S ECOND Q UARTER 2009 V OLUME 14 • NUMBER 2

FRANKLY SPEAKING

A NEWSLETTER FOR AND BY MARIN COUNTY EMPLOYEES

100 Years of Info and Empowerment

By Laurie Thompson —Library Library Journal, the premier publication for librarians, has awarded the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) three stars The Marin County for excellence in library service. After evaluating over 7,000 Images courtesy Anne T. Kent California Room public libraries throughout the United States, Library Journal Free Library is proud awarded stars to only 256 libraries, based on four per-capita that, on average, service indicators —library visits, circulation, program atten- each year each dance, and public Internet computer use. The Marin County County Librarian Virginia Vail Keating is seated at her desk in the Marin County Free Library, then located in the basement of the Free Library is proud that, on average, each of our residents of our residents courthouse in downtown San Rafael, circa 1936. visits 7.6 times and borrows an average of 10 items annually. visits 7.6 times and borrows an average MCFL is one of 30 “starred” libraries in its expenditure category nationally and one of only 16 starred libraries in of 10 books. California. The full report is available at www.libraryjournal. com. ■ How did we get here? ■ In 1876, William Poole, a pioneer of the public library movement in the United States, defined the public library as, “an agency established by state law, supported by local taxation or voluntary gifts, managed as a public trust, and open to every citizen of the city or Children at Camp Thayer in southern Sonoma County, reading library books delivered by the Marin County Free Library, circa 1935. One of county that maintained it.” This same philosophy inspired the these delivery boxes survives in Library Administration at the Civic Center. California Legislature to pass the County Free Library Law Continued on page 11

Highest Honor to the Fair

By Steve Petterle —P&OS Photo by Janice Hughes “In the county fair world, it’s like winning Impressive as this Oscars for best picture, best director, year’s award is, best actress and best actor, all combined into one!” Those were Jim Farley’s (CS) it’s even more words as he described the significance of remarkable that the winning the Louis B. Merrill Award from Fair Team — Front row, L to R: Christian Gutt, Jean Joseph, Lonnie Garey, and Grania Flanagan Marin County Fair the Western Fairs Association for the Second row, L to R: Linda Benson, Cindi Dauenhauer, Ann Albertoni, Marion Boyd, and David Zoellner has won this award 2008 Greenest County Fair on Earth Third row, L to R: Antonio Ramirez, Chris Haeuser, Charlie Barboni, George Pegelow, Larry Elliott, Tony Marin County Fair. Stephen Chambers, four times in the last Taubert, and Jim Farley Not pictured: Pedro Alegria, Cynthia Price, Bonnie Yuen Executive Director of the Western Fairs 12 years. Association, adds, “Marin County is the speaking of awards, the 2009 Marin July 5. Entertainment will include national model….” Impressive as this County Fair is a winner in the making. Creedence Clearwater Revisited and year’s award is, it’s even more remark- The fair team is parlaying last year’s eco-hero Steve Trash in his Big Green able that the Marin County Fair has won success into some Cool Green Fun for Magic Show. For more details about this award four times in the last 12 years. an even bigger and greener event. The this year’s county fair, check out Congratulations, Jim and crew. ■ And fair comes to Marin from July 1 through MarinFair.org. ■ 2

FRANKLY SPEAKING Our own Marin County YouTube!

Editorial Board By Janell Myhre —Sheriff’s Office Joan Brown, Editor-in-Chief, Human Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7167 Heather Burton, IST, 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 Joe Spaeth, Public Defender, 499-6321 Anne Starr, Human Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-6028 John Vogee, Administrative support, Human Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7407

Design: Rob Roehrick, Roehrick Design Copy Editor: Bill Pryor, Civic Center Volunteers Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could share your Marin Photographer: Janice Hughes, D.A.’s Office County departments’ good deeds with thousands of people? Well, you can. ■ The Proofreaders: Leslie Miller and Christina Walcoff, Civic Center Volunteers Marin County GChannel is like our own YouTube. This innovative way of sharing Printing: Marin County Printing Services and communicating information is here for county employees and residents to use and enjoy. ■ Immediate information, archived forever in digital format, is at your Frankly Speaking is a quarterly publication for and fingertips. You can access the GChannel at www.maringchannel.org. Live and by Marin County employees. It is accessible with archived information is available in webcasts. There are hundreds of GChannel paychecks, on the MINE hompage, and at www.co. entries online right now, with more being produced every week. ■ If you can’t marin.ca.us—enter Frankly Speaking in the search box. E-mail articles, cartoons, photos, poems, etc., to make it to the Civic Center for an important meeting, or must miss an item on the [email protected]. For articles please identify Board of Supervisors agenda, or want to share a county presentation or training subject, your name, and phone number. For photos, with others, GChannel can solve all of these problems with a click of the mouse. include all names and the photographer’s name. Digital You can watch GChannel videos online, on local public access stations, or on the photos must be shot at the highest quality setting. county’s own YouTube channel. ■ Many Marin County efforts already are on the GChannel, including public service announcements, documentaries, training videos Reporter of the Quarter: Anne Starr and videos about county services, Marin County Green Business information, Civic Schedule Center Volunteers, and the work Marin County is doing for our homeless popula- Articles Due Publication Date tion such as Project Homeless Connect. Also available is information regarding Friday, May 29 Friday, Aug.14 current events in the county, such as SkyTans presentations or a video of the new Friday, Sept. 4 Friday, Nov. 6 Health and Wellness Campus opening. You can also view the Get Ready Marin Tuesday, Nov. 24 Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 training. You can see it all online, at your convenience. ■ The GChannel is a Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 Friday, May 7, 2010 great county service and resource. If your department is interested in putting something on the GChannel, contact Jerry Kay at [email protected]. ■

Vacation Photos Wanted! It’s entry time for our 14th Annual Vacation Photo Contest. Employees can be either the photographer Stress: County has plan to help you cope or in the photo taken any time since the fall of 2008. Daily news about the economy and various industry crises contribute to a rise in individual stress Previous participants are welcome! Printed or high- resolution digital photos should be submitted to Janice levels due to the multiple life adjustments that may be required. If you are feeling overloaded, Hughes, c/o DA’s Office, Rm. 130, Civic Center, or please remember that the county provides all benefit-eligible employees with an Employee [email protected] by September 4. Winning Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a service designed to help you and your eligible family photos will be published in the Fourth Quarter Frankly members manage life’s challenges. If you need help, call: Speaking and displayed in the Civic Center Cafeteria. Employee Assistance Program Thanks to again to Marin Filmworks for donating $25 Toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week gift certificates for the top three winners. 800-227-1060 All EAP contacts and referrals are confidential. If you have questions or would like a brochure about the plan, please contact one of your FRANKLY SPEAKING Purpose and Priorities Human Resources benefits representatives weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Meloni Gail COMMUNICATION•DIVERSITY•RECOGNITION•EDUCATION•NEWS•FUN•INTERACTION Page, 499-7006; Joy Fossett, 499-7447; Freeman Suen, 499-7843; or Anthony Wesley, The Marin County newsletter is intended for internal communication. The newsletter will not include partisan or non-partisan political activity, or issues 473-4317. related to labor disputes and grievances. 3 Photo by Reid Thaler

P ETTERLE’S P ERSPECTIVE

By Steve Petterle —P&OS I’m not ashamed to admit that some- times I use a thesaurus when I write. Illustration by Phoenicia Thomas But I try to use it as little as possible, following some of my previous experiences. ■ There was a point in my life when I was somewhat Matrix GIS Team L to R: Ray van Cleave, Margaret Moster, Fred Vogler, Dennis Healey, Brian dependent upon a thesaurus. It Quinn, and Frank Godino Not shown: Chris Edwards became most evident many years ago in the writing of one specific letter, where my desire to perfect New GIS Online with Maplinks a writing style became a driving compulsion, an impulse, a craving. By Fred Vogler —CDA My letters weren’t good enough —I If you want to know where something computers and the Internet. ■ We wanted to make them better, more is, a good way to find it is to look at use GIS to help county employees see original. And I wouldn’t let it go. ■ a map, traditionally a large piece of the information we have to manage. It was a simple letter, at least it paper. Today, maps also are digital GIS lets us become more efficient and started out that way. “Thanks for the files that can be displayed on any productive by improving business opportunity, etc., etc.” But the more device with a viewing screen. ■ processes and facilitating work flow. I wrote, the more it began to feel There is a technology, body of knowl- We can become more knowledgeable contrived, ordinary, dull, mundane. edge, and a way of working that is as well (and correct mistakes we never Back then, I wanted everything known as Geographic Information saw in the paper world). By shifting I wrote to be memorable, superb, Systems (GIS). GIS is a computer-based some tasks to a computer information tremendous. So I opened the technology that creates, stores, orga- system, we free ourselves to do more thesaurus. Things quickly got out nizes, analyzes, and displays maps sophisticated work or provide more of control. ■ For perspective, the of anything that can be represented direct attention to customers. Having last paragraph of my draft letter graphically. The mapped entities have GIS on all county computers and the before using the thesaurus read: real-world coordi- Internet allows Unfortunately, this area is not within nates directly tied If a picture is worth a thousand words, everyone to see our jurisdiction. We suggest that to the earth’s a GIS map is worth ten thousand. the same things, you contact the City of Mill Valley surface, which You immediately can see thus providing directly for further information. ■ means you can the connectedness of all things. better communi- It seemed rather boring, lackluster, see everything in cation, and more and mind-numbing to me. With the relation to everything else. If a picture clarity and understanding. Look at our help of my thesaurus, I translated it is worth a thousand words, a GIS map public GIS applications on the Internet into: Discontentedly, this milieu is is worth ten thousand. You immedi- atwww.co.marin.ca.us/depts/is/main not surrounded by our province. We ately can see the connectedness of all /gis and at MarinMap’s web site: advocate with the aim of making things. Attributes (facts) about those mmgis.marinmap.org. ■ We want you drop a line to the Municipality mapped entities are included with the people to see GIS as a normal part of of Grind Gorge unswervingly for map so that you can inquire about daily life in the digital age. We want supplementary statistics. ■ The and analyze those characteristics. ■ GIS to become as commonplace and person who opened and read my The county has a very sophisticated useful as e-mail, increasing everyone’s letter called to ask if I was okay. GIS operated by a team of experts in geographic literacy as we go about They were genuinely concerned. the Community Development Agency our business. As wireless connectivity I guess I went too far. Now I don’t and Information Services Department and portable devices become com- rely on my thesaurus so much. It (with experts in a few other depart- monplace, GIS applications such sits on my desk collecting dust, ments as well). Together, we provide as ours will answer the “What?” and amassing grime, stockpiling grunge, digital maps and data, and applica- “Where?” questions on demand, accruing debris. It feels good to tions that show these maps on county almost anywhere. ■ write without a crutch. ■ 4 Nurses Help the Homeless

By Margaret Levine —H&HS Photo by Cris Jones Transition to Wellness is a collaborative (H&HS) provides linkages to critical medical respite program for homeless county and community services. Both people who are released from the hos- are part of the Aging and Adult case pital. The pilot program is funded by management team supervised by Rita Photo by Margaret Levine Sutter Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Widergren (H&HS). ■ In the first four Britton, before the Marin Community Foundation, months of operation, 20 homeless Transition to and the County of Marin. The project people were placed in the program. Of Wellness recently received a generous grant those 20, 12 were placed in transitional from Kaiser’s Community Benefit Fund. housing upon release rather than Current capacity of the program is four returning to the streets. This statistic is Student nurses provide a human touch for respite beds at Homeward Bound’s compelling because it shows that with the homeless in San Rafael. Next Key Center, a treatment facility focused support, homeless individuals Photo by Andre Harris adjacent to the New Beginnings Center can overcome the obstacles to attaining experienced a severe increase in his ■ Britton, at Next in Novato, and one motel bed in secure housing. At left is a picture chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Key Center San Rafael. Sr. PHN Margaret Levine of Britton (his first name only) taken at symptoms and was re-hospitalized at (H&HS) is the nurse case-manager. Motel 6 when he first was introduced to MGH. ■ At left is Britton at the Next Support Service Worker Andre Harris Transition to Wellness following hospi- Key Center following his second hospi- talization at Marin General Hospital talization at MGH. He is very proud of (MGH) for pneumonia. The first state- celebrating 60 days clean and sober ment he made was, “I want to thank and is making great efforts to quit everyone who had anything to do with smoking. With Andre’s support, Britton

Photo by Kathleen Roach me having this bed to sleep in. I woke applied for general assistance during up and took a hot shower today. That is his first Transition to Wellness stay. He such a gift.” After seven days he was is now receiving general assistance discharged to the Mill Street Homeless which makes him eligible to go to New Team working with homeless people discharged from local hospitals Shelter in San Rafael where he stayed Beginnings Center upon release from L to R: Rita Widergren, (with student nurses Sarah Bailey, David Hoey, ■ and Lindsay Bearer), Margaret Levine, and Andre Harris successfully for five weeks. He then the respite bed.

MMRC First to Win New National Award Photo by Dave Fortman By Anne Starr —HR

The Marin Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC) was presented the first Community Resilience Award in the nation by the “I am so proud of Surgeon General’s Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical ■ the MMRC. This Reserve Corps. The corps develops partnerships among active and retired medical professionals and other interested Marin Medical Reserve Corps Manager Brian Waterbury, center, award is a testa- Marin residents to help educate, train, and deploy volunteers accepts the first Community Resilience Award from Rear Admiral Robert Williams, Acting Deputy Surgeon General, left, and Capt. ment to the quality and resources in the event of a large-scale local emergency Robert Tossato, Director, Surgeon General’s Office of the Civilian ■ of the volunteers such as an earthquake, epidemic, or terrorist attack. To Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps. who are making qualify for the recognition, the MMRC team demonstrated outstanding resilience in “the four R’s”: robustness (strength said it many times but am going to say it again: I am truly sure that Marin to withstand a stressor); redundancy (backup elements are honored to be associated with such a wonderful group of County will be well available); resourcefulness (capacity to identify problems and dedicated individuals,” said Brian. In addition to excellent prepared in the mobilize resources); and rapidity (ability to act quickly). ■ volunteer support, the MMRC has been “very, very blessed to have the full support of the Board of Supervisors and senior event of a disaster,” Competition from other Medical Reserve Corps units across the United States was intense, according to Program Manager management in the county.” The MMRC was established in says Supervisor Brian Waterbury (H&HS). He credited the MMRC’s devoted 2004 and Brian is the sole employee. ■ Brian accepted the Susan Adams. volunteer physicians, nurses, mental health experts, dentists, award in early April on behalf of the 288 members of the trades people, chaplains, administrative assistant Florence de corps at the Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness, Losada, and the many others who make up the corps. “I have and Response Training Summit in Dallas, Texas. ■ 5 Photo by Janice Hughes

L to R: Lauren Houde, Cynthiarose “Cyno” Connolly, Kathleen Suhrke, Dawn Weisz, Charles McGlashan, Leslie Alden, Jamie Tuckey, and Omar Pena

Community Choice Aggregations will fuel small, locally based green businesses. MCE will enable local deci- By Lauren Houde —CDA sion-making over what kinds of power The board of the newly established The first charge of the board, chaired Marin utilizes. For more information, Marin Energy Authority (MEA), com- by Supervisor McGlashan, is to decide see www.marincleanergy.info. ■ posed of nine elected representatives whether Marin County will proceed During its start-up phase, MEA will from the county and member cities with implementing a Community Choice be housed under the Community Marin Clean Energy and towns, gathered on February 5 Aggregation program (CCA). ■ Development Agency (CDA). Dawn for their first board meeting to begin Community Choice Aggregation was Weisz will split her time with the CDA (MCE) will enable their charge of collectively studying, established by the California legislature Sustainability Team to serve as the local decision-making promoting, developing, and managing in 2002 (AB 117) to give cities and Interim Director for MEA. Administrative over what kinds of energy programs that will address counties the authority to procure elec- support will be provided on a part-time power Marin utilizes. climate change. The meeting marked tricity on behalf of customers within basis by Jamie Tuckey, Kathleen the culmination of five years’ hard work their jurisdictions. Under a CCA pro- Suhrke (CDA), and Lauren Houde by staff who visited local jurisdictions gram, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) (CDA). Many others will continue to and attended public forums to engage would deliver the electricity to customers donate their time and expertise to the in dialogue and ask and answer ques- and continue to read electric meters establishment and success of this orga- tions. Principal Planner Dawn Weisz, and issue monthly bills. Customers nization. The efforts of so many dedi- Planning Aide Jamie Tuckey, Assistant would have the choice of being auto- cated people have truly been a study in Planner Omar Pena (all CDA), matically enrolled in the Marin Clean collaboration. MEA has been funded by Supervisor Charles McGlashan and Energy (MCE) program or continuing the Marin County Board of Supervisors aide Leslie Alden (BOS), and Supervisor to get their power from PG&E. MCE during the start-up phase, with the Hal Brown and aide Cyno Connolly would reduce Marin's greenhouse gas expectation that the county will be reim- (BOS), are to be commended for the emissions by providing twice as much bursed should CCA be implemented. ■ successful creation of this Joint Powers renewable power initially as Marin For more information, please visit Authority, an agency independent from receives now. MCE also promises to www.marinenergyauthority.org or the county. They have made establish- make prices more stable over the attend a board meeting held at 7 p.m. ing a brand-new organization from the long term by decreasing reliance on the first Thursday of every month at 1 ground up look deceptively easy. ■ imported fossil fuels. In addition, MCE McInnis Parkway, San Rafael. ■

Try to Top This! carpoolers since Caltrans opened the vehicle owners, Anita first phase of the Highway 101 south- Erola (HR), Kathy Ah San By Jeri Stewart —DPW bound carpool/bus/motorcycle lane in (Treas/Tax), and Lourdes Carpool savings can be substantial. February. The new lane shaves 15 to Bascara (Public Guardian), Three persons in a mid-sized vehicle 20 minutes off travel time from Sonoma won travel blankets. ■ commuting 20 miles to the Civic Center County during the morning peak Participating County of from the East Bay can save about $728 commute. ■ In celebration, Green Marin carpoolers will have a month over the same three persons Commute Program held a Carpoolers’ another chance to win A terrific antenna topper traveling separately, considering vehicle Appreciation Event February 16 through prizes during the month of operating costs, tolls, and commute March 2. Foam antenna toppers were June. Top your antenna with a stipends. Add $22 per month for a handed out to County of Marin carpool- Go Green Get Green ball. For similar commute over the Golden Gate ers. Program staff then spotted marked details, email Jeri Stewart (DPW) at Bridge. ■ There’s been nothing but vehicles at various county parking lots. [email protected] or give her rave reviews from County of Marin A drawing was conducted and three a call at 499-6519. Go green! ■ 6

ODDS & ENDS By Tom Vasgird

Neshama Franklin (Library) is a Cheers to grandparents. Let’s hear it for professional storyteller, of sorts. This Bill Kelley (CDA) and little Adin Tanner spring she appeared at the Julia Kelley, who made his debut on last Morgan Center for the Arts in Berkeley November 28. Joan Brown (HR) can’t

Photo by Heather Bergman to tell the story of Imelda in Bolinas. stop talking about granddaughter Imelda, a visionary non-capitalist, was Josephine Marie, born on January 22 instrumental in keeping the Bolinas for added New Year’s excitement. ■ Freebox (free clothes, toys, etc.) func- Tom Vasgird (Aud. Cont.) should have tional, operational, and free for many been paying attention during the heavy years. Thanks Neshama for keeping February rainstorms, instead of reading the storytelling tradition alive. ■ Mad Magazine, when walking his Lisa with Gracie and Sasha Laney Morgado (DPW) and hubby Belgian Shepherd, Katie, and mini- Jason proudly welcomed daughter Schnauzer, Charlie. Walking next to Meet Gracie and Sasha, the latest in Kaia last October 17. Bill Hernandez an overflowing stream, he didn’t notice vaudeville duos! These show biz birds (Sheriff) and wife Trisha appreciate that Charlie had fallen in and was do it all. According to talent scout Lisa sleep more than ever now with the being carried away. It took Katie’s Cassidy (Co. Counsel) their signature arrival of little William on February barking and knee-slamming to get her song is the whistle theme from The 17, their first. Brian Rockwell (CAO) human’s attention to save Charlie. But Please e-mail Andy Griffith Show. For an encore, and wife Lisa added to the New Year Tom was hardly the hero. ■ the informa- they even belt out screeching cat with newborn daughter Coraline on howls. How cool is that? On a private tion from your February 21. Eric Richardson (Sheriff) note, their rehearsal space is Lisa’s department to and wife Jodi haven’t lost their edge shower stall. But that’s more than we Odds & Ends with little Jack, born February 18, who needed to know. ■ columnist, now is fourth in line at home. Ernest Tom Vasgird, It’s amazing what some people will Klock (DPW) and wife Nicole rolled tvasgird@ do to get into the Loch Lomond Yacht out the proverbial red carpet for son co.marin.ca.us Club. Take Curtis Havel (CDA) and his Porter on February 28. Hats off to new parents everywhere. ■ so-called 25-foot yacht. Curtis (aka Amber Dooley (Co. Counsel) puts Captain Curt), even with his charm, her passion for the ocean in practice still had to volunteer to tend bar and and action. She has been helping to tell jokes in order to get in. And the rehabilitate baby seals at the Marine best part —everyone is laughing and Mammal Center for the last eight having a great time. ■ Photo by a passing tourist years. The love and understanding she Maybe sympathy cards should be feels for these scared and helpless baby sent to the Registrar of Voters’ Office. pups is not deterred by frequent bites Elaine Ginnold (Treas/Tax) was sur- and nips. She also wants everyone to prised to hear that Governor Arnold know that the Mammal Center reopens unexpectedly called for a special in June and will be visitor-friendly and statewide election on May 19, thus accommodating for all. For info. visit forcing vacation cancellations and www.marinemammalcenter.org. ■ ■ Alysanne Taylor and Eva Patterson reshuffling of summer plans. Melissa Davis’ (Prob.) Marine son Alysanne Taylor and Eva Patterson Proud mother Tami Fehrenbacher Lance Corporal Tanner deployed (both Library) had the happening of (Library) opened the New York Times March 28 to Iraq and is expecting to a lifetime while visiting Guyana last to find a feature article on her daugh- be back home for Christmas. ■ January. They experienced Barack ter, Jill Fehrenbacher. Jill is a founder Obama’s inauguration from the view- Superlative Quiz of the Greener Gadgets Conference point of the local Guyanese people. Bryon Karow’s (Aud-Cont.) middle that was held earlier this year at the It was all spontaneous parades, flag name refers to a famous American McGraw-Hill Conference Center in waving, music, and dancing in the hero. What’s up with that? (answer below) midtown Manhattan. This was a gath- streets! Most touching, however, was

ering of premier inventors, designers,

the excitement locals expressed as family. his by MacArthur” “General named

and leading company representatives nick- was Bryon boy, little a As WWII. during President Obama pledged to bring Pacific the in Forces US of Commander Supreme

who are making consumer electronics

clean drinking water to developing and winner Honor of Medal the Mac”Arthur”

Arthur, after General Douglas General after Arthur, more eco-friendly for all of us. ■ Answer: countries like theirs. ■ 7 Social Groups

By Nancy Grisham—Co. Counsel and Rick Fraites—BOS The long-established Golf Group has a loyal following. The goals are to have fun and enjoy friendly competition during Throughout the county workforce, employees with common the 19-week season. Twenty two-person teams and a group interests or hobbies have gathered to form social clubs. of substitutes play weekly on Tuesday evenings at the Indian These groups meet during lunch break or after hours. Most Valley and Peacock Gap golf courses. The season closes in are open to new members. Could that new member be you? August with a tournament and awards banquet. As the season starts, participants pay to cover their costs. For details, call Joe Spaeth, Marin County Public Defender, at 499-6321. ■

Miriam Martinez (BOS) and Connie Lazzaretto (DPW) have Photo by Rick Fraites been going on long walks after work for several years. They walk several days a week and alternate scenic routes, all well over a mile long. Their goals: stay healthy, enjoy the sights, and share companionship. Occasionally they coordinate walks with visits to the Thursday night Farmers’ Market in San Rafael. ■ L to R: Tanya Albert, Maureen Parton, David Escobar (standing), Bob If you’d like to walk with them, contact Miriam at 499-4268. Beaumont, Leslie Alden (standing), Susannah Clark, Cynthia Connolly, Several county employees believe doodling Liza Crosse, and Katie Rice sharpens the mind, reduces stress, and creates Board of Supervisors’ aides and others gather over lunch to art. Sharon Silver (CDA) has been doodling describe their latest reads. They choose their own books, yet since childhood and believes it can be medita-

often the aides are on the same wavelength. For example, at tive and a learning enhancement. “In high Photo by Rick Fraites one gathering, every book shared had something to do with school, I doodled during lectures and it helped one of the world’s cultures. At another, world history was the me concentrate,” said Sharon. “In college common thread. After books are read and reviewed, they biology, I aced the frog dissection exam by are shelved in the aides’ mini-library, located in “Aides’ doodling frog parts while studying.” ■ Row,” for sharing with other interested readers. ■ Sandy Barrett (Aud-Cont.), Kathleen Suhrke (CDA), and others get together several days a week at noon to crochet. They are able to take a break from phone calls and go to the county L to R: Nicki Azarbakhsh, Inge Lundegaard,

Photo by Rick Fraites library on the fourth floor of the Civic Center, Jack Liebster, and Don Allee where they can work on their craft projects, talk quietly, and share patterns. ■ An informal jam session for musicians meets Fridays around noon, usually at the “rug room.” Typically, six to 12 people Melanie Phelps speaks during a speech competition. attend, some with acoustical instruments, and some who are vocalists. They play a variety of music, including folk music, Want to polish your communication skills or learn to speak 60s and 70s rock, and more. For information, call John comfortably before a group? Standing Orations, the local Wilson (IST) at 499-5062. ■ Toastmasters club, fosters confident communication and effective leadership. The club provides a supportive, fun, The Public Defender’s Book Club meets monthly or quarterly, nurturing environment in which to practice interviews, run depending upon the length of the book. Books are chosen meetings, compete, learn to evaluate, share ideas, and by consensus. Members read the book, then get together to prepare for opportunities. Composed mainly of county discuss it. Their goal is to celebrate reading, reflect upon the employees, Standing Orations meets Wednesdays from human condition, and explore the landscape of the soul. noon to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Standing Anyone interested is invited to participate. Please contact Orations president Melanie Phelps (H&HS) at 499-4214. ■ Bonnie Marmor (PD) for more information at 499-6321. ■ A Life/Work Balance Group group was started in the Public A couple of scrapbooking groups ceased with the retirement Defender’s office to develop activities beyond work, enhance of some members. If there is interest in starting a new one, members’ lives, and help them to view the world in a Sandy Barrett (Aud-Cont.) is willing to act as a consultant, broader context. Activities are eclectic and have included as she has been an enthusiastic scrapbook keeper for years. holding an exhibit of members’ artwork, bowling, and Her phone number is 499-6161. ■ These are just some of attending a professional baseball game. The group is open the possibilities. There must be other skills and interests in our to new members. Contact Bonnie Marmor (PD) at 499-6321 multi-talented county workforce. Find others with the same for information on joining. ■ interest and get started. Bon voyage! ■ 8

Responding to suggestions taken from comment cards, the committee updated the public website to make it

Photo by Janet Lirette easier to find information. They also improved the automated phone tree utilized by the public for information. ■ The department now produces a quarterly newsletter which is distrib- uted to all Assessor staff. Within its pages are useful tips and ideas for providing better customer service and suggestions for ways to be more Back row, L to R: Rick Langhals, Mike Rakitnichan, Greg Pryor, Greg Ingrassia, Shane Blair, Jed Learned and David Siebe involved in the department. ■ The Front row, L to R: Kathy Tobin, Phyllis Gray, Gail Drury, Wendy Sorensen, Connie Siebler and Wendy Patterson Green Subcommittee is charged with the task of developing best practices for Team of the Quarter conservation in the Assessor’s Office. One of their actions was to have water By Cathy Selmi —IST filters installed on the department’s The Assessor-Recorder’s (Assessor) customer service within the department sinks to provide employees with filtered Customer Service Steering Committee and to enhance service provided at the hot and cold water, saving money was originally organized in 2002 to Assessor’s two public counters, along and resources. ■ Assessor-Recorder help implement the county’s Strategic with requests received by phone, fax, Joan Thayer said, “Since 2002, when Plan. The steering committee, consisting and e-mail. Since its inception, the com- formed, this team has raised the bar for of Shane Blair, Gail Drury, Phyllis mittee has suggested and implemented improving customer service internally Gray, Greg Ingrassia, Rick Langhals, many changes, including customer and externally in conformance with the Jed Learned, Wendy Patterson, Greg service comment cards, revisions to county’s Strategic Plan at minimal cost. Pryor, Mike Rakitnichan, David Siebe, documents to clarify complex matters for The group is highly imaginative, inven- Connie Siebler, Wendy Sorensen, and taxpayers, and guidelines for courteous tive, and motivated, working with little if Kathy Tobin, looks at ways to improve communications with the public. ■ any direction from management.” ■

Effective Teamwork Leads to Top CCV Honors

By Anne Starr —HR Effective says. ■ There is no particular secret thoroughly teamwork in to being a good volunteer supervisor, enjoy help- the Assessor- Doug says. “I admire and appreciate ing people Recorder the fact that our volunteers want to and learning Photos by Janice Hughes (Assessor) make a difference. I try to make them new things, and District feel welcome and part of the team.” and it keeps Attorney’s He recommends that others consider me in touch (DA) offices volunteers as a resource. “Would you with the Doug Allen, Supervisor led to top benefit from extra help? Try it and community,” Paul Peterzell, Civic Center Volunteer of the Year of Volunteers of the Year honors for decide if it works for you,” says Doug. Paul says. Doug Allen (Assessor), the Supervisor ■ Volunteering definitely works in “People who call us generally are Congratulations, of Volunteers of the Year 2008-09, the DA’s office, where Paul Peterzell grateful that they have found an office ■ Doug and Paul! and Paul Peterzell, the Civic Center belongs to a team of seven volunteer that exists to help them.” Paul Volunteer of the Year 2008-09. ■ mediators. He joined the team in 1998, credits his supervisor, David Ball (DA), Doug, an Assessment Recording and has mediated disputes among with making his volunteer work a Supervisor, coordinates a team of hundreds of people. ■ Bob Nichols pleasure. “David finds just the right volunteers working on a paper-to- (DA), the deputy district attorney in balance between providing guidance digital conversion project to improve charge of the consumer unit, invited and leaving enough space for his access to public records. The job is Paul to volunteer after he retired from volunteers to develop their skills,” “literally years ahead of schedule” a career at the Marin Independent says Paul. ■ Congratulations, thanks to dedicated volunteers, Doug Journal. “I volunteer because I Doug and Paul! ■ 9 EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH JIM TOTH ELLY FERRELL QUIANNE HUNTER Photos by Janice Hughes

Everyone loves to work with Jim Toth. Elly Ferrell is a phenomenal organizer Quianne Hunter is a secretary with Parks He has been a key member of the who is dedicated to her work. As and Open Space (P&OS). She raises the MERIT group, which is responsible manager of the county’s Printing bar for customer service, responding to for supporting and updating the Services, she oversees print projects public inquiries, facilitating park reserva- county’s SAP fiscal software since its from county departments and a tions, and treating everyone with courtesy formation in 2005. He is the lead number of outside agencies. She and respect. Working with IST staff, Basis Administrator, which means he handles a broad spectrum of projects, Quianne was instrumental in launching has the responsibility for keeping the ranging from massive, complicated the new online park and facility reserva- SAP system up and running 24 hours reports to simple copies and business tion system. Currently, Quianne supports a day, 7 days a week. Jim learned cards. Many of her tasks involve last- P&OS’s popular and growing volunteer something completely new when he minute, urgent requests. In her 36 and environmental education programs, joined MERIT. His previous experience years of service she has earned a providing information, coordinating was as a software programmer, and reputation as someone who always events, distributing publicity, maintaining he now manages hardware systems. can be relied upon to get the job done the community contacts database, and ■ A county employee for 11 years, accurately and professionally. ■ Elly supporting efforts of field managers and Jim constantly goes above and also helps with a number of special staff. ■ Quianne provides essential beyond the call of duty. He will functions, including the Marin County back-up services in the busy administra- always respond to late night phone Craft Fair, where she sells her beauti- tive office, revealing the traits her co- calls or e-mails to help a teammate ful hand-knit scarves. She volunteers workers appreciate and the department or client. Jim is a calming presence in to help with the county’s Stormwater relies upon —she’s friendly, dependable, time of stress and pressure. Outside Pollution Prevention Program by con- has an undeniable sense of humor, and is of work, Jim enjoys fly-fishing, ducting annual garden tours. ■ Elly the ultimate team player. Quianne never Argentine tango, and golf. His MERIT truly deserves recognition as Employee fails to bring a smile to one’s face and is teammates join the rest of the county of the Month for her exceptional work a shining example of excellent customer and congratulate Jim for this well- ethic and dedication to her colleagues service, quality teamwork, and service to deserved honor. ■ and the residents of Marin County. ■ staff and community. ■

By Angie Hisanaga —IST By Sharon DeMartini —DPW By Cristina Torresan —P&OS

In Memoriam

Linda Jadeson, a bilingual nutritionist at the Venise “Vinnie” Nahmens passed away Dave Dell’era passed away unexpectedly H&HS Health Clinics, died unexpectedly on from illness on March 24. Vinnie, a Deputy on April 18. Dave had worked in the February 28. For more than seven years, Linda Probation Officer, served the Marin community Department of Public Works as a Building counseled pregnant women on diet and nutrition for more than 25 years and was known Maintenance Worker since 2001. His as part of the Sweet Success diabetic program in for her dedication and hard work to help her supervisor, Richard Wallace, commented the Maternity Clinic and for the Women, Infants defendants over the years. According to her friends Dave was appreciated as a conscientious, and Children Program. Linda believed that and colleagues, she was “a light that shined self-motivated worker who always got the “what I do today is very important because I am brightly on all who knew her.” Vinnie is survived job done. Dave is survived by his parents exchanging a day of my life for it.” ■ by her mother, step-father, and sister. ■ and his brothers and sisters. ■ 10 Inauguration Roving Reporter Inklings By Connie Siebler —Assessor-Recorder

By Danny Maples —Sheriff’s Office In honor of April Fool’s Day, what is the best prank you’ve I started April 6, 2008, a cold, drizzly either pulled on someone or day, with Sergeant Fred Marziano Photo by passerby (Sheriff), Deputy Dan Marrett (Sheriff) L to R: Herman Clark and his sons Matthew someone has pulled on you? and Brian at the inauguration and his K-9 partner Verona, and Parking Enforcement Officer Barbie circumstance was palpable. He felt Dennise Colla (IST): Sorensen (Sheriff), assigned as part of everyone was in a great place emotion- “There was a pay a County of Marin security team at a ally that day. ■ From Christine phone outside private fundraiser in Kentfield for then Gimmler’s (CDA) vantage point the the store where I Photo by Connie Siebler Senator Obama Senator Barack Obama. The sun broke Capitol dome was visible in the dis- worked. When the employees came in, out just in time for Senator Obama’s tance. However, her attention was on greeted every at 6:30 or 7 a.m., arrival. As he passed by he smiled and the nearby Jumbotron. Later, she person, including each one stopped and called the waved from his vehicle to the cheering watched the presidential parade from some kids running crowd gathered on the street. ■ Fred manager to say they were sick. After four or five people, he was wondering a lemonade stand was in contact with Senator Obama throughout much of the day, including how he was going to open the store!” nearby. the opportunity to shoot some hoops Raymond Anciaux Photo by passerby with him. Senator Obama passed Fred (H&HS): “I used to the ball and said, “Put it up.” Even with manage a unit with such pressure on him, Fred made the L.A. County. I had shot. During Senator Obama’s speech, one of the staff call Photo by Michael Eckart Fred couldn’t believe this was the same reception all day, ■ asking to page man he had just shot hoops with. Mark Burbank and family standing next to ‘Aprila Foola,’ which she did. The After his speech I escorted Senator you-know-who entire staff enjoyed that one.” Obama to the street to meet his sup- the comfort of a nice, warm office Greg Ingrassia porters. We made small talk and he building. ■ Mark Burbank (Fire) (Assessor): “My thanked me for being there. Senator traveled to Washington D.C. with his friend had always Obama greeted every person, includ- wife and children for the inauguration. ing some kids running a lemonade wanted to work Due to the crowds, cold weather, and Photo by Connie Siebler stand nearby. He was a very normal, for one of George having small children in tow, they Lucas’ companies personable man with a great deal of watched the event on a big screen at and had submitted command presence. ■ Some Marin their hotel. ■ With only a week’s a resume. He received a call from County employees had the good for- notice, a “Lucas Recruiter” to meet at a tune to attend Teresa restaurant for an interview. He arrived the inaugura- Taylor- with his portfolio in hand, only to tion and agreed King find about ten of his friends drinking to share their Photo by passerby (H&HS) margaritas and cheering his arrival.” experiences. ■ bought Aaron Malilay Auna Harris her plane (DPW): “My car (Sheriff) ticket to being stolen! My attended the attend the cousin did it and inauguration inaugura- she got a friend Photo by Connie Siebler with her aunt. tion. She of hers to help L to R: Auna Harris and her aunt Toni Adams- They took L to R: Teresa Taylor-King and fought off her. They hid it in Robinson at the inauguration friends at the Mid-Atlantic Ball refuge in the cold a different parking structure and didn’t the area directly behind the Capitol weather by wearing the most clothes tell me the truth for about two hours.” Reflecting Pool. Not even the cold she had ever worn in her life. Later, weather could dampen their spirits and she attended the Mid-Atlantic Ball, saw Haiku excitement of being a part of such an the First Couple dance together, and ■ By Bob Beaumont—DPW historical event. Herman Clark got good photos. ■ Approximately 2 (Sheriff, Mounted Posse) attended with million people attended the inaugura- Rampant miracles Entwine themselves about us his sons. Their seats were close enough tion, but not one arrest was made. Is Even as we sleep. to the podium that all the pomp and this a sign of great things to come? ■ 11

the MCFL was to make books and learning available to children and students. Until 1966, when school districts had established systems of their own, an important service of our library was to provide local schools with books, maps, and other educational materials. In the early years, the Library also sponsored a program which shipped books to young people attending summer camps. ■ Virginia Vail Keating

Images courtesy Anne T. Kent California Room became Library Director in 1935. Her philosophy was to foment a love of reading among young people in Marin and to serve the needs of diverse Marin townships by catering collection development to their interests. Library services The Civic Center Branch of the Marin County Free Library, circa 1962, expanded significantly in the recently opened Civic Center during her 33-year tenure. Innovations included creation 100 Years of Info cont’d of a non-circulating collection on Marin and California From front cover history —today’s Anne T. in 1909 and the Marin Board of Supervisors to pass a resolu- Kent California Room —and tion in favor of a free library system for Marin in 1914. ■ implementation of bookmobile Forward-thinking citizens including Daisy Lawton, a Tomales service in 1948 to the most school teacher, and Anne T. Kent, a librarian from Long remote areas of the county. Island who had married into the prominent Kent family, During the 1950s, Mrs. traveled to hamlets and ranches throughout Marin, talking Keating worked with Frank to parents, teachers, and local leaders about the need for Lloyd Wright on the design for making books accessible to all, particularly those in outlying the new main branch of the The Marin County Free Library Bookmobile at Marshall School, 1948 and rural areas. ■ On February 14, 1927, the doors of Library at the Marin County the MCFL opened in the basement of the old Marin County Civic Center. ■ By 1971, the regional library plan was courthouse in San Rafael. Murial Wright, former librarian completed, with newly constructed facilities in Novato, for Tuolumne County, was the first library director. Marin Fairfax, and Corte Madera. Smaller branches catering to County residents, numbering about 27,400 at the time, the diversity of West Marin have been maintained and the embraced the new library system, checking out over 36,000 bookmobile continues to provide services to remote locations. books during its first year of operation —about 1.3 books for ■ In 1974, the MCFL implemented an automated library every resident. Today, the Library’s circulation has expanded circulation system, the fourth exponentially. With a current population of approximately such system in the nation. 248,000, the Library loaned 1,516,094 items during fiscal In 1995, the Library was year 2007/08. ■ Twelve branches of the MCFL were estab- instrumental in the creation lished during its first decade. Several communities in West of MARINet (marinet.lib.ca.us), Marin chose unusual venues for their libraries. The Bolinas a consortium of city and Branch was started in a houseboat donated by a local county libraries which share resident. The innovative residents of Point Reyes Station a single online catalog. That remodeled an same year the Library began old railroad car, offering Internet access to the outfitting it with public. ■ As times have A group of children outside the Novato Branch of the Marin custom shelving changed, so has the Library. County Free Library at the Community House, circa 1928 and desks. ■ Today, feature films on DVD From the begin- and bestsellers on CD circulate alongside printed books. ning, an impor- Online services continue to expand, encompassing every- tant mission of thing from tutoring and reference to electronic books and databases, including access to local history via the California Room’s digital archive (www.co.marin.ca.us/library). Marin County librarians provide computer classes and tutoring on the use of online databases, searching the Internet, the basics of e-mail, using Microsoft Word, and Excel. They organize lectures, workshops, book clubs, and story times for children. ■ In 2009, as in 1909, the public library is a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that all who walk The Point Reyes Station Branch of the Marin County Free through our doors can freely access the information and Library, located in a former railway coach, in 1931 technology that empower them as individuals. ■ Photos by Mary Donovan

Twenty different organizations sent staff to participate in the Road to Work. Task Force Finds Roads to Work

By Racy Ming —H&HS The Marin Employment Connection People on probation were required to attend by their of Health and Human Services (H&HS) probation officers and in some cases as part of their sen- and the county Probation Department tencing. Eighty-nine probationers came to the fair, and 20 have joined forces to form the different organizations sent staff to speak with the atten- Probation-Employment Task Force. dees. ■ The program included a keynote speaker, short The goal of the task force is to reduce inspirational talks by three people who turned their lives recidivism in our community by around and are now successfully employed, and short connecting people on probation to presentations by each of the agencies. Attendees found out the workforce community. Task force about services of interest to them. The plan was for every members include Racy Ming, Andrea person to leave with a next step in mind. Some attendees Bizzell, Eric Petersen, and Tim McClain won prizes and gift cards in a raffle. ■ The overall Tim McClain, an employment development (H&HS), and Teresa Torrence-Tillman, feedback was very positive. Many cited the inspirational counselor with the Marin Employment Connection, describes services. Kathleen Paulsen, Melissa Davis, speakers as the best thing about the event. Many also Lynda Triplett, Cynthia Fix, and Jeff mentioned feeling valued and cared about by the large White (Probation). ■ The task force put on a resource fair number of organizations present. Going forward, the task entitled The Road to Work at the armory on January 13. force plans to repeat the Road to Work event on June 16. ■

New Café Does Double-Duty By Anne Starr —HR There’s a new place to buy coffee, lunch, and healthy snacks at the county’s Marin Health and Wellness Campus. But the WELCOME

Blue Skies Café is more than a destination for a great organic Poster by Roehrick Design Roehrick by Poster salad. It’s also the site of a dynamic work training program FAREWELL! for clients of Buckelew Programs, a nonprofit organization that serves people with mental illness. Welcome to& New Employees! It took close coordination between the county and Listed in order of hire date from Nov 27, 2008 through Feb 18, 2009 Buckelew to establish the café. Jeanne Miche (DPW) and Jean Hughes Senior Clerk/Typist, DCSS Victoria Gonzalez Community Library Spec., Library DPW colleagues arranged for the coffee cart and related Cynthia Hiroshima Senior Clerk/Typist, H&HS equipment. Jennifer Vuillermet and Thomas Lyons Barbara Barry Admin. Secretary, HR (both Co. Counsel), and Terry Toner (DPW) drafted the concessionaire’s agreement and request for proposals. Jeanne and H&HS staff including Farewell to Retirees! John Grima, James Villella, Kerrie Desbiens, Margaret Kisliuk, Philip Youngholm Technology Systems Spec. III, Library Sparkie Spaeth, and Linda Armstrong helped administer the RFP and Audrey Andrus Supervising Purchaser, DPW Kathy Harris Legal Process Asst. II, DCSS selected Buckelew—after a popular taste testing session!—to be the James Innes Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff vendor. Linda, the H&HS Nutrition Program Manager, reviews the menus, Mary Lee Bulleri Secretary, Sheriff James Nash Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff and Kerrie, the H&HS Facilities Manager, helps facilitate the operation. Charles Thompson Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff Richard Arrow Auditor-Controller, Aud-Cont. Private and state grants underwrite the program; the county provides the John Rohrbacher District Attorney Inspector, DA space, the coffee cart—and many of the customers. Blue Skies Café is open Kenneth Canziani Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff Rosa Ortiz-Gruhn Licensed Mental Health Pract.-Billing, H&HS to the public 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at 3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael. Steven Nash Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff For more details, call 456-4950.