Don’t Miss the SDCLA Holiday Gathering and Toy Drive

Celebrate the season with the San Diego County Latino Association. Join SDCLA’s festive Holiday Gathering and Toy Drive in support of the Jackie Robinson YMCA.

Date: Friday, Dec. 13

Time: Starts at 7 p.m.

Location: Novo Brazil Brewing (Mission Valley), 1640 Camino Del Rio N Ste 341, San Diego, CA 92108

Bring one unwrapped toy per person to help SDCLA reach their goal of collecting 50 toys for children.

RSVP by clicking here!

For any questions, contact SDCLA@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Time to Prepare for Year End

It’s that time again to review and/or update your personal information in PeopleSoft. The County will be mailing your 2024 Form W-2 by Jan. 31, 2025. Ensuring your information is accurate will help avoid any delays in receiving your Form W-2.

Please review your address in PeopleSoft using Employee Self Service and confirm it is the correct mailing address and contains the correct nine-digit ZIP Code.

The deadline to review and update your information in Employee Self Service is Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

Helpful Information

Q: What if I don’t have a County computer?

A: Please contact your Departmental Human Resources Officer to request an address update.

Q: How do I log into Employee Self Service?

A: Please use this link  Employee Self Service, to access PeopleSoft via Single Sign On.

Help Desk Contact Numbers

Sheriff Department: 858-256-2100
District Attorney: 619-531-4104
All other County employees: 888-298-1222

Additional Information to Consider

You may also elect to receive your Form W‐2 electronically by completing the consent form through  Employee Self Service. An employee who consents to receiving the Form W-2 electronically will not receive a Form W-2 paper copy from the County.

While you’re logged into  Employee Self Service, please review your Emergency Contact information. If this information is out-of-date or incomplete, it could delay notification in case of an emergency.

Coping with the Holiday Blues

The holiday season is a bustling time that may bring a mix of emotions. It can be a joyous time and also a time of stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression.

While these feelings can creep in any time of year, they can be more common in December.

Here are tips for the holiday season:

• Establish realistic goals and expectations

• Set a spending limit and stick to it

• Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages

• Make plans with others and spend time with people who are supportive and caring

• Look for opportunities to express kindness by volunteering at a shelter, meal delivery service or senior center

• Eat healthy, exercise regularly and try to laugh; laughing is a great aerobic exercise

While the holidays can feel overwhelming, getting back to your normal routine also helps keep these difficult feelings at bay. As holiday events or gatherings start finishing up, these feelings may dwindle for some.

If these feelings linger or interfere with your daily life, you may need to reach out to your primary care physician or a mental health professional. Look for these signs:

• Loss of interest in activities that used to bring you joy

• Eating more or less than usual, or gaining or losing weight

• Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual

• Feeling slow or restless

• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or inadequate

• Having difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly or making decisions

• Persistent thoughts of death or suicide

• Withdrawal from others

For more information and mental health resources visit www.up2sd.org. If you are experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis please call 988 or the Access and Crisis Line 1-888-724-7240.

In addition, the County offers employees free confidential counseling and referral services through an Employee Assistance Program. Learn more about our EAP. 

Show Us Your Holiday Style

‘Tis the season for holiday sweaters, T-shirts, ties, socks and more. Email a photo of your holiday outfit of the day to communications@sdcounty.ca.gov and/or check the gallery below.

New entries will be added daily.

psychiatric Hospital’s CAndyland-themed holiday party

southeastern family resource center Intake Unit

HHSA – Fiscal – Mental Health Unit

CFWB’s very own santa hard at work

IHSS - El Cajon - SE leadership team

Office of Military and Veteran Affairs

CFWB Office of Safety

Child and family well being

child and family well being

CFWB Office of safety

Chula Vista Family resource center

APS - IHSS - Holiday get TOGETHER EL Cajon

Self Suffciency Services

Healthcare oversight contracts and mat care coordination unit

Self-Sufficiency Services, Quality & Eligibility Support Division

Southeastern FRC

East County Strengths Based Case Management

Office of Emergency Services

Esther Sanchez, Lemon Grove Family Resource Center, and CW/CF/MC Continuing Eligibility group

Office of Military & Veterans Affairs

HHSA - Fiscal

North Inland Public Health Center (Clinic and Nurse Home visiting Staff)

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Finance team

McClellan-Palomar Airport

Polinsky Children’s Center

Self Sufficiency Services – Document Processing Center

Self-Sufficiency Services, Southeastern Family Resource Center

Registration/Petitions at the Registrar of Voters Office

Child and Family Well-Being, North Inland Adoptions Unit

Child  and Family Well Being North Regions Placement Teams

Public Health Services, HIV, STD & Hepatitis C Branch

CFWB-FARFS GF4A Unit

Registration/Petitions at the Registrar of Voters Office

Professional Staff of San Marcos Sheriffs Station

IHSS Clerical-Overland Office

Office of Homeless Solutions, East Region SWIII Unit, Housing and Community Development Services

Child and Family Well-Being - Office of Child Safety

AGING & INDEPENDENCE SERVICES – IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM

CHULA VISTA RECORDER/CLERK

Assessor and Executive Office

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

Lemon Grove FRC- SAF Unit

County Counsel HHSA Advisory Team

Child and Family Well-Being: Indian Specialty Unit

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Finance Team

Melanie Sokol- Sup OA, Bryan Diaz & Lenouris Jones- Office Assistants, and Alex Edmondson (Santa)- SR OA

behavioral health services care program

Public Defender

hhsa - fiscal

Southeastern Family Resource Center – Customer Service Unit

Office of Equitable Communities, Community Action Partnership

Public Defender

behavioral health services care program

Public Defender

Agriculture, Weights & Measures - Pest Detection

HHSA Fiscal

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) Accounting Unit

Aging & Independence Services Management Team

Behavioral Health Services l East County Behavioral Health Center

Vaccine Management Program – Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch

Tuberculosis Control & Refugee Health Department

Joanna Rivera, Aging & Independent Services / IHSS

Agriculture, Weights & Measures - Pest Detection

Office of Homeless Solutions, Specialized Unit, Housing and Community Development Services

Department of Child Support Services

Department of Child Support Services

Chentell M. Ingram,  North Coastal Family Resource Center – Self-Sufficiency Services

Department of Child Support Services

Office of Revenue and Recovery

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

Self-Sufficiency Services – CalWORKs Program

Department of Child Support Services

North Coastal’s Court Intervention Unit

HHSA Financial & Support Services Division – Fiscal Services

Sherry Brideau, Public Works

TB DEPT @ NORTH CENTRAl

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

Community Action Partnership (CAP), Office of Equitable Communities

Jasmine Cisneros and Ernessita Santos both from DCSS

HHSA

Child and Family Well-Being, Contracts Unit

North Central Public Health Center

Medical Care Services, Pharmacy Rosecrans

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Finance Team

Claudia Banuelos, Medical Care Services

Self-Sufficiency Services – North Central Family Resource Center

NAtional City Family Resource Center

Del Mar Branch Library

Child and Family Wellbeing Office of Child Safety

Self-Sufficiency Services- Eligibility Training Center

Child and Family Well-Being | Office of Child Safety

Lakeside Library Staff and Volunteers

Public Health Services, Office of Vital Records and Statistics

Public Works

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

PubLic Works

Chula Vista Recorder/Clerk

North Central HEalth Center

Lincoln Acres Library

BHS Pathways to Well-Being/Continuum of Care Reform Team

Laura Koski, Jennifer Hernandez, Jasmine Wallace, Jennifer Olvera Moo and Adriana Medina, Child and Family Well-Being – Office of Child Safety

HHSA Facilities Management & Records Warehouse

Development Team at Parks and Recreation

Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

Child and Family Well-Being

ARCC Purchasing Unit

John TarbOx, Registrar of Voters

Self-Sufficiency Services – Finance and Contracts

Sherry Brideau, Public Works

San Diego North Medical Therapy Unit, California Children’s Services (CCS)

Arleth A. Rubio, Child and Family Well-Being, Office of Child Safety

Self-Sufficiency Services – North Central Family Resource Center

Jasmine Cisneros, Child Support Services

Your View: Supporting Dreams for Change

The County of San Diego Filipino-American Employees Association recently donated 74 blankets, 120 pairs of socks and 108 towels to people in the Dreams for Change Safe Parking Program.

The program provides safe parking spaces for people experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles.

The employee resource group also provided a Filipino dinner to the 41 people currently using the Safe Parking Program. The meal included Filipino potluck favorites like pancit, lumpia and barbecue chicken.

“The meal nourished not only the body but also the soul, sparking meaningful conversations of personal experiences with Filipino culture,” said CSDFEA ERG Vice President Revannah Restua. “For some program participants, it was their first time having Filipino cuisine, while others were delighted to enjoy familiar dishes they hadn’t had in years.” 

This collaborative effort with Dreams for Change reflects CSDFEA’s commitment to supporting and providing relief to our community’s more vulnerable populations.

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. 

Celebrating the Holidays

The County Administration Center is lit for the holiday season.

Get to Know Your ACAO: Caroline Smith

Get to know the County’s new leadership team in a series of stories highlighting some professional and personal highlights. It started with Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton.  

In the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to the CAO’s leadership team – the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Chief Administrative Officers and Chief Financial Officer.  

Right now, it’s Caroline Smith’s turn. She’s the County’s new Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. Previously, she was the director for the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs.  

What is your leadership style?

I live out loud and I lead out loud. I love leading teams where all voices are heard. I have learned so much from my team members over the years who provide a different perspective than I do.  

In the Clifton Strengths Assessment, what are your signature themes?

My strengths are Analytical, Activator, Discipline, Input, and Individualization. 

Advice to someone just starting out in their career?

Be open to multiple paths - success isn’t always linear. Even if a job doesn’t seem like a logical progression, if it seems interesting - apply! 

Do you have a particular philosophy? Motto? Saying that inspires you/that you live by?

There is a sign that hangs in my office that says, “Two things you are in total control of in life are your attitude and your effort.” That has always helped to recenter me when things out of my control are not going well. All I can do is the next right thing! 

Introvert or extrovert and describe why?

Introverted extrovert. I live out loud but do need downtime to decompress. 

Where did you grow up?

Ramona! I am the sixth generation on my Mom’s side born in San Diego County.  

Favorite activity or hobby?

Dancing. 

Do you have any pets and what do you like about them? 

Two crazy rescue dogs - a black lab and a chocolate lab. I love the joy and energy they bring to our home. 

Favorite food or cuisine?

Mexican food - specifically homemade tamales! 

Least favorite food?

ONIONS. 

Favorite way to spend the weekend?

Relaxing on the couch watching football. 

What do you like to do on vacations?

Sit on a beach! 

How do you stay organized?

I love lists. I love making them, and I love crossing things off. I am a very linear thinker, but also a multitasker (like all working moms!), so my lists keep me organized and on task.  

How do you juggle home and professional life?

I am very intentional about carving out time with my family. It requires some pre-planning in this new role, but it is important to me that I am there for every milestone for my son. 

 Also read:

Get to Know Your DCAO: Brian Albright, FG3

Get to Know Your DCAO: Kim Giardina, HHSA

Get to Know Your DCAO: Dahvia Lynch, LUEG

Get to Know Your DCAO: Andrew Strong, PSG

Get to Know Your CFO: Joan Bracci

Consider CECO on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. This Giving Tuesday, consider donating to the County of San Diego charitable arm, the County Employees Charitable Organization (CECO). 

CECO has donated more than $7 million since its inception in 1956. CECO is fully funded and managed by County employees and retirees. In 2024 alone, CECO gave $101,507 to 58 local nonprofits. In January 2024, with the help of various donations, CECO granted over $38,000 to County employees who were affected by the 2024 January floods. One hundred percent of donated funds from employees and retirees go back to local nonprofit agencies and employees or retirees in crisis. CECO is employees managed and volunteered-based. 

There are two simple ways to give to CECO:  

1. Become a biweekly contributor for as little as $2 per pay period or increase your current biweekly contribution by $1.  

2. Make a one-time donation with cash, by check or via Venmo or PayPal. 

   Don’t forget to write your name and information for CECO to thank you. 

To donate cash, email sdceco@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

To donate by check, mail check to: 

CECO
1600 Pacific Highway, #209 
San Diego, CA 92101 

Learn more about CECO. 

Your View: Community Health Workers at Adelante Promotores Conference

This photo was submitted by Azucena Lopez de Nava from the County’s Department of Homeless Solutions & Equitable Communities where staff presented at the annual Adelante Promotores Conference.

The purpose of the conference is to inspire, educate, and provide skill-building opportunities for Community Health Workers and promotores; supporting their work to strengthen community health and wellness throughout San Diego County. 

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. 

CAO Message: Thankful for You and the Work You Do

A message from Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the incredible work you do every day to ensure everyone in our region is served. What you do truly makes a difference, and I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing, diverse team.

This year, I’m feeling especially thankful for the chance to start this new chapter in my public service journey surrounded by such talented and dedicated people. Our team is strengthened by the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences each of you brings, and that diversity is what makes us not just greater, but more impactful in advancing the strategic vision of our Board and the work we do for our community. Supported by this new leadership team, our diverse perspectives and collective innovation will undoubtedly elevate the County to new heights.

How ever you may be celebrating—whether through traditional Thanksgiving customs, cultural traditions, or simply taking time to reflect—I hope this season brings you warmth, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As I look forward to spending time with my family and thinking about what I’m most grateful for, you’ll be right there at the top of my list.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, meaningful, and memorable Thanksgiving.