THE S UEEZE -
DIRECTOR’S ESSAGE
M
OCCR thrives on the collective expertise, dedication, and creativity of each team member. At the heart of each of our programs lies a dedicated team whose talent, creativity, and commitment are thedrivingforcesbehindoursuccess.
Empowerment, at its core, is about creating a culture of trust, respect, and inclusivity. It means providingouremployeeswiththeautonomy,resources,andencouragementneededtoexcelintheir roles and make meaningful contributions to our shared goals. Whether you're caring for animals, maintainingourparks,servingpatronsinourlibraries,assistingwithhousingneeds,orengagingwith ourcommunity,youruniqueperspectivesandtalentsareessentialtooursuccess.
In cultivating a supportive and positive environment, it is essential that we prioritize open communication, collaboration, and recognition. I encourage each of you to actively engage with your colleagues, share your insights, embrace opportunities for collaboration, and to share issues, concerns, and challenges vertically and horizontally within OCCR. Whether it's through team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or cross-departmental projects, working together harnesses the collectivewisdomandcreativityofourteam.
As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am confident that by empowering and supporting one another, we can overcome obstacles, drive innovation, and create positivechangeinthecommunitiesweserve.
Thankyouforyourdedication,passion,andhardwork.Here'stoasummerfilledwithempowerment, andsuccess.
All the best,
Dylan Wright OCCR Director
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
OCAnimalCare
Fostering community building among the employees of OC Animal Care is fundamental to our mission of providing compassionate care for animals and serving the community. Through various initiatives and practices, the organization cultivates a sense of belonging, teamwork, and shared purpose among its staff,ultimatelyenhancingmoraleandproductivity.OC Animal Care achieves this through team-building activities and quarterly All-Hands staff meetings. These meetings and team-building activities give employees
Amy Hernandez has progressed from a canvasser to an Office Supervisor at OC Animal Care, attributing her growth and success to collaboration, support,
In addition, OC Animal Care invests in the professional growth and development of its employees through training programs and educational opportunities. For example, we recently launched Dogs 101, a training open to all employees about dog behavior and handling techniques. By supporting continuous learning and skill enhancement, the organization not only strengthens our workforce, but also fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among employees.
As a Public Education Officer working the Intake Department, I like that we are the first encounter when a member of the public brings an animal to the shelter, as it provides a good opportunity to educate, divert, and provide resources to every individual in need.We recently had a stray dog come in that had a microchip, so we researched it and contacted the owner immediately before impounding. The dog owner was thankful, and the dog did not have to spend time at the shelter. Win Win!
Alex Su created a dog foster program for shelter dogs, specifically targeting large, senior, anxious, or long-term dogs. Launched in June 2023, the pilot program provided these dogs a break from the shelter to decompress in a home environment while awaiting adoption.
OCCommunity
Services
OCCS fosters community building by holding regular meetingsandeventsacrossallitsprograms.TheOffice on Aging holds quarterly team meetings for all staff to provideprogrammingupdates,operationalinsights,and acknowledgments. These are supplemented by team workgroup meetings for planning that include staff at all levels involved in programming and operations. The Veterans Service Office hosts weekly team/unit meetingstoreviewdailyoperations,programs,training, and new business/innovative processes, as well as supports ongoing training sessions to address complex issues collaboratively. The Workforce & Economic Development Division holds weekly unit meetings and large monthly meetings to stay connected and share resources.Additionally,OCCSorganizeslargeragencywide events and activities to unite the entire OCCS communityasonecohesiveteam.
Being on Office on Aging data team, I streamlined data reporting by automating processes, and implemented macros and VBA programming to save time and ensure accuracy. I also completed Google Professional Data Analytics Course.
-Louis Garcia
I participated in the California Veterans Service Representative Academy, an intensive training program designed to equip members with a comprehensive understanding of veteran laws and regulations. I had the opportunity to collaborate with peers who were committed to undergoing a transformative learning journey, acquiring essential knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for veterans’ well-being to enhance their quality of life.
-Josselin Guerrero
Through the Rapid Response program, I provide support to impacted businesses and employees. When the 99 Cents Only Stores announced their closure, the ability to take action and provide resources to affected employees was rewarding.
-Brynn Hernandez
OC Housing & Community
Development
Although Housing and Community Development is comprised of different programs, we all come together to create a strong support network. H&CD has established a Let’s Connect committee. The Let’s Connect committee works across the sections to come up with team building activities that help to foster community building. These activities encourage communication and collaboration amongst the different teams. Additionally, OCHA incorporates a team building exercise during our division meetings, when a Let’s Connect eventisnotscheduled. Theseteambuildingexercisesrangefromgettingtoknoweachotherbreakoutgroups to team trainings and exposure to different OCCR teams. For example, OCHA’s last division meeting included apresentationbyOCCR’sHumanResourcesteamduringwhichOCHAstaffwasexposedtotipsandresources toencouragealongandfruitfulcareerwiththeCounty.HousingDevelopmentisasmallteamthatissupportive ofoneanotherandisencouragedtocontributeideasandtalents.
We strive to uphold regular team meetings to discuss each person's top priorities for the week and discuss any challenges or lessons learned. As a small group, we have the opportunity to foster collaborative working relationships amongst ourselves and with others through program administration and special projects. Each person has strengths and areas for improvements, and we work together to balance teaching/learning opportunities. Community Development plays a crucial role in fostering community building throughout Orange County, so they know a thing or two about working working together. With regular communication and team meetings,eachprogramworksindependentlyandtogethertoguidepeoplehome.
Ernest Hernandez plays a critical role in the Community Development team by ensuring projects are on track and completed before deadlines. He completed 28 Environmental Review Records (ERR) for various projects in the HUD Hero's system, identifying those needing more research for timely completion.
Sherluna Vien assumed more responsibility for the administration and oversight of the County's Notice of Funding Availability and led efforts on amending and releasing the Amendment #1 in March 2024, making $32.7 million and 218 vouchers available.
Jessica Tran shared her family's journey with the housing assistance program and how they feared losing their voucher. Jessica, now a Housing Specialist, notes improvements in housing quality standards, building trust in the community. Her family's success story includes purchasing a home in 2007 made possible by the assistance program.
OCParks
Park maintenance staff play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing OC Parks’ award-winning facilities and keeping them safe, open and clean for all visitors to enjoy. In 2018, OC Parks created the OC Parks Maintenance School designed to provide park maintenance workers hands-on training for the tools and tradestheyutilizeinthefield.Classesaretaughtbyhighlyskilled OC Parks staff and include sessions for concrete, masonry, plumbing, electrical and landscape power tools. Each course is seven hours and offered once a month for two consecutive months. To date, more than 40 sessions have been offered with nearly150participants.
TheOCParksMaintenanceSchoolcontinuestoreceiveexcellent reviews from participating employees. The variety of courses offered in a safe, controlled environment, and knowledgeable instructors give maintenance staff the confidence to perform a wide array of tasks on the job. OC Parks Maintenance School helps empower maintenance staff to perform any project or task askedofthemattheirparkanddiversifiestheirskillset,enhancing theiropportunitiesforpromotiontootherOCParksfacilities.
Marcelo Lopez joined OC Parks in 2016 as a Park Maintenance Worker and took part in the OC Parks Maintenance School in 2018. “Being able to have that hands-on experience with something you may not have a lot of knowledge or experience dealing with, having the opportunity to do that in an instructor- based environment gave me the confidence to go back to my park and accomplish those tasks,” said Marcelo, now a Park Maintenance Supervisor I and assistant instructor at the maintenance school. “It’s humbling and exciting to teach the younger staff and it’s going to make our agency better overall."
In April 2023, OC Parks park rangers Megan Matchett, Kevin Estrada and Derrick Ankerstar successfully performed lifesaving measures on an unresponsive visitor suffering a cardiac incident at Mason Regional Park. They demonstrated outstanding heroism while performing multiple rounds of CPR and utilizing an AED to restore breathing before paramedics arrived. Their quick-thinking and exceptional teamwork earned them a 2024 American Red Cross Orange County Heroes Award as First Responder Heroes.
OC Public
Libraries
OC Public Libraries actively fosters employee empowermentthroughamultitudeofavenues.Oneway we achieve this is through cross-departmental collaboration via systemwide committees. OCPL encourages staff members from different branches to collaborate on various committee projects and systemwide initiatives. Whether it’s planning events, developing new services, or improving existing processes, cross-functional teams work together to achieve common goals. OCPL branches also hold regular team meetings where staff members share updates, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. Thesegatheringsfosteropencommunicationandcreate asenseofunity.
OCPL fosters community building by investing in its employees through training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Staff members have opportunities to learn new skills, stay informed about industry trends, and grow both personally and professionally. OCPL also acknowledges staff achievements through employee of the month awards. Recognizing hard work and dedication boosts morale and reinforces a positive work environment. In summary, OC Public Libraries fosters collaboration, celebrates achievements, and prioritizes staff well-being, creatingapositiveandsupportiveworkcultureforall.
“I've found tremendous support from OCCR and OCPL, empowering my growth. The Supervisor Toolbox did a great job of weaving together leadership training exercises that are both actionable and relatable across many disciplines. The experience of collaborating across various OCCR programs enabled me to discover supportive mentors and refine my supervisory skills. As I prepare for my new role as Branch Manager, these experiences have equipped me with effective strategies to be a more proficient supervisor, ready to serve my team and community.” David Cheung
Grace organizes and presents an engaging Korean bilingual storytime each month that continues to attract a growing audience. As a member of the Outreach Committee, she is a key player in numerous events, effectively promoting OCPL and our services.
Emily is the co-chair of OC Public Libraries’ Charlie Cart Committee. The work she does on the committee celebrates food literacy and nutrition education through hands-on cooking programming.
A intheLife Day
Featured: Sal Cervantes
OCPL Warehouse Supervisor
Administrative
I navigated complexities to purchase a mobile modular unit on an expedited timeline, overcoming hurdles to secure Board approval and grant funding by April 30th. The buyer, Dene negotiated $70,000 savings for the County during the process.
-April Alvarez
Services
Cash-Out Policy. The development of this policy was a team effort, with invaluable assistance provided by James Dinwiddie, Jeff Kirkpatrick, OCCR Auditor- Controller, County Counsel, and the OCCR Budget team.
-Alan Young
Administrative Services Department empowers its employees by providing them with opportunities for professional development, ongoing training, and access to resources that support their growth and success within the Program. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, the department ensures that its employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills neededtoexcelintheirroles.Throughopencommunication channels and a supportive work environment, the Administrative Services Program cultivates a sense of empowerment among its staff, enabling them to contribute effectively to the overall goals and objectives of the department.
Staff Development and Training recently re-vamped the New Employee Orientation (NEO) to an in-person platform. New employees are provided with crucial tools and resources to enable them to begin their journey with OCCR as smoothly as possible. The team goes in depth on variety of subjects such as safety, County software and touches upon the different benefits that are attainable as a County employee.
Since joining OCCR, I have received endless support from Leadership and my peers. Leadership has been incredibly supportive of my creative endeavors within Employee Services. Their open-minded approach and encouragement have fostered a culture of collaboration and experimentation, which has allowed for us to implement fresh ideas that have positively impacted the employee experience.
-Jacque Cortes
Message from your Safety Team:
As we embrace the delightful summer season, it's crucial to prioritize safety while enjoying the warmer weather and outdoor activities. Here are some key tips to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones during the summer:
Water Safety
Always watch your children and pets around water. Be aware of water conditions and currents when visiting the beach and don’t forget those floatation devices for the little ones.
Heat Safety
Remember to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Make sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Keep in mind that if you're thirsty, you might already be slightly dehydrated.
Sun Protection:
Sun protection is crucial. Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating and be sure to cover neck and hands if necessary.
** If you are hesitant about sunscreens with chemicals, look for products that contain zinc oxide as an ingredient. This is a safe alternative and is the active ingredient in children and infant sunscreen.
Recently, the Safety Team hosted a Fire Extinguisher training for 36 OC Public Libraries staff. An OC Fire Authority staff facilitated the training and demonstrated how to properly engage with a fire extinguisher.
Have any Safety questions or concerns? Contact your Safety Team: News (714) 480-2800
occrsafety@occr.ocgov.com Safety Hotline: Email:
S Aervice
Randy Garcia, OC Parks
Mansour Katany, OC Parks
March 1 - June 30
Michael Ceja, Admin Services
Michael Miniaci, OC Parks
Tammy Osborn, OC Animal Care
15
Erin Ulibarri, OC Community Services
Mary Le, OC Housing Authority
Adam Shuck, OC Parks
Kristin Quon, OC Parks
Joanna Oyzon, OC Public Libraries
Samantha Smith, OC Public Libraries
Christian Medina, OC Animal Care
Nancy Cook, OC Community Services
Linda Ngo, OC Housing Authority
Fabian Campuzano, OC Parks
Henry Gomez, OC Parks
Karen Chieng, OC Parks
Trinidad Lourdes, OC Public Libraries 10
Beatriz Preciado, OC Public Libraries
Jennifer Medina, OC Public Libraries
Kristin Whipple, OC Public Libraries
Ruth Prendez, OC Public Libraries 5
Lawrence Wu, Admin Services
Vinh Tran, Admin Services
Elizabeth Avila, OC Community Services
Farah Lollis, OC Community Services
Miguel Garcia, OC Community Services
Nancy Toscano Cicone, OC Community Services
Alyssa Mandagie, OC Housing Authority
Benjamin Morales, OC Housing Authority
Marlo Velarde, OC Housing Authority
Nina Rivera, OC Housing Authority
Rebecca Ricketts, OC Housing Authority
Adam Perez, OC Parks
Annelise Gannaway, OC Parks
Anthony Rosales, OC Parks
Bryan Magaña, OC Parks
Christopher Kvaska, OC Parks
Kyle Frazer, OC Parks
Martin Martinez, OC Parks
Patricia Escobar, OC Parks
Rodolfo Perez, OC Parks
Andres Garcia, OC Public Libraries
Joshua Hartel, OC Public Libraries
David Cheung, OC Public Libraries
Raul Juarez, OC Public Libraries
Saidy Valdez Ochoa, OC Public Libraries
