F IRST Q UARTER 2009 V OLUME 14 • NUMBER 1

FRANKLY SPEAKING

A NEWSLETTER FOR AND BY MARIN COUNTY EMPLOYEES

The Future of Managing Our Finances

By Matt Bronson —CAO

In the midst of last fall’s historic presi- The new structure is designed to with impacted staff to discuss the dential election, it might have been modernize and integrate the county’s consolidation. “Although I recognize easy to overlook Measure B, a local financial management, and reflects the diligent efforts of both the Auditor- ballot measure about the creation of an recent steps to improve our financial Controller’s and the Treasurer-Tax The full consolidation appointed Director of Finance position systems. This management structure Collector’s staff in recent years, this of both departments for the County of Marin. Approval of is used by a number of counties and structure will benefit the county organi- ■ will occur at the this measure by voters, however, was nearly every city in California. zation over the long run. Over the next an important step in improving the County Administrator Matthew Hymel few years, I look forward to creating a expiration of Michael county’s operations and modernizing recommended the consolidation of the single financial management team that Smith’s term as how we manage our finances to meet two financial offices to the BOS and met Continued on page 11 the Treasurer-Tax current and future needs. ■ The Collector in Board of Supervisors (BOS) placed Measure B on the ballot to ask voters January 2011. to create a new Director of Finance Photo by John Vogee position appointed by the Board, and over time to consolidate the Auditor- Controller’s and Treasurer-Tax Collector’s departments into a single Department of Finance. Placing this measure on the November ballot was important, given the recent retirement L to R: Karen Shaw (Treas/Tax), Danny Briones (Aud-Cont), Roy Given (Treas/Tax), Byron Karow (Aud-Cont), Hans-Christian Metz (IST), Maxx Gold (IST), Terry Corde (IST), and Vladimir of Auditor-Controller Richard Arrow. Matyurin (Aud-Cont) collaborate on financial matters.

Laughter Yoga of laughter and started the first Laughter Club. Dr. Kataria’s wife, a yoga teacher, By Kathleen Roach —H&HS helped him design a sequence of simple Laughter Yoga. Just saying these laughter exercises with gentle yoga words makes folks smile. In an effort breathing for maximum benefits. to bring some fun to the Marin County Laughter helps you to breathe deep Photo by Kathleen Roach Try it! Fair this year, Theresa Elaine (H&HS) into the abdomen, reducing stress and …sit or stand and Kathleen Roach (H&HS) introduced aiding relaxation. ■ As our lives fill Laughter Yoga, headed by Sparkie with more and more challenges, it is …laugh Lovejoy, at the Prevention Pavilion. We vital to develop a variety of stress-reduc- …keep on laughing invited people to take a one-minute ing methods. Laughter puts us intensely for one minute. laughter challenge and offered a into the moment. Laughter Yoga aims to Laughter Yoga training session. Most develop joyfulness, which is the uncondi- people who participated successfully tional commitment to having fun despite completed the laughter challenge. ■ all the problems we face. ■ If you are Laughter Yoga is a combination of interested in experiencing a laughter Teri Vyenielo-Rockas, Project Coordinator tension-releasing laughter exercises club, visit www.laughteryoga.com to for Play Fair Marin, and Sparkie Lovejoy, combined with yoga breathing. Dr. find a club close to you. However you Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, take the Madan Kataria, a physician from India, can manage to do it —find joy in your one-minute laughter challenge. did research on the therapeutic effects life every day. ■ 2

FRANKLY SPEAKING Editorial Board Dear Fellow Employees, Joan Brown, Editor-in-Chief, Human Resources, It is my 27th year sitting on the Board of Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7167 Supervisors. I am as pleased to be here now Hughes Janice by Photo Heather Burton, IST, 499-6169 27 years ago, and extremely grateful Jack Govi, County Counsel’s Office, 499-6117 as I was Cio Hernandez, H&HS, 507-2848 to have known and worked with so many of Larry Kay, Public Works, Nicasio Corp.Yard,446-4421 you over the years. Kelley Litz, H&HS Admin., 20 N. San Pedro Road, will be a year of many challenges and San Rafael, 499-6924 2009 Joe Spaeth, Public Defender, 499-6321 opportunities. The current economic downturn Hal Brown Anne Starr, Human Resources, Civic Center has many local governments in tough financial Volunteers, 499-6028 straits. However, the County of Marin remains , Administrative support, Human John Vogee fiscally sound. I believe that navigating the rough financial waters Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7407 ahead will be our biggest challenge this year. It is a challenge I know and without compromising the services and programs Design: Rob Roehrick, Roehrick Design we can meet — Copy Editor: Bill Pryor, Civic Center we are by mandate or policy bound to provide the residents of Marin. Volunteers Photographer: Janice Hughes, D.A.’s Office I look forward to working with you to find ways to make county Proofreaders: Leslie Miller and Christina government leaner and more efficient than ever, yet as accessible and Walcoff, Civic Center Volunteers user-friendly as possible for the people who need and depend on our Printing: Marin County Printing Services services. Thank you for all your hard work and2009 dedicationwill be a yearto the we people can and County of Marin. I have no doubt that Frankly Speaking is a quarterly publication for and look back on with pride. by Marin County employees. It is accessible with paychecks, on the MINE hompage, and at www.co. Hal Brown marin.ca.us—enter Frankly Speaking in the search President, Board of Supervisors box. E-mail articles, cartoons, photos, poems, etc., to [email protected]. For articles please identify subject, your name, and phone number. For photos, include all names and the photographer’s name. Digital photos must be shot at the highest quality setting.

Reporter of the Quarter: Lauren Houde Marin County Fair Goes Cyber By Steve Petterle —P&OS Schedule Articles Due Publication Date On September 24, the 2008 Marin County Fair re-created its magic once again. Friday, Mar. 6 Friday, May 8 With help from the International Association of Fairs & Expositions, Fair Manager Friday, May 29 Friday, Aug. 14 Jim Farley led a group of 150 viewers (representing 73 fairs throughout the United Friday, Sept. 4 Friday, Nov. 6 States and Canada) on a cyber adventure entitled A Visit to the Greenest County Tuesday, Nov. 24 Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 Fair on Earth —an interactive presentation of the 2008 Marin County Fair. Participants were treated to a visual tour of this year’s fair over the Internet, while simultaneously plugged in to a conference call for interactive participation. It was Lookin’ Sharp almost as fun as being there in person, except they weren’t. ■ Representatives Next time something happens in your division, grab a from the West Virginia State Fair lauded the webinar, stating, “It was the best camera. The Frankly Speaking Editorial Board is always cyber seminar to date.” Representatives from the South Florida Fair said they looking for great shots of colleagues at work. Group “stole/borrowed some ideas” for their fair. Other comments included “incredible,” poses with faces clearly showing are fine; action shots are “awesome,” and “neat”—clearly the cyber event was a success. ■ even better. Use highest resolution and remember the basics: look for balanced light, frame the shot before you click, get close, and hold steady. One trick: brace elbows Record Win for Fair against your body and hold your breath at the moment you click. Take several frames to increase the chances of Cheers to Cultural Services staff members celebrating their best-ever showing at the Western Fairs a great picture. Send photos to [email protected]. Association’s annual achievement awards program held in January in Reno. The 2008 Marin County Fair earned 46 awards, eclipsing its previous amazing record of 31 wins in 2007. Among the 46 are 28 first place honors for categories such as New Non-Competitive Exhibit (The Green Life) and Innovative Use of Technology (Waterless Urinals). The Fair also won nine seconds, six FRANKLY SPEAKING Purpose and Priorities thirds, and three honorable mentions. Exhibits Supervisor Charlie Barboni (CS) organized COMMUNICATION•DIVERSITY•RECOGNITION•EDUCATION•NEWS•FUN•INTERACTION Marin’s entries to the fair industry contest. Director Jim Farley (CS) says 2008’s “Greenest Fair The Marin County newsletter is intended for internal communication. The on Earth” modeled conservation practices now being picked up by other fairs nationwide. What’s newsletter will not include partisan or non-partisan political activity, or issues next? “Cool Green Fun” is the 2009 theme. The focus will be on “eco entertainment.” related to labor disputes and grievances. 3 AIDS Memorial Quilt panels measuring

three by six feet. P ETTERLE’S P Started in San ERSPECTIVE

Photo by John Grima Francisco 19 years ago, the quilt was By Steve Petterle —P&OS sewn by friends, lovers, and family I can bend time. It’s not something members to com- that I brag about, but it’s a talent Illustration by Phoenicia Thomas memorate the lives that I employ occasionally. If the of people who died days are passing slowly and I can of AIDS. The annual barely wait for week’s end, I just do display is coordi- a little time bending and the min- nated by the Marin utes, the hours, the days fly by in a AIDS Project (MAP), flash. ■ Fortunately, it’s a skill that a community-based can be learned. For me, the first step organization that was to challenge my belief about partners with the time. Most people view time as an county for a variety absolute —one minute always repre- of projects, includ- sents one minute. But I came to HIV/AIDS Services staff in front of the AIDS Memorial Quilt display ing observance of understand that time was only an L to R: Gloria Randriakoto, Sarah Grossi, Dr. Craig Lindquist, Jonathan Botson, Dr. Ellen Rosenthal, and Dr. Mary Ellen Guroy World AIDS Day. absolute if it were viewed According to the absolutely. This signified a change MAP, the Memorial Quilt has evolved in perspective and opened the door By Sarah Grossi —H&HS as a potent tool in the effort to educate for new ideas. ■ With this new A portion of the 54-ton ‘Names Project’ against the lethal threat of AIDS. By mindset, I was able to move forward AIDS Memorial Quilt was on display at revealing the humanity behind the with the actions that I perceived the Health and Wellness Campus statistics, the AIDS Memorial Quilt were necessary to transform time. I Connection Center December 1 and 2 helps teach compassion, triumphs practiced first on short periods, thirty as part of the international commemo- over taboo, stigma, and phobia, and minutes or an hour, and built up to ration of World AIDS Day in Marin inspires individuals to take direct days and weeks. It worked! And County. The quilt, about the size of 275 responsibility for their own well-being with some effort, I was able to refine basketball courts, has about 83,440 and that of their family, friends, and the process considerably. ■ names and is made up of some 46,000 community. ■ Simply put, it is possible to bend time by scheduling major dental work, minor surgery, or some other dreaded task for the near future. MCERA Has Moved This action causes time to acceler- ate. For example, when I start to feel By Charnel Benner —Retirement Administrator as though I’d like my work week to Bursting at the seams, pass more quickly, I immediately in need of additional make an appointment to have a root staffing, and finding no canal on Saturday morning. Time space available at the bends as my anxiety about the Civic Center, the Marin weekend builds and the weekdays County Employees’ suddenly become a blur. Of course,

Retirement Association Photo by Woodmont Realty Advisors the root canal occurs on the oppo- (MCERA) began search- site end of the time bend and results ing for rental space in in a recompression, which has the February 2006. It was One McInnis Parkway effect of making the two-hour apparent that it was far process feel as though it takes a more costly to rent and renovate than to purchase an investment-quality office week. Also, it kind of messes up my building for the pension plan. After seven months of searching and seven months Saturday and I end up spending a of construction, MCERA opened the doors to its new offices at One McInnis Parkway good part of the day just trying not on November 17, 2008. This is at the intersection of Civic Center Drive and McInnis to drool. ■ Still, it’s good to have Parkway, convenient to the Civic Center. Green building methods and materials options. ■ were used wherever possible, saving on energy use as well as disposal costs. ■ 4

Green Gold green information. The concept grew computer monitor. Outreach to the out of the Department of Public Works’ new generation must be done in their By JeriLynne Stewart —DPW (DPW) desire to illustrate how county medium. DPW’s efforts target the 50- It soothes, relaxes, and departments are embracing the green year-old and younger audience, and helps alleviate depres- movement. ■ Eric Lueder, Real a blog for green-conscious youth is sion and anxiety. Property Agent for DPW’s Real Estate being considered. ■ A Google Worldwide, it is used Division and Interim Program Manager search for solar energy, for example, DPW Photo by JeriLynne Stewart to represent safety. It for ’s Waste Management will offer MarinGreenGuide.org is the color green — Division, said that DPW staff recently among the available options. The site and it is the basis for was asked two questions: 1) How do features green forums, groups, associ- MarinGreenGuide.org, we get the word out about the great ations, and organizations in Marin. a new web portal for green things we’re doing in the ■ Kemplen Robbins, Engineering the community that community, and 2) What is the most Technician for DPW’s Waste links visitors to green convenient method for the community Management Division, said, “You resource websites. to access this information? ■ Answers can offer us information about green Kemplen Robbins viewing a green website From alternative modes to both these questions included use of events, and within a few hours the of transportation to water resources to the Internet. A recent study revealed information, if appropriate, will green building information, it’s a one- that most teenagers spend an average appear on the website. Keeping it stop site where visitors can research of five hours per day in front of a simple is good for everybody.” ■

on a longer term basis with the family. The Difficult Work of Change She helped Michael’s mother enter By Bree Marchman and Jolie Clark —H&HS residential treatment and begin counsel- ing. She also monitored the mother’s progress on her treatment goals, while offering support as she was going through this difficult transformation. She found Michael a therapist and Photo by Bree Marchman referred him to be assessed for learning disabilities through his school. A refer- ral also was made to the adoption unit, so a worker could be assigned to help find Michael a permanent home if he were unable to return safely to the care L to R: Carmen Tristan, Julie Lenhardt, Jill Maier, Karen Hebert, Kim Contreras, and Luisa Ward of his mother. Luckily, Michael’s mother was able to complete treatment success- Michael* stood tentatively on the small into applause. ■ Many social fully and obtain employment and stable stage and gazed at the audience. workers were involved in this family’s housing. Although Michael was able to Music floated out over the crowd, and transformation. An intake worker reunify with his mother, this was not the Michael began to sing. His voice was received a referral from a concerned Editor’s Note: end of the story. The family continued to resonant and full of feeling, and the neighbor, alleging that Michael was work with Children and Family Services April is National longer he sang, the straighter he often unsupervised and that he would and receive therapy, parenting classes, Social Workers’ stood. It was his graduation day. ■ come to her asking for food. An and other support until they were ready Month When he first met his social worker, emergency response worker was to move forward on their own. ■ at the behest of his school counselor, assigned to investigate the allegations While this type of work can be grueling he was so uncomfortable that he could and interviewed Michael and his and emotionally overwhelming, social barely speak. Haltingly, he described mother about the difficulties the family workers feel privileged to assist families a home life full of acrimony and was experiencing. Michael’s mother like Michael’s who are engaged in the neglect, and a mother who was alco- agreed to work voluntarily with Health difficult work of change. ■ holic, overwhelmed, and depressed. and Human Services, and consented *The story of Michael is a composite; in Now, he was barely recognizable as to him being placed in a foster home order to protect the confidentiality of clients, the boy hunched over in his seat in his while she received necessary sub- names and other identifying details were counselor’s office. As the song ended, stance-abuse treatment. An ongoing changed. Michael smiled and the audience burst social worker was assigned to work 5 Is There a Doctor in the House?

By Jody Timms —H&HS Photo by Maria Reyes Yes, indeed! At the new Marin Health county’s Public Health Officer, super- and Wellness Campus there are vises programs and staff at the new actually ten outstanding public health campus. ■ For Mark, being a public physicians performing a variety of health doctor means that, “When services, among them administering you see a woman with a particular programs, seeing patients, delivering problem, you know there will be many babies, and operating on low-income more women with that same problem. women in our county. These dedicated How is this woman like a thousand L to R: Drs. Charles Bookoff, Malini Nijigal, and Mark Jacobs H&HS doctors include: Mark Jacobs, others? If I can solve this problem, OB-GYN, Perinatalogy; Karen Bayle, perhaps I can create a systems change and address ‘upstream’ (fundamental Internal Medicine; Craig Lindquist, that will benefit the greater good.” and societal) factors, which affect the Internal Medicine; Robert Gelber, Lynette declares, “I’ve always been in health of the community.” ■ Given Infectious Diseases; Charles Bookoff, public health, serving those in need all that medical doctors do for us, OB-GYN; Lynette McLamb, Internal and the most vulnerable.” Charles have you ever heard of Doctor’s Day? Medicine; Catherine Mallouh, sees himself serving the immigrant It’s not quite as popular as Mother’s Psychiatry; Mary Ellen Guroy, and underserved, and Fred summa- Day. The first Doctor’s Day was Infectious Diseases; and Malini Nijigal, rizes by adding, “Our work connects observed in 1933, but not made offi- OB-GYN. Marty Schwartz, a volunteer us with our communities. We try to cial by a U.S. House of Representatives OB-GYN physician, has helped train balance services focused on individu- resolution until March 30, 1958. We many UCSF medical students through als, such as clinical care (screening honor physicians’ work and celebrate the years and Fred Schwartz, the and treatment), with efforts to identify our doctors all year long. ■

tapped by staff to make studied music. These days Larry our departmental signs balances his left and right brain with and folders look alive his analytical work as a Building Photo by Don Allee with light and color. ■ Inspection Services Supervisor during www.sakuraofamerica.com/ the week and his creative endeavors ?q=node/140 as a photographer on the weekends. Larry is a resident artist at the Riverfront Planner Reid Thaler’s Art Gallery in Petaluma. Lately he has love of photography (he incorporated music into his art by Community Development Artists, L to R: Sharon Silver, Larry Grace, won an award in the taking the forms and structure of music, Vivian Lo-Lew, and Reid Thaler last Frankly Speaking) such as fugues and voice leading, and ■ has introduced him to a variety of expressing them visually. Off the Clock people. He taught photography at the LGraceStudio.com San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. By Lauren Houde —CDA While traditional photography is chal- Vivian Lo-Lew became inspired to lenging for the sight-impaired, Reid was make jewelry when she was on vaca- Several of the staff at the Community inspired by the participants’ fascination tion in China, perusing a large market Development Agency are talented artists with photography and the notion of that offered beads. Her friend bought a whose creative inclinations enhance experiencing life in two dimensions, beautiful pearl and asked her to use it their work at the county, as well as regardless of the ability to see. He to create a unique piece of jewelry. Her provide work/life balance. For further helped the participants make pinhole favorite piece is a necklace she made information, visit the websites of these cameras and enjoyed experiencing for her mother, using a piece of brown artists, listed below. ■ Sharon Silver’s photography through a different lens. jade, taking into account her mother’s love of the feel of paper brought her to Reid has photographed nature and style, dress, and skin tone. Vivian relies the county, coordinating records as a landscapes, but his latest subjects are on her eye for design in her profes- Senior Clerk Typist, and led her to the his children. ■ sional life in architecture, graphic artist’s easel, creating in watercolors, design, and in her current work as a graphite, colored pencils, and metallic www.lumiograph.com Planning Aide, reviewing designs and gel pens. Sharon finds a similar medita- plans. ■ tive zen-like process in drawing and in Before Larry Grace began his career preparing files for imaging. She often is in Building Safety and Inspection, he www.jewelry-by-vlo-design.com 6

ODDS & ENDS By Tom Vasgird

Veterans’ Service Officer Mort Tallen Last November a scoundrel, on trial for (H&HS) really does make a difference receiving stolen property, left a family in the lives of our veterans. Last fall, of Yorkies in his hot stolen car. The Mort was honorably recognized for smallest canines managed to crawl free his service when he received the through a window crack and were Photo by Josephina Ceniceros prestigious Jefferson Award from the found whimpering by Tracie Holland American Institute for Public Service. and Cathy Killinger (DPW). They imme- A salute is due. ■ diately provided care, notified the Sheriff, and went into action to save the others. All were rescued. The accused was found guilty and faces additional Marta Osterloh and her gold medal felony charges. Tracie and Cathy saved Outrageously loud and brightly the day for the pups! ■

Photo by a friendly passerby colored spandex uniforms rightly complemented Marta Osterloh’s (PD) exhilaration and joy last October at Boston’s Charles River Regatta. The regatta, in its 44th year, is world-

famous and attracts entries from over Photo by a friendly passer-by 20 countries. Marta is a member of the Marin Rowing Women’s Grand Katrina Raleigh and Niska Master 8+ team (as in eight rowers over 60 years old). Marta and her Jeri and John Last Labor Day weekend, Niska the crew took first place and returned Afghan hound competed in three There was no dithering from Jeri home with gold medals in tow. Big grueling days of racing and lure Stewart (DPW) when John Sutherland congratulations! ■ coursing (chasing a mechanical object popped the question. But it wasn’t until on a course). Niska thrilled her Monica Rudden (PD) was in the fifth he followed up with a suggestion that entourage and fans by winning the row of David Letterman’s Late Show her old pots and pans be tossed that Iron Hound 2008 and (no surprise) when John McCain showed up to she realized the true meaning of her Best in Show awards. A Niska fan kiss Letterman’s ring for snubbing life-altering decision. ■ club is in the works. Her agent is Letterman three weeks earlier. ■ Supervising Detention Nurse Karl Finley Katrina Raleigh (Library). ■ (H&HS) is a winner at work and on the Lucy Burlingham (Library) football field, no mater what the score. gives her time by nursing A long-time Marin coach, Karl recently injured and helpless squirrels, took over the program at Washington at home, through WildCare. Photo by a happy guest High, a public school in San Francisco’s Photo by Janice Hughes When healthy, the little Richmond District. The Marin IJ recently chompers are released into noted his reputation for building play- safe and food-plentiful loca- ers’ confidence by providing effective tions. The problem, however, is structure and modeling grace under ■ that good release locations are Curtis and Melissa walking down the aisle pressure. becoming harder to find. If you Superlative Quiz know of any, please send Lucy Last fall, Curtis Havel (CDA) and Lucy Burlingham an e-mail with information. ■ Melissa Berry elevated Donner Lake’s Matthew Hymel’s (CAO) middle initial charm and beauty with matrimonial is H. What’s up with that? (answer below) On vacation in Japan, Roy Bateman fervor. ■ (CDA) got up close and personal with the culture. No pretentious five-star Kristina Tierney (CDA) and hubby Jay Please e-mail the information from hotels or tourist traps for him. Roy welcomed a giggling Alyssa on Nov your department to the Odds & mixed, laughed, and hung out using 2. Stacey Laumann (CDA) and hus- Ends columnist, Tom Vasgird, at [email protected]. minimal financial resources. He is band Steve Moran-Cassesse are planning to offer a seminar on the joys thrilled with baby Max, born on July 1.

of staying in cheap hotels and how he Victoria Cascio (Assessor) and Ross Hudson. of name middle the movie of the same name, that he gave Mathew gave he that name, same the of movie

experienced Japan on a rewardingly Cascio (DPW) went to China last the from character Newman Paul the “Hud,” Matthew’s dad was so impressed with impressed so was dad Matthew’s

simple budget. Stay tuned. ■ summer to adopt sweet Jasmine. ■ Answer: 7 Employees’ Haiku

Making Membrillo (quince paste) To mark National Haiku Poetry Day on Dec. 21, the Frankly Speaking staff invited county employees to wax poetic. So many of the three-line, 17-syllable Fresh quince from Dori verses were submitted that the Editorial Board had to limit publication to the Lots of sugar and stirring best from each poet —with one exception. Bob Beaumont (DPW), who writes How delectable. the regular haiku feature for this publication, and Susan Adams (BOS) held a –Sharon Michelson (H&HS) haiku rally via e-mail. It’s featured in the box below. This happened one evening recently in the expanse behind my house at Hamilton. In jury duty Rolled leaves on bushes When the coyotes Waiting around all day long Hidden life safe, tucked within finish their yipping, moonlight Could be at Nordstroms. Bespeckled with frass. still fills the meadow. –Shelley Friedman (Courts) –Marge Gibbs (DA) –Don Allee (CDA)

Files, piling up fast, Five levels of “fun” No end in sight for me. Four floors up and one floor down Series between Susan Adams (BOS) and Need a vacation. But where is C-10? Bob Beaumont (DPW): –Jason Baker (Courts) –Kit Tiura, CLS (IST/Courts) Haiku magicians Here is the haiku about my niece. Here’s my contribution —it’s in honor of Use a few poetic words I wrote it for her birthday. She was Lew Welch, author of the 1969 poem, The To create feelings. born on the Winter Solstice. Song Mt. Tamalpais Sings. –Susan Adams Born on Solstice Night Tamalpais sighs Some few words now take Heralding Long Days to Come The candle sunrise making In the caldron boil and bake Sweet Princess of Light. Sleeping Lady glow. Haiku bubbling time. –Susan L. Adams (BOS) –Howard McFarland (H&HS) –Bob Beaumont What’s before your eyes, On the dotted Line Great Haiku Master The mirror will not disguise Credit of Inequity I am but a grasshopper Love the skin you’re in. Layoff, where’s the payoff? Learning from the best! –Andrea Bizzell (H&HS) –Brian Crosby (Assessor’s Office) –Susan Adams No, no, grasshopper Daughter calls to me How leaves have fallen Tallest buildings doest thou leap Drop what I’m doing again Yet grace adorns our table In a single bound. Wants my company. Sweet sights come and go. –Bob Beaumont –Michael Infante (Assessor’s Office) –Iris Mutio (H&HS) …that’s it for me now… Love is all detail Oh, budget, budget signing off in Haiku land… Movements, likes, dislikes, habits Reconcile. We wish you peace …’til Frankly Speaking! No details, no love. We need our paychecks. –Susan Adams –Luis Luciano (H&HS) –Carrie Ann Colton (HR)

Wide cold deep waters A tap on my cheek; Frolicking in the sun Little tiny circling fish Awake, I lift the covers Orchids vanish forever Feisty frolicking. The cat settles in. Icebergs go drip, drip. –Nayeem Lokhandwala (H&HS) –Marna Kramer (H&HS) –Kimberly Contreras (H&HS)

Dark watered storm waves Swallowing Boat and Sail Moonlight and insight Crash into rocky shorelines A Huge Monster Roams the Sea Drift through our winter’s solstice Spray lifts my spirits. This Monster —A Whale. Observatory. –Scott Callow (CDA) –Victoria Pollick (H&HS) –Tom McCallister (DA)

A gray morning sky, Stinging cold wind gusts Flashlight pierces night The raindrops softly falling Autumn leaves tumble swirling Puddle gleams; tiny frog sits Birds still sing of sun. Brilliant orange and red. On mirrored reflection. –Patricia (Patty) Gurin (DA) –Fred Crowder (Ag/Wts.&Meas.) –Anne Starr (HR) 8

government taxing authorities on a timely basis. With their usual determi- nation and resourcefulness, team members met the deadline for issuing Photo by Janice Hughes accurate 2007 year-end W-2s and 1099Rs to employees and retirees. ■ The members of this team bring more than 100 years of experience working for the county to their endeavors. They are Danny Briones (began in 1989), Marilyn Cannon (1984), Sandy Barrett (1994), Tom Hubert (1998), Ching Shen (2001), Jerry Baniqued (1994), L to R: Victor Sumagaysay, Vladimir Matyurin, Marilyn Cannon, Tom Hubert, Ching Shen, Danny Briones, Victor Sumagaysay (1985), Vladimir Sandy Barrett, Tom Barker, and Jerry Baniqued Matyurin (2007), and Tom Barker, a consultant brought in during the transition from FAS to SAP. ■ They Team of the Quarter bring their skills and experience to work with the varied aspects of our By Cathy Selmi —IST payroll system including retirement The Auditor-Controller’s Payroll Team transition from the county’s old account- benefits, leave accruals, remuneration brings a wealth of knowledge and ing and payroll systems to SAP has not statements, and the ongoing processing skills to the daunting task of producing been without challenge. Working of thousands of hours worked day paychecks every two weeks for each closely with the system over the last two and night by employees of the county and every county employee and once years, the team learned the intricacies and special districts. ■ Assistant a month for retirees. That amounts to of SAP’s payroll module. Throughout Auditor-Controller Bryon Karow says, almost 8,500 checks a month. The team this transition, the team met all pay- “Congratulations on a spectacular job, treats employees’ and retirees’ interests check deadlines and provided all of never dropping the ball, and making as if they were their own. ■ The the mandatory reports to the various possible the impossible.” ■

EOC Goes to Jail

By Bruce Stahley —Sheriff’s Office Photos by Don Morosi The county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff normally reports for duty at the Civic Center’s Room 266 in the event of a disaster or major emergency. But what happens when “Preparedness the primary EOC itself is damaged prevents peril.” beyond immediate use? This scenario – Chinese proverb was tested on October 23 in an exercise called Silver Sentinel 2008, in which the EOC was damaged by a simulated earthquake on the Hayward Fault. In this exercise, staff made its way to an alternate location capable Staff trains in jail-alternate EOC during earthquake exercise. of hosting the 50-plus member team — the county jail administrative and recovery effort. We are now one of ignated as emergency service workers training area. ■ Bijan Karimi, Office the few counties in the state with a fully in the event of a disaster. Persons of Emergency Services Assistant functioning alternate location.” EOC interested in training in their emer- Manager, said, “This exercise gave Director Clarissa Daniel (CAO) said gency services roles may contact the us the opportunity to test the alternate the alternate EOC, although cramped, Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services EOC and validate that it could support worked well enough to get the job at 499-6584 for information about a county-wide disaster response and done. ■ County employees are des- opportunities and requirements. ■ 9 EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER BILL PRICE DENNY PHAN DAWN WEISZ Photos by Janice Hughes

Bill Price has been the face of Dung “Denny” Phan is the pride of Dawn Weisz, Principal Planner with the Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency the Health and Human Services Dental Community Development Agency, has (RBRA) for 13 years. RBRA is a joint Clinic. Denny was hired by the county spent the last several years working on powers authority formed by the county as a Registered Dental Assistant. the analysis of Marin Clean Energy and some cities to maintain the water- With continued education, Denny (MCE). This project, also known as ways of Richardson’s Bay. His responsi- earned the advanced certification of Community Choice Aggregation, may bilities include nautical safety, maritime Registered Dental Assistant —Extended allow Marin to achieve a reduction of patrol, environmental protection, vessel Functions. ■ Denny organizes 300,000 pounds of greenhouse gases management, water testing, shore mobile treatment sites, orients new annually by drastically increasing our clean-ups, derelict vessels, grants, staff, provides direct patient care, use of energy. She has spent countless public hearings, and committee service. oversees the inventory of dental sup- hours coordinating experts, educating Bill responds to on-water emergencies, plies and equipment, and coordinates the public, and analyzing complex even outside normal working hours. He with vendors and laboratories used data. Dawn has always shown grace has close working relationships with for patients’ crowns and dentures. He and professionalism, no matter what homeowners, RBRA jurisdictional repre- excels in gaining patients’ trust and the venue, how late at night, or how sentatives, the Bay Conservation and calming nervous parents and children. complicated the questions from her Development Commission, state agen- He also anticipates the needs of new various audiences. Dawn is a leader, cies, and the Coast Guard. Bill recently dentists and helps them gain confi- a mentor, and a supremely smart and implemented an innovative approach dence in the busy clinic. ■ Denny’s talented member of the county team. for intercepting drifting vessels, and a experience, organizational skills, In addition to the enormous job that cost-saving agreement with Sausalito and ability to multi-task play a major MCE has become, Dawn continues to Police. He is working on mooring- role in the clinic’s ability to serve so manage CDA’s Sustainability Team, related work, and a state water quality many so well. His efforts have helped including programs such as Climate plan. ■ In this critical time of the the clinic increase its daily treatment Protection, Energy Efficiency, RBRA’s mission and growth, we are well of patients nearly four-fold. Renewables, Green Building, and served by Bill’s conscientious steward- Congratulations, Denny, for the well- Green Business. Dawn is, as former ship, and fortunate to have him serving deserved honor of being selected as CDA Director Alex Hinds once said, the the agency and the County of Marin. ■ Employee of the Month. ■ Siren of Sustainability.

By Ben Berto —CDA By Israel Gonzalez —H&HS By Dana Armanino —CDA

2008 Employee of the Year Vanard Goodman’s extraordinary contributions as Senior Equipment Services Worker in DPW have earned him the distinction of Marin County’s Employee of the Year for 2008. Vanard is responsible for repairs and maintenance Photo by Janice Hughes of 500+ vehicles for various county departments. He is dedicated and always goes the “extra mile,” servicing the fleet and lending a helping hand. His can-do attitude and positive influence on his co-workers are most appreciated. The honor brings Vanard a $1,200 award, an engraved clock, flowers, balloons, an invitation to join the employee recognition committee, and recognition by the Board of Supervisors. Previous winners include Bie Dellosa (IST), Pat Cunningham (DPW), Mischon Martin (P&OS), Catherine Condon (H&HS), Ron Johnny (H&HS), Liz Lewis (DPW), Phoenicia Thomas (Fire), Claudia Asprer (H&HS), and Marilyn Cannon (Auditor/Controller’s Office). Vanard Goodman 10 Top Tips for the New Year Roving Reporter By Connie Siebler —Assessor-Recorder By Anne Starr —HR reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” ■ Making a resolution is easy; keeping it says Jamie Tuckey (CDA). February is ‘Plant the Seeds of usually isn’t. Do you want to improve Plan an open space hike, look up a Greatness Month.’ What advice your health, trim expenses, use time friend’s home parcel, find every farm- would you give someone to help wisely, or have more fun in the New ers’ market in Marin, and more with them achieve greatness? Year? One of these tips may help you interactive maps from the Geographic put a good intention into action. Information Systems team. You’ll find Keep your promise to exercise more, more Marin detail here than on any Les Aaronson even when the weather is damp. Park commercial map site. Check www.co. (H&HS):“Recognize at the east end of Sycamore Avenue in marin.ca.us/depts/is/main/gis/ who you are and Mill Valley, and hit the paved multi-use (public site) or http://mine/mine/IS/ honor that. Support Photos by Connie Siebler pathway that hugs Richardson Bay and main/gis/GISApplications.cfm (the your talents and cuts through Bothin Marsh. “It’s one of MINE). “Temporarily disable your pop- abilities. Don’t the best places to see birds,” says Kirk up suppressor, and have fun explor- conform; be true to who you are.” Schroeder (P&OS). “It is an official IBA – ing,” says Fred Vogler (CDA). ■ Important Bird Area. Winter visitors Avoid parking fines in the county lot Vilma Orellana find an array of beauty to appreciate in this year. “If you carpool, use a carpool (Courts): “To be ■ our parks —and without crowds.” space and be sure to display your the best you can Take a few minutes to be safe: “Don’t carpool sign in the parked car. Solo be, strive to do the just have an evacuation plan, practice drivers, arrive five or ten minutes early best you can in it —if only once —with everyone who to scout for an all-day space in the pit whatever you do.” lives in your home. Also, make sure or the parking lot across Civic Center Florence Shimano your smoke alarm works,” says Dennis Drive,” says Edie Lawrence (Sheriff), (Assessor- ■ Linney (Fire). ■ a.k.a. the Parking Princess. Recorder): “Great- Have fun and get in free: Volunteer for Be prepared for spring. “Before storing ness does not mean a four-hour shift at the Marin County small equipment (lawnmowers, etc.) for attaining fame or Fair and receive two adult admission the rainy season, put in fresh oil, add fortune. Achieving stabilizer to the gasoline, fill the gas personal greatness tickets valued at more than $25. To tank, run equipment briefly to circulate may be as simple as trying to make reserve your spot on the 2009 county the stabilizer, store items, and then a positive impact on the people fair team, call Charlie Barboni (CS) at relax. When spring arrives, you’ll be whose lives we touch every day.” 499-7048 by Monday, March 2. ■ ready to go when others are visiting the Allie Zaragosa Know who you should call. Been shop,” says John Ferrari (P&OS). ■ ripped off? Got a consumer problem (PD): “Be kind to Need an official record as you get or question? The Marin County District others. It will help organized this year? Save time by visit- Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection you career-wise ing the Recorder’s or County Clerk’s Unit can answer your consumer ques- and socially. The offices early on a Monday or Tuesday, tion or help you resolve your consumer more eager you when it’s less busy. Marriage, birth, or complaint through mediation at no cost are to get to know death records are at the Recorder’s to you. The unit can look into unethical someone, the better it will be.” Office, Room 232 at the Civic Center. or unfair business practices. “Call us at Norman Zhou “If you’re planning to marry —congrat- 499-6495,” says David Ball (DA). ■ (Courts): “Work ulations —pick up forms early and bring harder! The more Spend less time working in the them back completed for faster service you practice, the garden. “Put a comfortable chair or at the County Clerk’s counter,” says harder you work, bench in a favorite garden spot and Estrella Wilson (Co. Clerk). ■ spend more garden time sitting quietly, the better results Get moving! Adults who participate in doing nothing,” says Fred Crowder you get.” any amount of physical activity gain (Ag/Wts.&Meas.). ■ some health benefits. “For substantial Save money by drinking coffee or tea health benefits, adults should do at least Haiku with a reusable mug. “Be proud and two-and-a-half hours a week of moder- By Bob Beaumont—DPW guilt-free, knowing that your reusable ately intense activity, or one hour and On to the new year mug or cup helps the environment by fifteen minutes of vigorous aerobic Balancing the stuff of dreams reducing solid waste, conserving nat- physical activity,” says Ellen Szakal Making a new day. ural resources, saving energy, and (H&HS). ■ 11

the Smithsonian Institute. ■ The pro- A Quilt Above ject provided an opportunity for the participants to give back to someone By Bart Jones —Juvenile Hall in need. The hands in the photo are of Photo by Bart Jones Marin County Juvenile Hall students the student artists. ■ The program made a quilt for a young boy waiting received enormous local attention, a for a bone marrow transplant. The first place cash award of $50 to sup- project, created and directed by port the art program, and was fea- Victoria Gonzalez, Volunteer tured on the cover of Juvenile Council Coordinator for the Marin County of California Center for Families, Library’s Beyond Walls Project, was Children and the Courts: Beyond the completed by the students in conjunc- Bench XVIII. ■ This was the first quilt tion with a lesson on Civil War quilts. of a series completed in an ongoing The “story board” quilt is a reproduc- partnership with Oakland Children’s ■ tion based on a slave quilt located in Hospital. First Prize quilt created by Juvenile Hall art students.

Opportunity for broader recruitment The full consolidation of both depart- for specialized position ments will occur at the expiration of Like other public agencies, the county is Michael Smith’s term as the Treasurer-

Photo by Joan Brown experiencing a workforce shortage for Tax Collector in January 2011. During key positions, including public sector this time, the county also will explore accountants and financial professionals. related organizational changes neces- Creating an appointed Director of sary to place the Registrar of Voters, The county is Finance position helps address these County Clerk, Public Administrator, trends by allowing the county to cast a and Central Collections functions, all always looking for wide net in recruiting the highest quality currently part of the Treasurer-Tax better and more professionals for this key financial Collector’s Office, into a structure where efficient ways to The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office adds position, rather than limiting it to Marin they fit best, or as required by statute. extra help as local property owners arrive to provide services. County residents willing to run for ■ The county is always looking for make payments in December. elected office. The county also is able better and more efficient ways to pro- Finances cont’d to set a higher bar of professional qual- vide services. Creating this new finan- ifications for this position. In addition, cial management structure is one step to From front cover the consolidated Department of Finance help us do this and address current and can help guide the county through the will provide staff with opportunities for future challenges. If you have any feed- significant fiscal challenges we face,” cross-training and experience in a vari- back on this new structure, please feel said Matthew. ■ Below are some of ety of essential financial functions. ■ free to contact Matt Bronson at 499- the benefits of this new structure: 3084 or [email protected]. ■ Cost savings through restructuring Greater public accountability and Given the county’s budget challenges, oversight of county finances we need to explore every opportunity to Under the new structure, an appointed reduce our costs while maintaining the Director of Finance position will quality of our services. Through this Photo by Joan Brown increase day-to-day accountability and consolidation of two department head oversight of county finances. Like other positions, the county will save at least appointed county department heads, $100,000 annually without eliminating the appointed Director of Finance will positions with existing employees. Over be accountable for effective and effi- the coming years, the county will need cient operations and subject to regular to consider additional opportunities to performance reviews. At the same time, adapt our structure and services to to ensure independence, the Director of improve operations and be responsive Finance can be removed only by a to changing conditions. ■ As a next public hearing and 4/5 vote of the BOS. step, the BOS will create an appointed A Financial Audit Advisory Committee Director of Finance position that will will be established and will include initially oversee the functions of the Marlene Cornejo (Treas.-Tax) assists taxpayer at representatives of schools, cities, and Auditor-Controller’s Office, given the an extra information counter in the hall set up to special districts. ■ retirement of the Auditor-Controller. handle the crowd. Photo by Chuck Honek WELCOME FAREWELL! Welcome to& New Employees! Listed in order of hire date from September 5 to November 26, 2008 Karen Lewis Legal Asst., PD Mary Parra Legal Process Asst. I, PD Mario Kalson Environmental Health Spec. I, CDA Elise Holland Planning & Resource Chief, P&OS Greg Pickrel Communications Dispatcher I, Sheriff Linda Benson Accounting Asst., CS Bonny White Librarian II, Library Yuan-Ying Lin Sr. Nutritionist, H&HS Pedro Alegria places fair compost into bag for Cultural Services Commissioner Helen Willms. Nichole O'Brien Communications Dispatcher I, Sheriff Mona Miyasato Chief Asst. County Administrator, CAO Keely Martin Sr. Patient Account Clerk, H&HS Adrien Whitaker Communications Dispatcher II, Sheriff Time & Treatment Sara Pearce Communications Dispatcher II, Sheriff Hayden Brown Deputy Public Defender II, P&OS Transformation Dianah Webb Intermediate Clerk/Typist, P&OS Larry Daniel Principal Personnel Analyst, HR By Anne Starr —HR Luis Luciano Sr. Clerk/Typist, H&HS Rachel Williams Intermediate Clerk/Typist, Retirement Jean Iglesias Sr. Clerk/Typist, H&HS The Marin County Fair is living up to its billing Thomas Alipio Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff as the Greenest County Fair on Earth. More than Eric Kress Building Maintenance Wkr. I, DPW Lenard Bourcy Maintenance Electrician, DPW four tons of food and paper garbage collected at Latoya Brown Intermediate Clerk/Typist, Retirement The alchemy that the 2008 fair were turned into compost over the course of five months and then applied to fair- Farewell to Retirees! turned garbage to grounds landscaping. Time and treatment trans- Patricia Harper Admin. Librarian, Library garden gold was formed trash into rich, soil-boosting material. Mark Brand Licensed Mental Health Pract., H&HS Elizabeth Emerson Program Coordinator, H&HS itself green, thanks A fraction of the compost has been reserved for Alex Hinds Director of Community Devel., CDA green displays at recycling stations at this Susan Altizio Library Branch Aide I, Library to labor from the Roy Olson Inspector, DA summer’s fair. ■ The transformation began Felicia Nealon Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff North Bay when fair food vendors disposed of food scraps Prudence Kerr Secretary, H&HS David Sexton Community Svcs. Center Manager, H&HS Conservation and fair guests threw compostable cups, plates, Debra Guidet Inspector, DA Corps crew. and flatware into 36 collection stations set up Lance Lowrie Technology Systems Coord., H&HS Patrick Higgins Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff around the fairgrounds. The stations were staffed Priscilla McGee Legal Process Spec., Probation by North Bay Conservation Corps members. Jean Ricetti Legal Process Asst. II, PD Judith Naue Court Processing Spec., Courts Pedro Alegria (CS) and his utility workers provided great support to the Conservation Corps crew. The Marin Sanitary Service was also a partner in the collaborative project. ■ The collected biodegradable waste was hauled to the San Rafael Hail to Heritage Historians recycling center for treatment in a special indoor Twenty-six county employees know so much about North American metal compost bin, where greenhouse gases were first peoples that they answered every question perfectly on the removed via filter. Three weeks later, the material recent American Indian Native Alaskan Heritage Month quiz. was moved to an outside bin for curing. By mid- From the 26, seven names were drawn and presented with the November it was ready to return in two big debris seven theme-related prizes including books, Navajo pottery vases, boxes. Now the rich compost is perking up plants CDs, and a signed Navajo sand painting. The lucky recipients: ■ around the Marin Center and the Exhibit Hall. Fredi Bloom (Probation); Christine Cameron (IST); Jane The alchemy that turned garbage to garden gold Crownover (Registrar); Phyllis Gray (Assessor-Recorder); John was itself green, thanks to labor from the North Kluge (H&HS); Mo O’Connell (CCS); and Pricilla VanLiew Bay Conservation Corps crew. ■ “Recycling old (CDA). The Human Resources Department provides information on food and compostable trash into compost was a the MINE in an ongoing effort to foster understanding of and first for county fairs nationwide,” said Fair Director appreciation for cultural diversity. Next up: Carrie Ann Colton Jim Farley (CS). “We diverted pre-consumer waste (HR) invites employees to enter the next Heritage Quiz. It’s on the from food vendors and post-consumer compostable MINE home page at the end of February. Learn more about Black collection from fairgoers. It’s cool to think of gar- History and be a winner. bage coming back to us as a soil amendment.” ■