Celebrating the 2025 Lunar New Year

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The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which corresponds with the phases of the moon. According to this lunar calendar, Lunar New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month.

In 2025, the Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29 and will be observed through Feb. 16, marking the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia and other countries. Lunar New Year goes by many names including, Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, Chūnjié (in Mandarin), Seollal (in Korean) and Tết (Vietnamese).

On New Year’s Day, family members receive red envelopes with money that symbolize good wishes and luck for the year ahead.  In addition, the holiday is celebrated with fireworks, lion dances, colorful lanterns and by eating what are considered auspicious foods like fish, dumplings, noodles, glutinous rice balls, spring rolls, rice cakes, rice cake soup and tangerines.

Year of the Wood Snake

2025 is the Year of the Snake, more specifically, the Wood Snake. People born in Snake years (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) are said to be known for their wisdom, intuition, friendliness and calmness—qualities that reflect Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton’s vision for the County built on culture, trust and empowerment.

Those born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be naturally strategic, excellent problem-solvers, and skilled communicators. They follow their curiosity, foster acceptance and belonging, build trust through communication and partnerships, and empower others by encouraging innovation and ensuring all voices are heard.

Upcoming Events (free to the public)

  • San Diego Tết Festival at Liberty Station
    The festival will feature performances, competitions, lion dancing, a cultural village, food, a carnival, and more. It will take place at NTC Park in Liberty Station over three days: Friday, Jan. 31, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the festival and until 9 p.m. for the carnival.

  • 2025 San Diego Lunar New Year Festival at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park
    The three-day festival will feature lion dances, arts and cultural exhibitions, fireworks, food vendors, and folk and traditional performances. The festival will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 24, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 25, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 26.

  • San Diego Chinese New Year Fair 
    Experience live music, food, and fun activities for all ages in Downtown San Diego on Feb. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Balboa Park Chinese New Year Fair
    This event will feature Chinese food vendors, cultural performances, arts and crafts, calligraphy and lion dances. The fair is organized by the House of China located at the International Cottages Balboa Park. Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. 50 5 p.m.

  • Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Poway Library
    The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees invites the community to a Lunar New Year celebration at Poway Library. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with lion dancers, cultural performances, crafts and face painting. Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. Lion dancers will perform at 3 p.m.

  • Celebrate Chinese New Year at Lakeside Library
    Learn about the Lunar New Year from Riverview International Academy students with hands-on learning activities. Saturday, Jan. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

  • Lunar New Year Storytime at Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library
    Enjoy a bilingual storytime in both Mandarin and English, celebrating the Lunar New Year. There will be stories, songs, and movement activities followed by a craft. Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

  • Lunar New Year at Del Mar Library
    Celebrate the new year at Del Mar Library, featuring the CK Lion Dancers. Please note this event will be very noisy. All ages welcome. Register to attend; space is limited to the first 80 sign-ups. Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Resources

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Poway Library

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APACE logo

The Asian Pacific Alliance of County Employees invites the community to a Lunar New Year celebration at Poway Library. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with lion dancers, cultural performances, crafts and face painting.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 2
Time: Starts at 2 p.m. The lion dancers will perform at 3 p.m.
Location: Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064.

See the flyer below.

Lightning Takes EV Goals Over the Top

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Fleet Services celebrated the delivery of a new Ford F-150 Lightning recently. The pickup truck symbolized a milestone in the Electric Vehicle Roadmap – the 250th electric vehicle to join the County fleet.

The roadmap called for converting 250 gas-powered vehicles to EVs by the end of 2025. The year was only eight days old when the Lightning came in, prompting a flurry of celebratory photos at General Services.  

Public Works drove the Lightning off the Kearny Mesa lot. In fact, compared with other departments, Public Works is the second highest buyer of EVs, with 41. Of all the groups, Land Use and Environment drives the most EVs, more than 70.

The County’s EV fleet features battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. They include additional Ford Lightnings, Ford Escapes, Chrysler Pacifica vans, Toyota RAV 4s, Jeeps and more.

Fleet’s Departmental Operations Chief David Fernandez says 16 departments helped Fleet meet the goal. To encourage buy in, Fernandez tells prospective buyers about the advantages.

Light-duty EVs like sedans, smaller SUVs, minivans and small trucks are cheaper to maintain than conventional vehicles and manufacturer warranties are just as long. More importantly, EVs protect the environment.  

“We need to be thoughtful about the way we use our vehicles and consider their impact on air quality,” said Fernandez. “If we can reduce emissions to make air quality better, then that’s what we’re going to do.”

Now fleet is striving for its second EV Roadmap goal; place 501 EVs in service by 2027. That would be more than double the current EV numbers in just two years.

But Fernandez is confident. Two additional EVs have already come in and he says 90 others are on order and should arrive this summer. In other words, he says we’re right on track.

CAO Message: Honoring a National Day of Service

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A message from Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton:

As County employees, you have chosen to serve the community and each other every day.

On Monday, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who championed justice, equity and service. His dream of a society rooted in equality and compassion inspires us to take action to improve our communities. This is why MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, encouraging all of us to embody his vision through acts of kindness and solidarity.

Your work as public servants is a powerful reflection of Dr. King’s legacy. You collaborate with partners and individuals to move the region toward a just, sustainable and resilient future. Beyond your professional roles, many of you extend this commitment by volunteering your time, supporting causes close to your heart, and working to uplift those in need.

I am truly proud to work alongside all of you as we live out the vision of promoting equity and service to others.

One opportunity to make a difference in our region is by joining hundreds of your fellow employees and others the morning of Thursday, Jan. 30 to connect with people experiencing homelessness. That effort, known as the Point in Time Count, helps bring valuable funding to the region to serve and support this vulnerable population.

County employees are a significant part of making this annual count possible. Employees are paid for volunteering. Supervisor approval is needed to participate. Learn more about how to register.

You can also give back through the San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization (CECO), which provides grants to local nonprofits and assistance to employees and retirees in crisis. CECO is funded by the generosity of employees and retirees through donations and volunteer efforts. Learn more about how your contributions make a difference.

Dr. King reminded us that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Your dedication to service answers that question daily. Whether through your work or personal efforts, you are building a stronger, more compassionate San Diego. Thank you for all you do to honor his legacy and make a difference in our community.

Limited Payroll Services Available on Jan. 16 & 17

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graphic of check

As part of the Auditor & Controller relocation, Central Payroll Administration is moving to a new work location on Thursday, Jan. 16 and Friday, Jan. 17.

 As a result, there will be limited services available:

  • Manual printed paycheck and advice requested for pick up will be temporarily distributed at 5500 Overland Ave., Third Floor, San Diego, CA 92123, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Inter-office and U.S. mail deliveries to Central Payroll Administration may be delayed.

  • The main fax line at 858-694-2052 will not be available.

Effective Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Auditor & Controller, including Central Payroll Administration, will be at the new address 5500 Overland Ave., Suite 470, San Diego, CA 92123. 

Central Payroll’s main telephone number (858) 694-2051, fax number (858) 694-2052, and Mail Stop O-68 will remain the same.

If you have any questions or concerns, email Central Payroll at CentralPayroll@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Read the Latest Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter

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large crowd with hands in arm throwing colorful chalk in the air

The latest EDI Digest is out! This interactive newsletter, with a focus on the power of positivity, has curated videos, podcasts, and articles that will help inform, build connections and spark inclusive conversations. It is designed to be used as a learning resource throughout the quarter for County employees. 

Check out the Connecting the Dots section featuring one of our new Deputy Chief Administrative Officers Kimberly Giardina.  

Explore it now (open in Edge).  

Employees Invited to Community Circle

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Join the Middle Eastern Employee Resource Group and the County of San Diego for the Building Bridges Community Circle – a unique opportunity for San Diego County employees to come together in an ancient and healing practice.

In a time of change and uncertainty, the event offers a safe space to connect, listen and heal as a community. Through shared stories and collective support, we’ll work to bridge divides, foster understanding and restore unity.

Experienced facilitators Tina Medina and Luis Ruan will lead this event, which offers the chance to reflect, process, and build stronger relationships within our workplaces and beyond.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today for this free event on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the County Operation Center (COC).

Registration closes Jan. 27—don’t miss this transformative experience.

If you are interested in attending future community circles, please join this interest list.

See the flyer below.

Join ERG Mixer and Day of Service

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EWA logo

Join the Emerging Workforce Association (EWA) for a member mixer and day of service this week. Both events are open to County employees, family and friends.

Mixer
Date: Friday, Jan. 17
Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Location: AleSmith Brewing Company, 9991 AleSmith Court, San Diego, CA 92126
RSVP now

MLK Day of Service
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Mt. Hope Community Garden, 4269 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
RSVP now

Attend New Virtual Lunch and Learns on Social Security and Medicare

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close up on Social Security card, money and a print out of a retirement plan

Getting ready for retirement? Attend Department of Human Resources virtual presentations on Social Security and Medicare. Experts will discuss eligibility, enrollment and benefits. 

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

Social Security Session 
Wednesday, Jan. 22 
Noon – 1 p.m. 
Click here to join the Social Security session 

Medicare Session 
Wednesday, Jan. 29 
Noon – 1 p.m. 
Click here to join the Medicare session 

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

 

Nicoletti Named Director of Planning & Development Services

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Vince Nicoletti has been appointed as the new Director of Planning and Development Services (PDS). Nicoletti brings more than 20 years of experience to the role.

Nicoletti joined the County as a student worker in 2000. He has served as a project manager in Parks and Recreation, staff officer in the Land Use and Environment Group Executive Office and chief of support services in Planning and Land Use (now PDS). 

In addition, he’s served as deputy director, acting chief of land development and assistant director of PDS.

“As the director, Vince will oversee a department of 300+ employees dedicated to serving the public with excellence,” said Dahvia Lynch, Land Use and Environment Group Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. “His leadership qualities, strategic vision, and industry expertise will be invaluable to the department and the County.”