Welcome,
As the crisp wintry air descends upon Riverside County, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of orange and gold, I’m excited to present the latest edition of our HR magazine!
This magazine is our space – a platform for us to share insights, celebrate successes, and connect with the vibrant HR community that makes our Department and Riverside County a remarkable place to work.
Within these pages, you’ll find a glimpse into the spirit of our Department. From the heartwarming camaraderie of our recent HR Bake Sale, where sweet treats and laughter filled the air, to the creative costumes and infectious energy of our Halloween festivities, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
This edition features a diverse range of articles, from winter recipes to division spotlights showcasing the incredible talent within our ranks. I encourage you to share your own stories, ideas, and feedback. Your contributions are invaluable in making this magazine a true reflection of our dynamic and engaged HR Department.
Let’s embrace the spirit of the season – a time for reflection, gratitude, and building stronger connections. I look forward to sharing this journey with you and celebrating the unique contributions of each and every member of the Riverside County HR team.
Happy reading!
Oversee all HR Operations Budgets, GSS/ISF Rates Finance / Procurement
Benefits/Retirement, Culture of Health & Commuter Svcs, Law Enforcement Assessment, Learning & Org Development, Occupational Health, Pre Employment/Backgrounds, RUHS Compliance / RUHS MAP, Recruitment Operations, TAP
Disability Access & Leave Mgt., IDR, Employee Relations, Exclusive Care, Risk Management, Workers’ Compensation
Administration/Clerical, Business Partners, Communications & Media, Employee Services, Records Management, Safety
Labor Relations Systems and Processes, Classification & Compensation, HR Business Systems, HR Project & Process Management, HR Reporting & Analytics
OUR NEW ASSISTANT HR DIRECTOR
Greetings HR Team, I am truly honored and excited to join the executive team of our incredible department. Being part of this dynamic and dedicated team has always been both a privilege and a joy for me. In my new role, I’m eager to continue supporting the outstanding work we do every day, while also enhancing our internal systems, processes, and communication.
For those who may not know me, I began my journey with the County in January 2006 as a Test and Measurement Intern, where I focused on developing and analyzing our various employment exams. Apparently, I made a good impression because the HR Services Team brought me on as a regular HR Analyst, where I eventually advanced to HR Services Manager. Following the HR reorganization in 2016, I managed the Recruiting Pilot Team and played a role in creating some of our pooled-resource recruitment processes. Most recently, I served as the HR Division Manager overseeing Classification and Compensation. Throughout my County career, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with all HR Divisions as well as all County departments and agencies.
What excites me most about this new role is our department’s ongoing cultural shift toward greater collaboration and breaking down silos. This is truly an exciting time to be in HR. You may hear me refer to collaboration efforts I observe as “RC1HR.” Feel free to call it out when you see it happening! I firmly believe we are at our best when we lift each other up to achieve the shared goal of delivering exceptional HR services and guidance to our customers. Plus, let’s face it—it’s so much more rewarding to work in a supportive and positive environment.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family: my wife, Julieann, and our two kids—Arden (10) and Finna (7). We homeschool, so I moonlight as the resident math teacher. Arden is a swimmer, while Finna loves gymnastics and dance. When I’m not at home, I enjoy spending time at the beach or camping.
Six Random Facts About Me:
• First Job: Shoe salesman (Van’s Tennis Shoes)
• First County HR Position: TAP OA III-C
• Myers-Briggs: INTP (major introvert)
• Zodiac Sign: Leo
• Chinese Zodiac: Monkey (Metal element)
• Favorite Sport: Martial Arts (I’m a 2nd-degree black belt)
• Hobby: Cooking and smoking meats
Looking forward to continuing this journey with all of you!
Our HR team celebrates the dynamic nature of our workforce! We welcome talented new hires who bring fresh perspectives, honor the well-deserved retirements of our valued colleagues, and applaud the career advancements of our dedicated employees. These metrics represent the continuous evolution of our team, shaping HR culture and driving our success.
Commuter Services
Our Commuter Services Division (CSD) Team is committed to helping employees find alternative transportation options, whether it’s through bus, train, carpooling, walking, biking, or telecommuting. We manage every aspect of the County’s RideShare Program, which includes marketing initiatives, participant registration and termination, incentive processing, participation audits, and payroll reconciliation. Additionally, we provide ongoing support to participants and departments, connect RideShare partners, distribute benefits, and analyze mandated data for insightful reporting.
Beyond these core responsibilities, we oversee the RideShare County Vehicle (CV) Program and collaborate with Parking Services on payroll actions related to employee parking requests. Our Division ensures compliance with both County standards and the regulations set forth by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Annually, we collect and process data for the Transportation Survey (Rule 2202), which not only helps us understand commuter patterns but also provides essential information regarding our compliance efforts to SCAQMD.
We are committed to continuously exploring innovative strategies to enhance engagement in both the RideShare Program and the annual survey. Our ultimate goal is to improve the County’s Average Vehicle Ridership (AVR) and foster a culture of sustainable transportation.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE WORK YOUR TEAM DOES AND HOW IT IMPACTS THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.
At the HR – CSD, our dynamic duo is always on a mission to transform how employees commute. We promote carpooling, public transit, telecommuting and other sustainable transportation options for County employees. Partnering closely with IE Commuter and SCAQMD, we aim to reduce traffic congestion and enhance air quality. Our work not only supports HR by fostering a healthier worklife balance for employees and enhancing overall job satisfaction, but also for the County, which contributes to environmental sustainability by decreasing vehicle emissions, in this manner helping to meet air quality goals set by SCAQMD. Our Division is not just changing how employees get to work, but we are helping foster a healthier, happier community!
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY WITH COMMUTER SERVICES LOOK LIKE?
A typical day in our office starts with a strong cup of coffee (or many cups) and a brainstorming session filled with creative ideas to engage employees. We focus on planning exciting outreach campaigns, crafting informative newsletters, connecting with local organizations, attending events, and gathering valuable feedback on employees commuting experiences. A significant highlight in our Division is the annual Transportation Survey, officially known as Rule 2202. The annual survey helps us collect essential data to remain in compliance with SCAQMD. This survey is crucial, not just for meeting the County’s regulatory requirements, but for assessing our impact and finding ways to improve the RideShare Program.
Pocket Power: Ridesharing can save you serious cash on gas, parking fees, and even car maintenance!
Catch Up on Your Queue: Use your commute time productively! Catch up on podcasts, audiobooks, or even squeeze in some work calls.
CC SANDEFUR AND WENDY CUBIAS
IF YOU AND YOUR TEAM HAD A THEME SONG, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
If the HR – CSD had a theme song, it could be “Happy” by Pharrell Williams because it represents the spirit of positivity and connection that the RideShare Program promotes. The song’s upbeat vibe encourages an excellent approach to commuting, turning the daily routine into an opportunity for social interaction and partnership. Its message of feeling good echoes with the idea of RideSharing and making every trip a little brighter.
Plus, it’s a catchy song that’s hard not to sing along to!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU PROVIDE SOMEONE WANTING TO JOIN YOUR TEAM?
If you are thinking about joining the HR – CSD team, bring your enthusiasm for sustainability and a collaborative spirit! We value creativity and flexibility, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas. Being proactive and adaptable will go a long way on our team….and, of course, a good sense of humor is a must. Commuting can be unpredictable, and a little laughter makes the journey more enjoyable!
Remember, we are all about making connections, both in RideSharing and with our colleagues.
Our social media family is booming! Thanks to your support, we’ve added new followers since the last issue. Let’s keep the excitement going by sharing, liking, and commenting on our posts.
Together, we can reach new heights!
17K followers
3.4k followers
32.2k followers
4.7k followers
2.8k followers admin day veteran’s day
On August 4, 2020, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution Number 2020-179, which declared Racism and Inequity to be a public health crisis within Riverside County.
This Resolution directed the Executive Office and all County departments to assess and apply an equity lens to internal policies and practices, adopt preventative measures, and support the creation of a Riverside County task force. Since then, a Countywide Equity, Access & Opportunity (EAO) Committee has been established with the goal of developing initiatives and programs to fight systemic racism and implicit bias.
Within our HR Department we have established an HR EAO Sub-Committee comprised of individuals from various HR divisions to help assist in developing EAO tools and resources for our department.
Thank you to our 2024 HR EAO Committee members! Your commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace has helped advance our mission of creating a supportive & welcoming environment for all employees.
2024 Committee Members: Gabino Gomez-Canul, Amy Keller, Anabel Mulhern, Dean Tran, Marina Martinez, Jacson Ferman, Maneeya Pinyavatana, Beatris Ordaz, Jessica Urban
Our 2024 HR EAO Committee developed several important resources such as an EAO Charter to help outline our HR Department’s goals pertaining to equity, access, and opportunities, as well as an HR Policy Review Guide and Checklist to assist in reviewing and identifying areas within our HR policies for updates
The HR EAO Committee will continue their work to develop additional tools and resources, and will share them as they become available.
Should you have any questions about the HR EAO Committee, please reach out to Brittany Cobb at BCobb@Rivco.org
Employee Assistance Program Ser vice Summary
PRISM - Public Risk Innovation, Solutions and Management
Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Everything you share is confidential*
Life can be full of challenges. Your Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help you and your household members. EAP offers a wide range of no-cost support services and resources, including:
Counseling
Up to 6 visits per issue
In-person or online visits
Call EAP or use the online Member Center to initiate services
Legal consultation
30-minute phone or in-person meeting
Discounted fees to retain a lawyer
Free legal resources, forms, and seminars online
Financial consultation
Phone meeting with financial professionals
Regular business hours; no appointment required
Free financial resources and budgeting tools online
ID recovery
Help reporting to consumer credit agencies
Assistance with paperwork and creditor negotiations
Emotional Well-being Resources
Digital tools to improve emotional well-being
Team up with an experienced clinical coach
Practice mindfulness on the go
Dependent care and daily living resources
Online information about child care, adoption, elder care, and assisted living
Phone consultation with a work-life specialist
Help with pet sitting, moving, and other common needs
Other anthemEAP.com resources
Well-being articles, podcasts, and monthly webinars
Self-assessment tools for emotional health issues
Crisis consultation
Toll-free emergency number; 24/7 support
Online critical event support during crises
When something unexpected happens, EAP can help you figure out your next steps. Contact us today.
This October, our office transformed into a realm of fantasy and fright as we celebrated Halloween with a costume contest. From classic characters to creative DIYs, our colleagues outdid themselves with their imaginative attire.
The office buzzed with excitement as employees arrived in their spooky best. We had everything from AI and Dodgers to mythical creatures and pop culture icons.
The day was filled with laughter, candy, and a whole lot of fun.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Halloween celebration!
Please join us in congratulating our Human Resources Employee Recognition Program Fall 2024 Winners! Winners were recognized and presented with their awards at the HR Winter Mingle on December 18th, 2024.
Winners were carefully chosen by our 2024–2025 HR Employee Recognition Program Committee. Not only do these individuals represent our Fall 2024 winners, but they will also be considered for an overall HR award in June. Should they be selected, these winners will move forward to compete in the Countywide Employee Recognition Program, where Countywide winners are honored at a Board of Supervisors meeting each September.
Thank you for supporting HR’s Employee Recognition Program and for highlighting the remarkable achievements of your colleagues. The next nomination period for HR’s Employee Recognition Program will begin on May 1, 2025. We are excited to celebrate even more incredible accomplishments during the next award cycle!
Winners on next page.
Please join us in congratulating our Fall 2024 winners!
Brian Thomas
Media Production Specialist - CN Communications
Kim Darby
Human Resources Analyst III Pre-Employment/Backgrounds
Maha Hammoud
Human Resources Analyst III Classification & Compensation
Joel Sharp
Human Resources Division Manager Disability Access Office
ROV Presidential Election 2024
Employee Services, Communications & Media, General Portfolio Recruiting, Pre-Employment/Backgrounds, TAP/MAP
Noreen Somontan, Brian Arcinas, Alma Torres-Elizalde, Jesus Berrelleza Jr, Cindy Mendez, Sharlah Harvey, Veronica Rodriguez, Tracy Felton, Ahjah Davis, Ashley Thomas, Joseph Miller, Daniel Kimbrough, Alexander Jones, Grisel Woisin, Jessica Davilia, Kim Darby, Rebekah Mitchell, Devon Barnes, Jennifer Berzon, Leanne Burke, Lakishia Chafin, Keonna Davis, Priya Kanda, Lisa Kim, Camila Manguino, Robert Mayoral, Heidi Newson, Roberto Rivas, Jennifer Rubio, Brooke Stone, Anna Diaz Ortiz, Clotilde Dean, Malika Spellman, Janet Castaneda, Chandrika Richardson, Lauren Jackson, Patricia Haas, Traci Avery, Jordyn Avelar, Cameron Hacker, Chris Recinos, Danilo Lozano, Genesis Ochoategui, Vanessa Diaz Beaird, Yvette Marquez, Anay Sanchez, Ashley Siegfried, Angela Levinson, Denise DeCamp, Edgar Manzo Cardenas, Jasmine Watts, Jeremy Holforty, Jesus Colin, Jill Eastman, Lisette Jimenez, Nicole Prado, Raven Padilla, Sarah Teegarden, Veronica Zuno, Xochitl Sanchez, Alyssa Wallace, Amanda Campos, Anabel Mulhern, Angela Tavaglione, Ebelyn Skinner, Karla Medrano, Richard Greigo, Silvia Trammell, Andrea Evans, Ashley Voegele, Brittney Mathis, Joe Olivares, Lety Jimenez, Stephanie Rodriguez, Uly Gerardo, Victoria Santos, Malaysia Sanders, Gabino Gomez-Canul, Monika Sumpter, Anna Sarieva, & Rachael Nobriga-Meza
For more information on HR’s Employee Recognition Program, please visit the link below: S:\HR Employee Recognition Program
For more information on the County of Riverside Employee Recognition Program, please visit the link: https://rc-hr.com/EmployeeRecognitionProgramCERP
Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to Veterans
November marked a special time to honor those who have served our country. In preparation for the 2024 Veterans Day, we asked our County employees to share their thoughts on the meaning of a Veteran. As we express our heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans, let us remember that their contributions extend far beyond the battlefield. Their sacrifices have shaped our nation’s history and continue to influence our lives today.
Let us honor their legacy by supporting Veterans organizations, volunteering our time, and simply saying “thank you.” By doing so, we can ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
hr’s successful
Thanks to the creativity and exceptional baking by our HR Team, this event resulted in HR collecting over $1,000 in donations, which went towards the HR Winter Mingle.
Special thanks to the fabulous HR Bakers!
Melting Snowman Spice Cake
Scrumptiousness This Way!
So many to choose from!
Berries & Creme Cake
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Blondies
Baked Donuts
Cinnamon Pumpkin & Chocolate Glaze Pumpkin Muffins
HR-Inspired Winter Treats
Winter is a time for celebration, sharing, and of course, warm delicious food! But what if we could infuse a little HR magic into our festive feasts? We’ve concocted a collection of winter treats with a unique HR twist, guaranteed to bring a smile (and maybe even a chuckle) to your winter gatherings.
This refreshing punch mirrors a successful performance review: positive feedback (cranberry), employee contributions (apple cider), constructive criticism (orange juice), and a touch of sparkle (ginger ale).
Ingredients:
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Splash of ginger ale
• Garnish: Apple slices and cinnamon sticks
Directions:
• Combine all juices in a pitcher.
• Chill thoroughly.
• Serve over ice and garnish.
These ‘Teamwork Thumbprint Cookies’ are a sweet reminder of the importance of collaboration. Each cookie represents a team member, and the colorful fillings symbolize the diverse talents and contributions that make a team successful!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Jam or chocolate spread for filling
Directions:
• Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually add flour until well blended.
• Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet and gently press a thumbprint into each.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
• Let cool, then fill thumbprints with jam or chocolate spread.
• Enjoy a cookie where every “thumbprint” is a reminder that every employee leaves their mark in a team effort!
The December Manager’s Meeting was a roaring success and looked a little different than the normal monthly meetings.. Laughter filled the air as colleagues swapped stories and enjoyed festive treats. The pièce de résistance, however, was the gingerbread house contest. From lopsided masterpieces to architectural marvels, the creativity was truly inspiring.
The Crestmore Manor came alive with winter cheer this December as the HR department hosted its annual Winter Mingle. Warmth radiated from the room as colleagues embraced, adorned in festive attire, and shared genuine laughter. The spirit of camaraderie was high, fostering connections that extended beyond the office walls.
Click here to view all photos of the event.
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