F OURTH Q UARTER 2006 V OLUME 11 • NUMBER 4

FRANKLY SPEAKING

A NEWSLETTER FOR AND BY MARIN COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Don’t Bug Me!

By Fred Crowder —Ag/Wts. & Meas.

Developing sustainable agricultural sys- Photo by Fred Crowder tems and pest management strategies are critical factors in making Marin County a healthful environment for visitors and employees. Many county departments are involved. ■ The Agricultural Commissioner and staff have consider- able experience in pest manage- ment, whether the pest is in the What a team! L to R: Susan Adams, Mischon Martin, Dave Hattem, Jon Wright Photo by G.C. Harrington garden, the homes, or on the leaves and stems of a large umbrella sticky stuff would rain down, coating range. ■ Dave tree in the Civic Center indoor planter. other plants, the floors, and passersby, Hattem, Chief Two weeks earlier he had found white- and that would be a problem. ■ of Landscape flies —insects that are legendary for Rather than spray, Dave cut out the Services, Parks their persistence. There weren’t enough most heavily infested stems and leaves and Open to be a problem then, but as their pop- and released thousands of tiny, non- Space (P&OS), ulation increased, so would the “honey stinging wasps, the kind that lay eggs The very cool “bug” doublechecked dew” they excreted, and eventually the Continued on page 11

The Library Will Come to You

By Nancy Davis —Library Photo by Jose Gonzalez If you can’t go to the Library due to an incapacity, the Library will now come Volunteers and to you. “Library Beyond Walls” (LBW) is a two-year-old outreach program of patrons work as a the Marin County Free Library which team to identify types delivers library materials to the home- of materials that will bound by volunteers. ■ Victoria Gonzalez has been the coordinator interest the patron. L to R: Patron Beah Charles gets a new book from volunteer Jacky Ford and program coordinator of the program for nearly a year. She Victoria Gonzalez. interviews volunteers who must pass a background check and then are a local liaison. They are Christine Livingston. ■ Volunteers and patrons trained in the procedures of the pro- Prusiner, Livia Lewin, Theresa work as a team to identify types of gram. ■ Right now there is a good McGovern, Elizabeth Cobey, Sylvia materials that will interest the patron. balance of 34 active patrons and 23 Harris, Tricia Cummings, Liz Tastes, of course, are varied. One volunteers. Each library branch also Robinson, Nancy Lee Hemmingway, patron said succinctly, “Do not bring has a LBW representative who acts as Celeste Woo, Dan Carr, and Kerry Continued on page 4 2

FRANKLY SPEAKING Editorial Board Joan Brown, Editor-in-Chief, Human Resources, Photo by Bene Da Silva Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7167 Heather Burton, Aud–Cont.Office, 499-6169 Jack Govi, County Counsel’s Office, 499-6117 Cio Hernandez, H&HS, 507-2848 Larry Kay, Public Works, Nicasio Corp.Yard,446-4421 Kelley Litz, H&HS Admin., 20 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, 499-6924 Tom Murphy, Staff to Editorial Board, Human Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7407 Joe Spaeth, Public Defender, 499-6321 Design: Rob Roehrick, Roehrick Design Copy Editor: Jane Donohue, Civic Center Volunteers Photographer: Janice Hughes, D.A.’s Office Proofreaders: Jane Donohue, Leslie Miller, and Bill Pryor, Civic Center Volunteers Printing: Marin County Printing Services L to R: James Reagan Jr., Kallie Kull, and Liz Lewis make a final assessment of the culvert to be removed in the salmon restoration project. Frankly Speaking is a quarterly publication for and by Marin County employees. Send articles, cartoons, photos, poems, etc., to Joan Brown, HR, Room 407, A Swimmingly Good Project Civic Center. E-mail info to [email protected] or send a disk using Microsoft Word, with hard copy By Kallie Kull —DPW attached. Identify disk with subject, your name, and phone number. On photos, include all names and the The Lagunitas Creek Watershed is constructed in its place. The new Park name of the photographer. Digital photos must be one of the most important waterways Street crossing on Woodacre Creek shot at the highest quality setting. left for wild California coho salmon. will provide coho salmon and steel- Reporter of the Quarter: Norma Johnson Although the Marin County coho pop- head trout unimpeded access to 1.3 ulation is approximately 10 percent of miles of spawning habitat in the upper Schedule its historic numbers, this represents 10 watershed. ■ The project required Articles Due Publication Date to 20 percent of all wild coho salmon a year of concerted effort from team Tuesday, Nov 21 Friday, February 2, 2007 in California. The Public Works members Kallie Kull, Liz Lewis, Bene Tuesday, March 6 Friday, May 11 Department (DPW) is working hard Da Silva, and Vivien Maisonneuve Tuesday, June 5 Friday, August 17 to stem this decline through the Fish (DPW- Flood Control) for project man- Passage Program, initiated by the agement, permits, and fish relocation. Board of Supervisors in 2005. ■ The engineering design and construc- Woodacre Creek tion team included Destruction Derby in the San “We watched the crossing Kevin McGowan, This year’s Record Geronimo Valley during winter flows as coho salmon JoAnna Charlton, Management became a much repeatedly tried to jump into Ernest Klock, John Destruction Derby was friendlier stream Berg, and Marl a “smashing” success the culvert… only to be washed Photo by Frances Kennedy for coho salmon Madayag. Terry with more than six back down …” tons of documents and steelhead Toner (DPW–Real shredded. Here, Javier trout this year, Estate) assisted with Angel of Ahmed’s due to the efforts of our DPW County easement acquisition. ■ The Park Moving Express packs Fish Passage Team. Marin County Street crossing is the second barrier to a container at the Creek Naturalist Liz Lewis explained be removed in Woodacre Creek and Jeanette Prandi Records Center. the problem: “We watched the cross- the third barrier to be removed as part ing during winter flows as coho of the program. Multiple salmon pas- salmon repeatedly tried to jump into sage projects are planned for the San the culvert in order to travel upstream Geronimo Valley over the next five to spawn, only to be washed back years. Projects are in the design phase down by the high velocities through for other watersheds in partnership FRANKLY SPEAKING Purpose and Priorities the structure.” ■ The solution: a cul- with the Pt. Reyes National Seashore COMMUNICATION•DIVERSITY•RECOGNITION•EDUCATION•NEWS•FUN•INTERACTION vert that posed a barrier to spawning and the cities of Mill Valley, Novato, The Marin County newsletter is intended for internal communication. The ■ newsletter will not include partisan or non-partisan political activity, or issues salmon was removed and an open- and San Anselmo. related to labor disputes and grievances. bottomed natural stream channel was 3

circumstances under which telecom- muting would be successful and at the same time protect the security of county technology and data. ■ Although

Photo by Dean Brightman telecommuting is not appropriate for P ETTERLE’ S P every job, the study determined that at ERSPECTIVE least 37 percent of the county’s jobs, or roughly 800 employees, were likely By Steve Petterle —P&OS suited to telecommuting at least part of the time. The advantages were readily There are exactly ten traffic signals along the morning route between my apparent: elimination of time and stress Illustration by Phoenicia Thomas involved in commuting, reduced air home and the Marin County Civic Jodi Olson (Assessor’s Office) works from emissions, uninterrupted time in which Center. Although that may not be her home office in Hercules. to work, and increased flexibility for interesting to many people, it is signifi- employees to manage their workloads. cant to me because I have never suc- Marin’s Easiest ■ In a recent survey, 133 employees cessfully passed through all ten signals reported they were teleworking on a without hitting a red light in the nearly Commute regular basis, and as many as 500 14 years of commuting to my county employees had secure VPN (Virtual office. In fact, I hit red lights at every By Jennifer Walter —Treas/Tax Private Network) hookups at home. ■ one of the ten signals along the morn- Wouldn’t it be great to be able to go ing route between my home and the to work in your cozy jammies and In a recent survey, 133 employees Marin County Civic Center quite con- slippers? Well, the opportunity may be reported they were teleworking sistently. ■ What are the odds? ■ closer than you think with the recent on a regular basis, and as Assuming there’s a 50 percent chance adoption by the Board of Supervisors many as 500 employees had of missing one signal, the odds of of a Telework Policy. ■ The county VPN hookups at home. missing all ten on any given morning commissioned a study in 2002 by are 1,024-to-1. That means I should JALA, an international group of con- “On a scale of 4, telecommuters rated miss all ten signals only once every sultants that coined the term “tele- their overall employee experience at four years, plus or minus. Taking this commuting” over 20 years ago. JALA, 3.25 versus 3.09 for those who don’t analysis to the next step, the odds of together with Human Resources (HR), telecommute,” said Laura Armor, missing all ten signals on two consecu- the County Administrators Office, and Director of HR. “Thus, the opportunity tive days are 1,048,576-to-1, or once representatives of the unions drafted a to telework at appropriate times is an every 4,700 years. And yet I do it reg- proposal. ■ Subsequently, a policy important recruitment and retention ularly. I suppose it’s a lot like winning was drafted by HR and a group of vehicle.” ■ To find out if your job is the lottery, except that I don’t get any management advisors that established eligible for telecommuting, check with money. ■ And of course, a discus- clear and consistent guidelines to facil- your supervisor or manager. For more sion of red lights wouldn’t be complete itate telecommuting by county employ- information, access PMR 27, Telework without a review of yellow lights. The ees. It set forth the type of work and Policy, on the MINE. ■ two are linked. In my typical morning commute, I’m able to hit four, five, or more yellow lights. I can’t even begin to compute the odds, but I’m sure they’re staggering —probably some- County Plugs into $2.4 Million thing on par with winning every lottery every week, except that I still don’t get By Dana Armanino —CDA any money. ■ There are only seven Marin has been awarded a PG&E Local Government Energy Watch Partnership, traffic signals along my route on the which will provide $2.4 million in funding over the next three years to support way home. I don’t know what hap- efficiency programs for public agencies, residents, and businesses. ■ Programs pened to the other three. The evening in the partnership include the Marin Energy Management Team (MEMT), Small signals don’t bother me so much. As a Business Energy Alliance, BTU-Plus, and California Youth Energy Services. The result, I seem to hit more green lights. partnership will also help local water districts with water conservation. ■ If the Maybe there’s some karmic relation- partnership achieves certain energy savings targets within the first year of opera- ship between red signals and needing tion, the funding could be increased up to a total of $4 million. ■ The partnership to be someplace on time. But how do will build on an effort begun two years ago when the county, with the help of they know? ■ Another commute ■ Supervisor Hal Brown, received $700,000 in funding from the California Public imponderable. Utilities Commission to create the MEMT to assist Marin’s local governments and school districts with energy-efficiency efforts. ■ 4 Health Campus Coming emphasis on economic literacy and self- sufficiency. For example, the campus includes community-based organiza- will include links to skill training, job tions, in particular the county’s partners development, and housing. It also will on the campus: Buckelew Independent provide information on Medi-Cal, Living and Employment, Community Public Assistance, and children’s health Photo by Judy Williams Action Marin (CAM), and the Marin insurance. ■ The highly accessible Community Clinic. ■ H&HS and its services offered on the centrally located community partners envision the campus will reflect the cultures and campus as a human empowerment languages of the people it serves. ■ zone. It will encourage wellness, pre- vention, and self-sufficiency by creating While the specific locations of various services a service and information network that are still under discussion, the facilities are addresses immediate and long-term expected to include: ■ ■ a one-stop Welcome Center with exhibits, Discussion of plans for the new health campus L to R: Ron Kappe physical and mental health needs. (Kappe+Du Architects); Bobbe Rockoff, Bruce Gurganus, Diane Slager Much of the focus is on building healthy conference rooms, seminars, and activities; (H&HS); Bob Brown (Buckelew Programs) communities through education and ■ the Marin Community Clinic providing out- training. Services will address mental patient services; By Bobbe Rockoff —H&HS ■ Public Health Services such as Women’s health issues, health literacy, parenting, Health Services, Immunization, STD/TB, In an effort to better serve the commu- and other life skills. Programs are and HIV/Specialty care; and nity, Marin County plans to offer a designed to help change individual and ■ Children & Adult Mental Health Services, broad range of services through a new community norms related to nutrition, including partners, such as Buckelew and Health and Wellness Campus in San physical activity, tobacco, alcohol, and the CAM Drop-In Center. Rafael by the summer of 2008. ■ The drug use. ■ There will also be an Board of Supervisors has approved the “This campus purchase of five buildings formerly improves the quality occupied by Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light

& Magic; a sixth may be added. The Graphic by RHAA of life for individuals, total cost of the project is expected families, and the to run between $64 million and $73 community.” million. ■ “This campus improves the quality of life for individuals, fami-

lies, and the community,” said Larry BELLAM BLVD. Meredith, Director of Health & Human Services. “It’s designed to meet the needs of working men and women who depend on the county for their health services and hope for a better life.” ■ Members of the community, H&HS staff, clinicians, and managers are working closely with architects and the CAO’s

facility development staff to make the KERNER BLVD. most of the project. The planning also Health and Wellness Campus

Library cont’d cians of the 1950s, including shots of people’s identity,” says Victoria. From front cover the patron’s husband. Victoria found a “Reading is what they do all day. me trash.” ■ Another patron, Beah book about the Los Angeles jazz scene They’ve called the service ‘my lifeline.’ Charles, devours six books a week. from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. A few Some patrons can read two or three Living alone with no car or family close days later, the patron called Victoria things at a time. And many are by, she loves discussing each book and excitedly told her that one of her relieved that they can continue to read with volunteer Jacky Ford, a retired pictures was in the book, and her hus- library books, even though they can’t Bookmobile driver. ■ Victoria tells the band was described in it. Members of go to the library themselves.” ■ If story of one particular triumph in find- her family were unaware of his part in you are interested in becoming a ing exactly the right book. When she the jazz world. “You added to my volunteer or if you know someone visited a patron’s home, she noticed family history,” she said. ■ “I didn’t who would benefit from this service, numerous photographs of jazz musi- realize how much books are a part of call Victoria at 499-7451. ■ 5

The Mouths expanded the county dental clinic in San of Babes Rafael and is Photo by Carlos Cam planning for dental Tips to prevent dental By Margaret Fisher —H&HS services in Novato. decay in children: The Children’s Oral Health Project is Shirley Watt, ■ Take your child to the a Health & Human Services (H&HS) Program Manager dentist by one year of program funded almost completely by of the Marin County age. Marin First Five Children & Families Dental Services, has ■ Brush baby’s teeth as Commission funds. Dental hygienist devoted years of her soon as they come in with Margaret Fisher and Registered time to improving a tiny speck of fluoride Dental Assistant Carlos Cam screen dental services for toothpaste. low-income preschoolers and preg- our children. In nant women for dental decay, and collaboration with ■ Make those snacks provide onsite dental cleanings, the Marin Dental healthy with fruits, veg- exams, and x-rays with portable Margaret Fisher provides dental screening to Manuel Gomez at Care Foundation, etables, cheese, and dental equipment to over 400 young Pickleweed Park Community Center. she coordinated whole grains—not candy, children and 150 pregnant women hospital dentistry for those children sweets, juice, or soda. every year. The project also provides a week as a housekeeper in a motel. who can’t travel to San Francisco for ■ Never let a baby go to Her hours are always changing accord- treatment. ■ Drs. Clayton Perry and oral health education classes to par- sleep with or walk around ing to the needs of the employer. Her Brian Hollander donate their time to ents at state-subsidized preschools, with a bottle or sippy cup older daughter watches her younger provide treatment for children who at Women’s Health Services, and at filled with juice or milk. other community centers throughout children while she works. She has no need anesthesia at Marin General the county. ■ Many children in our insurance, no car, and no time. Her Hospital. County dentists now treat ■ Take care of your own county suffer from untreated dental son had rampant decay. Almost all his children at Kaiser Hospital as well. teeth! Parents pass on the decay for a variety of reasons includ- teeth needed fillings or needed to be Shirley also has orchestrated the bacteria that cause cavi- ing lack of transportation, insurance, extracted when he was first screened. monthly portable dental services at ties to their babies and money, or dentists who accept The little boy came for many visits to the the Pt. Reyes Medical Clinic for the young children. MediCal and other publicly funded project’s once-a-month Saturday kids’ last several years, providing access to insurances, and lack of knowledge in dental clinic until he was cavity free. ■ dental care for adults and for children how to prevent decay. ■ One single In response to the need for dental ser- whose parents can’t take them to the mother in the project works seven days vices in our county, H&HS also recently San Rafael dental clinic. ■

Certified Nurse Midwife They Get a Village Adrienne Plasse performs a physical assessment of By Maria Reyes —H&HS patient Alma Mendoza. Photo by Erinn Lance It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Women’s Health Services at the Montecito Plaza Clinic has taken this group visits, similar to truism a step further by acknowledging it also takes one to patients who receive support a pregnant woman. ■ Community support during traditional individual pregnancy is very important. Studies have concluded that prenatal care. ■ premature babies born to women who receive group prenatal During the two-hour care have higher birth weights than babies born to women group visits, a nurse who receive individual care. The group atmosphere nurtures midwife performs a brief medical assessment for each woman social interaction among the women and encourages them in a private corner of the room. While waiting for their turn to share experiences and information and to form friendships to be examined, the women weigh themselves, check their that extend beyond the time of their pregnancy. ■ Certified own blood pressure, and test their own urine. ■ Centering Nurse Midwives Adrienne Plasse, Irene Delaney, Erinn Lance Pregnancy providers facilitate lively group discussions for the and others collaborate with Case Managers Cleo Deras, soon-to-be mothers on topics ranging from preterm labor to Monica Mazzini, Letty Alcantar, Isabel Hernandez, and discomforts of pregnancy to domestic violence. In addition, Carmen Rios-Ramirez to co-facilitate prenatal care in a sup- guest speakers from other programs and agencies, such as portive group setting. ■ This innovative group approach to the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) and Marin prenatal care is called Centering Pregnancy and is funded this Abused Women’s Services (MAWS), add to the variety of year as a pilot program by a $25,000 March of Dimes grant. resources and referrals that are provided. Facilitating learn- Prenatal patients gather in groups of about ten women, based ing and community through group prenatal care gives WHS on the month their babies are due, and are scheduled for nine patients and providers a “village of support.” ■ 6

ODDS & ENDS By Ian Roth

Lois St. Sure (Treas/Tax) got engaged Rob Smith (Superior Court) and on August 3 to Jay Conner after 21 Deborah Perrone-Smith welcomed years of courtship! ■ granddaughter Giabella Leilani Perrone

on September 9. ■ Photo by Nancy Davis Those tying the knot since last issue include Greg Pryor (Assessor) and A number of the Assessor’s staff went to Anastasia Lebedoff on May 27 at San Disneyland for their summer vacation, Francisco’s Log Cabin in the recently including Nelson Gremmels with his restored Presidio. (Greg’s father Bill son Tom (Assessor staff in the mid- Pryor, Frankly Speaking’s volunteer 1990’s), daughter-in-law Kevin Kenney, Editor’s note: Thanks and good Copy Editor, was in attendance.) On and other family members. Gail Drury luck to Ian Roth who August 12, Mischon Martin (P&OS) and his family played with Mickey, Jackie Foster walked 60 miles over three days left the county staff married Kevin Beneda at the Lost Trail as did Connie Siebler with three of to help raise funds to fight breast cancer. to become Finance Lodge in Truckee. ■ her grandchildren. Steve Hancock Jackie Foster (Library) participated in a Director for Fairfax. (Sheriff’s) pulled off the annual Disney We may have four new rangers in 3-day, 60-mile walk in Seattle, August For the next issue, trip for the whole family again! Hawaii P&OS ready for seasonal work in 16 25–27, to raise funds for the Susan G. please e-mail infor- was also a popular destination for the mation from your years. John Flynn McConneloug was Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. ■ Assessor’s office staff. Bill Pierson, department to the born May 20 to John and Nicole. On Marc Pelissetti, and Florence Shimano Lisa Chapman (Sheriff) won the new Odds & Ends June 1, Don Grafe and wife Jamie wel- columnist, Rick went (separately). Joan Thayer ran International Gold Medal in the trio comed William Duke. Caleb Andreas Fraites, at rfraites into Florence there twice! Just to be event in the 2006 World Master Reza arrived July 9 to Greg and Kate. @co.marin.ca.us. different, Mike Kelleher spent some Synchronized Swimming competition. Gabe Ngarangad and Susie’s baby time in Alaska, Olga McKenna visited Wow! ■ Eva Edie, was born July 22. ■ Colombia, Shannon Chamberlin went Deputy District Attorneys Tom Miranda Ysabelle Gibson, born August to Costa Rica with her family, and McCallister, Howard Skebe, Geoff 8, is not only the daughter of Nita Janet Neal vacationed in North Iida, Chris Shea, and Tom Brown all (H&HS, Probation) and Steve (Sheriff), Carolina. ■ completed the San Francisco Marathon but the niece of Celia Allen (H&HS) Congratulations to the Outstanding on July 30. Both Sarah Brubaker and and Cesar (H&HS, Probation). Wendy Employee Exhibitor for the Marin Paul Haakenson completed the half- Sorensen (Assessor) and husband Dave County Fair, for the second year marathon on the same date. ■ welcomed baby girl Casey Lynn on in a row, to Dawn Carlson (H&HS) August 11. On August 19, Victoria Murat Ozgur (DA) won an 88-mile with 11 ribbons in a variety of art Gould (DA) and Allison Johnson bicycle road race for his category, and and writing entries. ■ (H&HS) welcomed their son, Jackson got eighth place, four seconds short of Thomas. Ezra Thaler was born to father Professionals from 33 countries the win, to be a part of Team Discovery Reid (CDA) and mother Karen Seal attended the first International at the US Pro Championships in North on August 27. The next day, Tristan Conference of Community Psychology Carolina in August. ■ held at the University of Puerto Rico Charles Bernard Vuillermet was born Put swim, run, and bike together, and in June. ■ The Community Mental to Jennifer (Co. Counsel) and Eric. you get the Tiburon Triathlon. Team Health Children’s Team was honored Cathryn Tait (Assessor) greeted new CDA members Curtis Havel (swim), Ian that three of its members —Marisol granddaughter, Katelyn Nicole; and Roth (bike), and Jeremy Tejirian (run), Muñoz-Kiehne (psy- placed first in the team competition with chologist), Rachel best time overall for the race. ■ Arthur (mental health practitioner), and Demi Ian Roth and 10-year-old son Cole, Photo by passerby Rhine (Psy.D. intern) — and CDA’s Kristin Drumm and Jeremy decided to attend using Tejirian rode 108 miles in eight hours their own resources. ■ as part of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition’s annual ride. ■ Enjoy the gift of giving! Children & Family Fore! Stacy Carlsen (Ag/Wts. & Services’ Holiday Toy Meas.), Jim Flageollet (Co. Counsel), Drive needs new toys, Steve Petterle (P&OS), and Dennis new clothes, and gift Jauch (retired, P&OS) won the Annual certificates. Please con- California Park and Recreation Society tact Jeannie Damazio District 1 Golf Tournament with a L to R: Demi Rhine, Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne, and Rachel Arthur at the conference in Puerto Rico at 497-7135. ■ staggering 16 under par. ■ 7

strongly that our What’s in a Name? mission statement and our name By Martin Graff —H&HS should reflect all of Photo by Julie Lenhardt CPS. Child Protective Services. Child Welfare Services. Say the work we do… these words in the presence of a parent of young children and in Marin and you may see a look of fear or anxiety. Even profession- County we work als who are required to report suspected child abuse and really hard to keep neglect may be fearful that their call will result in a social families together, worker swooping in and removing children from their par- providing services Children & Family Services’ Heather Ravani ents. ■ CFS (also known as Children’s Services) has to help families talks strategy with Child Welfare Worker recently changed its name to Children & Family Services, keep their children Bree Marcham (seated). fitting with the agency’s dual mission of ensuring the safety, safe at home,” she protection, and health of children while strengthening and said. ■ “Part of these redesign efforts is ensuring that we empowering families. ■ According to Heather Ravani, are engaging the families that we work with in ways that manager of both CFS and Adult Social Services, the name both prevent the need to remove children from their homes change came out of the agency’s efforts to develop a mission and allow us to quickly reunite families as soon as it is safe statement. ■ “We went through a lengthy process that to do so.” ■ For more information about CFS or to obtain a involved managers, supervisors, and child welfare workers copy of the agency’s new mission statement, contact Heather who perform this challenging work. Staff at all levels felt at [email protected]. ■

Cracking Down on Elder Abuse

By Edward Berberian—District Attorney agencies charged with pro- According to the best tecting and safeguarding Photo by Janice Hughes available estimates, our seniors. The DA coordi- between one and two nates the Rapid Response million Americans, age Team, an offshoot of the 65 or older, have been MDT that renders immediate Neighbors and friends Poster by Roehrick Design Roehrick by Poster injured, exploited, or assistance when needed. need to keep an eye out ■ for some of the warning otherwise mistreated by In particular, the office Investigator Malcolm Vaughan someone on whom they is working with Legal Aid signs of elder abuse, depended for care or of Marin, which is recruiting a team of experts to work on a according to DA protection. ■ The Financial Abuse Expert Team (FAET). The team can provide Investigator Malcolm Marin County District expert forensic assistance in the myriad legal issues that often Vaughan. Here are a few: Attorney’s Office (DA) arise in this type of litigation. FAET will also provide training ■ The elder suddenly changes is collaborating with to law enforcement personnel and to the professional commu- a long-standing routine, like ■ many county agencies nity. The DA has targeted funding to address real estate picking up the paper or and community-based fraud and has recruited Malcolm Vaughan, an investigator walking the dog. organizations to with extensive experience in fraud investigations. Many cases Elder abuse prevention poster, created ■ Frankly Speaking address the subject involve elders who have been victimized. Malcolm’s priority is A new “best friend” tends to in collaboration with isolate the elder from the graphic designer Rob Roehrick of elder abuse in our to investigate cases of financial elder abuse that may involve family and friends. community, whether it real estate fraud. ■ An initiative formally began October 2 stems from neglect, physical abuse, or financial fraud. ■ with posters placed on Golden Gate Transit buses and bus ■ The elder loses weight, has The office is a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) shelters, highlighting elder abuse and advertising the DA’s physical injuries, or shows composed of law enforcement, prosecution, and public sector new elder abuse prevention hotline. ■ other signs of possible neglect or abuse.

■ The elder unexpectedly seems dazed or confused. Bus Card by Roehrick Design 8 Team of the Quarter Photo by Janet Lirette By Jennifer Walter —Treas/Tax This quarter’s honored team is Health and Human Services’ (H&HS) Breast Cancer Research and Coordination Team. Members include team leader Rochelle Ereman, and Kathy Koblick, The team brought Jennifer Welle, Lee Ann Prebil, Mark together a cross-section Powell, and Vickie Pollick. ■ The number of breast cancer cases for L to R: Lee Ann Prebil, Rochelle Ereman, Jennifer Welle, Mark Powell, Kathy Koblick Not pictured: of those dedicated to Vickie Pollick and former team members Gail Cummings, Zania Robinson, and Lani Hin women in Marin is significantly higher eradicating breast than in other California counties. To Permanente, and Marin Cancer Institute guided by a compelling vision to con- cancer. address this issue, H&HS received to gather and analyze data and to tribute to finding the causes of breast grants from the Center for Disease explore new research endeavors. ■ cancer utilizing the unique circum- Control and Prevention, and the The team created diverse groups such stances we have in Marin, i.e. the Cancer Research Section of the as: the National Scientific Advisory active involvement of strong and com- California Department of Health Group to guide research; the Andrea mitted grassroots leaders, strong ties Services. The Breast Cancer Research Fox Trust Fund to provide grants to to academic and research institutions, and Coordination Team was formed projects that help people deal with their vibrant collaborative relationships with to define and implement research cancer; the Bay Area Breast Cancer community organizations, and strong projects regarding breast cancer and the Environment Research Center support and leadership from H&HS causes and prevention in Marin for Excellence to investigate environ- Director Larry Meredith, the Board of County. The team brought together mental stressors that may influence Supervisors, and the Administrator's a cross-section of those dedicated to breast cancer development; and the Office.” ■ October is Breast Cancer eradicating this formidable disease — Marin Women’s Study, which collects Awareness Month and the team is advocates, researchers, survivors, data on mammography findings as launching a new study in Marin in physicians, and other health care well as biological specimens to help collaboration with Marin General providers. It coordinated the efforts researchers better understand why risk Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. To of a host of organizations such as factors affect women in different ways. participate, visit the Marin Women’s Northern California Cancer Center, ■ Public Health Director Frima Stewart Study website at www.mwstudy.org Marin General Hospital, Kaiser says, “The work of this team has been or call 415-507-4077. ■

MERIT Novice Becomes ‘Mr. SAP’ complete their assignments. “They give me little compliments because I’ve By Tom Murphy —HR Larry Elliott (CS) had a very good been helping some people,” he said. reason to be nervous when Project “I give people help whenever I can.” ■ MERIT* Release I was launched in July. Larry’s experience should be a ■ “Eight months ago, I couldn’t turn comfort to other county employees a computer on,” he laughed. “I didn’t who’ll start using the dynamic new ■ system soon. Human Resources will Photo by Tom Murphy know where the on-off switch was.” However, as Utility Lead Worker at start working with Release II on Dec. Marin Center, Larry was required to 17. On Jan. 2, the system will go live track purchase orders in the new system for workers in Accounts Receivable, designed with SAP. So he decided to Budget Preparation, Training, Work make up for lost time. ■ It wasn’t that Order Management, and Reporting. ■ he was afraid of computers; he just “When the MERIT system came on had no interest in them. “I’ve gotten this line, I went to the class, but I didn’t far in life without them,” he recalled think I’d ever be able to do it,” the Larry “Mr. SAP” Elliott at the keyboard. with a grin. “I’m kind of stubborn.” ■ 12-year county veteran chuckled. “But Now his coworkers call him “Mr. SAP” it’s a process of repeat, repeat, repeat, ■ because he not only has conquered his and then you hold onto it.” own tasks, but he often helps coworkers * Marin County Enterprise Resource Integration Technology 9 EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER TIM SWAN MY TRAN SAMANTHA KLEIN Photos by Janice Hughes

Tim Swan’s 35-year career as a Park As a County of Marin Deputy Probation Samantha Klein, Principal Equipment Mechanic II (P&OS) has Officer, My Tran has a positive influ- Administrative Analyst, is a dedicated, him working behind the scenes fixing ence on people. Her ability to speak hardworking member of the county and maintaining the equipment nec- three languages and her proficiency staff. She is the County Administrator’s essary to keep the Parks, Landscape, in sign language have enabled the Office lead for the budget and plays and Open Space divisions up and Probation Department to better serve a pivotal role in the development of running. ■ Next time you walk a large, diverse population. My always the new MERIT business system. ■ around the Civic Center Lagoon Park, extends a helping hand and has earned Samantha works with the Board of visit any of the county parks, or the appreciation and respect of her Supervisors, department heads, and admire the fire break work done on colleagues. ■ My started her career staff at all other levels. Samantha open space lands, thank Tim. His in 1999 as the probation specialist liai- treats everyone with kindness and dedication to repairing and main- son for the Canal Alliance doing own respect. She uses her engaging work taining P&OS equipment is essential recognizance reports. She has served style and collaborative skills to help to the development and maintenance as a Supervision Officer working with departments achieve their goals. of these areas. Tim repairs it all — monolingual clients, has handled restiti- She listens well, has a great sense of from tractors to mowers, sweepers, tion cases, and currently works in the humor, and most important, takes the chainsaws, weed-whackers, and Investigations Unit providing compre- initiative to make things happen. ■ department trucks. ■ His integrity hensive reports to the Marin Courts. Samantha makes herself available and professionalism add to Tim’s My’s hard work and understanding at all times, in or out of her office. being an outstanding employee. Over manner have had a remarkable impact She always has a smile on her face, the years, he’s always been willing to on her clients who are working toward and makes people feel their concerns help co-workers who find themselves rehabilitation. ■ My is a soft-spoken are important and will be addressed. stuck after work with a flat tire or a professional and consummate team Samantha is a great role model dead battery. Tim serves as a model player. Her dedication and caring work because of her willingness to take of excellence to his colleagues and is ethic serve as a model of excellence in on assignments with enthusiasm and a true asset to the County of Marin. ■ public service. ■ always produce excellent results. ■

By Brian Sanford —P&OS By Jessica Fort —Probation By Janet Lirette —CAO

Slow pitch does not mean soft competition, at least not when county employees walk onto the diamond. DPW defeated the Sheriff’s Office 11–4 this year. The winning

Photo by passerby team is shown here. L to R, Front: Tom Buell, Carey Colton, Renee Pickett, Nancy Fox Middle: Cody Buell and friend Back: Scott Hall, Rachel Hall, Jerry Channel, Jimmie Hudson, Tom Johnson, Ken Tisdale, Vanard Goodman, Craig Strait Not shown: Mike Coleman and scorekeeper Liz Johnson. The Sheriff’s team included: Brian Fay, Keith Boyd, Domenick Yazzolino, Brian McMains and Matt Stott (Sheriff), Elana Gulbransen (Sheriff —retired), Don Wick and Brennan (Courts), Katie Fay (Probation), Joe Avila (Richmond PD), and Luke Offenbach (Cafeteria). 10 It’s Been a Great Year Roving Reporter By Rick Fraites —BOS By Kellie Moore —Fire

The end of the year is a great time to pause from scurrying about and reflect upon November 8–14 is National what a great year it has been! Looking at the achievements throughout the county Pursuit of Happiness Week. departments is an excellent reminder of the magnitude of hard work and dedica- How do you pursue happiness? tion we have for the Marin County community. Just look at what’s been achieved.

■ Cultural Services hosted the largest commu- ■ H&HS Mental Health began implementa- Sandy Laird, BOS: nity event in the county with new records tion of a plan to develop new and expand- “I kayak, shop, being set at the Marin County Fair’s 61st ing services. hike, walk my dogs, Anniversary. (See FS, Q2.) ■ The Treasurer’s Department purchased new shop, quilt, shop, Photos by Rick Fraites Fair Sets Records ■ The Sheriff’s Office led in the purchase and voting equipment, finalized the redesign of eat, and explore coordination of the design, training, and the county’s 457 deferred compensation new adventures.” implementation of a records management program, and secured a $672,000 reim- system for six police departments. The bursement from the State of California. Jeff Sherman, Office of Emergency Services coordinated ■ Farm Advisors focused a worldwide spot- Coroner’s Office: Sheriff Leads an effective response during and after the light on Marin’s organic and sustainable winter floods. (See FS, Q2 & Q3.) agriculture when they co-sponsored the “My greatest happi- ■ The Library improved hi-tech capabilities visit of Prince Charles and Camilla, ness is to spend with faster connection speeds, wireless net- Duchess of Cornwall, to the Point Reyes time with my twin working in all branch libraries, electronic Farmers Market. (See FS, Q1 & Q3.) daughters, Camille and Emily.” Organic Royale courtesy notices, and a collection of down- ■ The County Administrator’s Office coordi- loadable audiobooks. nated a survey of employees’ impressions Jan Nakashige, ■ The Public Defender’s Office continued of the county organization. Overall results IST: “I achieve hap- to provide excellent legal services using indicated that employees feel the county is piness by avoiding innovative, cost-effective ways to strengthen building an organization that continues to stress. I do this by Defibrillator City existing programs such as the Restoration meet community and employee needs. (See leaving my work at of Rights expungement project, and contin- FS, Q3.) work, getting plenty ued plans to create the GIDEON case ■ The Fire Department purchased 12 lead of exercise, and management system. defibrillators, giving paramedics a tool to enjoying my family life.” ■ Human Resources implemented an assist in expediting treatment to save lives, upgraded JobApps recruitment software and worked diligently through the floods Lisa Salinas, PD: Upgraded JobApps system and dedicated significant resources and a catastrophic mudslide. Fire crews “My happiness to the HR and payroll components of continued to clear hazardous fuels from increases with a MERIT Release II. (See FS, Q3.) critical areas. (See FS, Q2.) shopping day at the ■ The District Attorney’s Office increased ■ Agriculture/Weights and Measures imple- mall, long rides with staff with an investigator specializing in mented an ordinance to perform routine my kids, having my Reduce Elder Abuse financial elder abuse, particularly within scanner inspections of retail stores and hair and nails done, real estate. It also promoted DA’s focus of groceries to ensure pricing accuracy and and enjoying a cool, “Respect and Protect Our Seniors.” (See provide greater consumer protection. refreshing margarita.”

FS, this issue, p. 7) ■ IST ranked fifth nationally for its website in Caroline Foster, ■ The Auditor Controller's Office led the the digital communities competition —up Flood Control Elections: “My MERIT team to a successful Go-Live of from tenth a year ago —and added the happiness is spend- Release I on July 3. (See FS, Q3.) new G Channel with access to audio, ing time with my ■ video, and Spanish-language instruction. CDA programs included eliminating five grandchildren. (See FS, Q2 & Q3.) pharmaceutical drugs from the waste Two are in Sonoma ■ stream, implementing new disability access The Assessor-Recorder Department County and three regulations and improved residential produced an assessment roll that helped New G Channel are in Marin County. design guidelines, and reducing green- schools, cities, the county, and special We do things that they house gas emissions by 15 percent by districts, and initiated of the conversion of want to do.” 2020. over 1.6 million images of official records ■ Child Support Services ranked third from microfilm and paper to digitized Voting Machines among 58 counties. They worked on learn- images. ing three new systems: MERIT, the State ■ DPW’s Engineering Division completed Haiku Disbursement Unit, and a child support the final phase of the Novato creek flood By Bob Beaumont—DPW case management system. control project, begun in the mid-1980’s. In spite of it all ■ The Coroner’s Office brought closure in More than 200 miles of county roads have Undaunted by our follies been repaired since the New Year’s Eve Cold Cases Closed three cases by identifying three bodies from The dawn brings promise. the 80s. storm last year. 11

and often works with Dave on regula- tory issues. Inspector Anna Sauber was recognized by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) for her efforts in developing the Photo by Mischon Martin Marin Organic Certified Agriculture (MOCA) program. ■ Under the watchful eye of Jon Wright (DPW), it’s not likely you will be sharing your office or Civic Center corridors with any six- or eight-legged critters. Jon is the Integrated Pest Management contact for the Civic Center. He says it was Pulling goat grass on Terra Linda Ridge L to R: Rick Fraites, Stacy Carlsen, Greg Reza his supervisor, Rich Wallace, who Bug cont’d OurWaterOurWorld.org and get enthusiastically embraced IPM and was to drive the very cool lime green instrumental in establishing an intelli- From front cover Volkswagen bug covered with lady bug gent approach to pest management in in the whiteflies that then become logos. The “bug” is part of the county county buildings. Jon became the go- both food and shelter for the egg and fleet and can be reserved through Larry to guy for dealing with pests. First he developing wasp. When the young Laino or Paul Makinson at the county identifies them, and often follows up by wasps emerge as adults, the whitefly interviewing employees to determine is killed in a manner reminiscent of Biocontrols almost never eliminate when and where the pests were seen, that memorable scene from the first all of the pests, but ecological what attracted them, and where they came from to determine why they are Alien movie. Today, Dave can’t find balance is the yin and the yang whiteflies, though he knows some are there. Jon then cleans up the bug path- of integrated pest management still there. Biocontrols almost never ways, often needing only caulk to block (IPM) and key to successful eliminate all of the pests, but ecologi- future passage. He reminds employees pest management. cal balance is the yin and the yang of to keep workspaces clean and to keep integrated pest management (IPM) and food stuffs in sealed containers as food key to successful pest management. ■ garage. ■ You will often find Mischon is an invitation. ■ With the new IPM Dave and his supervisor, Ed Hulme, Martin (P&OS) hand-pulling barbed regimen, cafeteria pest control efforts are two of many in the “county family” goat grass in the serpentine rock out- who manage insect and weed pests croppings of Terra Linda Ridge. How that find their way into our land- this noxious and very invasive weed scapes, buildings, food, or invade was introduced is unknown but it

sensitive habitats. To proactively threatens to displace endangered plants Photo by Rich Gibson address pest problems and reduce found only on this unique soil type. reliance on sprays, the county adopted Mischon and Greg Reza coordinated an Integrated Pest Management a volunteer weed-pulling team that Ordinance and mandated a 75 included Supervisor Susan Adams and percent reduction in pesticide use on Agricultural Commissioner Stacy county properties. Such a significant Carlsen, who also serves as the county’s reduction places a premium on inge- IPM Coordinator. Alongside volunteer nuity to find economical and effective community members, they spent two alternatives. Dave and other staff rely Saturdays pulling, bagging, and haul- on prevention, education, and regular ing the weeds to the landfill. Greg and Mischon Martin hauls the noxious weed. inspections to monitor for pests and Mishon’s diligence in coordinating com- literally to nip problems in the bud. ■ munity activities reduces the need for focused on closing pest access, placing Liz Lewis, Gina Purin, and Jennifer herbicides and promotes environmental traps and baits, and most important, Lueder in DPW’s Marin County health. ■ Agriculture/Weights and hiring extra staff so the kitchen would Stormwater Pollution Prevention Measures (Ag/Wts. & Meas.) staff are be cleaned thoroughly and routinely. Program (MCSTOPPP) develop and also involved in promoting environmen- These changes have seriously paid off distribute information on eco-friendly tal health. Inspector Amanda Stephens and unwelcome critters have been elimi- pest control products, educational is the local chairperson for the Weed nated. The kitchen staff received the IPM materials on pest management, and Management Area Group and often Annual Award presented by the BOS. sponsor education classes. (Call works with Mischon and others to To describe the preventive maintenance MCSTOPPP at 499-6528 for a listing coordinate weed projects. Supervising of today’s kitchen staff, sous chef Rob of classes.) With the help of John Inspector Laurel Thomassin oversees McDonnell uses such superlatives as “off Wilson of IST, they also maintain the local pesticide regulator program the hook” and “fantastic.” ■ Vacation Photo Contest Winners Congratulations to our JUMPING FOR JOY winners: Mark Pioli WELCOME (Assessor), Kara Skahill (CDA), and Pat Wall FAREWELL! (H&HS). Their photos, in color, will be on display Welcome to& New Employees! in the Civic Center Listed in order of hire date from June 4 to August 26, 2006 during the month of November. Special Ian Adams Fire Fighter/Paramedic I, Fire Lorelei Bresler Eligibility Asst.-Billing, H&HS thanks to Marin Mark Burbank Fire Fighter/Paramedic I, Fire Filmworks of San Scott Gamba Fire Fighter/Paramedic I, Fire Rafael, which donated Tracie Holland Engineering Asst., DPW Matthew Larson Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff a $25 gift certificate for Eugene Lew Equipment Svc. Asst., DPW each winner. ■ Haley Mears Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HS David Ray Fire Fighter/Paramedic I, Fire Jeff Riddleberger Fire Fighter/Paramedic I, Fire Arian Ahmadi Sr. Accounting Asst., H&HS Steven Gibson Sheriff’s Svc. Asst., Sheriff Laras and Diwa Lisa Jack Sr. Clerk/Typist, H&HS on Gili Island, Indonesia Michelle Prince Deputy District Attorney, DA By Mark Pioli, Assessor’s Office Anna Rose Sibeto Assessment/Record Tech. I, Assessor Carla Wyatt Assessment/Record Tech. I, Assessor Jeanene Gibson Sr. Clerk/Typist, DPW Kristin Krasnove Planner, CDA PEACEFUL REFLECTION Karen Eddy Sr. Secretary, Probation Kathleen Freeman Soc. Svcs. Unit Supervisor, H&HS Maria Hernandez Registered Dental Asst., H&HS Elizabeth Tellez-Talavera Sr. Clerk/Typist, H&HS Derrick Bell Sr. Programmer Analyst, IST Denise Caramagno Soc. Service Worker II, H&HS Ward Hayter Asst. Comm. Dispatch Mgr., Sheriff Jacqueline Hoppensteadt Legal Process Asst. I, DA Maria Reyes Sr. Clerk/Typist, H&HS Eric Swift Office Svcs. Supervisor, H&HS Steve Trenam Library Tech. Asst. I, Library Alec Hoffmann Asst. Planner, CDA Kristen Sweet Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HS Nabil Alsoufi Prog. Coordinator, H&HS Kimberly Fitzgerald Deputy Public Defender II, PD Scott Smolar Med. Director Mental Health, H&HS Gustavo Carmona Road Maintenance Wkr. I, DPW Harbor in Vancouver, Joshua Chaddock Road Maintenance Wkr. I, DPW British Columbia Anthony Cordero Road Maintenance Wkr. I, DPW By Pat Wall, H&HS CHANGE OF PRIORITIES Maria-Ceci Guillermo Mental Health Pract., H&HS Jedediah Learned Appraiser I, Assessor Sheila Lichtblau County Counsel III, Co. Counsel John Rohrbacher District Attorney Inspector, DA Patrick Yeanay Road Maintenance Wkr. I, DPW Anessa Larson Lic. Mental Health Pract., H&HS

Farewell to Retirees!

Hettie Partridge Legal Process Supervisor, DA Myla Lyons Legal Process Specialist, Sheriff Gaeton Ingrassia Sheriff’s Property Evidence Clerk, Sheriff Jocelyn Moss Sr. Library Asst., Library Carol Jean Cady Public Health Nurse, H&HS Jacqueline Ford Mobile Library Svcs. Asst., County Library Alice Rundle Court Svcs. Supervisor, Court Rosemarie Machon Judicial Secretary, Court Glenda Brewer Deputy Public Defender IV, Public Defender Farimah Koleini Appraiser II, Assessor Sandra Lamke Eligibility Program Specialist, H&HS Jane Lee Archer Assessment/Recording Tech. II, Assessor Carol Ford Administrative Svcs. Associate, CDA

Naxos, Greece By Kara Skahill, CDA