and currently serving on the Civil Service Commission.
He is an alumnus of RISE San Diego’s Urban Leadership Fellow Program and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from National University.
Shine Bright with Pride
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Join the LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group and Chairwoman Nora Vargas, Vice-Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and other County leaders on Tuesday, June 25 at 5 p.m. at the County Administration Center East Plaza for this year’s Shine Bright with Pride celebration!
This is an annual event that affirms the County’s dedication to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and kicks off our local Pride season.
The event will feature speakers, raising the Pride Progress flag and lighting up the building in the colors of the Pride flag at dusk.
See the flyer below.
Brag on Your 2024 Grad
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Let’s celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates. We want to highlight the grads from preschool to college.
If you or a family member are in the class of 2024, share a photo. Please include the grad’s name and your relation.
Julia Pozo, Student Worker, Housing and Community Development Services, graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor’s degree in public health and minior in honor interdisciplinary studies
Naerya Orinion, Student Worker - Employee Wellness, Department of Human Resources, graduated from San Diego State
TARA AL KHATEEB, STUDENT WORKER, Assessor/ recorder/cty CLK, GRADUATED FROM SDSU
Kaitlyn chiang, digital media intern for Chairwoman nora vargas, graduated with a Bachelor’s in integrated marketing communications
Jessica Velazquez, human resources Officer, graduated with a Master of arts in Human resources management and her daughter Cecilia graduated from kindergarten.
Kierra ceasar-thompson, administrative analyst III, graduated with a master’s in Public Administration
Curtis Donegan, Human Services Specialist, graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration
Ian Harper, Communications Coordinator | Legislative Assistant, 2nd District, graduated from SDSU
AMANDA Leon, HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST with SELF-SUFFICIENCY SERVICES, graduated from SAN DIEGO STATE WITH A MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH, CONCENTRATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. She’s the DAUGHTER OF MARGARITA RUIZ, HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST, SELF-SUFFICIENCY SERVICES, CENTRE CITY FRC.
Natalie Rivas, Student Worker with ARCC graduated from high school. Her mom Gabriela Damian works for SSS and Stepdad Thomas Zurek works for Medical Care Services.
Yenissa Salgado, Chief, Self-Sufficiency Services, graduated from San Diego State with a Masters in PuBlic Administration
Gisselle Ugarte, Office Assistant with Child and Family Well-Being — Polinsky Children’s Center, graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Television & Film with an Emphasis in Critical Studies
Dennise Juarez Aguilar, Constituent Services Representative, Office of Chairwoman Nora Vargas | County Supervisor, graduated from San Diego State Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in public administration and minoring in honors interdisciplinary studies
Juliette, daughter of Jacqueline Muro, in the recorder/County clerk office in chula vista, graduated from high school.
Emmanuel Lucio muro, a student worker in the Assessor’s Office at the CAC, and son of Jacqueline Muro, from the Recorder/County Clerk office in Chula Vista, graduated from SDSU with a bachelor’s in Business Administration.
Danielle Garcia, Child Support Officer,graduated with bachelor’s in criminal justices from Point Loma Nazarene University. HEr son Damian graduated from kindergarten.
Megumi Sueda, Adult Protective Services Specialist, Aging and Independence Services, received a Spanish certificate from Cuyamaca College
Son of Megumi Sueda, Adult Protective Services Specialist, Aging and Independence Services, graduated from 8th grade
Sarah, grandDaughter of Lisa Daugherty, Senor OA NCFRC, graduated from high school and plans to attend culinary school.
Roberto Jovel Alvarez, a student worker for HCDS, graduated from SDSU with a double major in Business Administration and Urban studies.
Althea, daughter of Sheriff’s Detentions Nurse Lorna Roque, and Nicholas, son of Nana Phengratsamy, Admin Analyst for BHS, graduated HS and are both committed to UCLA.
Joshua, son of Kristine Davis, Records & ID Supervisor, Sheriff’s Department, graduated from high school. He will be attending Grossmont College in the fall pursuing a degree in chemistry.
Antonio, son of Ariana Lopez, Human Services Specialist at CV FRC, graduated from Kindergarten.
William, Son of Je’Rae Bailey, Principal Administrative Analyst at BHS/CARE. Graduated from Union College with a BA in Business Management.
Gabrielle, daughter of Alethea Arguilez, Executive Director, First 5 San Diego & Child and Family Well-Being, graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor’s in Sustainability.
Gabriele, daughter of Sheriff's Records & ID Clerk II Rosie M. Galego, graduated from high school. She is going to attend SDSU.
Nena, daughter of Jennifer Wilborn, Human Services Specialist, North Coastal Family Resource Center, graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCSD
Jewel, daughter of Janina Taguiped, Records Supervisor from Records Division, Sheriff’s Department, promoted from elementary school
Ayanah, goddaughter of Marissa D. Bell, Adult Protective Services Specialist, Aging & Independence Services, graduated from high school
Jianna, daughter of Janina Taguiped, Records Supervisor from Records Division, Sheriff’s Department, graduated high school
James, newphew of Sheriff’s Records Supervisor Alma Lopez, graduated from high school
victoria, daughter of Sheriff’s Records Supervisor Alma Lopez, graduated from high school
Gage, son of J. Fejeran, Sheriff’s Records & ID Clerk, graduated from middle school
Sean, son of Kerry Carment, Protective Services Worker, Child and Family Well-Being, graduated from 8th grade
Anthony, son of Renee Yako HHS at Lemon Grove FRC, graduated from UCSD with BS in Political Science/ Data Analytics
Maya, daughter of Sarah Morfin, Child Support Officer, graduated from high school. She will be going to CSU Channel Islands to study applied physics.
Alex, son of Tammy Glenn, Assitant Director of County Communications, graduated from Montana State University with a BA in Film and Photography and a Minor in Anthropology.
Bryn, Child of Marti Brentall, TB outreach and Education Coordinator, graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Psychology and a Minor in Theatre Arts.
Kenton, son of Shlyn Guarian, , Sr Protective Services Worker / Community Outreach Liaison, graduated from UCSD
MEgan, Daughter of Melanie Caramat, IT Contract Manager of County Technology, graduated high school and will be attending UCSD in the Fall.
Angelina, daughter of Liz Yu, Admin Analyst III with Behavioral Health Services, Graduated from High School and will be attending UCSD in the fall.
Raquel, daughter of Kelly K. Aguilera, Property Assessment Specialist III, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, graduated from high school. She will attend Fresno STate in the fall.
Luis, son of Maribel Gallegos, IHSS Program Manager, Aging & Independence Services, Graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering.
JEREMIAH AND JULIANA, SON AND DAUGHTER OF BLANCA CASTILLO, ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY WITH PARKS AND RECREATION. JEREMIAH GRADUATED WITH HONORS FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND JULIANNA CASTILLO GRADUATED FROM KINDERgarten
Sylvia, daughter of Josephina Rodriguez, Office of the Public Defender, and Salvador Rodriguez, Department of General Services, graduated high school and is headed to Wellesley College to study psychology.
Elena, daughter of Josephina Rodriguez, Office of the Public Defender, and Salvador Rodriguez, Department of General Services, graduated high school and is headed to USD to study sociology.
Lexie graduated from 5th grade. Abe graduated from 8th grade. Both are children of Karina Flores, Human Services Program Manager, Self-Sufficiency Services- North Coastal Family Resource Center
Ryan, son of Teresita Sherman, Admin Secretary for Reentry Services, San Diego Sheriff's Office, graduated from High School and will go on to major in Physics at UC Irvine.
Leilani Nevaeh, Daughter of Wendy Cota, Record Clerk, Probation Department, Graduated from Elementary school
Carlos, son of Francesca Cervantes, Human Resources Specialist, graduated from high school. He will attending USD.
Eddie, son of Dawn Billburg, Supervising Office Assistant at Self Sufficiency Services - Southeastern Family Resource Center, graduated from 5th grade
Martin, son of Dawn Billburg, Supervising Office Assistant at Self Sufficiency Services - Southeastern Family Resource Center, graduated from high school. He will be attending Palomar College on the path to join the Navy next year.
Nico, son of Stephanie Caballes, Protective Services Worker,, Child and Family Well-Being—Administration/Policy, graduated from preschool
Alexx, daughter of Esther Yorba, Office of Revenue and Recovery, graduated from High School. She will be attending California State University San Marcos in the Fall.
LARISSA EVE, DAUGHTER OF RANEL VELASQUEZ, PROBATION, graduated from kindergarten
Mauro, son of Karina Miranda, Office Assistant, Aging & Independence Services, graduated from high school
Joseph, son of Brian M. Hagerty, Acting Group Finance Director, FG3, graduated from Notre Dame with a BS in Chemisty.
Janessa, daughter of Patrick Santos, ARCC, graduated from 6th grade
Jasmine, Daughter of Rosemarie Ang, Public Health Nurse Supervisor with Medical Care Services- Central Public Health Center, graduated from UCSD with a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering: Biotechnology.
Marco, son of Carlos Gutierrez (Treasurer-Tax Collector) and Alejandra Gutierrez (HHSA, Self-Sufficiency Services), graduated from SDSU with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Giselle, daughter of Stacy Aguilar, Adult Protective Services Specialist, graduated from junior high
Rayin Sky, daughter of Kristin Masangkay, HHSA FSSD Fiscal Services – Public Health, Graduated from Southwestern College. She’s Transferring to UC Irvine for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Sessya, daughter of Vanessa Gomez, Office Assistant, In-Home Supportive Services, graduated high school
Bria, daughter of Supresha Martin, Senior Treasurer-Tax Collector Specialist, promoted to 7th grade
Emily, daughter of Lisa Gross, IT principal in HHSA, graduated with a masters of Arts in Teaching
Danny, Son of Luisa Sawyer, Senior Public Health Nurse, graduated from high school
Caleb, son of Perla Delgado, Program Specialist with AIS, graduated
Adrian, son of Dalia Bedolla-Florentino, Recordable Documents Specialist, ARCC, graduated from high school
Marielle, daughter of Jose mallari, Admin Analyst with Public Health Services, graduated with a BS in Kinesiology
cHELSEA, DAUGHTER OF rOSALINDA aGUIRRE, hUMAN sERVICES sPECIALIST WITH CALIFORNIA CHILDREn’S SERVICES, GRADUATED FROM CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Aidan, Son of Melissa Aguirre, Program Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services, graduated high school. He’s attending SDSU in the Fall.
Emma, Daughter of Thomas Zurek, Public Health Services, Medical Care Services, and stepdaughter to Gabriela Damian, SSS, graduated from high school
Paulina, daughter of Dulce Andrade Benitez, Protective Services Worker, Resource Family Approval-Background Unit, graduated from kindergarten
Konnie, niece of Yvonne Baay. Recordable Documents Specialist, graduated with a BA in Communications from San Francsico State
Evan, son of Karen Wachowiak, Principal Administrative Analyst, Housing and Community Development Services, graduated from high school. He will major in international studies at UC Irvine.
Jayla, Daughter of Ramisi Briggs, DHR graduated with a BA in Psychology from Texas Southern University.
AnnaRose, great granddaughter of Teresa A. Rogers-Marsh, graduated from preschool
Elyana, daughter of Anna L . Brothers, Supervising Human Service Specialist/CAL, South Region Live Well Center at National City, graduated from high school
Shelby Canino, Senior Public Health Nurse, bragged on her son who graduated high school and is headed to UCSD to study astrophysics
Kayla, daughter of Crystal Cisneros Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services, North Coastal FRC, graduated from high school
Lily, niece of Steve Schmidt, Deputy Director for Capital Construction, General Services, graduated with an MFA in English from UC Irvine
Jazmyne, daughter of Nickole Cook SrOA with the Probation, Graduated from high school.
Elizet, daughter of Mirna Chivarria, Human Services Control Specialist with AIS, graduated
Khyler, grandchild of Henry Walker, imaging Technician, ARCC, graduated from high school. She will attend UNLV.
Ruben, son of Laura Estrada, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services – Chula Vista Family Resource Center
Brooklyn, daughter of Chentell Ingram, Human Services Specialist at North Coastal Family Resource Center, graduated from high school.
Rhiannon, granddaughter of Lindsay Ramsey, Office Assistant, Self-Sufficiency Services: Hospital & Community Support Services, Graduated from High School.
Evan, son of Yvette Urrea Moe in the County Communications Office, promoted from middle school and is on to high school in the fall.
Sebastian, son of Yenissa Salgado, Chief, Self-Sufficiency Services, graduated from kindergarten
Megan, Daughter of James Bryant, Auditor & Controller’s Chief, Dept. Admin Services, Graduated Summa Cum Laude from USC with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Forensics.
Natalie, daughter of Karina Ramirez, Administrative Analyst II, Business Support Services, San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, graduated from high school
Amanda, daughter of Joy Polanco, Housing Specialist II, Housing and Community Development Services, graduated from 6th grade
Devin, son of Luke Taylor, Park Project Manager, graduated High School. And Kaylee, his Daughter, promoted from 8th grade.
Joaquin, child of Lori Gutierrez with Medical Care Services - Central Public Health Center, graduated from High School.
Isaiah, grandson of Angie Penalosa, Auditor & Controller, graduated from kindergarten
kolby, son of wally Gutierrez in Electronic security, graduated from high school and will be attending grand canyon university
Sage, child of Cynthia DueNAS, Assessors Office, graduated from High school
Jaymie, daughter of Jenette Catalan with Inpatient Health Services, graduated from Kindergarten
Adam, Son of Aseel Ross, Behavioral Health Program Manager, graduated from high school
audrey, daughter of monica winters, agriculture, Weights and Measures Supervisor, graduated from high school and will be attending Colorado State University
Jack, son of lara barrett, land use/environmental planner III, graduated middle school as the overall winner of the santee school district’s academic achievement Event
Sofia, daughter of mayra mejia sanchez, office assistant with HCDS, graduated from high school
Jaieden, grandson of Tahaiti Tinsley, executive assistant with LUEG, graduated
Brady, son of beverlee cabral, branch manager at SDCL-Ramona, graduated from Fifth grade
Cheyenne, the daughter of Jennifer Martinez, Senior protective service worker, Graduated with a Master’s degree from the Pratt Institute in New york City.
Ashley, daughter of Marie hommel, chief of agency operations with the child and family well-being department at HHSA, graduated high school
Justin, son of Cecilia Omana, Human services specialist, self sufficiency services - chula vista FRC and retired Probation Officer John Omana, graduated with a master’s in education from High tech high Graduate School of education.
A message from the New County Chief Administrative Officer
/A message from Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton:
I am honored to represent our team as of today as your new Chief Administrative Officer.
I am so grateful and humbled to begin this new chapter as we continue to build a just, sustainable and resilient future for all. That is our County’s vision, and I am committed to you – our County team – and the community we serve to fulfill that vision.
I want to thank Sarah Aghassi, who has been the interim CAO. She provided leadership and support through this critical transition, and I appreciate all she has done.
The County family is special to me. I started as a court services clerk in 1997 at the superior court when the court and County were combined, and I have continued to serve the community in different roles while working alongside so many of you for almost 30 years.
I am proud to be the first Afro-Latina CAO, and I am also a proud San Diegan. I am from this community and am excited to continue serving our community even more in my new role.
As we know, all of our experiences help create a sense of belonging in the organization as we deliver diverse programs and services to the public. We are on a journey, one that we will walk together, toward an organization that is reflective and responsive to the needs of our communities, our families, and our workforce.
Please know that I value your input and the input of the community as we build the future. You can share your thoughts with me by email, I look forward to this journey we are starting together.
Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony Held at County Administration Center
/The Juneteenth flag was raised outside the County Administration Center Thursday in a ceremony attended by dozens of community members and County employees.
The event featured speeches from community leaders and performances by local artists.
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe recognized several leaders of black-owned businesses and community organizations, presenting them with proclamations honoring Juneteenth in the County of San Diego.
In observance of Juneteenth, all San Diego County offices, family resource centers, libraries and animal shelters will be closed to the public Wednesday, June 19.
