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FRANKLY SPEAKING A N E W S L E T T E R F O R A N D B Y M A R I N C O U N T Y E M P L O Y E E S S ECOND Q UARTER 2005 V OLUME 10 • N UMBER 2 Hair-Razing Generosity By Ian Roth —CDA Hair. Something so basic we all take it for granted. So, imagine being a pre-teen again, with all the hormonal upheaval and social pressures, and then imagine that all of your hair falls out. Sounds unreal? Alopecia Areata is a medical condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles in people younger than 20 and causes baldness. Locks of Love, a non-profit organization, has come to the rescue, providing wigs for children who have lost their hair to this disease, as well as to burns and chemotherapy. Curtis Havel, Michelle Reed (CDA), and Hank Jen (Retirement) all have generously donated their locks to this great organi- zation. At the time the county lost Andrea Fox (CDA/DPW) to breast cancer, Curtis’ aunt was battling the same ailment; treatment required that both women share the beauty of what lay beneath their hair. Curtis heard about Locks of Love from a friend, and decided to help out. He started from scratch, shaving his head to grow the 10-inch length required for the donation, an 18-month commitment. The Locks of Love web- site explained that the hair also must be cut, cleaned, braided, and sent in a sealed baggie. Curtis jumped through all the hoops, a do-it- yourself kind of guy. He says the best part was, “This is the first job I worked where I could grow long hair.” Michelle saw an article in the Press Democrat where a mom and her daughter donated their locks. “About a year ago, I decided I wanted to do something different with my hair,” she said. Having witnessed Curtis’ hair journey, Michelle and her daughter …continued on page 11 ERP! (Excuse Me) By Heather Burton — Aud-Cont. and Maureen Lewis — H&HS Imagine a department of over 750 employees having to track costs for grants using individual Excel spreadsheets for each grant. In that same world employees must often record their time and activities in two or three different systems. Tracking the status of a payment to a vendor usually involves phone calls or even a trip to the Auditor’s office. Sound familiar? This is the world that the current financial system supports. Now imagine something better…. It all started two years ago with a needs assessment. The Auditor-Controllor’s Office met with many county departments to determine what should be included in any new system. Once all of the feedback was in, it became clear that the county was ready to move from its current fragmented approach to a new, more flexible system that would combine financials and payroll, grant and project management, benefits administration, and asset management. Michelle Reed and Curtis Havel (CDA) with their new ‘dos. Curtis is holding “before and after” photos. Photo by Ian Roth Seated, L to R: Heidi Davaloo (DPW), Margaret Bohan (DPW) Standing, L to R: Francie Hubert (Aud- Cont.), Supranee Mai (Aud-Cont.), Cloann Di Grazia (Aud-Cont.), Jim Toth (IST), Heather Burton (Aud-Cont.), Gordon Haberfelde (IST), Samantha Klein (CAO), and Danny Briones (Aud-Cont.) Photo by Janice Hughes donated a total of 23 inches to Locks of Love. However, they went to a des- ignated hair salon which did all the work. Hank also was impressed with Curtis’ generosity. When asked why he made the decision to donate his locks, Hank replied, “It was a free haircut I was short on money.” If you want to get in on the shear fun, see galleries of donors and recipients (over 1,000 last year), or if you are interested in the hair-raising details, check out www.locksoflove.org.

S ECOND Q OLUME UMBER FRANKLY SPEAKING · Photo by Janice Hughes donated a total of 23 inches to Locks of Love. However, they went to a des-ignated hair salon which did all the work

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Page 1: S ECOND Q OLUME UMBER FRANKLY SPEAKING · Photo by Janice Hughes donated a total of 23 inches to Locks of Love. However, they went to a des-ignated hair salon which did all the work

F R A N K L Y S P E A K I N GA N E W S L E T T E R F O R A N D B Y M A R I N C O U N T Y E M P L O Y E E S

S E C O N D Q U A R T E R 2 0 0 5V O L U M E 1 0 • N U M B E R 2

Hair-RazingGenerosityBy Ian Roth—CDA

Hair. Something so basic we all take it for granted. So, imagine being a pre-teen again, with all the hormonalupheaval and social pressures, andthen imagine that all of your hair fallsout. Sounds unreal? Alopecia Areatais a medical condition in which theimmune system attacks hair follicles inpeople younger than 20 and causesbaldness. Locks of Love, a non-profitorganization, has come to the rescue,providing wigs for children who havelost their hair to this disease, as well asto burns and chemotherapy. CurtisHavel, Michelle Reed (CDA), and HankJen (Retirement) all have generouslydonated their locks to this great organi-zation. ■ At the time the county lostAndrea Fox (CDA/DPW) to breastcancer, Curtis’ aunt was battling thesame ailment; treatment required that

both women share the beauty of what laybeneath their hair.Curtis heard aboutLocks of Love from afriend, and decided tohelp out. He startedfrom scratch, shavinghis head to grow the10-inch length requiredfor the donation, an 18-month commitment.The Locks of Love web-site explained that thehair also must be cut, cleaned, braided,and sent in a sealed baggie. Curtisjumped through all the hoops, a do-it-yourself kind of guy. He says the bestpart was, “This is the first job I workedwhere I could grow long hair.” ■

Michelle saw an article in the PressDemocrat where a mom and herdaughter donated their locks. “About a year ago, I decided I wanted to dosomething different with my hair,” shesaid. Having witnessed Curtis’ hairjourney, Michelle and her daughter

…continued on page 11

ERP! (Excuse Me)By Heather Burton—Aud-Cont. and Maureen Lewis—H&HS

Imagine a department of over 750 employees having to trackcosts for grants using individual Excel spreadsheets for eachgrant. In that same world employees must often record theirtime and activities in two or three different systems. Trackingthe status of a payment to a vendor usually involves phonecalls or even a trip to the Auditor’s office. Sound familiar? Thisis the world that the current financial system supports. Nowimagine something better…. ■ It all started two years agowith a needs assessment. The Auditor-Controllor’s Office metwith many county departments to determine what should beincluded in any new system. Once all of the feedback was in,it became clear that the county was ready to move from itscurrent fragmented approach to a new, more flexible systemthat would combine financials and payroll, grant and projectmanagement, benefits administration, and asset management.

Michelle Reed and Curtis Havel (CDA) with their new ‘dos. Curtisis holding “before and after” photos.

Photo

by Ia

n Roth

Seated, L to R: Heidi Davaloo (DPW), Margaret Bohan (DPW) Standing, L to R: Francie Hubert (Aud-Cont.), Supranee Mai (Aud-Cont.), Cloann Di Grazia (Aud-Cont.), Jim Toth (IST), Heather Burton(Aud-Cont.), Gordon Haberfelde (IST), Samantha Klein (CAO), and Danny Briones (Aud-Cont.)

Photo

by Ja

nice H

ughe

s

donated a total of 23 inches to Locksof Love. However, they went to a des-ignated hair salon which did all thework. ■ Hank also was impressedwith Curtis’ generosity. When askedwhy he made the decision to donatehis locks, Hank replied, “It was a freehaircut—I was short on money.” ■

If you want to get in on the shear fun,see galleries of donors and recipients(over 1,000 last year), or if you areinterested in the hair-raising details,check out www.locksoflove.org. ■

Page 2: S ECOND Q OLUME UMBER FRANKLY SPEAKING · Photo by Janice Hughes donated a total of 23 inches to Locks of Love. However, they went to a des-ignated hair salon which did all the work

Congratulations to the employees who recently were honored for their 5,070 years of service—collective years of service, that is! The county paid tribute to 109 employeesduring the March 1 Employee Recognition Awards ceremony, for completion of 20, 25,30, and 35 years of service, respectively; 93 were in attendance. 186 other employees, with10 and 15 years of service, were honored at departmental recognition ceremonies.

35-Year Employees

L to R: Jay Shaw (Probation), Dennis Elsasser (Probation), Sheriff Robert Doyle, JaneChopson (H&HS) Not Pictured: Paula Kamena (DA), Jennie Santellan (H&HS), and DonnaWayne (H&HS)

30-Year Employees

Front Row, L to R: Patricia Ritter (H&HS), Susan Powers-Kane (H&HS), Lynne Kirley (P&OS),Yolanda Granucci (Sheriff) Middle Row, L to R: John Paul (H&HS), Ed Henry (CDA), DougCole (Fire), Mark Euless (Fire), Kenneth Tisdale (DPW) Back Row L to R: Ken Massucco(Fire), Steven Blair (Probation), Richard Arrow (Aud-Cont.), Richard Bates (Fire), VinceTurrini (Fire), Kenneth Carter (Fire) Not Pictured: Alexis Arnold (H&HS), Yvonne Bush(H&HS), James Love (Fire), John Lundquist (Sheriff), Daniel Payne (Sheriff), MarthaSorensen (Sheriff), and Ronald Tietz (DPW)

F R A N K L Y S P E A K I N G

Editorial BoardJoan Brown, Editor-in-Chief, Human Resources,

Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7167Heather Burton, Aud–Cont. Office, 499-6169Ivonne van Buuren, Probation, 499-6599Jack Govi, County Counsel’s Office, 499-6117Larry Kay, Public Works, Nicasio Corp.Yard, 446-4421Kelley Litz, H&HS Admin., 20 N. San Pedro Road,

San Rafael, 499-6924Joe Spaeth, Public Defender, 499-6321Colleen Weems, Staff to Editorial Board, Human

Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7407

Design: Rob Roehrick, Roehrick Design Copy Editor: Bill Pryor, CC Volunteers Photographer: Janice Hughes, D.A.’s OfficeProofreaders: Jane Donohue and Leslie Miller,

CC VolunteersPrinting: Marin County Printing Services

Frankly Speaking is a quarterly publication for and by Marin County employees. Send articles, cartoons,photos, poems, etc., to Joan Brown, HR, Room 407,Civic Center. E-mail info to [email protected] orsend a disk using Microsoft Word, with hard copyattached. Identify disk with subject, your name, andphone number. On photos, include all names and thename of the photographer. Digital photos must beshot at the highest quality setting.

Reporter of the Quarter: Connie Siebler

ScheduleArticles Due Publication DateTuesday, June 14 Friday, August 5Tuesday, September 6 Friday, October 28Tuesday, November 29 Friday, February 3, 2006Tuesday, March 7 Friday, May 12, 2006Tuesday, June 6 Friday, August 4, 2006

F R A N K L Y S P E A K I N G Purpose and Priorities

The Marin County newsletter is intended for internal communication. Thenewsletter will not include partisan or non-partisan political activity, or issuesrelated to labor disputes and grievances.

C O M M U N I C A T I O N •D I V E R S I T Y •R E C O G N I T I O N •E D U C A T I O N •N E W S •F U N •I N T E R A C T I O N

2

Photo

s by J

anice

Hug

hes

Barkly SpeakingDear Barkly,

I just got a new dog and I have no idea how to begin training him. He jumps on people withhis muddy paws. He never comes when I call him and I must chase him down. Help!

—Muddy and Breathless

Dear Muddy and Breathless,

Try keeping him on a leash until you can get him to a training class and get some trainingunder his collar. It is very risky to let him off lead if he does not come when you call him.Call the Marin County Humane Society (883-4621) and sign both of you up for their basicdog training class. It’s called Family Dog 1.

—Barkly

(Editor’s note: “Barkly” is a long-time Great Dane breeder and exhibitor.)

HaikuBy Bob Beaumont—DPW

Fear of the unknownEnterprise resource planningBroad, bold, bloodcurdling.

Editor’s note: Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetry formhaving three lines, typically of five, seven, and five syllables;they often have a seasonal reference, and frequently involvemetaphor or irony.

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3

By Steve Petterle—P&OS

I like to write my memos in a clearand concise manner, with sen-tences that are short and succinctbecause I believe that it makes amore readable and understand-able document, saves time forboth the reader and the writer,reduces the amount of paperrequired, and generally creates aprofessional piece of work, whichis, of course, what we’re allattempting to do when we writememos, or even letters andreports, because they can be asimportant as memos, and there’snothing worse than a memo, aletter, or a report that just ramblesand rambles, particularly when itdoesn’t have to if some of the verybasic writing principles have beenemployed by the author, whoshould be deeply desirous ofattaining that sense of accomplish-ment that only comes after puttingone’s heart into the effort ofassembling a clean and crispmanuscript rather than some kindof text that goes on and on and on and on, where the readers aretorn between simply trying to stayawake and trying to figure outwhat message the writer isattempting to convey because theyknow it has to be in there some-where, but the document is solong, repetitive, and disjointed thatit seems it can’t be found, which is not to be judgmental, becauseputting something together can behard and people really do try, butit’s just a fact that good writingshould be smooth, it should flowand have a rhythm that makes itpleasurable to read, as well asmaking it easy to understandwhich is a good thing and that’swhy I try to keep all my memosbrief and to the point. ■

PERSPECTIVE

PETTERLE’S

Illustr

ation

by Ph

oenic

ia Th

omas

DA: Ed Berberian’sNew Leading RoleBy Byron Toma—Co. Counsel

Ed Berberian’s parents were educators.Perhaps it was genetics that gave Edunusual poise before a crowd. In highschool Ed starred as the carnivalbarker, Jigger Craigin, in Carousel. Atthe University of Arizona, Ed played theleading man in Rebel without a Causeand Teahouse of the August Moon. Edgraduated from USF Law School andlanded his first DA job in RiversideCounty. He credits Judge TerrenceBoren, then with the Marin DA’s office,for helping to bring him on board inMarin as a Deputy District Attorney I in1978. He was appointed Assistant DAin charge of the criminal division in1997, and Chief Assistant DA in 2003.■ Over the years, Ed has been

involved with thousands of criminalcases, and participated in over 300 jurytrials. He believes that “fighting crimeeffectively requires working to curb thecauses of crime.” Ed hopes to make hisoffice a resource to address the preven-tion of crime rather than merely to dealwith its aftermath. He also believes ininvolvement with the community. He isbuilding upon the efforts of his prede-cessor, Paula Kamena, to open avenuesfor community participation. As anexample of this, he plans to outpost victims’ advocates in Southern Marin,West Marin, San Rafael, and Novato.■ Ed says of his new position, “Thequestion I’m asked by everybody is,‘Now that you’ve got the job, do youreally like it?’ Yes, I do like it, I love thejob; I work with a great bunch of peoplewho make it a pleasure to come to workevery day. I look forward to each dayand what it has to offer.” ■

This is a scene from atraining video recentlyfilmed at the Civic Centerfor members of AdvisoryBoards and Commissionsdepicting a basic tenet ofthe Ralph M. Brown Act,which guarantees thepublic’s right to attendand participate in meet-ings of local legislativebodies. The video wasthe brainchild of PatriceStancato, Deputy Clerk ofthe Board, and used a number of county employees as actors to portray real-life situations.Shown in the above photograph is Byron Toma (Co. Counsel), portraying a member of thepublic who is (angrily) addressing a mock Advisory Commission made up of “actors”Susannah Clark, Melissa Gibson, and David Escobar (BOS). Other cast members were LizaCrosse, Ron Ford, Sandy Laird, Miriam Martinez, Supervisor Cynthia Murray, Katie Rice,and Toni Stewart (BOS), Khanh Huynh (HR), Ed Berberian (DA), Judge William Stephens(HR/Personnel Commission), and Craig Yates (Disability Access Appeals Board).

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by Za

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ia

Ed Berberian, with wife Jody and three of his four grandchildren, being sworn in by JudgeTerrence Boren on January 12.

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4

Faced with the task of keeping hisbeloved Civic Center up to date, safe,and functional, what would Mr. Wrighthave done? The Public WorksDepartment Capital Projects Team,which includes Space Planning, asksitself that question in one form oranother with every project they do inorder to retain the building’s characterand Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision in anage of changing technology. ■ TheSpace Planning Position, occupied byJennifer Orton, and supervised byAnne Ording, grew out of the CountyMaster Space Plan, which was com-pleted in April 2002, and the Board ofSupervisors’ commitment to upgrading

office furniture according to ergonomicstandards. The team is slowly but surelyworking its way through the CivicCenter, using the Master Space Plan asits guide. They are leaving behind atrail of comfort, safety, and improvedaesthetics. ■ Some of the departmentsthat have had projects completed bythe DPW Space Team are the PublicDefender’s Office and the Auditor/Controller’s Office. Projects outside theCivic Center include 120 Redwood, andH&HS’ move from 555 Northgate to 899Northgate. ■ The team managesspace projects from planning throughconstruction. A shining example of the team’s high-quality work is theEmergency Operations Center on thesecond floor. When H&HS moved out,that space was demolished and thenew Emergency Operations Centerwas designed and created. It has state-of-the-art training and operations areasthat enhance regional emergencyresponse capabilities. ■ Senior CivilEngineer Siamak Motahari heads upthis team of seven dedicated countymovers and shakers. If you haven’tmet the members of this team yet, stickaround. Your turn will come. ■

What Would Mr. Wright Do?By Sue Kettmann—H&HS

L to R: Capital Projects Team: Dorren Hill, Siamak Motahari, Larry Beaton,Anne Ording (seated), Jennifer Orton, Cam Isaza, Kevin Pusser

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The Capital Projects

Team is working its

way through the

Civic Center, using

the Master Space

Plan as their guide.

Public Defenders GetNeeded SpaceBy Glenda Brewer—PD

A few short months ago, Public Defenderstaff coped every morning with a smallwaiting area for clients arriving for thedaily calendar—so small that the linewould often spill out into the hall. Thescene would then repeat in the afternoonwith more clients arriving for court. ■

Law student interns were placed whereverthere was space, usually in the office’slibrary—an area where meetings, confer-ences, client interviews, attorneys doingresearch, and even celebratory officelunches competed for space. The internsbecame used to being evicted regularlyfrom their work area. ■ Fast forward totoday—thanks to a little space carved outfrom the Sheriff’s Department, and tosome great help from DPW’s CapitalProjects Team, the Public Defender’s Officehas been able to do some much neededexpanding. The newly remodeled receptionarea boasts more space and a new ADA-compliant counter. There are three newinterview rooms where clients can talk pri-vately with staff without interruption. Thoselong-suffering interns now have their ownroom, and only four attorney offices are“doubles.” And those celebratory lunches?The comradely and fun-loving staff at lasthas a conference/break room separatefrom the library. ■

The Marin County Fair is turning 60 this summer, and you are invitedto be a part of the celebration. Howcan you get involved (and, for thefirst time, win ribbons or awards in a special county employee cate-gory)? ■ Do your friends raveabout your tamales? Are youalways asked to bring your famouspeach pie to the neighborhoodblock party? Then sign up for one(or more!) of the over 800 categoriesof exhibits being presented at thisyear’s fair. There are dozens of foodcategories and many other creativearenas in which you can participate.If your creativity shines through in

your photographs or poetry or car-toons, there is a category for you. Ifyou have found a creative outlet byknitting sweaters, crocheting afghans,or piecing quilts, there is a categoryfor you. There even is a salsa dancingcontest to be held the evening ofSunday, July 3! ■ Every MarinCounty employee is encouraged toenter something in the 2005 Fair. Enter in the regular competitions, butindicate on your entry form that youare a county employee, along with the name of your department, to be apart of the County of Marin EmployeeContest. Special ribbons and prizeswill be awarded for the best entries

by county staff members, and the topthree county departments will receivesweepstakes awards. Fair manager JimFarley (CS) says the purpose of this “isin the spirit of showcasing the talentsand creativity of our team.” ■ Thedeadline to submit an application formost categories is Thursday, May 19.Check out the Exhibitor’s Guide on thefair website (www.marinfair.org) for allthe details. You can even registeronline. ■ If your creative juices arenot flowing this year, consider volun-teering at the fair. You can help withreceiving applications and exhibits,clerking for the judges, or helping afterthe fair when the exhibits are released.Volunteers receive free fair passes.Contact Christian Gutt (CS) at 499-6760or Charlie Barboni (CS) at 499-7048for more information. ■

Marin County Fair—60 Years of Fun!By Cathy Selmi—IST

More than 800 categories of exhibits will be presentedat this year’s fair.

Photo

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arlie

Barbo

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5

After years of effort in overcoming technical and legislative obstacles, thedispatchers in the Marin County PublicSafety Communications Center are nowanswering 911 calls from cellular tele-phones. Until May 2004, all 911 callsfrom cellular telephones were routed tothe California Highway Patrol dispatchcenter. Now, Marin Comm is receivingwireless 911 calls from all of the “carri-ers” from cell sectors that cover thecities of Belvedere, Mill Valley, Ross,Sausalito, and Tiburon. ■ TheSheriff’s Department CommunicationsCenter Manager Bill McMurray hasbeen working with the California 911program office and the cellular serviceproviders (Metro PCS, Cingular,Verizon, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, andNextel) to prepare the dispatchers inMarin Comm to handle wireless 911calls. ■ Assistant CommunicationsManager Rich Brothers coordinated the changes to the computer-aided dispatching system, and SupervisingCommunications Dispatcher LauriWeston oversaw the testing of wireless911 calls as each carrier changed itsrouting from CHP to Marin Comm. ■

Assistant Communications ManagerCokie Lepinski oversees the training

program to prepare the divisionemployees in handling new programssuch as the wireless 911 call taking. ■

Communications Dispatcher Lyn Kellerand then-Intern Jessica Gerber (nowemployed as a CommunicationsDispatcher!) aided Lauri in makingsure that each test call from everywireless carrier worked properly.■ Bill has been working with theCalifornia chapter of the NationalEmergency Number Association tosupport the passage of Senate Bill 911,which will allow wireless calls fromunincorporated communities, such asTamalpais Valley, Woodacre, PointReyes Station, Bolinas, and StinsonBeach, to route to Marin Comm.■ It has taken 15 years to get to thispoint. The legislative hurdles weredaunting because special interestgroups kept blocking proposals toroute cellular calls to local agencies.The objections were overcome whenPresident Clinton signed the PublicSafety Communications Act of 1999into law, providing wireless carrierswith the same liability protection as thelocal telephone companies. Californialegislation allowing a local agency toreceive wireless calls was changed in

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911, What is your Emergency?By Bill McMurray—Sheriff’s Office

Dispatchers Michelle Bendzick, John Thompson, and (standing in thebackground) Karen Ott in the Comm Center

January 2001, and the rest is history.■ New technologies allow the dis-patchers to display the cellular 911caller’s telephone number, and insome cases to find the caller’s approx-imate location. Within the next fewmonths, Marin Comm is adding amapping system that will automaticallyplot the 911 caller’s location on thecomputer-aided dispatching system.■ Supervising CommunicationsDispatchers Janet Sinnicks, EthelHavens, Teresa Yamanoha, RoxannThelin, and Patty Taylor oversee theMarin Comm shift operations, support-ing the Communications Dispatcherswho handle the 911 calls, as well asdispatching for the sheriff, police, fire,and EMS radio. ■ Call 499-7243 ifyou are interested in a tour of the newfacility in the Hall of Justice. ■

What’s AfterProbation?By Brenda Frechette—H&HS

Chief ProbationOfficer Mike Robakwill retire on May22. Mike’s warmth,concern, humor,and ability to buildcollaborative part-nerships will bewidely missed here. His enthusiasticsupport of a restorative justice philoso-phy has created an environment wherecreative programming for true rehabili-tation can flourish. The ProbationDepartment’s collaboration with other

departments in Drug Court, Prop 36,STAR Court, and at Juvenile Servicesand Juvenile Hall are just some exam-ples of this creativity. ■ Mike wasborn in the Bay Area and has workedin the probation field for 33 years.He’s been with Marin for the past threeyears. Prior to that he was with SolanoCounty Probation (for 28 years) andwas their chief for 13 years. He alsoworked in Contra Costa County. He hasgreatly enjoyed his time in Marin andfeels working in a smaller departmentprovided him with the opportunity to be“closer to where the real work is.” Heexpresses gratitude to Ann Wooliever,Chief Deputy Probation Officer, bothfor welcoming him initially and forcreating a great working partnership

during his tenure. The ProbationDepartment will lose not only Mike thisyear. Ann plans to retire in three monthsand Dennis Elsasser, Director of JuvenileProbation, also will retire this year. Mikecredits his colleagues for their “intelligent,competent commitment” and praises theircontinual efforts in providing assistanceand service to the public and to theirclients. ■ Mike is helping with the transi-tion by working a few days a week afterhis official retirement. The county hopes tohire his replacement by mid-June. Mikeadmits that phasing out gradually will helphim make the transition from employmentto retirement, although he looks forward tospending more time hiking and backpack-ing with his wife and some good friendswho are already enjoying retirement! ■

Michael Robak

New technologies

allow the dispatchers

to display the cellular

911 caller’s telephone

number, and in some

cases to find the

caller’s approximate

location.

Mike’s warmth,

concern, humor,

and ability to build

collaborative part-

nerships will be

widely missed here.

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In March, first through fifth graders atLagunitas school received a specialmessage regarding fire and life safety.Firefighter Sarah Gibson was instru-mental in bringing Fire P.A.L.S., a tour-ing troop of volunteer performers, tothe school. The group gave the studentsa musical message that dealt with anumber of safety topics. The membersof the group, many of whom are in thefire service, dance and entertain theirway into the minds of the kids in theaudience. They send important infor-mation regarding seatbelt and helmetuse, what to do if you are burned, andhow to call 911. ■

Renee Porter (Courts) and AndreAnderson exchanged marriage vows on Valentine’s Day beforeCommissioner William S. Hochman(Courts). Besides their children,

Rachael, Rashawn,and Michael, witnesses to theceremony includedthe following courtemployees:Brenda Ross,Melissa Hebert,Victoria Kemp,Connie Baker,Joan Bartow,Linda Engstrom,Annette Garcia,

Patrice Palmer-Langford, SheriMcConnell, Christina Young, VitaJohanson, Janet Minkiewicz, DeborahBartunek, Beverly Banut, GinaCompton, Frances Kennedy, CynthiaAlford, Michel Kwok, Kit Tiura, KevinStedry, and Jason Baker. ■

Joyce Whitney (Co. Clerk) was marriedMarch 19 to Neil Ordiers at the top ofa Tahoe ski slope. Best wishes for a life-time of smooth downhill skiing! ■

Kit Tinagero (Courts) married Kai Tiurain Montara, California, last October 2.The bride’s sister, Tania Gardner(Courts), was a bridesmaid, andCynthia Alford (Courts) was maid ofhonor. The bride was given away byher 15-year-oldson, Kyle, andthe groom byhis 22-year-olddaughter,Holly. The wedding didn’tshake them up,but the honey-moon sure did! While in Costa Ricathey experienced a 6.4 earthquake(and numerous aftershocks), the largestin that area since 1935, which disruptedthe water supply for three days, cut offelectricity, and caused minor damageto the house where they were staying.Some of their relatives, driving from theairport when the quake hit, thoughtthere was a problem with their car! ■

If you enjoy a good yarn and you seepeople on break at the Civic Centerknitting their hearts out, you have onlyElly Ferrell (DPW) to blame. The newcraze started when Elly gave lessons on the finer points of knit-and-purl tothose who were never taught (or hadforgotten) this art. Elly herself learnedas a child in Germany from her motherand grandmother. She says those stylish fluffy scarves are ideal for the“knovice knitter!” ■

Alyssa Balisi (Courts) and JosephManansala celebrated the birth of theirson, Jared Alexander, on February 11.Jennifer Charifa (Courts) is the over-joyed aunt. ■

Congratulations are in order for theproud new parents Stefanie and BenGhisletta (Fire), who welcomed KyleHarold into the world on January 5. ■

Jaden (three months old) is a welcomeaddition in Chris and Liz Kughn’s(H&HS) family. He joins his two-year-old brother, Terran. ■

Carey (DPW) and Todd Lando (Fire)welcomed daughter Adriana Diane onMarch 16, to the delight of big brotherGiovanni. ■

O D D S & E N D S B y M a r g a r e t B o h a n

6

Heartfelt thanksto MargaretBohan for being an extraordinaryOdds & Endscolumnist since1998!

For the next issue,please e-mailinformation on thepeople in yourdept. to the newOdds & Endscolumnist IanRoth, [email protected].

After many years of helping others in the Women’s Health Clinic, nurseMartha Nelken (H&HS) just became a grandma, with the arrival of littlePhoebe on February 1. ■

Mental Health Supervisor BrendaFrechette received her Ph.D. in ClinicalPsychology in April. CongratulationsDr. Brenda! ■

Congratulations to Jacqui Coryell, Psy.D.(H&HS), who works with kids in CMHS,for passing her licensing exam. ■

Marge Gibbs (DA) completed a 22-week training course and has gradu-ated as a docent at Audubon CanyonRanch. She will now visit schools andintroduce fourth and fifth graders to thewonders of nature. Over the years,Marge has led many co-workers onorganized hikes throughout MarinCounty and has shared her wealth ofinformation about nature. ■

H&HS celebrated Nutrition Month(March) at their quarterly all-staffmeetings on March 9 and 10, wherethey taste-tested and evaluated health-ful snacks provided by nutritionist EllenSzakal (H&HS). ■

With 50 countries already under herbelt, Alysanne Taylor (Library) headedsouth this winter. Despite the fact thatneither had studied Spanish, she andher father traveled on local chickenbuses off the beaten path through eightcountries from Guatemala to Panama.When altitude sickness in Peru causedher father to temporarily lose feelingin his legs, Alysanne could only com-municate, “My father is sick. He hasno pants and no feet.” Thankfully,someone was able to discern that anambulance was needed, and not aclothier. Both father and daughterreturned home safe and sound. ■

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Andre Anderson and Renee Porter (on right) at their wedding with, from L to R: daughterRachael, Commissioner William Hochman, andsons Rashawn and Michael

L to R: Dave Carr (Fire), Matt Ruzick (Fire), clown Scotty McCool (aka JohnSingler, from the Paradise Fire Department), Chris Brown (Fire), andRuben Martin (Fire) visit Lagunitas School with the Fire P.A.L.S. program.

L to R: Jane Crownover (apple), Ellen Szakal(tomato), and Dr. Larry Meredith (food taster)

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By Colleen Weems—HR

The county’s Affordable Housing Strategist and volunteerLibrary Audio/Visual Technician shine as examples of theimpact of volunteer participation on county business. On April19, the Board of Supervisors honored Barbara Collins (CDA)as Outstanding Supervisor of Volunteers for 2004–2005, andW.C. “Bill” Schober (Library) as the Outstanding Volunteerof the Year. ■ Barbara, the county’s Affordable HousingStrategist, has successfullysupervised 14 interns in thetwo years she’s been withthe county, guiding andmentoring them to utilizetheir individual skills andinterests in a variety of projects, consistentlydemonstrating patience,enthusiasm, and creativity.(See her Employee of theMonth article on page 9.) Barbara, once an intern herself forthe Cal. State Fullerton Library, began her career after collegewith the Social Security Administration, where she developedexpertise in working with people living with HIV/AIDS. Shewent on to work for non-profit organizations where she dealtnot only with homeless and housing needs, but also was ableto see firsthand the impact of volunteers. With CDA, Barbara’sinterns have developed an affordable-housing website, produced a brochure, compiled a report on Marin Countyemployees and their housing needs, helped to write grantsthat brought more than $2 million to the county, assisted indrafting policy, and gathered data and statistics. Ryan Kim,an intern with Barbara for the last year, explains, “She givescontrol to her interns, letting us control our projects and giving

us the opportunity to use and experiment with our ideas andtry out different things.” He continued, “The first project Iworked with her, I saw she was unique.” Barbara is just asimpressed with what the interns have to offer. “They are cre-ative, stimulating, cheery, and I love watching them bloom intheir own way, and would love to keep up with them. I hopethey’ll someday go on to mentor other interns”, she said. ■

W. C. Schober, or “Mr. S.”, as he’s affectionately knownaround the library, hasbeen a volunteer with thecounty’s library system since1979, when he saw a dis-play of damaged audio-tapes at the Novato Libraryand offered to repair them.Retired from the U.S. PostalService, Mr. S. faithfullycleans and repairs audio-tapes and videotapes for all11 county branches (there are 21,192 pieces of video materialin the library’s entire collection). He developed his interest inaudio/visual equipment and projectionist work in high school,then further grew that interest during his 16 years in the military (both the US Army and the US Air Force). ■ Henow goes to the Novato Library twice a week, where hecleans video materials with a special machine. The rest of the materials, audio and video, go home to his dining room tablewhere he skillfully and patiently performs a variety of repairs:untwisting, re-winding, and splicing, among others. “He’s just150% reliable; he’s got fantastic turnaround,” says NovatoLibrary Branch Manager, Donna Mettier. “He’s one of thosegems among volunteers…he’s got his own drive to do thingsfor the community, and it really shows.” ■

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W.C. “Bill” Schober

Volunteer & Supervisor of Volunteers of the Year

“Mr. S is one of

those gems among

volunteers….”

“Barbara gives

control to her interns,

letting us control our

projects….”

Barbara Collins

By Jose Varela—PD

The Organization of Latino Employees(OLE), the Health and Human Services’Cultural Competence Committee, andthe Board of Supervisors recently held a Cesar Chavez Holiday celebration inthe board chambers to honor one ofCalifornia’s most inspirational leaders.■ On March 29, the Board issued aproclamation noting the contributionsCesar Chavez made during his life and proclaiming March 31 as CesarChavez Day in Marin County. Theproclamation was accepted on behalfof county employees by OLE members.OLE is a fledging organization thatbrings together Marin County employ-

ees interested in issues affecting theLatino community throughout thecounty. ■ Two days later, on March31, an event was held in the Board ofSupervisors’ chambers. It was orga-nized by planning committee membersDavid Escobar (BOS), Maria Rodriguez(H&HS), Jose Varela (PD), and CindyBrown (HR/P&OS). Supervisor SusanAdams took the lead for the Board ofSupervisors. In keeping with CesarChavez’s legacy, the affair was morethan a party. It included speakers anda video presentation featuring hisefforts in leading California farm workers in their fight for economic

justice. Marin Conservation Corps students joined in the festivities, pro-viding wonderful music. Light snacksrounded out the celebration. ■

Marin County Cesar Chavez Day Festivities

Back row, L to R: Cesar Lagleva (H&HS), Jose Varela (PD),Maria Rodriguez (H&HS) Front row, L to R: David Escobar(BOS) and Cindy Brown (HR)

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there is no imminent danger to the child, the report isentered in the computer as a non-emergency, but actionmust be taken within 10 calendar days. ■ The team wasnominated for maintaining excellent standards of serviceto both English- and Spanish-speaking populations, eventhough the department has been short-staffed over the pastyear. In addition to investigations, they refer families toservice providers, coordinate those services, and train otherprofessionals to recognize abusive and potentially abusivesituations. ■

8

Congratulations to another exceptional Team of the Quarter!The Child Protective Services (CPS) Emergency Response Unitcomprises (in alphabetical order): Kimberly Contreras, KirtDeMichiel, Laura Estrada-Shepherd, Pamela Guerry, RosieHernandez, Teresa Higuera-Tabassi, My Huynh, LorryKrone, Vanessa Littleton, Elinor Marcelous, Anna-MariaMuñoz, Raul Muñoz, Bettina Murphy, Catherine Pfister-Cherin, Marrah Soriano, Blanca Trejo, and Lourdes Vargas.■ The unit is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,365 days a year to receive, investigate, and respond toallegations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. TeamProgram Manager Elinor Marcelous says, “We are the‘Green Berets’ of CPS, in that we are the first responders tosituations where children may be at risk.” Elinor describesassessment skills as being the most important ability of theirjob. “We often are called into situations where an initialdecision must be made immediately to determine the level ofresponse required to protect the child.” If an investigationsuggests that a crime may have been committed, the investi-gator immediately cross-reports the situation to law enforce-ment, and they do a joint investigation. If it is assessed that

Front row, L to R: My Huynh, Marrah Soriano, Anna-Maria Muñoz,Lorry Krone, Elinor Marcelous, Teresa Higuera-Tabassi, RosieHernandez Middle Row, L to R: Kimberly Contreras, Laura Estrada-Shepherd, Blanca Trejo, Kirt DeMichiel Back Row, L to R: VanessaLittleton, Lourdes Vargas, Raul Muñoz Not Pictured: Pamela Guerry,Catherine Pfister-Cherin

Employee Team of theFirst QuarterBy Jennifer Walter—Treas/Tax

“We are the ‘Green

Berets’ of CPS, in

that we are the first

responders to situa-

tions where children

may be at risk.”

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Tell Me a StoryBy Nancy Davis—Library

You face a roomful of wiggly, noisytoddlers. Your assignment: capture theirinterest and imaginations with a story.■ The children’s librarians on the staffof the Marin County Free Library facethis challenge every week. They arededicated to making books and storiescome alive for children at a very early

Children’s Librarian Marilyn Wronsky and Ollie the Ostrichinterpret a story at the Corte Madera Library.

age. ■ The librarians are pros atselecting stories that will appeal to theseyoung pre-readers and then interpret-ing them while holding up the books to show the illustrations. Songs, fingerplay, motion games, puppetry, andflannel boards help to sustain interestthroughout the programs, which generally run about a half-hour. ■

Eva Patterson, Branch Manager at theMarin City Library, provides regularstory times on Wednesdays. She knowsher efforts are having an effect: “I sit on the end of a table with my feet on a footstool when I do story time. It is so wonderful to see a child come in atsome other time, grab a book and thefootstool, then sit on the end of thetable to read a story to an imaginaryaudience.” ■ The 11 branches of the County Library offer a total of 17regular story times for pre-schoolers,ages 3–5. Some branches also provide “toddler” or “lap sit” programs for even younger children, ages 1–3.There are bi-lingual story times(English-Spanish) regularly at the PointReyes Station Library and occasionally

at the South Novato branch inHamilton. ■ Librarians who regularlydo story times are: Kathleen FitzhughRemitz, at the Civic Center branch;Marilyn Wronsky and Marilyn Simonsat Corte Madera; Carolyn Potter atFairfax; Eva Patterson at Marin City;Sandy Duzak and Carla Schoenthal at Novato; and Helen Romero at SouthNovato. Volunteer Judy Buchanan provides story times at all of the WestMarin branches. ■ From July throughDecember of 2004, the library branchespresented 308 programs for pre-schoolers, with a total attendance of7,889 children and adults. ■ Once in a while, the librarians will offer a“pajama story time” in the evening.Youngsters are invited to arrive at thelibrary ready for bed, hear a few stories, and return home for bedtime.■ The full schedule of story times is posted on the library’s web site,http://co.marin.ca.us/library. In addition, librarians take turns readingbrief stories for “Dial-A-Story.” Thesestories change every Wednesday. Dial 499-6051 and listen! ■

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In Marin, where there is a severeshortage of affordable housing, theCommunity Development Agency (CDA)is fortunate to have Barbara Collins asthe affordable housing strategist. Sincejoining the CDA in 2000, Barbara hascompleted key housing-related initia-tives that support the creation andretention of affordable housing. Theseinclude authoring the award-winningHousing Workbook, which formed the basis for the Countywide Plan’sHousing Element, and helped gainapproval of over 80 units of affordablehousing in Point Reyes Station, MillValley, Strawberry, and Bolinas.Barbara also secured changes to thecounty’s zoning regulations to requiredevelopers to provide more affordablehousing, to require commercial projectsto provide employee housing, and tostreamline the requirements for creatingsecond units. Barbara’s work with adedicated team of volunteers andinterns has earned her the Supervisorof Volunteers of the Year award fromthe Board of Supervisors and CivicCenter Volunteers. Barbara is theCounty’s “Wonder Woman” when itcomes to helping create and retainmuch-needed affordable housing! ■

By Thomas Lai—CDA

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Mischon Martin (P&OS) is the OpenSpace District’s resource ecologist, and is responsible for developing andimplementing habitat and resourceenhancement projects on district lands.Borrowing a phrase from the great conservationist Aldo Leopold, Mischonis the district’s “land doctor.” Her prescriptions for controlling erosion and the spread of non-native plantsimprove and reclaim habitat for thenative flora and fauna under the dis-trict’s charge, including endangeredspecies such as the coho salmon, northern spotted owl, and the Tiburonmariposa lily. ■ Mischon knows thathealthy habitats do not correspond toartificial boundaries such as propertylines. She also knows the need for collaboration with public and privatelandowners to be successful in herwork. With her subject knowledge,integrity, energy, and engaging smile,Mischon has developed excellent working relationships with other publicagencies, including the Marin CountyFire Department, Marin CountyCommunity Development Agency,Marin Municipal Water District,California State Parks, and the National Parks Service. ■

By Ron Miska—P&OS

John Paul (H&HS) brings high levels of competence and compassion to his job as Social Services ProgramManager II. The leadership he providesto the public assistance staff of thedepartment models the high value thedepartment places on customer service.John has planned and carried out largeoffice moves and a major computerconversion process with unfailing skilland humor. John can be counted on as the one who has the answers or will get them. He works collaborativelywith other divisions and departments, assuring that client service is deliveredin an excellent manner. His 30 years of dedication to public service reflectthe values he holds dear. He believes in the inherent goodness of people andhis approach to management reflectsthat belief. His integrity and work ethicmake him a highly respected memberof the Marin County family. We arevery fortunate to have John Paul, andhe well deserves the title of Employee of the Month. ■

By Jane Chopson—H&HS

Attention all golf enthusiasts! The Marin Civic Center Golf League has begun its 2005 season and is looking for substitute players. Play is at the Indian Valley Golf Club and Peacock Gap Golf & Country Club on Tuesday evenings. Substitutes fill in for team players who are on vacation or otherwise unable to play, but also compete for individual prizes and are eligible to play in the year-ending tournament in September. For more details contact Joe Spaeth at 499-7511 or at [email protected].

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L to R: Ben Dresden (retired IST Director),Howard Hanson (retired County Clerk &Registrar of Voters), Patrick Atkinson (formerAssistant PD), and Joe Spaeth (PD) hit thelinks together in Jamaica this past January.

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10

Ian Roth (CDA): “Iget to put off that firstcup of coffee for acouple of hours. Iarrive at work with aclear mind, ready togo…and, of course,looking forward tothe ride home!”

John Neville (DPW):“It’s invigorating! It gets you pumpedup before you get to your desk!”

Kristin Drumm-Collins (CDA): “Thereare two things. One,knowing that I cantreat myself to anextra helping ofdessert because of all the calories I burnoff. Two, travelingfaster than the cars on 101!”

Ernest Klock (DPW):“The way it makesme feel! The oxygenflow in the morning,the extra energy, and the fresh air.”

Roving ReporterBy Connie Siebler—Assessor’s Office

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What is the best thing aboutbiking to work?

Fitness at WorkBy Tom Vasgird—Aud-Cont.

You know springtime has arrived whenthe Civic Center walkers—those effer-vescent disciples of active living—taketo the lagoon trails to stay in shape, get fresh air, and have fun. These go-getters know that healthy employees aremore efficient, energetic, alert, happierat work, and better able to managestress. This group already knows what

smile and renewed vigor. ■ If you’re a Lance Armstrong wannabee, try following the examples of Sam Ruark(CDA), Ben Berto (CDA), and SupervisorSusan Adams (BOS), who cycle to andfrom work on most days, especially now that the days are longer and theweather is nice. For your health,longevity, and fun, give it a try! ■

Steve Marthinsen (IST) does not likegyms or cycling. He does a weightworkout at home, three nights a week.His aerobic exercise consists of running(literally) around the Civic Centermaking service calls to troubled com-puter users. ■ Terry Corde (IST) defiesthe computer geek stereotype by hisdedication to fitness. He runs around Bel Marin Keys most days for at least 15 minutes at lunchtime, to complementhis serious weightlifting sessions at aNovato health club after work. ■

Dave Kosmala (Aud-Cont.) uses thestairs daily. Dave said “NO” to the elevator a long time ago and has thestaying power to keep climbing thosestairs. ■ Others park their cars at thefar side of the parking lot, or get off thebus one stop short of their regular stopfor a nice little workout. And many ofthese same champions exert manualpressure against their tightened abswhile waiting for their computers toload, and do back stretches while stand-ing in line for the copier. ■ If you’reready to make the fitness leap, but lackthe motivation, try teaming with themany fitness aficionados around you.They’re everywhere. ■

L to R: Dave Kosmala (Aud-Cont.), Kathy Rael (Aud-Cont.), Joyce Whitney(Co. Clerk), Francie Hubert (Aud-Cont.), and Pamela Cringle (Treas/Tax)

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Open Space GemsBy Jennifer Walter—Treas/Tax

June 4 is National Trails Day, a goodtime to step out and explore some ofthe meandering trails and magnificentpreserves under the stewardship of theMarin County Open Space District(MCOSD). ■ The Open Space Districtwas created in 1972 by Marin Countyvoters to preserve and protect theundeveloped natural character of ridge,bay, and environmentally sensitivelands while accommodating low-impactrecreational activities such as hiking,mountain biking, and horseback riding.Over 14,000 acres are spread out over Old St. Hilary’s Preserve

34 preserves, which are managed bydistrict staff and maintained with thehelp of an extensive volunteer program.Over 500 volunteers participate in tasksranging from trail cleanup and repairto habitat restoration, tree planting, andlitter removal. ■ The coming of springbrought sweeping vistas of wildflowers,secluded waterfalls, butterflies andwildlife, and great opportunities toexplore the outdoors. You may want tolook into a plant or bird walk led bynaturalist David Herlocker. Accordingto Chris Bramham, Superintendent ofthe Open Space District, “David is themost knowledgeable guide for thosewho are curious about the natural

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scientific research has proven: healthyworkers deliver! ■ Effie Cook (FarmAdvisor) likes to walk around down-town Novato at lunchtime, but not justto feel better and make her bodyhealthy—she does it to get away! Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that.■ But walking is not the only game intown. If you are like Jalal Kazemi (IST),your choice is a Club One workout at lunch time. (Club One is only twominutes away from the Civic Center, at Autodesk.) Jalal knows the value ofweights and aerobics, and alwayscomes back from his workout with a

…continued on back page

Check out the

District’s website

marinopenspace.org

for information.

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This approach is called EnterpriseResource Planning (ERP). ■ An ERPsystem is an integrated financial andhuman resource/payroll solution thatshares a common look and feel for allusers and provides one-stop shoppingfor data analysis and reporting. Data,whether for accounts payable, timereporting, cost accounting, or budgets,is entered into the system only once,and then ripples throughout all relevantmodules, making updates and changesas needed. Because all information isstored in one database, rather than inhundreds of spreadsheets and data-bases, there is “one single version ofthe truth.” A common database reduceserrors from duplicate data entry,reduces time and labor for report devel-opment, and facilitates timely analysis,planning, and project management. ■

ERP enables people to become moreinnovative, to make quicker and betterdecisions, and to improve service,because they will spend less time chas-ing paper trails and reconciling datafrom a multitude of systems. ERP systemsalso provide the backbone technologythat enables E-Gov. ■ Since this pro-gram is much bigger than a financialsystem and will affect all county depart-ments, an Executive Steering Group(ESG) was formed with a cross-sectionof county departments, including DPW,H&HS, IST, CAO, HR, and, of course, theAuditor/Controller’s Office. This groupdeveloped the plan. ■ The Board ofSupervisors approved a formal requestfor proposals in April 2004, listingrequirements developed by operationsexperts from around the county. Theselection team talked with them aboutwhat the county has now and wants toimprove. They heard from Kathy Tobin(Assessor), Edith Simonson (Treas/Tax), and Phoenicia Thomas (Fire), andwe recruited every ASO we could. Theirrequests were straight-forward. Peoplewanted to be able to track expensedetails, payments made to vendors,and even do something as everyday aslooking at their benefits information. ■

The county sent the requirements to 45different software and implementation

ERP!…Continued from page 1

vendors. The softwarevendors bid on devel-oping the system, and the implementerson installing it. Theresponse was over-whelming and theAuditor/Controller’sOffice was inundated.Audrey Andrus (DPW),George McBride (IST),Mag Caramucci (Treas/Tax), andBasia Tolscik (HR) were a few of thefolks who pored over these massiveproposals. ■ The ESG selected threevendors and asked each to come to thecounty for a demonstration. SAP wasselected as the software vendor, andDeloitte was chosen to do the imple-mentation. ■ Now it begins…. ■

The implementation of a new systemisn’t measured in months, but in years.The official project kickoff was thebeginning of May. The project teamhopes to go live with countywide financials in June 2006 and HR andPayroll in January 2007. ■ Who onthe project team will spend the next 12 to 24 months configuring the newsystem? At deadline, some of the verydedicated county staff include RonAnderson (IST), Margaret Bohan(DPW), Mike Brierley (IST), DannyBriones (Aud-Cont.), Cathy Boffi (IST),Heather Burton (Aud-Cont.), TerryCorde (IST), Ernest Culver (Aud-Cont.),Heidi Davaloo (DPW), Cloann DiGrazia (Aud-Cont.), Chris Edwards(IST), Katie Gaier (HR), Maxx Gold(Aud-Cont.), Gordon Haberfelde (IST),Francie Hubert Aud-Cont.), ThomasHubert (Aud-Cont.), Samatha Klein(CAO), Maureen Lewis (H&HS), and Jim Toth (IST). ■ What will it mean

to those not on the project team? Lots of county staff will be called upon tohelp out, perhaps by answering taskand process questions about their jobs.And what is in store for those not in theadmin/finance sections? They probablywill not even notice the effort until train-ing time, which may be in a formalclass or at a departmental meeting tolearn the new way of entering a timecard or getting an expense reimburse-ment. ■ Members feel positive aboutworking on this project for the next fewyears, and know that the immediatefuture holds long days and hard work.“I think the implementation of an ERPsystem in the county is an ambitiousundertaking that, once complete, willreap vast rewards for county employeesand the residents of Marin County. Tobe a part of this project is an honor,”said Terry Corde. ■ There are bigchanges on the horizon, and tremen-dous efforts will be necessary to makethem happen smoothly. After all is saidand done, the end result will be astable and highly functional system thatthe whole county can use. Maxx Goldsaid, “The efficiencies gained from theimplementation of ERP will allow foranalyses necessary to ensure we aremaximizing revenue and minimizingexpenditures.” ■

ERP enables people

to become more

innovative, to make

quicker and better

decisions, and to

improve service….

Project Team members receive SAP training in San Francisco. Front row, L to R: Samantha Klein(CAO), Heidi Davaloo (DPW), Maxx Gold (Aud-Cont.) Middle row, L to R: Danny Briones (Aud-Cont.), Cloann Di Grazia (Aud-Cont.), Tina Torresan (P&OS) Back row, L to R: Maureen Lewis(H&HS), Sam Parikh (Deloitte), Natalee Hillman (Aud-Cont.), Ernest Culver (Aud-Cont.)

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L to R: ERP team members Dan Eilerman (CAO), Wendy Mullin (Aud-Cont.), MargaretCaramucci (Treas/Tax), George McBride (IST), and Margaret Nicholls (Aud-Cont.)

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Name Title & Department

Garland Murphy Accounting Tech., H&HSSusana Tabunut Eligibility Asst. – Biling., H&HSLiza Castaneda Eligibility Asst. – Biling., H&HSAshleyrose Gilham Eligibility Wkr. II, H&HSPatricia Furman Eligibility Wkr. II, H&HSMaria Santos Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSAnna Jonsson Library Asst. I, LibraryStephen Raab County Counsel III, Co. CounselMichael Coffino Deputy Public Defender II, PDPamela Roman Lic. Mental Health Pract., H&HSJennifer Welle Epidemiologist, H&HSAmanda Cronkright Library Branch Aide II, LibraryDarlene Medaglia Library Branch Aide II, LibraryMarcia Stieger Library Branch Aide II, LibraryKatarina Ivancic Library Branch Aide I, LibraryGail Cushman Library Branch Aide I, LibraryGeoffrey Gay Social Service Wkr. I, H&HSVanessa Walden Library Technical Asst. I, LibraryBecky Tuttle Library Branch Aide I, LibraryAneta Radonov Library Branch Aide II, LibraryHugo Araica Group Counselor I – Biling., ProbationDavid Morgen Library Branch Aide I, LibrarySusan Altizio Library Branch Aide I, LibraryCarlos Burns Library Branch Aide I, LibraryKimberly Grace Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSThomas Forray Lic. Mental Health Pract., H&HSDesiree Reitknecht Mental Health Pract., H&HSBettina Murphy Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSMarrah Soriano Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSDonna Broadbent Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSBree Marchman Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSJolie Clark Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSPamela Laube Mental Health Pract., H&HSJanet Chadwick Library Branch Aide I, LibraryRalph Asay Jr. Library Branch Aide I, LibraryMark Frost Employment Develop. Counselor, H&HSSteven Perl County Counsel III, Co. CounselKurtis Romley Deputy Sheriff, SheriffAdam Brown Deputy Sheriff, SheriffCharles McGlashan Supervisor, District 3, BOSJames Lane Deputy Sheriff, SheriffAnthony Romero Library Branch Aide I, LibraryJean Joseph Marin Center Utility Wkr., CSElsa Ng Licensed Crisis Spec., H&HSBernadette Helson Employment Develop. Counselor, H&HSCheri Charmoli Mental Health RN, H&HSDorothy Hultquist Legal Process Spec., DASusan Farley Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSMichael Thompson Deputy Sheriff Trainee, SheriffVirginia Aubry Reprographic Aide, DPWTheodore Shab Sr. Systems Support Analyst, IST

&WELCOMEFAREWELL !

Nicole Pantaleo Deputy District Attorney I, DAPaula Glodowski-Valla Child Welfare Wkr. II, H&HSShawn Spaulding Deputy District Attorney I, DA

Farewell to Retirees! November 7, 2004 to March 31, 2005Nola Zabkar Court Services Supervisor, CourtsTwila Castellucci Investment-Cash Management Officer, Treas/TaxGeorge Steele Elections Clerk III, Co. ClerkSusan Powers-Kane Social Svc. Program Mgr. I, H&HSPaula Kamena District Attorney, DAKenneth Pors Carpenter/Cabinet Maker, DPWAnnette Rose Supervisor, District 3, BOSKenneth Harlan Coroner’s Investigator, CoronerBlake Lawton Eligibility Wkr. II, H&HSJudith Gallagher Sheriff’s Service Asst., SheriffChristine Ferguson Eligibility Program Manager, H&HSLynn Rivers Murray Community Library Specialist, LibraryNorman Klein Retirement Administrator, RetirementSandra Hoke Supervising Comm. Dispatch, SheriffJames Love Fire Engineer, FireMartha Rutishauser Elections Clerk III, Co. ClerkSteven De La Montanya Fire Operations Battalion Chief, FireStephen Jensen Chief Building Official, CDAMaureen McClain Admin. Svc. Associate, DPWBarbara Hoffman Sr. Clerk Typist, H&HSNancy Haynes Deputy Sheriff, SheriffDee Reinhardt Accounting Asst., Treas/TaxJames Zortman Building & Maintenance Manager, DPWLee Richardson Sheriff’s Sergeant, SheriffVirginia Emanual-Keeling Legal Process Spec., DAKatherine Saltman Sr. Public Health Nurse, H&HSDouglas Olsson Fire Engineer Paramedic, FirePatricia Keaton Sr. Clerk Typist, Ag/Wts. & Meas.Yvonne Guenza Supervising Elections Clerk, Co. ClerkPaulette Engler Admin. Asst. to County Counsel, Co. CounselPatricia Davidson Sr. Programmer Analyst, ISTKenneth Froberg Sheriff’s Lieutenant, SheriffHelga Becker Assessment Recording Supervisor, AssessorElizabeth Rottger Program Manager Div. of Aging, H&HSRonald Tietz Sr. Comm Tech., DPWDennis Elsasser Director Probation Svcs, ProbationAlfredo Enriquez Eligibility Wkr. II – Biling., H&HSNorma Haslam Admin. Services Tech., ProbationWilliam Cyders Principal Systems Support Analyst, ISTPhilip Cobert Principal Systems Support Analyst, ISTJohn Wooley Sr. Civil Engineer, DPWJohn Lundquist Sheriff’s Lieutenant, SheriffGregory Jones Deputy District Attorney IV, DADolores Gilson Court Reporter, CourtsYvonne Jenkins Social Svc. Wkr. I, H&HS

Welcome to New Employees! Listed in order of hire date from November 7, 2004 to January 29, 2005

wonders we encounter.” There are alsoranger-led walks conducted by the expe-rienced ranger staff. These walks aregeared for families and people who wantto learn more about the preserves and thetrails. There are even occasional specialhikes for wheelchair-bound hikers. ■

Check out the district’s website for rulesand regulations for safe hiking and foractivities offered by this valuable andwonderful resource in our county, includ-ing trail maps for all the preserves. ■

Enter & Win Tenth Annual Vacation Photo ContestEmployees must be either the photographer or in the photo taken any time since the fall of 2004. Previous participants are welcome! Any size or format (including high-res. digital) is welcome and should be submitted to Janice Hughes c/o DA’s Office, Room 130, [email protected] by September 6, 2005. Winning photos will be published in the FourthQuarter Frankly Speaking, displayed in the Civic Center Cafe, and awarded prizes! Previous winners are: Rick Fraites (BOS), Tim Underwood (DPW), Mikhail Posylkin (IST), AnitaErola (HR), Nancy Lasner (H&HS), Judi Naue (Courts), Larry Laino (DPW), Shannon Griffin(H&HS), Julia Slater (HR), Michael Eckart (H&HS), Amanda Johnsen (H&HS), Phil Taylor(H&HS), Julie Withy (Courts), Marna Kramer (H&HS), Patty Gurin (DA), Supranee Mai(Aud-Cont.), Edie Lawrence (Sheriff), Bob Beaumont (DPW), Bob Battersby (DA), TonyCheong (H&HS), and Marti Rutishauser (Co. Clerk).

Open Space… Cont’d from page 10