It’s Data Privacy Day!

Safeguarding personal information, such as from clients, customers, and employees, requires diligence. Please take time to review your own department and group policies and procedures, as well as County of San Diego policies and procedures to recognize and safeguard personal information, and confirm steps to report potential privacy and security incidents, issues, or concerns.

• The CAO Admin Policy 0400-11 County Information- Classification, Protection Level, and Proper Security directs the classification, protection level, proper security and handling of County Information.

• HHSA Agency Compliance Office resources can be found on InSite.

• Additional training materials can be found on LMS (Learning Management System).

From Invisible to Visible

Representation matters. Watch how NPR anchor Maria Hinojosa went from feeling unseen and unheard to learning to speak up and amplify voices. In this TED Talk, she describes how her experiences as a Mexican-American sparked her desire to become a journalist committed to valuing and covering all American experiences in the media.

County Doctor Appointed to Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel

The County Health and Human Services Agency’s child health officer has been appointed to a state board that provides advice on issues impacting children whose parents have limited income and resources.

Dr. Kelly Motadel is one of 15 members on the Medi-Cal Children’s Health Advisory Panel, which advises the California Department of Health Care Services on policy and operational issues that affect children on Medi-Cal. Read more.

Restrictions Eased for Restaurants, Other Businesses

After seven weeks of closures, restaurants, museums, theaters and other businesses can resume outdoor operations immediately under state guidance. Learn more.

Picture Perfect Snow at County Park

Supervising Park Ranger Nick Sloan captured a photo of the snow at Palomar Park on Sunday.

Did you visit the snow?

Pause to Disrupt Bias

Bias isn't always obvious. It can show up in all kinds of subtle ways. Pausing can disrupt our biases and make sure that they don't get in the way of the decisions we make. Pause to watch this short video.

Does this video get you thinking? Read more in the D&I Digest.

Remembering Lives Lost to COVID-19

The County Administration Center was lit-up in amber Tuesday night to remember the lives lost to COVID-19.

Registrar Michael Vu Named ACAO

A face familiar to many in election and media circles, Registrar of Voters Michael Vu is now taking on the responsibilities of Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for the County of San Diego.

Vu began his new role Jan. 8 after working for the County for nearly 14 years, the last eight as Registrar.

The Chief Administrative Office is responsible for implementing policy decisions from the Board of Supervisors. The office also manages day-to-day operations.

CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer praised Vu for working tirelessly to engage the San Diego community in a way that represents County values. 

“Not only has he enjoyed taking on new challenges, but he has been innovative and resourceful in responding to them,” said Robbins-Meyer. “For this, he has gained the respect and trust of many within our community, including community-based organizations, advocacy groups, elected officials and the media.”

“I am eager to contribute in any way to the goals of the County and to work with Helen and the Board of Supervisors on the most pressing issues that the County faces.” said Vu. “Having dedicated myself to public service for 24 years in conducting elections, I am looking forward to bringing those experiences with me in this new role.”

As Vu takes on his new responsibilities, he will also continue to lead the Registrar of Voters particularly now that a special vacancy election is expected for the 79th Assembly District. Assistant Registrar Cynthia Paes will serve as the Acting Registrar.

Vu succeeds Tracy Sandoval as Assistant CAO. Sandoval left the County last October to become the Chief Executive Officer for the San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA).

Hit the Road to Better Health

Join Employee Wellness’ next challenge. The online program will have you tracking health habits with coworkers, family and friends! Register now through Jan. 29. The challenge runs Feb. 1 through March 14.

Ask The Expert: Nutrition Panel

Let’s make 2021 the year we change the conversation around food, nutrition and health! Join Employees Wellness’ livestream conversation about what it means to eat well for real people with real lives. The forum, with a "Culinary Medicine Team,” will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19 on Microsoft Teams.

Join this live event through your Microsoft Teams application or through the Chrome web browser.