Your View: Stunning Sunset Over Lake Morena

This photo of the sun setting over Lake Morena County Parks makes you feel like you are on a vacation. Park Maintenance Worker Omar Torres captured this photo over the summer.

Lake Morena County Park is a popular vacation spot for several reasons. The park has 8 miles of multi-use trails. It’s a hop, skip and jump away from the well-known Pacific Crest Trail. The lake is regularly stocked with a variety of freshwater fish. There are campsites and wilderness cabins. Plus, the park has ample picnic areas. 

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. 

Shape the Future of Your Workplace!

Update: Watch the recording of the information session here.

On Sept. 16, employees in participating departments will receive an invitation to take the second biennial Employee Engagement Survey. CPS HR will again conduct the survey and provide results and analysis to the County.

In 2022, 51 percent of employees took the survey and the results guided departmental action plans to improve employee engagement. This coming survey continues these efforts and is hoped to garner increased employee input.   

Look for an email from CPS HR in a few weeks and take this opportunity to shape the future of your workplace. It’s anonymous. It’s quick. It’s your voice. The survey will be open for three weeks, and it takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

If you want to learn more about the survey, a live information session hosted by CPS HR will be held on Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be recorded and posted on InSite after the event.

In addition, below are some frequently asked questions with responses.

Why are we conducting this survey?

We want to hear from you to make the County of San Diego an even better place to work! We recognize the time and energy you put into serving the public as part of the County team, and research in both the public and private sectors has clearly shown the value of higher levels of employee engagement.

Improved engagement not only enhances the individual employee experience, but also leads to better decision-making and improved individual and organizational performance. Learning more about what keeps you engaged can lead to:

  • greater personal meaning in work

  • a heightened employee connection to work, co-workers, and our overall County vision

  • improved employee retention

  • improved individual performance

  • better organizational performance and outcomes

  • a higher level of customer satisfaction

  • increased involvement and collaboration in decision-making, resulting in better organizational performance and more effective use of resources

  • stronger partnerships across the organization

Utilizing the results from the 2022 Employee Engagement Survey, County departments have been action planning and conducting focus groups with their staff in areas where they would like to increase their employee engagement score. Some examples of what departments have implemented are having all-staff meetings that entail listening, collaboration and guest speakers from other departments, as well as offering more on-the-job training and access to professional workshops and conferences.

How was the survey developed?
CPS HR, an independent consulting agency specializing in employee engagement, developed the survey in 2022 for our initial survey rollout. The survey and is based on the top engagement questions from other surveys specifically designed for the public sector.

How long will it take me to complete the survey?
It should approximately 10 minutes.

Will anyone be able to find out how I responded?
All survey responses will be confidential. No one in the County will review any individual employee’s survey responses. All results will be aggregated either organization-wide or by work units within the County. Candid participation in the survey will help assess strengths, identify areas for improvement and suggest action items.

When will the survey be administered?
CPS HR will launch the survey on Monday, Sept. 16, and it will remain open through Friday, Oct. 4. CPS HR will send each eligible employee an email invitation or provide a hard-copy invitation. CPS HR will also send three email reminders during the survey period.

How will the survey be administered?
CPS HR will administer the survey online. Eligible employees will receive an email invitation with a web link that will enable you to access the survey. Employees who do not have a computer will receive paper invitations with passwords.

Will I be allowed to complete the survey during work hours?
Yes, you may complete the survey during work hours.

What if I don’t want to take the survey?
Your participation is voluntary, yet highly encouraged.

What if a survey is started but not submitted?
Surveys not submitted will not be included in the final results.

Will I receive the results of the survey?
The County plans to distribute the results of the survey after receiving results and analysis from CPS HR in the weeks following the close of the survey. 

How can the survey results be used?
The County of San Diego is committed to employee engagement, and the results will be used to assess the current level of engagement, compare it with the last engagement survey conducted in 2022, and determine action plans. The aim is to enhance positive activities and make improvements where needed.

If I have technical problems completing the survey, who would I contact for help?
Contact CPS HR at surveyhelp@cpshr.us

If I have other questions about the survey, who should I contact?
Please contact Dominic Fulgoni, HR Services Manager, at dominic.fulgoni@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Gallery: See Who Won the Employee Pickleball Tournament

Congratulations to winners of the first ever Doubles Pickleball Tournament. The Employee Wellness Program competition was held at the Boys & Girls Club Gym in 4S Ranch on Aug. 24.

The winning team was Lennie Fernandez and Kylle Zilka, appraisers with the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk.

And in second place was Sean So and Christian Roque, assessment clerks with the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk.

See the gallery below.

Get to Know Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG Board Member Ismael Robles

The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by a respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community. 

Get to know Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG Board Member Ismael Robles.

Q: How long have you worked for the County? What are your job responsibilities?

A: I have been with the County for 1 year as a treasurer-tax collector specialist in the Financial Division of the Treasurer-Tax Collector. My current role is to refund all secured parcels and supplemental bills reviewed and processed over $16 million for fiscal year 2023-2024. I am also part of the Diversity & Inclusion TTC Committee. (Diversity is a FACT, Inclusion is an ACT.)

Q: What’s your workplace superpower?

A: Our workplace superpower is providing exceptional customer service to the taxpayers and community of San Diego County on their property taxes.

Q. Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?

A: I have a few mentors outside of the office. Marcos Suarez, Norman Sprunck, Dr. Heriberto Escamilla, Maestro Macedonio Arteaga Jr., Maestro Jesus Pacheco and Martin Eder along with my family and Ancestors who also inspire me to do my best every day.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?

A: To follow my heart and spirit, and to be vulnerable but courageous.

Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?

A: The Employee Resource Groups of the County of San Diego have some great resources in terms of being engaged with the community, workshops, professional development and networking.

Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?

Charro-style Fiesta from Jalisco, Mexico

A: I enjoy spending time with my wife Elsa going out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, playing chess, dominos, or pickleball with my grandsons, and staying connected with my three young adult children. In addition, I belong to a Circulo de Hombres (Circle of Men). We mentor young boys and men to heal from generational trauma by being present and performing healing circles.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: We can learn from each other. Being of service at home and helping underserved communities. Last year, I established my nonprofit (Gratitude Financial Services) to provide financial literacy education to underserved communities, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and individual homes leading to mental wellness at NO COST. That is my passion, giving back and sharing knowledge.

Robles giving Chairwoman Nora Vargas sage at the raising of the Native American flag ceremony at the County Administration Center in June 2024.

Q: Tell us about your ERG.

A: I am part of three Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s): Emerging Workforce Association (EWA), I’m the current Treasurer; Indigenous Sovereign Nations (ISN) Board of Directors; and San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA) as a member. This is a great way to get involved and make a difference within the County and communities. 

Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?

ISN at the County Operations CEnter

A: As a fairly new member of the ERG communities; I have seen lots of knowledge, wisdom, and different perspectives. I'm excited to be part of the three ERGs I mentioned above and will contribute my knowledge and wisdom to make a difference among the County employees and communities.

Q: What are your 3 favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?

A: Mona Lisa Deli and/or Restaurant, El Ranchero Taco Shop (owned by an old friend of mine) and In-N-Out Burger. My favorite dish is chicken piccata or chicken marsala

Q: Name one (or more) musicians/bands you are listening to right now?

A: In Latin jazz, Salsa—the legendary Tito Puente, El Conguero Poncho Sanchez & Sonora Santanera. The great salsa singers Hector Lavoe (El Cantante) and Rubén Blades. And in classic rock: Journey, Scorpions and Rock en Español Mana.

Also read:

Rewind: Showcasing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Departments shared diversity and inclusion best practices at an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Showcase on Wednesday. Watch the recording to learn about the many creative, innovative and educational examples of fostering diversity and inclusion. 

Presentations were made by D&I champions from:

  • Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

  • HHSA IT Services

  • Probation

  • Public Works

Additional micro-learnings on department D&I efforts were briefly shared by Agriculture, Weights and Measures; Child and Family Well-Being; Planning & Development Services; Self-Sufficiency Services; Sheriff; and Strategy and Innovation.

 Watch it now.

Gallery: Share Your Vacation Photos

Escape with your fellow employees by submitting a photo of your vacation or staycation from the past year. We will feature them here on InSite. 

Email your best photo along with the location and who is pictured. 

waterfall from red rocks with blue water below

Ashley E. Mann, Office Assistant, Self Sufficiency Services
Visited Nova Scotia, Canada.

Jefferson Santos, Board Assistant, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Visited Banff, Canada in June 2024. 

Kendall Bremner, Administrative Analyst, Aging & Independence Services
Visisted Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Kristin McHenry, Principal Administrative Analyst at SDCPH
visited Maui with her husband for their 25th wedding anniversary in May 2024.

Shalissa Olmeda, Program Specialist II, Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities
Juan Olmeda, Office of Border Health Advisor, Public Health Services
Visted: Spain, France, Greece, Denmark and London in August 2024.

Marvin Roberson, Mental Health Case Mgt Clinician, Behavioral Health SErvices
Visited Xcaret, Chichen Itza, at Quintana Roo Mexico.

Zac Hansen, Program Specialist, Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities
Visited Makana Beach in Wailea..

Brian Day, Supervising Probation Officer, Probation
Visited Oregon.

Lauren Pyle, Office Assistant,Child & Family Well-Being
Visited Wahclella Falls Trail just outside Portland, OR.

Joshua Erece, Deputy Probation Officer, Probation Department
Hiked Vernal Falls, Yosemite, California May 2024.

Gerardo Sahagun, Child and Family Well-Being Department
Visited the Caribbean island of Roatan.

Napoleon S Ochoa, Office Assistant, Deparment of Child and Family Well-Being
Attended a veteran reunion in Moab, Utah.

Ariel Lim, Office Assistant, North East FRC
Visited YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK and S. LAKE TAHOE.

Mayla Alvaro, Admin Analyst III, Sheriff
Visited CORON – Palawan, Philippines in April 2024.

Beatriz Price, Administrative Secretary I, Public Works
Visited Paris during the Olympics.

Department of Environmental Health and Quality friends
Visited June Lake, CA in May 2024.

Sean Simmons, Supervising Vector Control Technician, DEHQ
June Lake CA, May 2024.

Kellen Hopp, Management Fellow, Office of Strategy and Innovation
Visited Lake Mendocino in Ukiah, Ca

Jazmin Cruz, Adult Protective Services Specialist, Aging & Independence Services
Visited Kauai, HI.

Chuck Westerheide, Public Safety Communications Officer
Visited Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado

X. Carolina Poblano, Administrative Analyst II, Housing & Homelessness Services
Visited Oaxaca, Mexico for the Guelaguetza.

Jennifer Sieber, HR Analyst in DHR
went to Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland last week.

Jessica Rodriguez, Admin. Analyst, Office of Homeless Solutions
Bahamas, Puerto Rico, London, Paris, and Rome 2024

Victoria Aumand, Administrative Analyst I, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
Visited Redwoods State Park in July 2024.

Greg Japlit, HCDS
Rissa Japlit , ABO
Visited Milan, Rome, Vatican City, and Lake Como , Italy in August 2024.

Jessica Luna, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Traveled to London, Croatia, Greece and Italy.

Jeffrey Johnson, Branch Chief, Public Health Services EISB
at Mt. Katahdin, highest point in the state of Maine, June 2024.

Erin Thomas, REHS – Supervising Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health and Quality
Visisted Peru in July 2024.

Jose L Nevarez Assistant Engineer, Planning & Development Services

Benevic Mallari, Human Services Specialist, Centre City Family Resource Center
Visited Milan, LondoN and  Paris, France in January 2024.

Carl Antonio, Admin Analyst III, Behavioral Health Services, with his two boys at Kahekili Beach – Maui, Hawaii July 2024

Joan Gastones, Office Assistant, Sheriff
Visited Los Cabos San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico.

Charles Redmond, Office Assistant, Ramona Community Resource Center
Visited Maine in August 2024.

Clariza Raagas, Accounting Tech, Public Works
Visiting, London, Paris and Rome. Aug 2024.

Yvette Nungaray, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Costa Rica in March 2024.

Terilyn Cunanan, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Japan.

Giavanna Berk, HR Specialist for General Services
Visited the Louisiana Bayou and Fort Walton Beach, Florida in August 2024.

Reese Gragera, Admin Analyst III, General Services
John Hammack, Project Manager, General ServiceS
Visited Yosemite National PArk.

Dylan Cramer, Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility
Visited the Great Wall of China.

Cho Chomjinda,  Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Horsetrail Falls in Portland, Oregon.

Sarah Snook Brunson, Housing Program Analyst IV, Housing and Community Development Services
Visited Pacuare River and Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

Yessenia Osuna , Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services, Access
Staycationed in Imperial Beach in August 2024. 

Chloe Formichella, Juvenile Forensic Services STAT Team
Visited Cabo San Lucas El Arco in August 2024

Ashley Clark, Staff pharmacist, Medical Care Services
visited CHINAMAN’S HAT IN OAHU.

Loreta Ah-You-Fiame, Manager, Financial Division, Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office
Visited Samoa in August 2024.

Amy Hoffman, Park Project Manager, Parks and Recreation
Visited London, Cumbria and Edinburgh in June 2024.

Sarah Snook Brunson, Housing Program Analyst IV, Housing and Community Development Services
Visited Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean.

Camille Wildburger, Park Project Manager, Parks and Recreation
Visited Yosemite National Park – Half Dome Submit.

Marget Vonner-Smith, Senior Office Assistant, Document Processing Center
Visited Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Desiree Romero, In-Home Supportive Services
Took a Fallbrook Staycation and Relaxation.

Karen Aguilar, Behavioral Health Services
Christopher Metoyer, Environmental Health and Quality
Visted Yosemite National Park, August 2024.

Murali Pasumarthi, Deputy Director, Public Works
Visited Manas Sarovar and Mount Kailash in the Tibet region in August 2024. 

Stephanie Han, Administrative Analyst II, Emergency Services Administration
Visited Kyoto and Osaka, Japan in Feburary 2024.

Ruth Araos, Office Support Specialist, Purchasing & Contracting
Visited Moonlight Beach, Encinitas.

Anne Ulm, Supervising Office Assistant, Probation
Visited washington State, Columbia River Gorge, August 2024.

Steve Schmidt, Deputy Director for Capital Construction, GEneral Services
Permanently vacationing in San Diego. Ocean Beach, July 2024.

 

Vivian He, Finance Chief, Environmental Health and Quality
Visited Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada in March 2024. 

Monico FAller, SEnior Accountant, Public Works
Visisted Sequoia Natioal Park in July 2024.

Deborah Castillo, Administrative Analyst II, Behavioral Health Services
Visited Lower McCloud Fall near Shasta, CA and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA.

Kimberly Giardina, Director, Child and Family Well-Being Department
Visited Lake Shasta and Lake Shasta Caverns in July 2024.

Joshua M. Heinlein, Chief Deputy, County Counsel
Visited Lake Louise, Canada.

Eric Gerhardt, Information Technology Principal, Parks & Recreation
Visited Rocky Mountain National Park in July 2024.

Lorna T. Cobarrubias, Account Clerk Specialist , FSSD -HHSA
Visited Miraculous Stairway in Loreto Chapel, New Mexico and Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.

Emily Duval, Quality Assurance Specialist, Behavioral Health Services
vISITED Waipi’o Valley, Big Island of Hawai’i. July 2024.

Patty French, Office Assistant, Adoptions
Visited Oahu in June 2024.

person crouches with orangutan in tress behind them

Danni Cardiff, Supervising Park Ranger at Potrero County Park
Visited Borneo, Indonesia in Sept. 2023.

Debbie Ordonez, Revenue & Budget Manager, HHSA
Visited Garden of the Gods in Colorado, Hidden Valley in the Philippines, Perini Ranch in Texas and Museum of Illusions in Las Vegas.

Melissa Moreno, Community Health Worker, Office of Equitable Communities
Visited Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum, Denali National Park and the Tanana River in Alaska!

Amer Hamdani, Housing Specialist III, Housing and Community Development Services
Visited Multnomah Fall, Oregon.

Juan Salgado, Administrative Analyst,General Services
Visited Petco Park for both concerts and Padres games.

Matt Lowery, Equipment Operator, Public Works

Diana Chavez, Gabriela Vega and Claudia Castro, Office Assistants in Self-Sufficiency Services
took a trip in July 2024 to Seattle, Washington.

Darwin Espejo, Administrative Analyst II, Behavioral Health Services
Visited Sequoia National Park in June 2024.

Noelita Robeniol, Admin Analyst III, Behavioral Health Services
Visited Universal Studios and La Jolla Cove in June 2024.

Erin Preston-Wager, Supervising Probation Officer
Vancouver, Canada in April 2024.

Mimi Hernandez, Program Specialist II, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited San Salvador, El Salvador

Cathy Murray, ADministrative Analyst, Economic Development and Government Affairs
Visited the Kamakura Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.

Felix P. Sanchez, Administrative Analyst III, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Los Angeles Union Station.

Vaidehi Balaji, Appraiser, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
Visited the City Palace in Jaipur, India. A guard took this picture making her reflection fit into a frame in an adjacent room.

Elizabeth Robles, Legislative Analyst, Office of Strategy and Innovation
Visited New York City.

collage of four photos: 3 in historic locations and one at beach

Mariana Venegas, Sr. Public Health Nurse, Public HEalth Services
visited Sevilla, Cadiz, Granada and Malaga in May 2024.

Peter Kang, HHSA Budget Office
Angie Kang, Office of Emergency Services
Visited Cabo San Jose, Mexico and Zion Canyon (Subway), Utah.

Justin Gibbons, PARK RANGEr at stelzer County Park
Visited Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany taken in June of 2024.

JASON MILLER, HOUSING PROGRAM ANALYST III, HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
VISITED MAZATLAN, MEXICO, TO VIEW THE APRIL 2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE.

Katherine Macario, Human Resources Specialist, Auditor & Controller
Visited Snoqualmie, Washington.

view of dam from above

Jaleh Framrose, Aging Program Specialist II, Aging & Independence Services
Visited the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas.

Bharath Mallikarjun, Engineering Technician III, Public Works
Visited Toatea Lookout, Mo’orea, French Polynesia.

view of the ocean from the sand with several chairs and a kayak

Ana Hernandez, Senior Office Assistant, Child and Family Well-Being
Went camping onthe beach Santispac in Mulegue Baja California Sur.

stonehenge with green grass below and blue sky with clouds above

Luningning G. Martinez, Office Assistant, Child and Family Well-Being
Visited Stonehenge, England.

Michael Arce, Administrative Analyst III, Behavioral Health Services
Visited Krakov, Poland earlier this year.

2 people pet an elephant while standing in a few inches of water

Vina Sandal, Senior Protective Service Worker, Child and Family Well Being
visited an Elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  pictured with retiree Myra Burnett. February 2024.

Eiffel Tower at night from the Seine

Brandy Winterbottom, Deputy Director, Human Resources
Visited Paris, France. June 2024.

4 people make scared faces on the set of "What We Do In the Shadows" TV show

Sara Wilson, Administrative Analyst I, Edgemoor
Visited San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024. Pictured with Donna Dus from Sheriff and friends Gladys and Bren.

snow-capped mountains reflecting off of a glassy lake

Amber Torres, Facilities Manager, San Diego County Library
Visited Glacier National Park - Avalanche Lake.

man stands on peak of rocky mountain with a range behind him

Todd Cloaninger, Principal Administrative Analyst, District ATtorney
Visited Dalsnibba/Geirangerfjord, Norway, June 2024.

view off mountains from a wooded trail with ornate railing

Rovvie Resurreccion, Administrative Analyst, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Mt. Seorak, a prominent mountain located in the northeastern part of South Korea, within Seoraksan National Park in the Gangwon Province. April 2024.

lighthouse on rocky ocean's edge with blue sky

Bryan McComb, Storekeeper, Sheriff
Visited Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

people dot beach with tropic trees behind them and a cloudy sky above

Lauren M. Raduc, Supervising Park Ranger at Live Oak County Park
Visited Costa Rica.

2 people smile with giant modern buildings behind them

Ben Airheart and Tito Airheart, both of Behavioral Health Services.
Pictured in Singapore in front of the Marina Bay Sands.

covered bridge over a river in a busy city at night

Janet Sumabat, Admin Analyst, Communications Office
vISITED THE rIALTO bRIDGE IN vENICE. jANUARY 2024.

3 snow people sit on railing off house while snow comes down

Milo Loftin, Communications Specialist, Communications OFfice
vISITED bIG bEAR, mARCH 2024. 

person poses with hands on hips below a pipeline

Hannah Koppers, Administrative Analyst, Aging & Independence Services
Visited Alaska Pipeline, Big Delta Alaska.

person stands with arms outstretched with giant water fall behind them

Josh Menvielle, Land Use/Environmental Planner, Planning & Development Services
 Visited Iguazu Falls, Brazil.

person wearing backpack looks out over an expansive lake from a vista

Bounmy Khaiaphone, Facilities Analyst, Library
Visited Lake Sabrina.

person stands in snow on top a peak with mountain range behind them

Tegan Glasheen, Program Manager, County Technology Office
Climbed Quandary Peak (14,271 feet), Colorado.

mountains reflect on glassy lake

Kyle Robinson, GIS Technician, ARCC
Visited Rae Lakes in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park.

teen stands with hand on mom's shoulders on trail with rocks behind them

Yvette Urrea Moe, Communications Specialist, Communications Office
Hiked up TO jACINtO peak with HER son.

aerial of boats around a sand bar

Maxill E.  Kornbluth, Treasurer tax Collector
Visited Naked Island, Siargao, Philippines in July 2024.

person in green jacket stands in square in front of ornate cathedral

Luningning G. Martinez, Office Assistant, Child and Family Well-Being
Visited Saint Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna, Austria.

collage of four photos with couple in Italy

Max and Miriam Endoso, HHSA-ABO and DHR
Visited Italty.

building on a cliff next to the ocean with many boats

Sarina Martinez Benavidez,  Epidemiologist II, Public Health Services
Visited Positano, Italy

couple hold baby in front of skyscraper and blue skies above

Melissa Bernales, Admin Sec III, Communications Office
Marc-David Bernales, Sheriff, Detentions Processing Technician
Visited Lotte World Adventure and Seoul Sky in Seoul, South Korea. 

person stands in front of "Vancouver" sign on waterfront

Lillian Gabat, Office Assistant, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Vancouver, Canada in August 2024.

Winnie the Pooh exhibit in case at library

Sandra Perez, Social Worker II, Child and Family Well-Being
Visited the New York library in February 2024.

person holds arms outstretched underwater while wearing snorkel and mask

Kaylee Fisher, Management Fellow, County Communications Office
visited the coast of Lānaʻi, Hawaii. August 2024.

sun setting over a field and mountains in distance

Joanna Rivera, Social Worker III, Aging & Independence Services
Visited San Luis Potosi Mexico- El Rancho El Soyatal (mountains). February 2024.

person stands in pathway through a drawbridge

Olga Lucia Acosta, Library Technician II, County Library
Visited Castello Di Amorosa Winery. Napa Valley, CA. July 2024.

rocky shoreline with blue water

Susan “Susie” Delos Santos-Valenzuela, Edgemoor Hospital
Visited Anini Beach, Kauai.

person leans on fence in front of the Tower Bridge in London

EILEEN SERRANO, HHSA-HSEC
Visited Tower Bridge of London.

person stands on bridge with school-like brick building behind them

Kayla Iliff, Senior HR Analyst, Human Resources
Visited Boston amd Cambridge, massachusetts. 

John Lee, Information Technology Analyst, Child Support Services
Visited Gundam Factory located in Yokohama, Japan.

collage of 6 photos; one with person standing in front of historic sculpture

Caroline Castro, Human Services Specialist, Self-Sufficiency Services, Access
Visited Dublin, Italy, London and Paris in June 2024.

view of mountain range from snowy peak

Analilia Ortega, Administrative Secretary II, Self-Sufficiency Services
Visited Colorado Springs, CO and rode the Cog railway up to the top of Pikes Peak Mountain in May 2024.

a port with many boats anchored in the harbor and growing hills behind

Cassie Saunders, Group Communications Officer, HHSA
Visited Catalina Island.

Take the County’s Community Engagement Assessment Survey

Community engagement is at the center of everything we do at the County of San Diego, with the goal that every person has an equal opportunity to inform the decisions that impact them.

The County Communications Office is conducting an assessment of community engagement efforts across the enterprise to identify areas of opportunity. The assessment will inform the development of a strategic plan for county-wide community engagement.

The International Association for Public Participation’s (IAP2) pillars for effective public participation and other sources were used to develop the assessment’s framework.

The framework includes multiple methods to evaluate our community engagement efforts. One method is to survey staff on their experience conducting community engagement on behalf of the County.

The survey will gather information on four main areas: culture, capacity, practice and impact, and may take up to 20 minutes to complete. Staff is asked to please complete the full survey.

Open through Sept. 2, you can take the survey here.

If you have any questions, contact Natalia Hentschel, Community Engagement Manager, at natalia.hentschel@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Additional Engagement Resources

Engage San Diego County

Engage San Diego County (Engagement HQ) is the County’s online engagement platform. Engage San Diego County allows staff to share information about County projects, programs and services while getting feedback directly from residents.

If you have a project, program or service that is looking to utilize online engagement, the first step is to initiate a request with an MS Form.

Engagement Center

The Engagement Center website is the County’s central engagement activity information hub. Think of it as a virtual corkboard. Here, you can post the details for active and upcoming public input opportunities like community meetings, surveys, and public comment periods. Use Engagement Center to expand your reach and increase participation in your engagement programs.

If you have current or upcoming public input activity you would like to promote, click here and select “+ Add new item” to submit your request.

Planning for Effective Community Engagement

This hands-on half-day training workshop explores what community engagement is, what makes it meaningful and effective, and how staff can do it well. The course introduces IAP2 and its resources. It is provided monthly and available for all County staff.

Register today through LMS.

Don’t Miss APACE Bonfire

The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees (APACE) is hosting a beach bonfire this weekend. Join the employee resource group for summer fun.

Meet up at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. The bonfire will take place at Crown Point Beach on Crown Point Drive in Pacific Beach. The exact location will be confirmed closer to the event.

For more information, email apace@sdcounty.ca.gov.

See the flyer below.