California CountiesCalifornia State Association of Counties
In the News
CSAC Services | Challenge Awards | 2008 Challenge Awards Honorable Mentions

2008 Challenge Awards Honorable Mentions

Challenge Award Recipients    Merit Award Recipients    Honorable Mentions


HONORABLE MENTIONS:

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Capitalizing on Surplus Alameda Count Property
Contact:
Patrick Cashman
224 West Winton Ave Rm 110
Hayward, CA 94544

Phone: 510/670 6531
Email: patrick.cashman@acgov.org
In Alameda County, there were 800 acres of surplus property that needed over $40 million in repairs before it could be sold for private development. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors re-vamped an existing Surplus Property Authority into a master developer. Stream-lined negotiation was then used with private developers and they were able to negotiate direct deals with end-users, which resulted in bring in completed deals for negotiation. Once the potential magnitudes of these sales were apparent, the Board created the Surplus Property Development Trust Fund to preserve the assets that the surplus land represented. Most of the major infrastructure that was the Authority's responsibility was constructed by various private developers as an offset against what they owed for the land.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Community-Based Organizations Have Purchasing Power
Contact:
David Kears,Agency Director
Health Care Services Agency
Marye Thomas, MD, Director
Behavioral Health Care Services
1000 San Leandors Blvd., Suite 300
San Leandro, CA 94577
2000 Embarcadero Cove, Suite 400
Oakland, CA 94606

Phone (Kears): 510/618-3453
Phone (Thomas): 510/567-8120
E-mail: dave.kears@acgov.org
E-mail: mthomas@acbhcs.org
This countywide program reduces costs for community-based organizations by sharing in the contracts and benefits of the county's substantial buying power. Alameda County partners with about 200 community-based organizations for health and related services for the community. These organizations were struggling financially due to increased demand for services, higher costs of conducting business, and no increase in funding. The county partnered with these agencies on contracts that included office supplies, copier rentals, energy audits, and surplussed county property. Since start-up in 2005, the program has saved these organizations in excess of $940,000. Approximately 60 percent of the community-based organizations are enrolled in the program.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Creating Healthy Environment
Contact:
Carolyn Bloede, Sustainability Program Manager
1401 Lakeside Dr. Suite 115
Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: 510/208-9521
E-mail: carolyn.bloede@acgov.org
Alameda County created a new Juvenile Justice Center (JJC). However, due to new "green" laws and funding issues, the project looked to be in jeopardy. The county was able to use public-private partnerships to achieve schedule, budget, and building performance goals. The county also meet the "green" laws by creating a healthy indoor environment through renewable energy. The total project budget was $176 million. $33 million was awarded in grants and the rest came through county funding. With this investment into green energy the Center beats the county energy standards by 46 percent, saving $350,000 annually. The Center is the first LEED Gold-rated justice facility in the country. The green cleaning program is now being implemented in all 70 county-owned facilities.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Education/ Health Partnerships to Expand School Services
Contact:
Dave Kears, Agency Director
Health Care Services Agency
Yvette Leung, Director, School Health Services
1000 San Leandro Blvd., Suite 300
San Leandro, CA 94577

Phone (Kears): 510/618-3453
Phone (Leung): or 510/667-7991
E-mail: dave.kears@acgov.org
E-mail: yvette.leung@acgov.org
Alameda County School Health Services (SHS) has identified a lack of connection between academic achievement and physical health in children. The department seeks to negotiate solid partnerships between systems of health care and education. School Health Services created strategic partnerships between health care providers, public agencies and 17 school districts to bridge the gap between the education and health systems to improve the outcome for county youth. Joint efforts have brought over $25 million into the county to build and expand coordinated school and behavioral health programs. School Health Services promotes a larger vision and a broader, more interdependent partnership between systems of public health and education in Alameda County.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
ROV Asset Tracking Using RFID Technology
Contact:
Tim Dupuis, Chief Technology Officer
1221 Oak St., Room 33
Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: 510/272-3730
E-mail: tim.dupuis@acgov.org
Alameda County has 810 polling places, each of which produce a bag containing the voters, ballots. It is then delivered to an intermediate return center, where it is manually checked for all of its components. This process is time-consuming and tedious. The technology department solved the problem by implementing the first registrar of voters asset tracking system in the country to use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Instead of manually checking each bag, county employees can now use hand held scanners at each center to instantly check the bags. The budget for this project was $125,000. On November 6, 2007, 75 polling places used the RFID tracking system, which increased productivity and improved security.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Youth and Family Services Bureau
Contact:
Dale Amaral
Captain- Eden Township Substation
15001 Foothill Blvd.
San Leandro, CA 94578

Phone: 510/667-7721
E-mail: damaral@acgov.org
Due to violence and high level of gang affiliation, local Alameda County youth suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse. With 30 percent of children living at or below the poverty line, treatments for these ailments are generally unavailable. In 2001, the Youth and Family Services Bureau was created to address the mental health needs of at-risk youth by providing time-limited therapy, crisis intervention and assessment and referral. The Service Bureau is using grants, state and private funding to provide no-cost care to county residents. The goal is to become a fiscally self-sustaining entity within the Sheriff's Office. The Service Bureau has served 400 to 450 youth and families annually with comprehensive, strength-based and family-focused mental health treatment.

ALAMEDA COUNTY
Youth UpRising
Contact:
Olis Simmons, Executive Director
Youth UpRising
8711 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94605

Phone: 510/777-9909 ext. 130
E-mail: olis@youthuprising.org
Many of the problems facing East Oakland youth stem from inadequate educational and health resources and a lack of "things to do." This has lead to high youth crime and violence rates. As a result, Youth UpRising was created to provide cooperative learning and a safe and welcoming space, where members build positive peer and adult relationships; expand resilience; develop skills leading to successes; and become civically engaged. Annually, the total investment through state and individual donors is $1.8 million. However, the benefit of the young adult going away to college and landing a job is invaluable. Youth UpRising has helped more than 2,100 members from at least eight cities in Alameda County. These members have reported feeling more hopeful about their lives.

BUTTE COUNTY
Building Positive Relationships and Individual Dreams
Contact:
John Wardell, Chief Probation Officer
42 County Center Dr.
Oroville, CA 95965

Phone: 530/538-7395
E-mail: jwardell@buttecounty.net
The Butte County Probation Department, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, has embarked on a collaborative venture providing rehabilitative services to wards inside the Juvenile Hall, and upon release. The program was conceived and implemented following an expressed need for improving local and direct rehabilitative services provided to wards of Butte County's Juvenile Court. The department's Minor Adjustments Program was designed to help specified youthful offenders and their families regain or enhance their abilities to maintain the integrity of the families, while also being held appropriately accountable for their past and present behaviors. Through highly structure and supervised "club" activities with Juvenile Hall, the targeted re-entry program develops relationships and trust between the juvenile and local Boys and Girls Club staff.

BUTTE COUNTY
Butte County Basin Management Objective information Center
Paul Gosslin, Director
Water and Resources Conservation
308 Nelson Ave
Oroville, CA 95965

Phone: 530/538-4343
E-mail: pgosselin@buttecounty.net
In 2004, the Board of Supervisors adopted Basin Management Objectives to ensure groundwater quality for Butte County. The underlying theme is that management decisions will be made through a stakeholder process, so the need to share data with stakeholders became apparent. A Butte County Basin Management Objective Center was created as a tool to assist water resource managers and stakeholders to review data. It was developed by a consultant who had implemented similar systems throughout other counties across the state. The project received grant funding of $247,820 and was also modified to include data from surrounding counties for which an additional $10,000 was contributed. With the implementation of the center in Butte County and other surrounding counties, data is more easily accessible and more concise reports are produced.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence - DVD
Contact:
Devorah Levine, Principle Management Analyst
651 Pine Street, 11th floor
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: 925/335-10107
E-mail: dlevi@cao.cccounty.us
Only 15 percent of Contra Costa County's child service professionals reported being able to identify a child's involvement in domestic violence. In order to better facilitate these services, the county created a DVD called "Hear Our Voices," which took a group of young people and put their stories on tape. The stories are accompanied by a facilitator's guide and training tools. Funding for the project was provided by Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, through Keller Canyon Mitigation. The project was under its $25,000 budget. After the initial screening of the DVD at an October 2007 conference, approximately 85 percent of the viewers reported an increased understanding of children exposed to domestic violence. Since then, more than 700 DVDs have been distributed to facilities nation wide.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Contra Costa County's Rides to Success Program
Contact:
Joel Flamand, Transportation Services Specialist
40 Douglas Drive
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: 925/313-1735
E-mail: jflamand@ehsd.cccounty.us
Many CalWORKs participants are single mothers who often have no mode of transportation, which prevents them from getting the job training they need, attending interviews and simply getting to their jobs. In early 2006, the county revamped an already implemented, but struggling, transportation program called Rides to Success (RTS). The county developed contracts with taxi-cab companies in which it strictly paid for mileage fees, no "flag drop" fees or gratuities. Before RTS was remodeled, it cost the county $249,292 annually. Transitioning RTS to a private contract led to a 61 percent decrease at only $134,400 annually. In its first 12 months, RTS saw a 31 percent increase in its participants. Also of those participants 64% found employment.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Contra Costa County, Streamlined Program
Contact:
Robert Calkins, CDBG Program Manager
2530 Arnold Dr, Suite 190
Martinez, CA 94533

Phone: 925/335-7220
E-mail: rcalk@cd.cccounty.us
Contra Costa County has a total of six jurisdictions that independently administer Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) programs to residents. Residents often apply in multiple jurisdictions, making it necessary for them to complete several forms and create several progress repots. The county initiated a collaborative effort with all the jurisdictions to create a streamline program that allows applicants to fill out one application for several jurisdictions and only complete one report. There were no funds needed to establish this program. However, there has been a significant amount of time saved when it comes to processing applications and reporting applicant progress. The primary benefits from CDBG/HOME staff from multiple jurisdictions are able to work more efficiently and collaboratively.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
The Incredible Years Program
Contact:
Annie Bailey, Clinical Supervisor
Mental Health
1001 South 57th Street
Richmond, CA 94804

Phone: 510/374-7175
E-mail: abailey@cccounty.org
Since 2001, Contra Costa County has seen an increase in violence among residents under the age of 25. To help with this increasing problem, the county has implemented a new initiative, The Incredible Years Program. The Incredible Years Program, an already nationally acclaimed program, is 12-week program that helps parents learn about topics of play, praise and rewards, and misbehavior. Each workshop is two hours long and free childcare and dinner is provided to all the attendees and their children. The budget of $14,000 was funded by the Head Start Program. Parents who have participated in the programs are reporting that they are more confident in their parenting skills and feel better equipped to handle raising their children.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Pet Emergency Preparedness
Contacts:
Glenn Howell, Director
Animal Service Department
4800 Imhoff Place
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: 925/335-8370
E-mail: ghowe@asd.cccounty.us
After such tragedies as Hurricane Katrina, it became apparent to Contra Costa County that it needed an emergency evacuation plan for its pets and animals. The Pet Emergency Preparedness Project (PEP) was created, which developed an emergency backpack containing necessary supplies. The project also has embarked on a licensing and microchipping campaign to help identify lost pets. The project set up three emergency shelter locations where they train volunteers though a 20 hr course. The main funding came through $200,000 worth of sate grants and more in donations from the public. The PEP project has shown measurable results that have been welcomed throughout the community.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Planner by Appointment Program
Contact:
Catherin Kutsuris, Deputy Director
Community Development Division
Department of Conservation and Development
651 Pine Street, 4th Floor - North Wing
Martinez, CA 94553

Phone: 925/335-1210
E-mail: ckuts@cd.cccounty.us
In order to reduce the driving required for citizens who are using county planning services, the county initiated Planner by Appointment. Residents in unincorporated areas can schedule an appointment with a member of the planning staff in any of five communities. Planners arrive with laptops and all of the information needed with them, thus reducing the resident's need to make multiple trips to the county seat of Martinez as often occurred in the past. Based on appointment logs, the county estimates that the program has resulted in a reduction of about 14,000 vehicle miles driven by the public. The one-on-one meetings have also contributed to a more personable perception of the county.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Response to Intervention Collaboration
Contact:
Christina Reich, Administrative Services Assistant
Community Services Bureau/Head Start

Phone: 925/646-5925
E-mail: creich@ccccsd.org
Historically, the Head Start system referred approximately 80 students annually for special education assessment. Prior to referral, there was no intervention process to support students in their preschool program. The local school district's Cameron School Early Intervention Program, which provides special education services to Head Start children, teamed up with Head Start to develop an intervention program to reduce the number of special education referrals and provide intervention strategies. This intervention included assessments, teacher training, use of current research, and a focus on an eduational component. As a result, only two students were assessed and found elgible for special education services this year. The remaining 34 referrals demonstrated adequate progress with the intervention strategies to stay in the general education Head Start classroom.

DEL NORTE COUNTY
Children's Health Initiative
Contact:
Jeannie Galatioto
County Administrative Officer
981 H St Suite 200
Crescent City, CA 95531

Phone: 707/464-7214
Many families in Del Norte County make too much money to qualify for an insurance program, but don't make enough to be able to afford private insurance. The Board of Supervisors approved an agreement between Department of Health and Human Services and the Community Health Alliance of Humboldt-Del Norte Counties for the development of the Del Norte Children's Health Initiative. Initial funding came mainly through donations from many different organizations. To sustain funding for the program, a formal partnership called the Del Norte Children's Health Initiative Coalition was formed. This program enables more and more children to get the medical coverage that they need and deserve.

GLENN COUNTY
Drugstore Program
Contact:
Scott Gruendl, Director
Glenn County Health Services Agency
242 N. Villa Street
Willows, CA 95988

Phone: 530/934-6582
E-mail: sgruendl@glenncountyhealth.net
Even with all of the drug and alcohol prevention programs throughout Glenn County, middle school students still did not have an age-specific program. The Drugstore Drug Prevention and Education Program was created by the anti-methamphetamine group called "Not In Our Town - Glenn County" and the Glenn County Office of Education to educate eighth graders about the repercussions of stealing and using methamphetamines by performing scenarios of what could happen. The Drugstore Program operates on a $5,000 annual budget, which is comprised of contributions from community organizations and agencies and private donations. In post-event surveys, the students indicate a majority of them feel that drug use can harm one's health, leads to serious legal problems and affects family and friends.

KERN COUNTY
Fighting the Bite on West Nile Virus
Contact:
John Nilon, Director
Department of Public Health Services
1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Phone: 661/868-0300
E-mail: jnilon@co.kern.ca.us
Kern County faced a major outbreak of West Nile Virus infections. The Governor declared a State of Emergency in the county due to the number high rate of humans who become infected with West Nile. The Kern County Department of Public Health determined that a combination of education, public awareness and the mitigation of troubled spots in the community would be most effective in reducing the number of future cases of West Nile for the season. The department's 2007 Emergency Award of $28,000 combined with its 2008 Allocation of $207,000 created the budget for this intensive education and media outreach campaign. Since all of these activities were conducted prior to the current mosquito season the there will not be visible results until the end of this mosquito season.

KERN COUNTY
The Foster Care Girl Scout Group
Contact:
Allan Krauter, Public Information Officer
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Phone: 661/868-3198
E-mail: akrauter@co.kern.ca.us
Young girls living in foster care are in need of interested and caring adults to help them find joy in their lives and help them mature into capable, confident women. Therefore, the Joshua Tree Council of Girl Scouts has recently partnered with Kern County Child Protective Services and created a Girl Scout Troop comprised entirely of girls living in foster care. The cost of developing and maintaining this program is nearly nonexistent. Expenses for materials and events are covered by fundraising efforts, by small local grants, contributions from the community and volunteer leaders. The results are not readily quantifiable, but they are undoubtedly positive and life-long for each of these girls.

KERN COUNTY
Meningococcal Disease and Emergency Preparedness
Contact:
John Nilon, Director
Department of Public Health Services
1800 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Phone: 661/868-0300
E-mail: jnilon@co.kern.ca.us
Between September 2007 and March 2008, 21 confirmed meningococcal disease cases were reported in Kern County. This attack rate did not meet the threshold for an outbreak according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate was five times higher than the recent state rate. Due to the number of outbreaks, Kern County Department of Public Health had the opportunity to test elements that would be used during a public health emergency. State Immunization Program Act Award was $5,000, the State Emergency Preparedness grant funds were $8,240 and grand funds covered the entire cost of this program. This event was a major community awareness raising collaboration and cooperation among multiple local, state and federal agencies.

KINGS COUNTY
Air Quality Flag Program
Contact:
Keith Winkler, Deputy Director
Kings County Health Department
1400 W. Lacey Boulevard
Hanford, CA 93230

Phone: 559/582-3211
E-mail: keith.winkler@co.kings.ca.us
Poor air quality aggravates illness, such as asthma, and is a concern for Kings County residents who should know on a daily basis the air quality. In order to inform the residents of the air quality, color-coded flags are flown Monday-Friday in front of the Health Department. Each colored flag represents the air quality for that day based on the Air Quality Index. There is no cost to this program other than staff time to raise and lower the flags that were donated by the American Lung Association. As a result of this program, the Health Department has seen an increase in phone calls from the public asking about air quality and related health issues that might not have otherwise contacted the agency.

KINGS COUNTY
Smart Growth in Communities
Contact:
Michelle Bieber, Nutrition Manager
1400 W. Lacey Boulevard
Hanford, CA 93230

Phone: 559/582-3211
E-mail: michelle.bieber@co.kings.ca.us
Kings County is facing increasing rates of obesity and diabetes due to the lack of access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities. The goal of the Smart Growth program is to affect positive change in our communities through a mix of land uses, walk-able neighborhoods, a range of housing choices, preservation of resource and provision of transportation alternatives. This project was funded by grants from the Center for Physical Activity at the California Department of Health Services, that totaled $14,800. By educating the staff and stakeholders, and heightening their awareness of the importance of health issues in our communities, tangible recommendations will result that improve the quality of life for our citizens.

LAKE COUNTY
Sharps Disposal-by-Mail Program
Contact:
Caroline Chavez,Deputy Director
333 2nd Street
Lakeport, CA 95453

Phone: 707/262-1760
E-mail: Caroline_c@co.lake.ca.us
An estimated 500,000 sharps (needles and pen needles), which are capable of spreading diseases, are generated in Lake County annually, with most ending up in the solid waste stream. In December 2006, local pharmacies were asked to participate in a disposal-by-mail container program, which made containers available to patients who needed them. Sharps are placed into the container and then sent back in a pre-paid return box, which is heavily protected from within. The containers cost $21.16 each to manufacture. However, they have been made available to patients for only a $5 co-pay and the rest is sent to the county, plus a five percent administration/disposal fee. Feedback from pharmacies and customers has been very positive, mainly through the convenience of the program.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
12-4-Fire: Getting Field 12-Leads
Contact:
Christine Bender, Chief
Prehospital Care Operations
5555 Ferguson Dr., Suite 220
Commerce, CA 90022

Phone: 323/890-7576
E-mail: chbender@dhs.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles County was unequipped to handle victim's suffering from a particular type of acute heart attack called a STEMI. The challenge was to implement a program that allows for 36 STEMI Receiving Centers throughout the county. The EMS agency approached the Board of Supervisors for possible release of Measure B Trauma Property Assessment funds. The Board decided that using Measure B funds would be an appropriate investment base on the ballot language and approved the allocation. Although the STEMI program was a cost to the county, no value could ever be put on the lives saved by this program. The county is now equipped to detect a STEMI in the field and transport the patient to the nearest receiving center

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
African-American Recruitment Campaign
Contact:
Lieutenant Crystal Miranda
101 University Centre Drive
Monterey Park, CA 91754

Phone: 323/981-5868
E-mail: cmmirand@lasd.org
Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies were experiencing difficulties in attracting African-American applicants to the force. The department's Recruiting Unit initiated a progressive outreach campaign by participating in a variety of community events, which were not primarily intended for recruitment but would establish a vital bond with the community. The Unit also flooded the local areas with Sheriff's Department "Now Hiring" messages. This outreach program did not require additional funding from either the county general fund or the Sheriff's Department budget. There is a clear indication that this campaign has been very successful with 357 applicants in 2004, prior to the campaign, to 1,372 applicants in 2007.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Business Technology Center of L.A. County
Contact:
Stan Tomsic, Administrator
2400 N. Lincoln Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001

Phone: 626/296-6307
E-mail: stan.tomsic@lacdc.org
Southern California is experiencing an economic downturn in the technology related disciplines from the downsizing of many large corporate, aerospace and defense-oriented organizations. In response, the Business Technology Center of Los Angles County, a 40,000-square-foot technology incubator was created to assist early stage technology firms grow and prosper. The center offers services to both resident tenants and non-resident affiliates, enabling both group member companies to focus on their growth. The center has reached self-sustainability and runs at no cost to Los Angeles County. As a result, the Business Technology Center has had two of its firms graduate and become public companies.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Consumer Fraud Special Investigations
Contact:
Kirk Shelton, Consumer Affairs Specialist
500 W. Temple Street, Room B-96
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/974-4615
E-mail: kshelton@dca.lacounty.gov
California is particularly vulnerable to consumer fraud. The Department of Consumer Affairs investigates egregious consumer fraud cases. These "special" investigations are designed to prosecute business and individuals who engage in fraudulent practices to defer fraud, educate the public and obtain justice for victims. The Department of Consumer Affairs annually receives $179,000 from the Board of Supervisors. The program has produced over $7.5 million in restitution and penalties, prison time and extensive media coverage.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Customer Service Center
Contact:
Christina Nguyen, Chief
14714 Carmenita Road
Norwalk, CA 90650

Phone: 562/623-2100
E-mail: christinanguyen@dpss.lacounty.gov
High caseloads, telephone hour policies and telephone systems make it difficult for some to reach their eligibility workers within the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. In order to enhance customer service, the department implemented a Customer Service Center utilizing a voice-over Internet protocol hosted service system that combined call distribution capabilities with data collection capabilities. The cost of the program was $2,120,025 and saved 120 workers 4,800 hours a month. As a result of implementing this program, customer satisfaction went from 54 percent of participants dissatisfied with their service to 99 percent satisfied.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Customer Service Survey System (CSSS)
Contact:
John Walker, Assistant Deputy Director
Strategic Planning
Isaac Gindi, Chief
Information Technology
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone (Walker): 626/458-5190
Phone (Gindi): 626/458-4107
E-mail: jwalker@dpw.lacounty.gov
E-mail: Iginid@dpw.lacounty.gov
The Department of Public Works needed to create a more user-friendly survey system with easily comparable data. The Customer Service Surveys System (CSSS) is a web-based application designed to provide immediate feedback and critical insight for both specific service and Public Works collection of services as a whole. The development cost was $17,000. The savings continue to accrue and by implementing this program, Public Works estimates saving at nearly $257,000 each year. Being able to collect better statistics has proven invaluable in solidifying our relationships and is evident from the excellent rating we have maintained for the past two years.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DCFS Regional Center Program
Contact:
Jeff Dorsey, Ph.D.
501 Shatto Place, Room 507
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-5538
E-mail: dorsejb@dcfs.lacounty.gov
The problem that faced Los Angeles County was how to best unite several independent agencies to provide services to children with developmental disabilities. Seven independent Regional Centers of the California Department of Development Services and the Department of Children and Family Services collaborated to create better working relationships between all of the departments and services on behalf of the assessment of young children. This did not require a monetary budget; however, the pay-off has been better and more efficient services to the different agency clients with developmental disabilities. Recent data indicates that there are currently 937 department-involved children receiving Regional Center Services.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Dependent Youth Substance Abuse Protocol
Contact:
Randall Henderson, Administrator
201 Centre Plaza Dr
Monterey Park, CA 91754

Phone: 323/526-6602
E-mail: rhenderson@lasuperiorcourt.org
Prior to implementing the Dependent Youth Substance Abuse Protocol, the Dependency Court lacked an effective mechanism for addressing perceived substance abuse issues. While the Court and its stakeholders could make referrals, it lacked a systematic process for tracking and following these cases. The protocol identifies dependent youth who are at-risk for substance abuse. The Court is then notified of these factors as soon as possible. The project encourages them to actively purse their own well-being. The project is allocated from the Court's fiscal budget and the resources of external, supporting agencies. The success of this protocol comes from addressing substance abuse before youths enter the Delinquency or Adult Criminal Court.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The D-Rate Program
Contact:
Marilyn B. Sklar, PhD
Children's Services Administrator
425 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-5736
Children in the foster care system that exhibit certain behavior(s) and/or have mental illness diagnoses are certified for special care rates, specifically "D-Rate." Historically, there was no assessment of the child's needs, no monitoring of his/her treatment, no follow-up on his/her progress and no linkage to necessary mental health services. The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Office of the Medical Director and the D-Rate Section was designed to serve our children with clinical assessments to evaluate his/her progress with the treatments given. There has been a decrease in the number of D-Rated children in the last three years, averaging a saving of $5,040,000 annually. Regular assessments of the children ensure their special needs are met.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
East Los Angeles Parent Project Collaboration
Contact:
Lynn Vodden, Director
Bureau of Management and Budget
201 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 1300
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/202-7616
E-mail: lvodden@da.lacounty.gov
In East Los Angeles, Strategies Against Gang Environment (SAGE), has identified the lack of a basic parenting class to help parents deal with incorrigible teenagers. SAGE created the Parent Project Collaborative with the intent to assist parents in changing the unmanageable behavior of their children. This is a ten-week program that provides parents with information and skills to interact with their children by reinforcing good behavior. This program runs on "in-kind" donations received from the collaborative partners. The significant success of this program includes, increased attendance, reduction in expulsions and in repeat juvenile offences.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Field Council
Contact:
William Higley, Deputy Director Public Works
John Walker, Assistant Deputy Director Public Works
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone (Higley): 626/458-4016
Phone (Walker): 626/458-5190
E-mail: jwhigley@dwp.lacounty.gov
E-mail: jwalker@dwp.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles Public Works employees feel a division between field professionals and headquarter professionals, due to the fact that the field officers offices are not located at central headquarters. In 2006, the Field Council created a mission to build respect, better communication and a sense of inclusion between the two professional teams. This is achieved through meetings with council representatives. Apart from staff time for meetings, there is no additional cost associated with this program. The most important result is the increased communication and understanding between field staff and headquarters.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Franchise Trash Collection and Recycling System
Contact:
Carlos Ruiz, Assistant Division Engineer
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 626/458-3502
E-mail: cruiz@dpw.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles County needed a system to help the county in meeting the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 that required cities and counties to reduce the solid waste disposed by 50% or face stiff fines. The Franchise Trash Collection and Recycling System was created to increase service, guarantee higher environmental standards and reduce costs. Many residence have seen savings of up to $55 annually since the implementation of this project. The county also charges an administration fee to provide this service, which has produced about $1,044,728 in revenue. The communities have benefited from increased recycling, which reduces the need for new landfills.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Gang Intervention Team
Contact:
Todd S. Rogers, Captain
Carson Sheriff's Station
21356 South Avalon Blvd.
Carson, CA 90745

Phone: 310/847-8340
E-mail: tsrogers@lasd.org
Many agencies in Los Angeles County have programs in place that benefit gang- affiliated youth by diverting them away from gang activity, crime and/or violence. The challenge is that many of the youth are unaware of the programs that are available. A Gang Intervention Team comprised of law enforcement, mental health, education, recreation, job placement and faith-based organizations attend monthly meetings to focus on the needs of troubled youth to assist them in participating in one of the intervention activities. The Carson Sheriff's Department implemented this program within an existing budget allocation and by using in-kind services. As a result, more than 200 youth have received services through the efforts of the program, which is effectively reducing the number of gang members.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Homeless Operation
Contact:
Lieutenant John A. Voza
21695 Valley Blvd.
Walnut, CA 91789

Phone: 909/595-2264
E-mail: Javoza@lasd.org
Most of the homeless in Los Angeles County are unaware of the several agencies and advocate groups which are available to assist them. In order to assist the homeless in getting the help they need, a program was initiated by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Bureau to bring agencies such as Homeless Services Outreach Program, Department of Mental Health and the Department of Social Services to those in need. There was no additional cost or budget associated with this program because the services are already available and funded. This program has resulted in many of the homeless in the county receiving health and mental screening and some have received housing.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Hospital Disaster Preparedness- Disaster Resource Center Program
Contact:
Kay Fruhwirth, Assistant Director
5555 Ferguson Dr. Suite 220
Commerce, CA 90022

Phone: 323/890-7539
E-mail: kfruhwirth@dhs.lacounty.gov
After September 2001, disaster planning and healthcare preparedness became a national priority. Los Angeles County has many specific challenges to disaster response due to population size, diverse terrain and a large number of private hospitals. To address this problem, the county Emergency Medical Services Agency designated 13 hospitals to be Disaster Resource Centers. These centers acted as host agencies to the other hospitals. Funding for the program was provided through grants from the Hospital Preparedness Program. Since 2003, the Disaster Resource Center Program has received nearly $75 million. This grant money was used to purchase disaster equipment and supplies, provide disaster training courses for hospital staff and hire disaster coordinators.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Innovation of the GENESIS Program
Contact:
Keren Goldberg, Program Manager, Employee Recognition
Department of Mental Health
550 South Vermont, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/738-3089
E-mail: kgoldberg@dmh.lacounty.gov
Persons over the age of 60 comprise 14 percent of the population in Los Angeles County. Many are frail, vulnerable and ignored. The Geriatric Evaluation Networking Encompassing Services, Intervention and Support (GENESIS) program was created with two teams delivering mental and physical health assessments to older adults with depression, delusion, delirium and obsessive hoarding. In the first five years of the program, there was an estimated gross savings of $2 million dollars with less then 3 percent of the clients hospitalized. GENESIS has helped many elderly become less vulnerable and more independent.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Intensive In-Home Mental Health Services Program
Contact:
Keren Goldberg, Program Manager, Employee Recognition
Department of Mental Health
550 South Vermont, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/738-3089
E-mail: kgoldberg@dmh.lacounty.gov
Many of the children served by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services have significant behavioral and emotional problems. These children have need for intensive mental health services to allow them to remain at home and avoid transfer to the juvenile justice system. The department designed a program that would provide children in or at risk of entering the child welfare system with the necessary mental health services in their homes. The program is supported by Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment along with county general funds. There are not results available for this program, because it has just recently been implemented.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Interagency Hospital Discharge Planning Program
Contact:
Lisa Sorenson
Department of Children and Family Services
501 Shatto Place, Room 355
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-7767

Yoko Sugihara, Ph.D
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Program Head
550 S. Vermont Ave. 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/738-6120
Lives of the children who are dependents of the Juvenile Court are severely disturbed by being removed from biological parents and are characterized by multiple traumas, which is generally followed by hospitalization. Treatment at the hospital is focused upon stabilizing the child, but not on resolving the child's underlying issues. Prior to discharge, Department of Children and Family Services holds a teleconference with the child's social worker, attorney and hospital discharge personnel to ensure that the child has a smooth transition back home. The program was not specifically funded; additional responsibilities were assigned to existing staff. The program reduced the number of children re-hospitalized by 11 percent.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Interdepartmental Medical Hub Program Improves Children's Outcomes
Contact:
Donna Fernandez, Children's Services Administrator
425 Shatto Place, Room 500
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-5729
E-mail: fernadc@dcfs.lacounty.gov
Previously, caregivers of the department of Child and Family Services' in the Los Angeles County have taken children in need of medical and mental health services to public and private providers. As a result, the care has often been uneven. The department entered into a collaboration with the Departments of Health Services and Mental Health to establish a "Medical Hub" program, which ensures that children at high risk for mental and physical health programs receive a thorough initial medical examination. For the fiscal year of 2006-2007, Medical Hub was operating at a cost of $4.6 million dollars. Department of Health Services estimates that approximately 95 percent of costs will be offset by Medi-Cal. In the Hub's first year of operation, it provided medical care to 14,632 children.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Joint Referral Response (j2R) Initiative
Contact:
Maria Lieras, Nurse Manager
425 Shatto Place, Room 512
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Children's social workers in Los Angeles County lack the necessary skills to detect and evaluate medical conditions that may be subtle or observable to medical personnel, such as public health nurses. The Joint 2nd Response Referral Initiative (J2R) was created in response to this problem. J2R process promotes early identification and referrals and consultation for unmet medical or developmental needs. The consultation process utilizes the public health nurses' expertise to assess health, safety and developmental needs of children. The cost of the program is $839,000 per year. Since the beginning of the program, there has been a decrease by more than 1,000 children receiving child welfare services. The impact of this program is seen by the positive outcomes that the Public Health nursing staff has shared.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Juvenile Dependency Court Education Protocol
Contact:
Randall Henderson, Administrator
201 Centre Plaza Dr
Monterey Park, CA 91754

Phone: 323/526-6602
E-mail: rhenderson@lasuperiorcourt.org
Prior to the adoption of the Juvenile Dependency Court Education Protocol in Los Angeles County, there was no vehicle to formally identify the education needs of children under the jurisdiction of the Dependency Court. The Education Protocol provides an effective, systematic process that enlists significant education expertise on behalf of the children in the court system. If a child has been reported to have an educational behavioral issue, the court will intervene. The project is funded through the court's fiscal budget, and the resources of external agencies. The benefit it provides extends beyond court operations. Due to its success, the juvenile courts have modeled a program after it.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Land Records Information Website
Contact:
Steven G. Steinhoff, Assistant Deputy Director
Public Works
900 S. Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 626/458-5120
E-mail: steinhoff@dpw.lacounty.gov
Land record information has previously only been available at the Department of Public Works. Retrieving land records was a costly and time-consuming ordeal. The department decided to create a website where land records could be accessed 24 hours a day. With this website, records will be accessed more easily and it will reduce staffing costs. Since 2005, the project cost has been $910,000. The record updates and site costs are expected to be $75,000 annually. Labor costs for one fiscal year has decreased 17 percent since the program began. There have been many positive comments regarding the easy-to-use, 24/7 convenience of the website.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Lease Transfer Fee: An Innovative Partnership
Contacts:
Gary Brockman, Head Asst.
Development Section
13837 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Phone: 310/305-1439
Email: gbrockman@bh.lacounty.gov
Original lease terms on the Marina del Rey community required the county to approve assignments of leaseholds, whereby leases where able to realize large profits, but the county received no direct benefits. The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors generated a new means of participation for the county: the Lease Transfer Fee. Under this system, the county participates in the proceeds of a lease transfer from the seller to the buyer. The program cost nothing to develop because the department's own team developed it. The first implementation of the Lease Transfer Fee netted the county $2 million. Two years later, another sale occurred including two extended lease holds, which netted the county $20 million.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (MAT) Program
Contact:
Laura Andrade, PhD, CSAII
MAT Program Manager
501 Shatto Place 3rd Floor, Room 300
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/739-6224
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services identified that children entering into foster care failed to receive mental health services in a timely and efficient manner, further exacerbating their problems. The Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (MAT) Program was developed with the premise that early assessment leads to early intervention, which will lead to earlier reunification or earlier permanence. Once the assessment of the child has been completed, a meeting is held with all members of the MAT and key persons in the child's life to determine the best plan of action of the child. The department allocates more than $1 million for the MAT program annually. The result of this program is children and families have a comprehensive understanding of the complicated issues that families face when they enter the foster care system.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Parenting Without Conflict
Contact:
Margaret Little, Senior Administrator
111 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/974- 5535
E-mail: mlittle@lasuperiorcourt.org
Many family law cases in the Los Angeles County create emotional and financial burdens for the parents initiating the conflict and also negatively impact the children involved. Worse, children are often manipulated in the conflict. The Family Court Services developed Parenting Without Conflict, a program that educates parents about the effects of the conflict on children. The program consists of six consecutive, three-hour sessions in a small group format. The project was funded by the Los Angeles Superior Court until 2007, when a small fee of $25 was implemented. Participant feedback surveys indicate an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the program.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Parents and Children Together (PACT)
Contact:
Margaret Little, Senior Administrator
111 N. Hill St., Room 241
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/974-5535
E-mail: little@lasuperiorcourt.org
The Los Angeles County Court systems lacked a program to address the needs of children affected by divorce or separation. Parents and Children Together (PACT) was created to educate parents about assisting their children in adjusting to separation and divorce. Classes are available at a variety of locations and times to make them more accessible to parents. Instruction is available in both English and Spanish. The budget is paid through the L.A Superior Court fiscal budget. The project came well within the budgets limitations. Since expanding countywide, the annual participation has grown to over 14,000.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
"People on the Move" in Baldwin Park
Contact:
Clara Steimberg, Program Manager
241 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 312
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/240-8043
E-mail: csteimberg@ph.lacounty.gov
In Baldwin Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, a reported 34 percent of children are overweight and 41 percent are considered physically unfit according to the California Physical Fitness Test. People on the Move, a public/private partnership program, implements community and environmental changes to create settings conducive to healthy eating and behavioral choices, increased physical activity and reduction in obesity. People on the Move spend $354,00 annually to keep the program running smoothly. People on the Move has yielded many accomplishments, lessons learned and success stories individually, at each community environmental sector and collectively as a collaboration.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The Planner's Zone
Contact:
Nick Franchino, GIS Manager
320 West Temple St, Room 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/893-0881
E-mail: nfranchino@planning.lacounty.gov
The Department of Regional Planning was not using state-of-the-art technology and productivity was suffering. The Department's website "The Planner's Zone" was redesigned from a single site to three interrelated sites, which were more productive. The sites are now able to update staff information more readily and improve communication. Costs to develop the applications were approximately $36,000 for all three modules. The department is estimated to annually avoid $47,000 worth of lost productivity. The enhanced efficient usage of "the Planner's Zone" provides value to the department, both in terms of cost avoidance and greater staff productivity.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Preventing Vaccine Preventable Hepatitis in Jail
Contact:
Monica Munoz, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.H.
2615 S. Grand Ave., Room 500
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Phone: 213/744-3106
E-mail: momunoz@ph.lacounty.gov
Inmates in the Los Angeles County jail are at high risk for contracting Hepatitis A and B. Since the average length of incarceration is less than one month, the standard vaccination schedule cannot be followed because the second dose cannot be given until one month after the first. The FDA has approved an accelerated schedule for the combined hepatitis A/B vaccination so that three doses can be given in three weeks, providing rapid protection to the majority of the recipients. Vaccines are purchased with federal vaccine funds sponsored by the California Department of Health Services Immunization Branch. Improved access to preventive services for incarcerated populations can benefit Los Angeles County by reducing disease transmission.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Providing Free Services to Homeless and Disenfranchised
Contact:
Keren Goldberg, Program Manager
550 South Vermont, 12th floor
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/738-3089
E-mail: kgoldberg@dmh.lacounty.gov
The mentally ill homeless population in Hollywood is so often overlooked and underserved. Often distrustful of service providers, they seldom seek treatment. The Department of Mental Health decided to develop a faith- and community- based program. Hollywood Healthcare Partnership was opened in 2004, linking medical, mental, social, nutritional and spiritual services under one roof. The partnership operates from in-kind contributions from participating agencies so the actual cost to the county is minimal. To date, the following aid has been given: 3,000 people have received medical attention, 2,000 mental care, and 10,000 tangible care and meals. The presence of this program can be felt throughout the community.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Rapid Response Service Program
Contact:
Rocky Armfeild, Risk Manager
3333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 820
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-5346
E-mail: rarmfeild@ceo.lacouny.gov
Los Angeles County spent nearly $500,000 in settlement and legal fees associated with a flood claim filed by a homeowner. Since it is the county's responsibility to provide flood service, the county wanted to create a system that would be more efficient to avoid future legal problems. The services of a third party administrator, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, developed a process that would give county residents prompt service when a flood occurs. On the scene, an adjuster will arrive and arrange for a pre-approved remediation company. This now takes the responsibility out of the homeowners' hands. Total costs were approximated between $120,000 and $144,000. The pro-active, customer-orientated program has lead to 44 percent reduction in the amount of days a case remains open.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Residential-Based Services Performance-Based Contracting Scorecards
Contact:
Lisa Parrish, Deputy Director
425 Shatto Place, Room 602
Los Angeles CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-5858
E-mail: parril@dcfs.lacounty.gov
It has been the Department of Child and Family Services' challenge to align its contracted group home and Foster Family Agency around these key goals: (1) improved safety; (2) reduced timelines to permanency; and (3) reduced reliance on out-of-home care. The department and its group home, along with agency providers, convened as a work group for over two years and developed a number of performance measures in child safety, permanency and well-being, on which providers may be assessed via performance-based scorecards. No budget was provided to develop the performance-based scorecards. Department staff members took on extra work to create the project. The scorecards are unique to the child welfare community in California, and it is hoped that they may serve as a model for other jurisdictions.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Second Chance Woman's Re-Entry Court Program
Contact:
Mark Delgado, Executive Director
Countywide Criminal Justice Coordinator Committee
500 W. Temple Street, Room 520
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213/974-8398
E-mail: delgado@ccjcc.lacounty.gov
The Los Angeles County Court System does not have adequate rehabilitation treatment for repeat female offenders. The court has created a Second Chance Women Re-Entry Program, which individualizes treatment plans for the participants. Participants receive six months of residential treatment followed by six months of outpatient services. This program is paid for by the $1.2 million grant from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Results from the ongoing evaluation are not yet available. However, of the 13 woman receiving outpatient services, six are employed.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Sexual Abuse Treatment Program
Contact:
Jeff Gibbs, Asst. Regional Administrator
3075 Wilshire Blvd, 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Phone: 213/639-4814
Email: gibbsj@dcfs.lacounty.gov
In Los Angeles County, there is a lack of community-based therapeutic resources to address inter-family child sexual abuse. This put strain on family dynamics and the family itself. The Sexual Abuse Program, through group therapy and family- focused strategies, helps prevent further abuse and neglect of children by addressing specific issues in the family. The average cost of community therapy is approximately $70.00 per hour, while the program is only $15.47 per hour. The community benefits from the availability of services not provided by community based therapeutic programs.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Simple Permits Application and Tracking System (SPATS)
Contact:
Isaac Gindi, Chief
Information Technology Division
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 626/458-4107
E-mail: igindi@dpw.lacounty.gov
The law requires trucking and utility companies to obtain permits before they can proceed with their work. To obtain necessary permits, companies must either go to the Public Works office, or mail in their application. The Simple Permits Application and Tracking System is a Web-based e-commerce application that allows Internet users to apply, receive approval, pay and print permits instantaneously. The overall budget was $266,000 with 75 percent of the funding coming from the county Chief Information Office's Information Technology Fund. The annual cost savings for fiscal year 2007-2008 are estimated at $360,000. Police agencies report more truckers obtain permits and comply with conditions because the new system has made getting permits so much easier.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
South Whittier "Sunshine" Shuttle
Contact:
Vanessa Rachal
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 626/458-5960
E-mail: vrachal@dpw.lacounty.gov
A 2003 transportation study found that the unincorporated area of South Whittier was underserved by public transportation. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works developed a 12-mile shuttle route, which connects riders to various transit lines and major destinations. The shuttle runs twice hourly Monday through Saturday. The buses have low floors with easy access for the elderly and disabled riders and run on clean-burning propane. Initial operating costs were $331,662. The 2007 budget was $318,517 and the 2008 operating budget is $254,857. There is an eco-friendly and customer satisfying mode of transportation now available to South Whittier.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Special Placement Process
Contact:
Marilyn B. Sklar, PhD
Children's Services Administrator
425 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Phone: 213/351-5736
Many children served by the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services are children who have extreme mental and physical disabilities. Children are often just out in a home that is available, not necessarily best suited for them. So in response to this, the Special Placement Process was developed. By clinical assessment, the child's needs are matched with the appropriate care facility. The placements are approved for a maximum of six months in order to reassess the child's needs. Conservative cost savings are $1,456,000 per year based upon 72 special placements that would have gone to an unnecessary higher level of care. As a result, the child is better suited with his environment, which makes for better progress for the child and more cost-effective for the state.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Vcheck (Virtual Check)
Contact:
Greg Even, Senior Civil Engineer
Waterworks Division
Isaac Gindi, Chief
Information Technology Department
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone (Even): 626/300-3331
Phone (Gindi): 626/458-4107
E-mail: geven@dpw.lacounty.gov
E-mail: igingdi@dpw.lacounty.gov
Each year, the Department of Public Works receives about 50,000 incoming telephone calls regarding water bill balances and account inquiries. Managing this volume of calls was time-consuming for both staff and customers. Intradepartmental collaboration a web-based application called Vcheck was created to provide customers with a convenient method for finding their account balances and paying via the Internet. The application was developed in-house at a one-time cost of $29,000. The total annual reoccurring savings are close to $208,000. Water consumers benefit from this application through the ease of use and 24/7 availability.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Wireless Traffic Signal Synchronization
Contact:
Jane White
Traffic
900 South Freemont Ave
Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 626/300-2020
E-mail: kwhite@dpw.lacounty.gov
In Los Angeles County, there is no centralized communication frame work for synchronized traffic signals across jurisdiction lines for all 20 cities. The Traffic Management Center installed wireless communications to the traffic signals in chosen areas after eliminating fiber optic and leased telephone lines. The initial cost of providing wireless communications to 51 intersections was $465,000. As a result, the county is able to react in real time to traffic malfunctions and monitor and relieve traffic congestion.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Women's Health Mobile Clinic Outreach Program
Contact:
Jessica St. John, Special Projects Manager
3400 Aerojet Ave. 3rd Floor
El Monte, CA 91731

Phone: 626/569-3812
E-mail: jstjohn@ph.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles County's uninsured, low-income women of color are not receiving adequate health care. The Office of Women's Health Mobile Clinic Out Reach Program was launched with the goal of improving the health of "at risk" women. The program utilized a mobile clinic with multi-lingual staff to provide access to preventive screenings. The program also established health care for women with detected diseases. $50,000 was obtained with grants to start the program. Currently, the program is primarily funded through the Department of Public Health. Over the last five years, the program reached 4,122 women at 206 sites, the majority of whom are living in poverty, are uninsured and have no regular source of care.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Work Study in Public Agencies
Contact:
Gale Esfahaniha, Director
12860 Crossroads Parkway South
City of Industry, CA 91746

Phone: 562/908-8370
E-mail: galeesfahaniha@dpss.lacounty.gov
The Department of Public Social Services is continuously developing creative strategies that will enable our CalWORKs participants to meet the required participation hours per week. In 2006, community colleges were given the opportunity to apply for additional funds for CalWORKs, Work Study, job development and job placement. The Work Study and Public Agencies program provides part-time paid internships to CalWORKs students enrolled in community colleges. The CalWORKs students receive $9 per hour, with the community colleges paying 75 percent through state funding and the department paying the additional 25 percent. As of April 2008, 397 students had been placed in the program. The students are receiving their hours and salaries, while the county is receiving the labor it needs.

MARIN COUNTY
Marin County Green Commute Program
Contact:
Saaid Fakharzadeh, Assistant Director
P.O. Box 4186
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 304
San Rafael, CA 94913
Congestion in Marin County is growing every day, which is increasing global warming. The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a one-year stipend pilot program called the "Green Commute Program" to encourage county employees to use commute alternatives. The program provides a $4 daily stipend to county employees that use alternative modes of transportation. The Board of Supervisors allotted $500,000 budget for this program. There are currently 500 employees registered and participating in this program, which is equal to removing 11,600 passenger cars off the road.

MARIN COUNTY
Marin County Sustainability Team
Contact:
Alex Hinds, Director
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 308
San Rafael, CA 94913

Phone: 415/499-7001
E-mail: ahinds@co.marin.ca.us
Marin County became the first municipality to calculate its ecological footprint, which is higher than that of the average American. With increasing levels of greenhouse gases (GHG), Marin County saw a need for planning healthy and sustainable communities. The Marin County Sustainability Team was created to support healthy, safe and sustainable communities while preserving Marin's unique environmental heritage. Housed in the County's Community Development Agency, the team has developed several initiatives and programs that promote sustainable communities. The Sustainability Team is funded through the County of Marin's general fund and various grants. The team has recently certified their 250th green business as a result of their hard work and dedication.

MERCED COUNTY
Evaluation Matters
Contact:
Martha MacKenzie
Special Projects Manager
c/o Mark Hendrickson
2222 M Street
Merced, CA 95340

Phone: 209/385-3000 ext. 5620
E-mail: mmcken@cws.co.merced.ca.us
The Merced County Human Services Agency and other large organizations often struggle to understand and assess their community impact. The Evaluation Matters Project incorporates specialized consultation services, training, hands-on application and a systematic implementation plan that includes an internal marketing component. The Outcome Improvement Project Fund budget for the project is $69,550. Evaluation Matters Project has operated within the budget and found that the majority of the cost for this project is the consultant fee. The positive impact on the community is that the Human Services Agency is delivering more effective programs as a result of evaluating existing services.

MERCED COUNTY
Friday Nite Fun
Patricia Evens, MSW
Program Administrator
c/o Mark Hendrickson
2222 M Street
Merced, CA 95340

Phone: 209/385-3000 ext. 5071
E-mail: mhendrickson@co.merced.ca.us
Children in foster care often have problematic behaviors related to lack of environmental and relationship stability. Merced County Human Services Agency designed the Friday Nite Fun program to address the lack of supportive resources available for younger adolescents. The program engages foster youth in activities to develop leadership skills and build a trusting relationship with the adult volunteer they are paired with. Friday Nite Fun receives no agency funding and is staffed with volunteers. The unpaid adult mentors cover any costs incurred by the program. The program transformed the lives of the 12 youth the regularly participate in the bi-monthly activates.

MERCED COUNTY
Nutritional Outreach
Contact:
Marie Pickney
Nutritional Outreach Coordinator
c/o Mark Hendrickson
2222 M Street
Merced, CA 95340

Phone: 209/385-3000 ext. 5728
E-mail: 11823@hsa.co.merced.ca.us
Merced County has the third highest percentage of food insecurity in the state, in addition to having one of the highest populations of children living in poverty, which has produce many unhealthy eating habits. A Nutritional Outreach program was initiated by Merced County's Human Services Agency to encourage healthy eating and to give those in need the benefits of applying for food stamps. The agency participated in more than 31 community events last year. The Food Stamp Allocation funds this program with a $5,000 budget. This program operated under budget this year. Providing outreach in the community has strengthened the relationship that the Human Services Agency has with potential clients and community partners.

ORANGE COUNTY
Building a Ballot, Building a Future
Contact:
Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters
P.O. Box 11298
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1298

Phone: 714/567-5139
E-mail: neal.kelley@rov.ocgov.com
Many counties struggle with a lack of youth participation on Election Day. Orange County has created a hands-on approach to encouraging youth to take part in the voting process. The Registrar of Voters Office developed MyBallot, a curriculum designed to involve youth in the voting process. This program allows students to create their own ballots, run elections at their own schools and at the end of the program, students are invited to work at the polls on election day. This program is apart of Help America Vote Act in which there is a $30,000 budget to get more students involved in voting. The number of student poll workers has nearly doubled since the start of this program.

ORANGE COUNTY
Culinary Arts at Joplin
Contact:
Vicki Mathews, Sr. Administrative Manager
1535 E. Orangewood Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92805

Phone: 714/937-4725
E-mail: vicki.mathews@prob.ocgov.com
The Joplin Youth Center is a juvenile corrections facility that provides residential treatment for teenage boys. Joplin's challenge has been to create meaningful programs for the youth while in the correction facility. One program that was created called Culinary Arts at Joplin, taught the boys basic math skills, portion planning and preparing meals. By participating in this class, the students receive school credit and a certificate of completion. The cost of operating this program is minimal because the cost of food is in the budget and the teachers are already on site, therefore the cost is absorbed. Observations by therapists and instructors indicate that the students involved with this program show more enthusiasm in their school subjects.

ORANGE COUNTY
First Step Assessment Center
Contact:
Ingrid Harita, Director
888 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714/541-7773
E-mail: Ingrid.harita@ssa.ocgov.com
The Orangewood First Assessment Center opened in 2003 to address federal and state mandates limiting the number of placements foster children experience to a maximum of two per year. Orange County created a 23-Hour Assessment Center to evaluate all placement options of foster children to reduce the number admitted into emergency care. A partnership between County of Orange Health Care Agency, public health nursing and behavioral health services provide health screenings to assess the child for any psychological needs before placement. The cost to run First Step is partially offset through Medi-Cal billing and leveraging of Proposition 10 funds. On average 40% of children received at First Step Center have been placed within the 23-hour period.

ORANGE COUNTY
Innovative Tobacco Cessation Program Utilizing Multiple Modalities
Contact:
Barbara Brashear, Program Supervisor
405 W.5th St Suit 203
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714/834-3232
E-mail: bbrashear@ochca.com
Orange County Health Care Agency has been targeting smokers to provide free cessation services to all residents. This has been a challenge due to limited staffing, language and geographical barriers. Innovative Tobacco Cessation Program Utilizing Multiple Modalities was created to reduce adult and youth dependence on tobacco. Cessation services are offered in the three prominent languages in Orange County - English, Spanish and Vietnamese. To address the limited staffing problems, 25 bilingual and bicultural interns were a part of this program and located throughout the county to reduce geographical barriers. This project receives $463,492 annually. This funding goes to training staffing and each cessation program. With this project, 1,204 adults have received cessation services. Of these adults, 23 percent of them are tobacco free 90 days after they received treatment.

ORANGE COUNTY
Mentorship Program
Contact:
Ingrid Harita, Director
Social Service Agency
888 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714/541-7773
E-mail: ingrid.harita@ssa.ocgov.com
Due to retirements and organizational restructuring, the Social Service Agency (SSA) wanted to make sure that new managers were going to uphold the agency's business goal of "providing SSA staff with the resources … they need to deliver professional and mandated services to the residents of Orange County." The SSA created a Mentorship Program using senior managers paired with first level managers to support leadership development and succession planning with minimal cost, which turned out to be approximately $800 over 12 months for training materials. All 30 program participants stated that the skills they learned are useful and the program was effective. During the program, five of fifteen first-level managers were promoted.

ORANGE COUNTY
Multiple Payment Receipt
Contact:
Jennifer Burkheart,
Asst. Treasurer-Tax Collector
11 Civic Center Plaza, Room G76
Santa Ana, CA 92702-4515

Phone: 714/834-6143
E-mail: burkhart@ttc.ocgoc.com
Many taxpayers not only make their payments in person at the Treasurer-Tax Collector's office, but also wait until the last possible day to make their payments. This creates extremely long lines and inefficient service to the taxpayers. In order to save time, the Treasurer-Tax Collector's office created a Multiple Payment Receipt. This receipt is filled out by the taxpayer and then given to a representative who will stamp their receipt attesting that they have received it. This project has virtually no cost as the form was created using a simple word processing application.

ORANGE COUNTY
OCSD/John Wayne Airport PSR Program
Contact:
Lieutenant Thomas Slayton
15991 Armstrong Ave.
Tustin, CA 92782

Phone: 714/566-2711
E-mail: tslayton@ocsd.org
Since the tragedy of 9/11, law enforcement agencies and airport officials have been challenged with an ever-increasing need for airport security. In 2007, the Orange County Sheriff's Department, in partnership with John Wayne Airport, began a professional services responder training program. This program is made up entirely of volunteers who are trained to look for suspicious activity and assist travelers in the terminals. Since this program consists of volunteers and the training is provided by the Sheriff's Department and airport staff, there is no additional cost to taxpayers to run this program. This program has resulted in the assistance of numerous overwhelmed and/or disabled travelers and a safer more secure airport.

ORANGE COUNTY
One Stop Shop
Contact:
Jennifer Burkhart, Asst. Treasurer-Tax Collector
11 Civic Center Plaza, Room G76
Santa Ana, CA 92702-4515

Phone: 714/834-6143
E-mail: burkhart@ttc.ocgov.com
The Treasurer-Tax Collector's office was seeing an increase in call volume and a decrease in customer satisfaction. With no resources to increase staff size the Taxpayer Service unit needed to reassess the responsibilities of the existing staff. The solution was to restructure the unit. Instead of three different phone numbers there was only one. All staff expanded their training in order to limit the transferring of calls. Thirdly, the date of the mailings were spaced out more evenly to reduce the number of calls once the mailers were received by the customer. Since there was no funding for a new staff despite the increased workload, a restructure was necessary to improve productivity. This has resulted in a more effective and more efficient unit with a higher customer satisfaction rate.

ORANGE COUNTY
A Partnership for Critter Control
Contact:
Jennifer Burkhart
Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector
11 Civic Center Plaza, Room G-76
Santa Ana, CA 92702

Phone: 714/834-6134
E-mail: burkhart@ttc.ocgov.com
Orange County's Animal Cares Services recognized that their billing and payment process was in need of a change because most of their notices were thought to be junk mail by the customers and were discarded. Animal Care Services turned to Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector for help. The Treasurer-Tax Collector was able to redesign ACS's monthly billing statement and develop a more effective printing and mailing system. The Treasurer-Tax Collector also created a new payment process that allowed for better record keeping. The initial set-up fee for ACS was $5,625 and the monthly processing fee for the Treasurer-Tax Collector is $4,000. There is a higher level of customer compliance because new statements are easier to read and understand.

ORANGE COUNTY
Points of Dispensing: Community Partnerships
Contact:
Teere Duensing, Division Manager
Health Disaster Management
405 W.5th St Suite 303
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: 714/834-6167
E-mail: tduensing@ochca.com
In compliance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggestion to have a Point of Dispensing (POD) site capable of providing 45,000 people with lifesaving medication or vaccines within a 48-hour timeframe, Orange County Health Care Agency realized that they would need 72 PODs in order to provide care to its population of 3.2 million people. Over the last two years, Orange County has worked aggressively to get these sites implemented by identifying project leadership, developing strategies, creating deployment procedures, and exercising the full scale development. The cost of this project is $358,303, which has created nine city-based POD plans that provides medication to 405,000 residents.

ORANGE COUNTY
Rapid Assessment Notification System - Protecting Public Health
Contact:
Richard Sanchez, Director
Environmental Health
1241 E. Dyer Rd, Suite 120
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 714/433- 6471
E-mail: risanchez@ochca.com
Orange County Health Care Agency recognized the need to quickly inform facilities of situations the could compromise food safety. They created the Rapid Assessment Notification System (RANS). The agency expanded Environmental Health's Food Protection Program's database to include facilities, types of food and the e-mail addresses of those responsible for the food. The benefit of this is immediate response time if there was a food recall. The facilities that are most likely to house that type of food can be contacted directly. To keep cost down, the agency has modified the existing database to include the new information. RANS has been very successful in notifying facility owners of product recalls. This program ensures the health and safety of the public.

ORANGE COUNTY
Sex Offender High Technology Forensics Lab
Contact:
Vicki Mathews, Sr. Administrative Manager
1535 E. Orangewood Ave
Anaheim, CA 92805

Phone: 714/937-4725
E-mail: vicki.mathews@prob.ocgov.com
As a part of sex offenders' probation, they are not allowed to have sexually explicit materials in their computers, as well as limited access to specific internet websites. Orange County has created a program called Sex Offender High Technology Forensics Lab in order to ensure that the conditions of the probation are being met. During routine home visits, computers are confiscated and sent to the lab where the hard drives are dissected to determine if there are any prohibited material. Probation officers that wish to have this specialized training are asked to pay for it personally. The lab has been extremely effective and is now viewed as a "best practice" model for the nation for sex offender supervision.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Angel View Infant and Toddlers House
Contact:
Emilio Ramirez, Deputy Director
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-3422
E-mail: emilioramirez@rivcoeda.org
The Angel View Infant and Toddler House expanded its services to open a site in the Coachella Valley to provide 24-hour nursing care to disabled infants and toddlers who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. The home is the 18th to have been built and operated by Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation; it is the first such home in the Coachella Valley that is beneficial to non-immediate family members of infants and toddlers so that they may visit and participate in the child's recovery and development. Were it not for the collaborative work of Angel View, Child Protective Services and the Economic Development Agency, these baby-victims would not have had the opportunity to receive care in their own community.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Brief Risk Reduction Interview & Intervention Model
Contact:
Karen Kane, Substance Abuse Program Manager
Department of Mental Health
3525 Presley Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/782-2400
E-mail: kane_k@co.riverside.ca.us
The Brief Risk Reduction Interview & Intervention Model, a service provided by the Department of Mental Health, is for individuals experiencing early warning signs or problems with alcohol and/or drugs prior to an official addiction diagnosis. Modeling the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative, staff learned to be more intentional about linking people to appropriate services, more culturally sensitive and more respectful. The Intervention Model is run with existing staff in existing clinics thus existing funds were already in place. Prevention costs significantly less than treatment; the savings equated to $6,745 per person. The model signifies a paradigm shift from a reactive to a proactive personal preventative service for consumers who are on the cusp of developing serious addictions.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Dedicated Stat Lab for ED
Contact:
Ralph Millare, Assistant Hospital Administrator
Riverside County Regional Medical Center
26520 Cactus Avenue
Moreno Valley, CA 92555

Phone: 951/486-4462
E-mail: rmillare@co.riverside.ca.us
In an effort to decrease the patient stay and improve patient flow in the Emergency Department of the Regional Medical Center, a dedicated stat laboratory was established in order to perform increased numbers of lab tests as needed during peak hours. There are several factors that contribute to increased patient length of stay times; among them laboratory test turnaround time. Because the Emergency Department Stat Lab is located in close proximity, the turnaround time for lab results diminishes thereby diminishing the length of stay for patients. Patient flow and wait time decreased almost immediately since opening the stat lab.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Eliminator Boat Expansion
Contact:
Sarah Mundy, Deputy Director
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-8916
E-mail: smundy@rivcoeda.org
In 2003, the boat manufacturer, Eliminator Boats, decided to expand and move. The company was courted by numerous states such as Texas, Arizona and Nevada. The relocation would have meant 104 lost jobs, displacing workers' families, and a loss of property and sales tax revenue for Riverside County. The Riverside County Economic Development Agency successfully negotiated an inducement agreement to keep the company. A suitable property in the unincorporated area of Mead Valley was located for the facility. The state-of-the-art facility meets the needs of the expanding company while benefiting the community of Mead Valley and saving Riverside County from the negative impact of losing a major employer.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Exclusive Care Disease Management Center of Excellence
Contact:
Ronald W. Komers, IPMA-CP
Assistant County Executive Officer/Human Resources Director
3403 10th Street, Suite 500
Riverside, CA 92501

Phone: 951/955-3510
E-mail: rkomers@rc-hr.com
The Disease Management Center was implemented to mitigate the monetary and health consequences of chronic diseases for Riverside County employees and their families by raising the level of care given to persons with diabetes. Increased levels of care of diabetes has been proven to significantly decrease the complications and the costs associated with treating complications that arise as a result of the disease, such as renal disease, podiatry services, vision, etc. This center is illustrative of the idea that investing in programs that manage chronic disease save financial resources in the long run. The center is located in a Public Health facility and patients appreciate the amount of time is spent on their care and the comprehensive, personalized approach that is given them.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Home Gardens Infill Housing Project
Contact:
Heidi Marshall, Assistant Director
Economic Development Agency
5555 Arlington Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504

Phone: 951/343-5409
E-mail: hmarshall@rivcoeda.org
The Economic Development Agency partnered with the Redevelopment Agency to assist Section 8 families with attaining self-sufficiency through homeownership using Infill Housing. Infill housing is the most cost-effective way to develop affordable housing. The benefits of infill housing include more efficient use of land, infrastructure and services, as well as a reduction in neighborhood blight. In this particular project, the Home Gardens Project, the agency bought two lots in an area close to a new library and fire station, and constructed single family homes specifically for Section 8 participants. The profits realized by the agency from the sale of the homes will be used to develop additional infill housing, further expanding homeownership opportunities for Section 8 participants.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Household Hazardous Waste Program Cost Savings Restructure
Contact:
Hans Kernkamp, General Manager-Chief Engineer
Waste Management Department
14310 Frederick Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92553

Phone: 951/486-3200
E-mail: hkernkam@co.riverside.ca.us
The Riverside County Waste Management Department established a network of permanent Household Hazardous Waste collection facilities to ensure the proper collection and disposal management of products such as paints, solvents, chemicals, electronic waste, etc. Previously, these products could be delivered of residents only during temporary collection events; many residents expressed interest in the ability to dispose of such products to regular fixed sites instead of holding on to waste until a collection event was scheduled. The new permanent facilities increase convenience for residents, further ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous waste and helping to meet the requirements of the California Integrated Waste Management Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Mission Palms Senior Apartments
Contact:
Tina English, Assistant Director
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-8916
E-mail: tenglish@rivcoeda.org
The Mission Palms Senior Apartments help to revitalize the community by eliminating blight, providing affordable housing for senior citizens, and preserving an historic structure. The property is located across from a senior center, making it an ideal setting for the project. The Redevelopment Agency negotiated the purchase of the parcels through relocation assistance to current renters, many of whom were able to purchase homes as a result, creating an additional important positive side-effect. Thanks to Redevelopment Agency loans and grants, the once blighted area is now a beautiful 200 unit senior apartment complex. This creative redevelopment project allowed the County to meet affordable housing goals and preserve an important historic structure.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Park Ranger Selection and Performance Management Systems
Contact:
Ronald W. Komers, IPMA-CP
Assistant County Executive Officer/Human Resources Director
Human Resources Department
3403 10th Street, Suite 500
Riverside, CA 92501

Phone: 951/955-3510
E-mail: rkomers@rc-hr.com
The Riverside County Parks Department adopted a new approach to hiring park rangers to address the challenge of finding and keeping qualified individuals. The primary change was to reduce the minimum qualifications, but concentrate on thoroughly training those with interest and ability. This "hire for ability and train for skills" approach has resulted in increased hires, less turnover and enhanced employee performance and job satisfaction. The county's comprehensive approach to selection and performance management for park rangers has resulted in reduced turnover, high performing employees, greater visitor satisfaction (the Department has received zero complaints from park visitors since implementation) and a dramatic increase in revenue associated with park visitation.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
RCRMC's Health Care Interpreting Network
Contact:
Nora Gonzalez, Interim-Language & Cultural Services Supervisor
Riverside County Regional Medical Center
26520 Cactus Avenue
Moreno Valley, CA 92555

Phone: 951/486-4320
E-mail: noperez@co.riverside.ca.us
Riverside County's Regional Medical Center's language interpreting response time was unsatisfactorily due to the demand for language interpreting services far exceeding the supply of interpreters. The Health Care Interpreting Network was created to provide user-friendly quick access to various interpretation services using one central phone number, thereby maximizing resources. The main feature that increased efficiency is that interpreters use audio-video and telephonic technology, rather than in-person interpreting; language interpreters are able to perform about 35 interpretations a day instead of 13. The project is easily replicable in other counties, in fact 10 county hospitals are now participating in the Network.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County and First 5 Dental Program
Contact:
Ralph Millare, Assistant Hospital Administrator
Riverside County Regional Medical Center
26520 Cactus Avenue
Moreno Valley, CA 92555

Phone: 951/486-4462
E-mail: rmillare@co.riverside.ca.us
The Riverside County Regional Medical Center and First 5 of Riverside offer dental care and oral health education to children ages 5 and younger. Dental treatment is not covered by most insurance plans despite the fact that dental decay is the most common disease of childhood especially in low-income areas. Created by Proposition 10, First 5 is a comprehensive system of information and services that promotes early childhood development and school readiness, and provides access to affordable preventive dental health services. A partnership was established with different organizations and dental providers that put on dental screenings, parent education workshops, and health fairs to meet the oral health needs of children. The partnership provides hands-on involvement from dental professionals, direct referrals and financial assistance for treatment.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County Connection Newsletter
Contact:
Sarah Mundy, Deputy Director
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-8916
E-mail: smundy@rivcoeda.org
The Riverside County Connection quarterly newsletters provide information tailored specifically for five supervisorial districts in an effort to inform residents about topics such as economic development, healthcare, county-sponsored entertainment, parks and recreation, etc. The Economic Development Agency produces the quarterly newsletters that are mailed and available on the Internet. The key element of these newsletters is that they are specific to the district citizens for whom they are created; information relevant to major building projects and directory telephone numbers are all tailored to the district. The response to the newsletters has been positive with the Web site receiving more than 85,000 visits in five months and many people reporting that they enjoy and in fact need the information they receive from the county.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County Fire Hazard Reduction Task Force
Contact:
Chief John Hawkins, Fire Chief
Riverside County Fire Department
210 West San Jacinto Street
Perris, CA 92570

Phone: 951/940-6900
E-mail: john.hawkins@fire.ca.gov
As millions of people build homes in high-risk interface areas, wildland fires are increasingly difficult to fight, especially in Riverside County. Riverside County commissioned the Fire Hazard Reduction Task Force to tackle the wildland fire problem in an urbanizing county through education, engineering, enforcement and evacuation. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from federal, state and local fire agencies, and other related county agencies; it was charged with reviewing and recommending direction for the reduction of fire hazards and educating on evacuation measures. The Task Force is broken down into subcommittees, which all play a role in providing the county with important fire mitigation efforts.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County GraffitiBusters Program
Contact:
Tina English, Assistant Director
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-8916
E-mail: tenglish@rivcoeda.org
In an effort to combat blight and the economic consequences that result from graffiti, the Riverside County GraffitiBusters Program uses a technology-based system to efficiently eradicate graffiti in unincorporated areas. Graffiti must be removed promptly and properly, as ill-removed graffiti causes neighborhoods to look uncared for, crime tends to increase, property values drop, and owners become apathetic. The public can report graffiti on an interactive Web site where information is sent directly to office staff and in-field painters who arrive in vehicles equipped with paint-matching devices and 4-wheel drive, increasing ability to reach remote locations. With the GraffitiBusters Program, the agency has removed graffiti from over 70,000 sites; the technology makes possible a 24-hour turnaround time, which further deters vandals from returning to the same site.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County Jails Re-entry Services Program
Contact:
Felicia Flournoy, Director of Workforce Development
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-3100
E-mail: fflournoy@rivcoeda.org
The Jails Re-entry Services Program works to give the inmate population the tools and resources to successfully locate and keep employment upon release from jail. Finding and keeping a job plays a crucial role in recidivism rates for ex-offenders. The Riverside County Economic Development Agency's Workforce Development Division and the Sheriff's Department established the program in which a staff member coordinates informational workshops for inmates on topics such as employment attitude and goal setting; job search techniques especially Internet-based; application completion and resume writing; as well as interviewing tips and job retention techniques. These workshop sessions give inmates the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into the job world.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County Water Efficient Landscape Program
Contact:
Ron Goldman, Planning Director
Planning Department
4080 Lemon Street, 9th Floor
PO Box 1409
Riverside, CA 92503

Phone: 951/955-3265
E-mail: rgoldman@rctlma.org
Riverside County developed and adopted a Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance in collaboration with a Water Task Force to ensure that landscaping designs use plant materials that are not incongruous with the climate and require exorbitant amounts of water to sustain. This definitive policy action directs the way new development designs landscaping plans so as to reduce annual water use. The guide offers developers and landscapers methods and guidelines on water-efficient irrigation, designs and a list of attractive drought-tolerant plants. Riverside County has taken a lead conservation role in the state by launching the objectives of the ordinance well in advance of the bill's deadlines; the program was implemented 14 months prior to the release of the State's Draft Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as well.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
SAFE-Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force
Contact:
Stephanie Garthwaite, CEO
District Attorney's Office
4075 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501

Phone: 951/955-5472
E-mail: SJGarthwaite@RivCoDA.org
The Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement Task Force was developed to provide a comprehensive team to identify, monitor, and enforce registration requirements for sexual offenders who reside in Riverside County. Law enforcement agencies lack the resources necessary to track the thousands of offenders who violate registration requirements, thus posing a threat to the community. The creation of the task force allowed for more concentrated and directed pressure on sexual offenders and allowed the agencies previously responsible for the work to dedicate attention to other investigative tasks; productivity of all involved agencies increased, thanks to the more efficiently directed efforts. The team has increased the safety of the community by monitoring sexual offenders and educating the public through safety presentations.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Shelter Life Enrichment Program
Contact:
Teryn Hartnett, Senior Animal Behaviorist
Department of Animal Services
5950 Wilderness Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504

Phone: 951/358-7047
E-mail: thartnet@co.riverside.ca.us
The Shelter Life Enrichment Program provides increased levels of comfort for animals to boost adoptions. When potential adopters visited the shelter previously, they were bombarded by loud clanking metal; aggressive, barking dogs; and frightened cats trying to hide in litter boxes. The Enrichment Program gave shelter employees the opportunity to outfit cages with comfort items such as toys, blankets and beds for the dogs, and perches and hammocks for cats to lounge in. Classical music serenades the dogs and free-feeders were installed to cut back on fight-inducing nightly feedings. Potential adopters who get a better feel for an animals' disposition are far more likely to want the animal. The Shelter Life Enrichment program increased pet adoption, which is a clear measure of success.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Skelly Officer Training
Contact:
Ronald W. Komers, IPMA-CP
Assistant County Executive Officer/Human Resources Director
Human Resources Department
3403 10th Street, Suite 500
Riverside, CA 92501

Phone: 951/955-3510
E-mail: rkomers@rc-hr.com
Skelly Officer Training is an online training module created to ensure consistency across departments for the Skelly Officers, who are responsible for conducting hearings and representing Riverside County when considering employee discipline matters. The county operates under a "one employer" model, making it important for disciplinary actions to be uniform to avoid costly appeal hearings. Most Skelly Officers serve infrequently so the training model was created to take only 15 minutes to refresh and remind the officers of the proper methods and standards for hearings. The project was completed without additional costs to the Department and cost savings will be realized as a result of fewer problems and hearing appeals from union employees.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Trash to Treasure: Helping Communities Help Themselves
Contact:
Tina English, Assistant Director
Economic Development Agency
1325 Spruce Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-8916
E-mail: tenglish@rivcoeda.org
The Demolition Grant Program reduces physical blight in less affluent redevelopment neighborhoods by demolishing substandard structures, cleaning up properties, and remedying trash accumulation violations in coordination with County Code Enforcement. The program was created to address issues of blight that would continue to exist if it were not for the governmental assistance. The funding covers up to $75,000 per redevelopment project area parcel, with no out-of-pocket costs to the property owner. The Redevelopment Agency streamlined the program so that all demolition is completed within 30 days. Site clearance of this nature encourages neighbors to apply for grants to do the same on their property, thereby creating a contagious effect and raising property values as whole neighborhoods begin to clean up significantly.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Tutors for Our Tomorrow
Contact:
Fran Ferguson, RSVP Director
Office on Aging
73-750 Catalina Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Phone: 760/341-0401
E-mail: fferguso@co.riverside.ca.us
Tutors For Our Tomorrow is a partnership between the Office on Aging and the RSVP Senior Volunteer Program that brings senior citizens into the classroom to tutor school aged children. Last year, 79 tutors provided 3,006 hours of basic reading, comprehension skills tutoring at 17 schools, saving $56,422 of teacher/aide time. The 2009 Office on Aging Strategic Plan focuses on intergenerational aging and this program brings about an opportunity for the Baby Boom generation to participate in activities that are rewarding and productive for the community as a whole. Students receive one-on-one tutoring consistently, which has led to improved reading scores and instilled in them a self-assurance in their academic pursuits.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
A Welfare-to-Work Strategy
Contact:
Lois J. Carson, Executive Director
Community Action Partnership
2038 Iowa Avenue, B102
Riverside, CA 92507

Phone: 951/955-4900
E-mail: lcarson@riversidedpss.org
The Community Action Partnership trained low-income surveyors to conduct a door-to-door community assessment of 4,000 low income households throughout the county. The surveyors gained a meaningful work experience, which helps them in the transition off of welfare. The surveyors worked in their own communities to gather information on needs as well as provide information to respondents on available resources and services. The result of the Welfare-to-Work Strategy was an overall success with 65% of surveyors finding placements as a result of increased self-esteem. The demonstration proved a successful innovation that transformed participants with undiscovered potential into visionary leaders and community ambassadors.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Where Our World Meets the Natural World
Contact:
Carolyn Syms Luna, Director
Environmental Programs Department
4080 Lemon Street, 12th Floor
Riverside, CA 92501

Phone: 951/955-6097
E-mail: cluna@rctlma.org
The program known as Where Our World Meets the Natural World is an experiment-based science education program that enhances and reinforces the scientific concepts and principles taught in a classroom. Children are exposed to science through interactive presentations and hands-on contact with nature. The program was adopted in response to Riverside County sixth-graders below-proficient test scores on the California Standardized Test and Reporting (STAR)-Life Science exam. This low-cost educational program enhances students understanding of science principles by physically reinforcing the standard curriculum typically taught in the classroom; encourages ownership in their community; and cultivating an appreciation for nature and endangered species and habitats.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
The Bridgman Home
Contact:
Nick Macchione, Deputy Director
Health and Human Services Agency
8965 Blaboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/616-5996
E-mail: nick.macchione@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Bridgman Home provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to deaf children in San Diego County's child welfare system. Because deaf children have unique needs, local facilities are generally not equipped to provide for them, making it necessary for these children to be sent out of state. The Southern California Deaf Group Home Collaboration brought together several county agencies to establish the Bridgman Home to better meet the needs of the deaf community. The home opened in April 2007 and is staffed by a culturally competent multi-disciplinary team that is able to provide a therapeutic and social environment in which deaf youth and their families can address the various issues that may be precluding the youth's potential for independence and success.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Case Update Tracking and Eligibility (CUTE) System
Contact:
Rob Schultz
Information Technology Division Chief
2433 Marconi Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821

Phone: 916/876-7825
E-mail: schultzro@saccounty.net
The Department of Human Assistance needed an automated business process to aid in fraud determination. Without an automated communication method, messages sent by e-mail, mail, and phone were often buried, lost, or forgotten. The Case Update Tracking and Eligibility (CUTE) system is a web-based application that draws potentially fraudulent cases from other local databases. CUTE then assigns these cases to staff for research, investigation, and if needed, to be prosecuted. The total cost of this program is $250,000. However, there is a substantial savings of $9,366,744 if the cases had continued unaddressed for a year. CUTE automates and simplifies the otherwise enormous task of combining multiple data sources that are needed to help make case corrections.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Color-Coded Food Safety and Placement System for Food Facilities
Contact:
Alicia Enriquez
REHS, Program Manager
8475 Jackson Rd, Suite 240
Sacramento, CA 95826

Phone: 916/875-8566
E-mail: enriquesA@saccounty.net
Sacramento County Environmental Management Department is responsible for inspecting more than 5,500 retail food establishments. The public had increasingly demanded postings of these inspections, but the posted reports were challenging to read because they were hand written and included technical jargon. The department selected a color-coded placard program to indicate inspection results. Green was placed to indicate a "pass," yellow signifies "conditional pass," and red is issued when a facility has violated major health ordinances. The retail food inspection program is fully funded through permit, reinspection, and consultation fees. The total annual budget exceeded $4 million. Public feedback has been consistently positive. Consumers and media outlets alike have continually made references to the placard system and how it instills confidence and makes information readily available.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Commercial/Industrial Stormwater Compliance Program
Contact:
Cecilia Jensen, P.E. Chief
Water Protection Division
8475 Jackson Road, Suite 240
Sacramento, CA 95826

Phone: 916/876-7278
E-mail: jensenC@saccounty.net
The Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership was faced with many challenges imposed by a new State-issued municipal stormwater permit. Faced with limited resources, the partnership looked for ways to build upon existing programs. Sacramento County's Environmental Management Department already did inspections in many of the facilities now subjected to the new stormwater regulation, so the county decided that where possible, stormwater inspections could be combined with other regulatory inspections. These combined inspections resulted in a higher efficiency rate and cost savings associated with reduced travel and inspection times. Today, stormwater awareness has increased, behaviors are changing, and compliance is on the rise.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Consolidation of Management Databases
Contact:
Rob Schultz
Information Technology Division Chief
2433 Marconi Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821

Phone: 916/876-7825
In Sacramento County, Human Resources, Financial Management , and General Services all needed to be integrated into a central system and database. This created many issues, due to the fact that the data was scattered, unorganized and not standardized. The consolidated data web-based management system brought together over two dozen applications that supported the three departments. An application was created to utilize the consolidated data, while maintaining all of the features and functions of each individual application it replaced. The time savings for customers has been significant since their jobs can be done with one application. This system has substantially streamlined the administration of the entire department.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Enforcement Revenue Rebate Program
Contact:
Dennis Green
Hazardous Materials Division
8475 Jackson Road
Sacramento, CA 95826

Phone: 916/875-8469
E-mail: greend@sacounty.net
The Sacramento County Environmental Management Department is looking to provide positive financial motives for businesses to work hard to achieve compliance with various hazardous material, waste, and ground storage tank requirements. The department initiated a program to return enforcement revenue as a reward for compliant operating practices. The total amount of enforcement revenues collected is first adjusted to recover all costs associated with handling enforcement cases, with the remaining balance eligible for distribution. Since the program's inception, more than $600,000 has been returned to eligible Sacramento County business and facilities. The program has generated immediate positive impacts. The Department is seen by businesses as taking a meaningful steps to minimize their financial burden.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ePropTax - Online Property Tax Bill Information
Contact:
Linda Pittman
Assistant Tax Collector
700 H Street, Room 1710
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916/874-6648
E-mail: pittmanl@saccounty.net
Inquiries related to over 500,000 property tax bills and a booming real estate market strained the customer service capability of tax collection staff and the interactive voice response system. The project goal was to create an easy-to-use, Internet-based application to improve communication with the public and provide tax bill information online 24/7. ePropTax provides web-based online property tax bill information including tax bill amounts, direct levy information, and payment stubs. A total of $158,879 was spent to create this project. Funding came from Tax Administration (SB 2557 recovery) and other budgeted data processing funds. This web-based application provided taxpayers, mortgage companies, and title companies access to information online 24/7.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Online Marriage Appointment Calendar (OMAC)
Contact:
Wanda Dark
Assistant County Clerk/Recorder
600 8th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916/874-8884
E-mail: darkw@saccounty.net
Before Online Marriage Appointment Calendar, customers in Sacramento County had to call the clerk/record department to schedule marriage license and ceremony appointments. The program was developed to assist the public in scheduling marriage license and ceremony appointments. A project definition document specifying requirements and timelines were developed by operational and information technology staff. Funding for the project was provided through existing fees dedicated to clerk/recorder operations. The $15,000 cost to create this program is offset by the annual savings of $11,672. The calendar program has dramatically improved service to the public by allowing access to appointments 24/7.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Sharing Today, Shaping Tomorrow: PlayCare & FGP
Contact:
Dennis Brodsky
Foster Grandparent Program Director
3727 Marconi Ave
Sacramento, CA95821

Phone: 916/875-4462
E-mail: brodskyd@saccounty.net
Parents who visit the Department of Human Assistance often cannot afford childcare, so they have to bring their children with them. The children were often tired, hungry, or not in the mood to sit quietly. The department had recently taken over a childcare facility with a senior volunteers-Foster Grandparent Program and trained child development staff. They decided to provide a children's waiting room filled with books, toys, child-sized furniture, and art supplies. More than $900,000 is budgeted for Play Care staff, benefits and overhead costs. CalWORKs provide the funding with a small portion from county general fund. Each year 23,688 children take advantage of these services. The Play Care waiting room provides a safe developmentally appropriate place for children.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Tax Defaulted Land System
Contact
Linda Pittman
Assistant Tax Collector
700 H Street, Room 1710
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916/874-6648
E-mail: pittmanl@saccounty.net
Errors in the previous tax-defaulted land database system could result in cancellation or postponement of tax sales, voiding of sales, or could expose the county to litigation. Rather than replicate the previous system with new software, staff developed a flexible and adoptable system that would reduce labor intensive proofing, provide all reporting and notices, and interface more effectively with the mainframe system. The Tax Defaulted Land System was budgeted at $47,720 in part from Tax Administration (SB 2557 recovery) with unfunded costs covered by claims for excess proceeds from tax-defaulted properties sold. The new system has eliminated extensive labor hours, and with the systems flexibility new reports, notices and programming are available.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Veteran's History Project of Sacramento County
Contact:
Laureen Anderson
RSVP Director
3727 Marconi Ave
Sacramento, CA

Phone: 916/875-3664
E-mail: andersonl@saccounty.net
The Veterans History Project's challenge was to collect veterans' memories, accounts, and documents from WWI thru the Persian Gulf Wars, with limited staff. They also had the challenge of learning audio/video/interviewing techniques, and obtaining funding. To begin this project, volunteers collected funds to buy video equipment. An administrative system was set up to cover all phases of recruiting, and training was provided by an oral historian, which covered interviewing and camera techniques. The project start-up cost was $3,000, and ran about $650 annually. Since the start of this project, more than 350 interviews have been conducted and the families are very grateful to have their loved ones' memories and life experiences on record.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Alternative Funding Sources for your Workforce Programs
Contact:
Sandra Harmsen, Director
Workforce Development Department
215 North "D" Street, #301
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/387-9862
E-mail: sharmsen@wdd.sbcounty.gov
The Workforce Development Department has enhanced their budget through the sale of workshops to target participants serviced by other county departments. The Department provides services to job seekers, incumbents, and employees to meet the needs of a demand- driven workforce system. Each year presents challenges when the Department endures federal funding cuts, but is expected to increase service levels. Department staff developed various workshops at no outside costs that were then sold to other departments to subsidize the budget. Participating departments have reported improvement after utilizing programs created by the Workforce Development Department staff which help develop soft skills, life skills, job skills and career path training amongst others.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's Rapid Assessment Team
Contact:
Holly Ramos, Associate Hospital Administrator
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Professional Services
400 North Pepper Ave.
Colton, CA 92324

Phone: 909/580-6110
E-mail: ramosh@armc.sbcounty.gov
A multi-disciplinary Performance Improvement Team was formed to create the Rapid Assessment Team to provide care for non-critical care inpatients who demonstrate an immediate need for intervention or an enhanced level of care. The objective of the Rapid Assessment Team is to assess and stabilize patients, assist with communications, facilitate transfer to higher levels of care as needed, and to educate and support patients. Cost savings can be measured in the improved quality of patient care/outcomes as a result of the pro-active improvement of the skills of health care providers. The program has resulted in decreased Code-Blue events, improved communication between treatment teams, improved patient outcomes and decreased patient mortalities.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Beauty Amid the Rubble
Contact:
Megan Blaney, Public Information Officer
Office of Emergency Services
1743 Miro Way
Rialto, CA 92376

Phone: 909/356-3939
E-mail: mblaney@sbcfire.org
San Bernardino County provided a flowering plant and a re-entry kit to residents returning to destroyed homes during the Grass Valley and Slide fires of 2007. The purpose of the care packages was to inspire hope and be a symbol of re-growth during a time of intense grief for the victims. Included in the care packages were safety items, tools to sift through debris, comfort items such as tissue and lip balm, etc. The Department of Behavioral Health sent teams of counselors to provide comfort and support. The project was conducted with minimal costs thanks to volunteers and donation of products. Many community members expressed gratitude for the support the county demonstrated during the tragic and emotional re-entry period.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Breast Management Pathway Program
Contact:
Zarina Baqai, Ambulatory Service Manager
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
400 North Pepper Ave.
Colton, CA 92324

Phone: 909/580-1442
E-mail: baqais@armc.sbcounty.gov
The Breast Management Pathway Program was developed to provide better follow-up care for patients requiring breast biopsies who present in the emergency room. For individuals using the ER as a primary source of care, there is often a disconnection between initial care and follow up because of the extremely high volume of patients seen by ER physicians. The Pathway program is centered on supporting such individuals and ensuring an appropriate amount of time between the identification of an abnormal breast exam and follow-up care. The program assigns patients a primary care physician, resulting in a significant reduction of the wait time for needle-biopsies. Costs for the program were minimal because hospital staff used systems that were already in place for the most part.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
MERCED COUNTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
STANISLAUS COUNTY
C4Yourself™ Online Food Stamp Application
Contact:
June Hutchison, C-IV County Project Manager
825 E. Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/383-9712
E-mail: jutchison@hss.sbcounty.gov
The original four Consortium-IV Counties implemented California's first online food stamp application system called C4Yourself.com, which allows customers to apply for food stamps online. Making the application available online gives customers another avenue to apply, in turn increasing the number of family's whose hunger needs can be met. The online system results in significant time savings for county staff, who now spend less time entering data; interviews are less time consuming as well because applicants are more prepared. The number of applications processed, especially after-hours, is indicative of the positive effects of this program. The online program also provides additional links to state and federal websites to further increase the public's awareness of available services.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
County REEL
Contact:
David Wert, Public Information Officer
County Government Center
385 N Arrowhead Ave, 5th Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/387-5412
E-mail: dwert@sbcounty.gov
COUNTY REEL is a program that uses private industry marketing principles and group behavior concepts to deliver public service messages to waiting audiences. The purpose of the program is to preserve positive perception of local government by providing information and entertainment, similar to movie previews, to those waiting for weekly public meetings. Positive results from this program include feedback that audience members enjoy their wait time; there is increased audience interaction; and increased pride in and image of the county. Providing interesting information to the public during their wait period indicates a level of courtesy and appreciation for their attention. It also indicates that the county is thankful for the interest displayed in local government.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Disaster Response Mobile Connectivity Solution
Contact:
Jim Sutcliffe, Division Chief
Information Services Department
670 East Gilbert Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/388-5500
E-mail: jsutcliffe@isd.sbcounty.gov
The Disaster Response Mobile Connectivity Solution provides a method for transporting and establishing temporary computer onsite operations in the event of a disaster. This is an efficient, cost-effective and resourceful solution to the need to deploy mobile computers and a wireless network at an emergency center, which allows agencies and the public to access services. The solution is a quickly deliverable cart that comes complete with laptops, wireless access points and a centralized power supply. The carts receive ongoing maintenance and upgrades, which increases effectiveness when sent to disaster sites. Already created and on standby, when the wildfires of 2007 struck, the carts were delivered online and operating before the end of the first day of need.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Foster and Kinship Youth Sports Faire
Contact:
DeAnna Avey-Motikeit, Director
Department of Children's Services
150 S. Lena Road
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/388-0242
E-mail: davey-motikeit@hss.sbcounty.gov
The Foster/Kinship Sports Faire was organized to teach the basics of sport, foster a lifelong appreciation of exercise, nutrition and healthy living; and to establish connections to resources for foster youth in San Bernardino County. Foster youth have notoriously poor outcomes after leaving foster care due in large part to their lack of direction and life skills. The Department of Children's Services works to change this by helping foster youth as they transition into adulthood. One part of these efforts includes the Foster and Kinship Sports Faire. An important outcome of the event was the valuable connections the youth were able to make that will help them as they exit the child welfare system.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Improving Emergency Department Access
Contact:
Khim Fugate, Associate Hospital Administrator
Patient Services, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
400 North Pepper Avenue
Colton, CA 92324

Phone: 909/580-6120
E-mail: fugatek@armc.sbcounty.gov
The Emergency Department was redesigned to reduce wait times and diversion hours in response to the increasingly overcrowded and overwhelmed Emergency Departments in San Bernardino County. More patients with conditions previously managed at clinics and physicians offices are turning to Emergency Departments. A Rapid Medical Evaluation and Treatment was created to provide simultaneous triage and evaluation to reduce congestion in the Emergency Department. Next, a new triage and medical screening area was created to present to a nurse and pre-register. Patients with minor ailments return to registration, while those in need of minor treatments move to the Rapid Medication and Evaluation to receive care. This allows clinic-type patients to receive prompt care and reduces congestion.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Integrated Healthcare Centers
Contact:
Jim Lindley, Interim Public Health Director
Department of Public Health
351 North Mt. View
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/387-9146
E-mail: jlindley@dph.sbcounty.gov
The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department, Public Health Department and the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center are creating Integrated Healthcare Centers to ensure collaborative, coordinated patient care. Research shows that many members of minority groups feel uncomfortable with the mental health system and as a result do not seek the attention needed. The integrated method includes delivering care for various mental health issues by embedding them in the physical healthcare setting to decrease the stigma associated with seeking such assistance. The goal of the Integrated Healthcare Centers is to provide seamless, coordinated, efficient, cost-effective healthcare which promotes wellness of the whole person, treating body and mind.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mutli-Disciplinary Teams
Contact:
Kirk Dayton, Deputy Chief
Probation Department
175 W. Fifth Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/387-9657
E-mail: kdayton@prob.sbcounty.gov
For the past four years, the San Bernardino County Probation Department and the Department of Behavioral Health has coordinated the Multi-Disciplinary Team process operated in the Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center to provide treatment options to detainees exhibiting a range of social, psychological and medical problems. The team meets weekly to discuss the minors and develop individual plans to meet specific needs. Additional staff was not needed to implement the program, thus a cost savings has been realized in the reduction of expensive hospitalizations as problems are managed before an individual's mental status decays to the point of medical need. This process has proven effective at providing individualized focus on juveniles in need of extra care to assist their growth and success in the community.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Retirement Medical Trust
Contact:
Andrew L. Lamberto, Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Department
157 W. Fifth Street, 1st Floor
San Bernardino, CA, 92415

Phone: 909/387-5570
E-mail: alamberto@hr.sbcounty.gov
San Bernardino County's Retirement Medical Trust was developed to help employees pay for healthcare needs after retirement in a cost effective manner. The county does not have paid healthcare for retirees, yet realizes that as costs continue to rise, they need to partner with employees. The Trust is a Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(9) that provides for tax-free individual accounts and allows contributions to be made by the county. The county contributes the cash value of unused sick leave upon separation to the Retirement Medical Trust, which incentivizes the management of sick leave. The Trust has been negotiated into several of the county's collective bargaining agreements and more than 4,500 county employees have already elected to participate.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
San Bernardino County Enhances Food Worker Training
Contact:
Jim Lindley, Interim Public Health Director
Department of Public Health
351 North Mt. View
San Bernardino, CA 92415

Phone: 909/387-9146
E-mail: jlindley@dph.sbcounty.gov
The Division of Environmental Health Services of the Department of Public Health addressed the problem of accessibility, training, communication and enforcement of training food workers on proper practices in order to reduce and protect public health. Updated training material (in English and Spanish) for the Food Industry and Retail Food Service Training Program was incorporated and new testing sites were established to ensure that food handlers on the outskirts of the county received training and were certified. The number of food workers obtaining certification has increased and levels of sanitation at facilities has increased. As food handler knowledge increases, the level of safe food handling practices increase, resulting in the reduced likelihood that people will become ill from eating at a retail food facility.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Wellness360™
Contact:
Andrew L. Lamberto, Director of Human Resources
Human Resources Department
157 W. Fifth Street, 1st Floor
San Bernardino, CA, 92415

Phone: 909/387-5570
E-mail: alamberto@hr.sbcounty.gov
Wellness360™ is a free online health management program that provides San Bernardino employees with interactive tools that promote fitness, nutrition and free medical record storage. Recently, employees' medical costs have risen, resulting in higher premiums and disability claims. The county saw the need for healthcare education and prevention and committed to solving it by teaming up with health plan providers to institute a program called "My Health Matters!" a program that encourages employees to participate in wellness initiatives. Through this program, the county opted to use the website called Wellness360™, a web-based service that promotes healthcare education and awareness. While new, it is already a cost effective way to educate employees that could result in better health plan utilization and more affordably health plan offerings.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Assessor Provides Relief to Wild Fire Victims
Contact:
Katie Schramm, Special Assistant to the Assessor
County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 109
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/557-4081
E-mail: katie.schramm@sdcounty.ca.gov
After the 2003 wildfires, homeowners received incorrect property tax bills due to late filings of Disaster Relief applications. The Assessor's Office needed a way to notify the public to file their applications and to process those applications quickly. Staff developed a plan that placed crews of staff at local assistance centers to accept disaster relief applications and inform fire victims of other benefits the Assessor/Recorder/Clerk's Office provides. For residents that fail to apply directly, the office sends a letter, along with an application directly. By working the front lines of the 2007 wildfires, assessor staff members were able to immediately provide services to victims, including assistance with filing for disaster relief and obtaining new copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates free of charge.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Camp Barrett Work Readiness Program
Contact:
Mack Jenkins, Chief Probation Officer
Probation Department
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/514-3200
E-mail: mack.jenkins@sdcounty.ca.gov
The County Probation Department and the Office of Education created the Work Readiness Program to provide employment readiness training to assist juvenile probationers as they re-integrate into the community. The program offers the young men in Camp Barrett a full range of training on job search, resume writing, application and interview skills, and job retention. It makes available to them community transitional services. The program is provided at the camp to ensure that the young men are prepared before they transition out of detention. The program also provides a career counselor specializing in state and federal transition youth programs. The project came within budget; cost savings will be realized as a result of the reduced recidivism rates among this population.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Caregiver Minor Home Modification, Refuge Component
Contact:
Ellen Schmeding, Assistant Deputy Director
Chief of Operations
PO Box 23217
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/505-6329
E-mail: ellen.schmeding@sdcounty.ca.gov
The County's Aging & Independence Services program joined with Community Action Partnership to address the needs of refugee caregivers who care for elderly/frail family members. More than 400 refugees arrive each year and in most cases, these individuals present a lack of trust in public institutions, creating a barrier to delivery and receipt of available services. The partnership resulted in an amended contract with the Jewish Family Services so that it can deliver its Minor Home Modification to refugee families in a separate and tailored fashion. The program is promoted through refugee coalition meetings and the positive results of their work are helping to reverse attitudes that had previously kept individuals from taking advantage of the services available to them.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Cash Handling Certification Program
Contact:
Detra Williams, Administrative Services Manager
Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 152
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/531-4763
E-mail: detra.williams@sdcounty.ca.gov
To mitigate the instances of cash and check counterfeiting, through traditional and new technological means, the Treasurer-Tax Collector has developed a program to strengthen and improve internal cash controls. The Cash Handling Program standardizes cash handling procedures for employees throughout the county departments and places strong internal controls to prevent mishandling. The program includes a training program that teaches employees to recognize fraud, proper cash handling techniques, loss prevention, and gives them an understanding for their responsibility and accountability. This program improves audit trails for record keeping, which makes the annual financial statement audit even more efficient and effective. The program was recognized by the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada, calling it exemplary.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence: System Response
Contact:
Chelsey Blevins, MPH
Health and Human Services Agency
4438 Ingraham Street,
San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: 858/581-5813
E-mail: chelsey.blevins@sdcounty.ca.gov
San Diego County boasts a well developed infrastructure of programs and services designed to respond to domestic violence; however, this system is characteristically adult-focused. In an effort to ensure that these services respond to children's needs in particular, the county is implementing a collaborative model to respond to the complex needs of children impacted by domestic violence. The program is funded by the Department of Justice and brings together the Health and Human Services Agency, mental health clinicians, and child welfare workers. This model is child-focused in that services include child advocacy, intensive child welfare case management and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for the child. The need for wide-ranging, intensive services is due to the long-term problems associated with childhood exposure to violence.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Community Library Mural Project
Contact:
Jose Aponte, Director
San Diego County Library
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 1511
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-2415
E-mail: jose.aponte@sdcounty.ca.gov
Three county library branches were adorned with community-themed murals to establish identity, create excitement, and make the library a memorable and increasingly attractive destination. The lackluster and hastily erected buildings of a number of library branches instilled the sense that reading and literacy were an afterthought to the community; branches had degenerated into a haven for homelessness, public drunkenness, and vandalism. The murals were a way to mark the return of these libraries to the fun, active and desirable locations they were meant to be. Murals include inspirational quotes, multicultural scenes, nature-themed scenes, mythological characters, etc. to celebrate and honor knowledge, reading, learning, cultural history, and children. They increased morale, excitement, positive identity and pride that the murals generate have led to increased library attendance and usage.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Construction Debris Reuse Program
Contact:
Donna Turbyfill, Deputy Director
Department of Public Works
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 2156
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/505-6470
E-mail: donna.turbyfill@sdcounty.ca.gov
Recycling programs are essential to reach state-mandated limits on landfill use. The county developed a program to increase recycled construction materials and encourage contractors to seek innovative ways to support the requirements. The county partnered with the contractor on the State Route 54/94 Improvement Project to reduce construction materials sent to landfills with the help of The ReUse People, a non-profit that reclaimed materials that were then offered to other departments according to their ability to re-use the materials. The program results in no additional costs to the county or contractor. In fact, the ability to redistribute and reuse the materials resulted in cost savings to the contractor, the secondary user, as well as reducing the amount of space needed in the landfill.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Continuity of Operations Planning
Contact:
Stephen Rea, Senior Emergency Services Coordinator
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 1911
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/565-3490
E-mail: stephen.rea@sdcounty.ca.gov
Developed by staff of the Office of Emergency Services, the Continuity of Operations Planning is a template based on Federal Preparedness Circular 65 that documents the processes that restore vital government services after a disaster. The plans ensure that decision-making protocols regarding the identification of essential functions, continuity of government, and the pre-identification of alternate locations are all effectively streamlined during emergency situations. The 2005 Homeland Security Grant was used to fund the project, which came within budget. The county has created 57 departmental Continuity of Operations Plans, 29 of which were implemented in full or in part during the 2007 wildfires. Implementation of the Continuity Plans has become an integral part of county-wide training exercises.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Contracting with Fiscal Integrity
Contact:
Rick Wanne, Deputy Director
Health and Human Services Agency- Agency Contract Support
1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 720
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/338-2409
E-mail: richard.wanne@sdcounty.ca.gov
The county's Health and Human Services Agency administers over $400 million in health and human service contracts each year. The amount of funding for contract services poses potential for audit risk, which would result in disallowed costs and/or reduction or loss of funding. As auditors increase their objective to recover unallowable costs, management controls must be in place to reduce potential for audit findings. The Housing and Human Services Agency Contract Support Division contributes to the controls initiative by performing audits of contractors to ensure appropriate spending; maintains audit supports; develops policies/procedures and trains staff on regulations and monitoring; and monitors financially unstable contractors to ensure continuation of services. This initiative allows the best level of service delivery, while ensuring that funding is used appropriately.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
County/Contractor Emergency Response Network
Contact:
Rick Wanne, Deputy Director
Health and Human Services Agency
1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 720
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/338-2409
E-mail: richard.wanne@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Health and Human Services Agency endeavored to increase coordination and information-sharing between its own services and that of its contractors to ensure the continuity of operations during a disaster. The County/Contractor Emergency Response Network serves that purpose by defining those services that must continue during disaster and those that may stop; analyzing and comparing contractor disaster plans to those of the agency; establishing expectations with contractors; and performing testing of plan coordination. A workgroup was convened to develop a simple assessment tool to evaluate levels of preparation and gather other important information. The information will be used in the ongoing initiative that will better enable the county to provide emergency critical services to the community.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
DUI Enforcement Team
Contact:
Mack Jenkins, Chief Probation Officer
Probation Department
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/514-3200
E-mail: mack.jenkins@sdcounty.ca.gov
The DUI Enforcement Team includes nine specially trained, armed probation officers whose duties are to supervise probationers convicted of certain DUI offenses. This team was developed to actively supervise these high-risk probationers in spite of the limited resources available to do so. The team monitors the probationer's compliance with the court's orders and conditions of probation and those in violation are taken off the streets to protect residents from further possible harm. The team enhances its effectiveness by working closely with other law enforcement agencies, assisting at DUI checkpoints, and distributing a "hot sheet" to local law enforcement alerting them to high-risk offenders in their jurisdiction. The DUI Enforcement Team also ensures that probationers are attending mandated programs to keep them on track to reform.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Enhancing the School Pedestrian Crossing Safety Program
Contact:
Donna Turbyfill, Deputy Director
Department of Public Works
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 2156
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/505-6470
E-mail: donna.turbyfill@sdcounty.ca.gov
In the unincorporated county, there are a number of school crosswalks located at curvatures or between intersecting streets that have caused residents to voice concerns of near-miss accidents between motorists and school pedestrians. The Department of Public Works has always maintained the highest level of precautionary standards; however, they were more than willing to take safety a step further by using in-pavement warning light systems to alert passing drivers of the presence of pedestrians. The Department received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to install solar- powered, wirelessly controlled systems. Since installation, the Department has received no additional safety concerns from residents and there have been no collisions at the crosswalks.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Family Self-Sufficiency Through Education
Contact:
Deborah Dyar, HPA II
Department of Housing & Community Development
3989 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-4858
E-mail: deborah.dyar@sdcounty.ca.gov
To help families residing in the county's public housing units become self-sufficient, the Department of Housing & Community Development provides parents enrolled in higher education programs workshops on life skills topics as well as homework help, writing assignments, and other such developmental tools. Scholarships are awarded to students to ensure that they are able to participate in the program. The county partnered with the University of California, San Diego, to provide on-site education and vocational services for residents. Monies from the Public Housing Capital Fund were used to establish a learning center and computer lab. In an effort to keep the program going, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it will fund another three-year grant to continue the self-sufficiency work.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
First 5 Health and Developmental Services Project
Contact:
Randall Marks, Health Projects Manager
First 5 San Diego
1495 Pacific Highway, Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/230-6473
E-mail: randall.marks@sdcounty.ca.gov
The First 5 Health and Developmental Services Project provides screening and early intervention of mild to moderate developmental problems within a coordinated system of care for families and children ages 0-5. This project responds to the fact that basic services often focus only on severe problems; are offered by unrelated and unconnected providers; and are often difficult for families to travel to. The project provides service coordination including referrals and follow-up; screening for children who present mild to severe developmental problems; and are made available at more locations increasing a parents' ability to take their children to participate in services. The project allows for early intervention which reduces the need and costs that would have become necessary were those needs not addressed early on.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Fleet Conversion for Fuel Conservation
Contact:
Roy Gray, Administrative Analyst I
Department of Housing & Community Development
3989 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-4861
E-mail: roy.gray@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Department of Housing & Community Development identified and initiated a way in which to decrease fuel consumption through the use of technologies such as hybrid drive vehicles, reduction of fleet size, and the consolidation of driving needs. Since beginning this initiative, the Department acquired 13 hybrid sedans, then over time reduced its fleet to 10 cars. The Department has realized an annual savings of 37 percent in fuel costs as a direct result of the conversion and reduction initiative. In addition to these savings, there are also important secondary benefits that are a direct result of these efforts such as the reduced number of vehicles on the County's roadways and a reduction in the amount of pollutants being released into the air.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
LACS- Centering on Mobilization and Service
Contact:
Patricia Carpenter, Customer Service & Support Manager
County Technology Office
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 306F
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 619/531-5034
E-mail: patricia.carpenter@sdcounty.ca.gov
Local Assistance Centers are strategically positioned information technology (IT) field offices that enable the public to gain access to critical services and agency support during emergencies. The key to successfully implementing this component of the emergency response plan is the identification of needed resources and then mobilization and delivery of those resources. Based on lessons learned in the 2003 Cedar Fires, the county put relief structures in place that could be called upon to quickly mobilize. During the wildfires of 2007, the county was able to successfully establish three centers in key locations within 48 hours of the start of the fires. The Local Assistance Center hubs offer a lifeline to vital services to the public as well as the agencies that are trying to reach them.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Learning Management System Implementation
Contact:
Jan Mazone, Deputy Director
Human Resources Department
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 207
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/531-5100
E-mail: janice.mazone@sdcounty.ca.gov
Each year, approximately 11,000 county employees receive training from one of the Department of Human Resources' 93,000+ training sessions. In order to streamline the registration process for these classes, the department designed, developed, and implemented an on-line registration system so that employees can register for trainings on their own. Previously, the Human Resources Department processed all registrations manually. The new system successfully increases the effectiveness of delivery of training sessions by making it easier for employees to register and take classes that pertain to their job functions. The system allows for extreme savings due to the avoidance of administrative costs and other costs related traveling, mileage, etc.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Leveraging Internal Audits
Contact:
Kenneth Mory, Chief of Audits
Office of Audits & Advisory Services M-0305
5555 Overland Drive, Bldg. 2 Rm.282
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/495-5662
E-mail: kenneth.mory@sdcounty.ca.gov
To better serve the county with continuous improvement initiatives, the Office of Audits and Advisory Services transformed its internal audit activity to focus on preventive measures, rather than after-the-fact detection, and to become a more valuable tool. These improvement activities include changes to the special advisory reports, the management advisory services reports, and audit alerts. The audit alerts are designed to share any findings specific to a particular engagement with other entities that perform similar activities. The purpose is to affect a rapid-response by all county entities to determine if a similar exception exists and to correct it. Benefits of these improvement initiatives include substantial cost avoidance due to loss of assets, correction of inefficiencies, and the cost of staff necessary for monitoring.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Library "Catalogs" and Circulates Interagency Equipment
Contact:
Betty Waznis, Assistant Director
San Diego County Library
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 1511
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-3786
E-mail: betty.waznis@sdcounty.ca.gov
The San Diego County Library is a 33-branch system that shares materials over 4,800 square-miles to deliver library services. In order to efficiently share, reserve, and move equipment, the library uses a cataloging system to circulate these items just like books. In this event booking system, equipment is given a barcode and added to the library catalog so that staff are able to reserve items according to need and availability. Since implementation, more than 5,000 items have been booked and delivered allowing the library to provide equipment in support of community outreach programs of all kinds. The event booking system has streamlined the event booking process, maximized investment and resources, and made equipment available on a fair and equitable basis to all branches.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
The MEPIC Project
Contact:
Nick Macchione, Deputy Director
Health and Human Services Agency
8965 Balboa Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/616-5996
E-mail: nick.machinoe@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Medi-Cal Eligibility Process Improvement Collaborative developed processes to improve access to and retention of public health coverage for eligible families for Medi-Cal and State Children's Health Insurance Program. Nearly half of all discontinuances are related to procedural (failure to renew) issues, not financial eligibility, which results in families having to repeat a lengthy re-application process, as well as additional costs from re-processing work. The Health and Human Services Agency participated in the process to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of the eligibility enrollment processes, as well as to improve the partnership between community organizations and the agency. With a projected decrease of 5,158 discontinued Medi-Cal applications annually, overall staff time saved ranges from 40-67 percent thereby saving the agency valuable financial resources.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Methamphetamine Laboratory Clean-up: Keeping Families Safe
Contact:
Gary W. Erbeck, Director
Department of Environmental Health
PO Box 129261
San Diego, CA 92112

Phone: 619/338-2211
E-mail: gary.erbeck@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Department of Environmental Health instituted a proactive and innovative program to safeguard residents against unnecessary eviction from properties where methamphetamine laboratories are discovered by verifying that they should be condemned before executing the eviction. The department implemented a program that includes standard operating procedures, educational publications, a preliminary site assessment plan template and a Web page to educate the public. The cornerstone of the program is a portable, filed analytical testing device that can assess a property within the first few hours. The immediate field assessment and preliminary site assessment plans save property owners time and money and save families unnecessary disruption. At least 20 of California's 58 counties have adopted San Diego County's plan template.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Miracle Field
Contact:
Denbigh Dickson, Chief
Administration Division
Department of Parks and Recreation
9150 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/966-1310
E-mail: denbigh.dickson@sdcounty.ca.gov
The county built the first American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible ball field of its kind in Southern California at the San Dieguito Regional Park. Designed to ADA standards plus improvements, the Miracle Field would be available for children and adults of all abilities. The first phase of construction was completed in May 2007 and included support structures to protect the reclaimed water reservoir it was built over, the ball field, ADA accessible dugouts, bleachers, fencing, and walkways. The second phase, which will be completed upon attainment of funds, includes additional parking, an unloading area, an ADA concession building, restrooms, walkways, irrigation, and landscaping. On opening day, the Miracle Field hosted over 100 mentally/physically challenged athletes playing for the Miracle League of San Diego.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Mobile Audit Access Program
Contact:
Katie Schramm, Special Assistant to the Assessor
County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 109
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/557-4081
E-mail: katie.schramm@sdcounty.ca.gov
In order to increase productivity in the face of a reduced workforce and an increase of state-mandated audits, the county assessor's office adopted the use of the Mobile Audit Access Program. The program allows auditors to work time by way of wireless Internet connections. This eliminates delay and postponement of audit resolutions and future appeals, while increasing productivity by allowing auditors to access real-time data in the field. The first seven months of the Mobile Audit Program resulted in an increase of production equivalent to four full-time auditors. Secondary cost savings are realized as a result of less travel/mileage, less paper supplies, and better customer service resulting in fewer appeals, which further serves to lighten the burden on county resources.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Online Camping Reservation System
Contact:
Denbigh Dickson, Chief
Administration Division
Department of Parks and Recreation
9150 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/966-1310
E-mail: denbigh.dickson@sdcounty.ca.gov
In 2004, the Department of Parks and Recreation developed an online camping reservation system to offer residents and visitors expanded services, and the convenience of increased access to reservation information. Customers are able to make real-time reservations and payments up to one year in advance. Now more than 65 percent of reservations are made online, as opposed to by telephone, which was only available during normal business days/hours and previously not capable of real-time delivery. The Web-based, online system is provided by an outside service provider, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain servers, software, and other equipment. Overall, the new system has saved the Department approximately $110,000 in reservation-related costs, and two staff positions were realigned to elsewhere in the Department.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Preparing People with Disabilities for a Disaster
Contact:
Stasia Place, Emergency Services Coordinator
Office of Emergency Services
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 1911
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/565-3490
E-mail: stasia.place@sdcounty.ca.gov
To assist county residents with special needs and disabilities, the Office of Emergency Services developed an education tool known as a "Preparedness Wheel." Similar to other county measures to prepare the populace for emergencies, this wheel specifically addresses the concerns of the organizations that work with people with disabilities. More than 75,000 of the double-sided magnetized wheels have been distributed and high demand has encouraged the county to produce more in multiple languages. It conveys information ranging from personal medical information to a directory of available resources. The Preparedness Wheel Designed Especially for People with Disabilities is only one component of a multi-faceted educational outreach campaign to engage people with disabilities and their caretakers in planning efforts to mitigate the ramifications of disasters.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Preschool Developmental Health Screenings in Libraries
Contact:
Pat Downs, Youth Services Coordinator
San Diego County Library
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 1511
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-2370
E-mail: pat.downs@sdcounty.ca.gov
In order to increase proximity to county-provided services to the 150,000 medically underserved children, the Family Health Centers of San Diego and the County Library partnered to offer free, 15-minute developmental screenings before and after storytimes at the library. Free, quality health and developmental services are available and families are referred for follow-up when necessary. This partnership promotes health and wellness by removing geographic and bureaucratic barriers to health and developmental care access. Thirteen branches have participated and 45-plus preschoolers have been screened. This program allows the library and the family health centers to engage in their mutual mission of providing important health and wellness services to residents of San Diego County in innovative and efficient ways.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
The Process of Ethical Decision Making
Contact:
Eloy G. Villa, Director
Office of Internal Affairs
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 400
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/531-574
E-mail: eloy.villa@sdcounty.ca.gov
In an effort to ensure that the County of San Diego serves as an ethical leader in the region, the Office of Internal Affairs developed the training program to provide the tools to identify ethical dilemmas and make ethical decisions. The training program called, "See the Light/Be the Light: The Process of Ethical Decision Making" was designed for county executives and unclassified managers and includes a video, interactive exercises and case scenarios. Elements for making ethical decisions were also discussed. The main theme of the training was for executives and managers to practice ethical thinking and behaviors on a day-to-day basis to model such behavior for their employees. The training encourages group discussion on ethics on a regular basis to reinforce this important value.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
RCCC-Regional Continuum of Care
Contact:
Dolores Dias, HPA IV
Department of Housing & Community Development
3989 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-4808
E-mail: dolores.diaz@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Regional Continuum of Care is the lead entity for the Homeless Continuum of Care in San Diego County; its purpose is to identify gaps in services and establish funding priorities that will best direct the available funding. This cooperative community group consists of representatives from all 18 cities within the county and serves by rating and ranking projects applying for federal funds, develops strategies, and provides a comprehensive vision for entities seeking to prevent and alleviate homelessness. They work to ensure access to the Regional Continuum of Care, provide for inter-agency collaboration, promote the efficient use of resources, impact planning processes, educate stakeholders on futuristic consequences of actions, coordinate federal applications for homeless housing assistance funding, and actively advocate for the homeless population.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Records Management: Revamped and Revived
Contact:
Rich Grudman, ERP Systems Administrator
Department of Purchasing and Contracting
10089 Willow Creek Road, Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92131

Phone: 858/537-2535
E-mail: rich.grudman@sdcounty.ca.gov
In an effort to revamp and revive the outdated and technologically limited Records Management Program, the county overhauled the program from the ground up beginning in 2006. Six operations staff were hired; the administrative policy for records was re-written; a new philosophy of proactive, communicative customer service was adopted; new technologies were introduced; goals were tied to incentive pay programs; training materials were produced such as web-based training and tip-laden e-mails; and a climate controlled facility managed by the county now stores 120,000 reels of microfilm. This revamped system serves to mitigate potential risks associated with having a poorly managed records program. This program revitalization has raised awareness of the importance of properly storing records throughout all levels of the organization.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Registrar of Voters Improves Mail Ballot Processing
Contact:
Deborah Seiler, Registrar of Voters
Registrar of Voters Office
5201 Ruffin Road, Suite I
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-3403
E-mail: darren.neal@sdcounty.ca.gov
As voters continue to use vote-by mail ballots in increasing numbers, the Registrar of Voters is faced with accurately processing the ballots, while keeping labor hours to a minimum and delivering the results of elections quickly to the public they serve. In response, the Registrar changed from pre-ordering mailing ballots to an on-demand system so as not to order too many or too few ballots. The process used to deal with returned ballots was analyzed to identify areas of improvement that would have a significant impact on the cost of labor, decrease the occurrence of backed-up ballots, and allow the department to count the ballots faster and sooner. Since implementing the new processes, major improvements in ballot counting has been realized.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
SARMS- Substance Abuse Recovery
Contact:
Dolores Diaz, HPA IV
Department of Housing & Community Development
3989 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-4804
E-mail: dolores.diaz@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Substance Abuse Recovery Management System Housing Program is a unique rental assistance program designed to reunite children in foster care with parents who are in court-ordered substance abuse recovery programs. High housing costs in the county make it difficult for these parents to provide a healthy environment for their children thus lending to their inability to reunite with their children upon completion of treatment programs. Participants are given a voucher to enter into lease agreements in which they are responsible for 30 percent of the rent in safe, decent, and sanitary housing. Closely monitored by the courts, the program has "graduated" 22 families in the last 24 months. Graduating families have maintained sobriety and have met requirements set by the courts for continued child custody.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
SB 618 Prisoner Re-entry
Contact:
Mack Jenkins, Chief Probation Officer
Probation Department
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/514-3200
E-mail: mack.jenkins@sdcounty.ca.gov
The SB 618 Reentry Program is a multi-agency collaboration designed to reduce recidivism of parolees by assessing, addressing, and correcting criminogenic needs and risks. The program work groups reviewed scholarly literature relating to effective correctional practices and identified evidence-based strategies to reduce recidivism by helping non-violent offenders become contributing, law-abiding citizens. A risk/strength assessment is conducted to identify each parolee's dynamic and static criminogenic risk factors and strengths, and then a life plan is developed to increase their chance for success upon reintegration into society. Parolees are tracked by an outside agency for 36 months following release to monitor their success or failure in society. Of the 40 program participants released on parole thus far, only three have returned to prison for parole violations.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
School Zone Circulation Reviews and Improvements
Contact:
Donna Turbyfill, Deputy Director
Department of Public Works
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 2156
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/505-6470
E-mail: donna.turbyfill@sdcounty.ca.gov
The School Zone Circulation Reviews and Improvements Program is a cooperative effort between public agencies and the motoring public to ensure orderly traffic control and smooth progression for all pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and school buses through school zones. The program began with a field review to clarify the underlying issues and identify a joint approach to address the multi-faceted situation. The solutions identified include method notification to parents, installation of regulatory traffic controls, law enforcement patrols, in-pavement lights to maximize visibility of marked school crosswalks, increased signage and pavement markings, and adult crossing guards. The joint efforts of parents, school representatives, law enforcement, and county staff have allowed for increased communication and positive relationships to ensure the minimization of school-related congestion/traffic delays.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Service Contract Compliance and Audit Program
Contact:
Michael Furlong, Contract Administrator
Department of General Services
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 2207
Building 2, Room 220
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-3380
E-mail: michael.furlong@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Department of General Services created the consolidated Service Contract Compliance and Audit Program in order to effectively measure and enforce contract compliance, and to ensure performance quality from contract services including custodial, landscaping, elevator maintenance, etc. The program ties contract compliance requirements to payments; contracts now include language allowing the county to reduce payment on invoices when requirements are not fully met. As a result, contractors are incentivized financially to provide high quality services within contract parameters. Costs incurred for this program are offset/justified by the dollars saved in payment reductions to contractors. Monthly field inspections indicate a steady increase in service contractor performance. This program is also a good tool for pre-award surveys and disqualifying poor-performing vendors from future contract awards.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Special Populations Partnership
Contact:
Pam Smith, Director
Aging & Independence Services
9335 Hazard Way
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/495-5858
E-mail: pam.smith@sdcounty.ca.gov
To mitigate the risks to persons with special needs during an emergency or disaster, the Special Populations Partnership was created between the Office of Emergency Services, Public Health Services, and Aging & Independence Services. The collaboration among these departments has resulted in the inclusion of those with special needs in the county's disaster preparedness, planning, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. The partnership developed the Preparedness Wheel, which is a tool to educate this vulnerable population; over 100,000 Preparedness Wheels have been distributed to persons with functional and medical assistance needs. The county established a special population coordinator position in the Care and Shelter branch of the Emergency Operation Center. These efforts added to the extraordinary response to special-needs persons during the Firestorm of 2007.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Stormwater Facility (MS4) Mapping
Contact:
Donna Turbyfill, Deputy Director
Department of Public Works
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 2156
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/505-6470
E-mail: donna.turbyfill@sdcounty.ca.gov
Through GIS mapping, the Department of Public Works maintains an inventory of drainage facilities and culverts for maintenance and troubleshooting. Using cutting-edge technology culvert inlets and flood control, channels were mapped showing flow direction and connections. The information generated from mapping is used as data for the drainage master plan studies, which examine study areas in detail and recommend future upgrades to drainage facilities. Placing culverts on the map helps eliminate double counting and other errors. This has helped pinpoint problem areas when local flooding occurs and has increased identification of pollution sources. The data enable staff and developers to determine the presence of county drainage facilities in an area of interest, thus improving the county's ability to manage environmental quality and its own facilities.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Training County Employees Before A Disaster Strikes
Contact:
Stasia Place, Emergency Services Coordinator
Office of Emergency Services
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 1911
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/565-3490
E-mail: stasia.place@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Office of Emergency Services developed a training curriculum that trains and prepares county employees to efficiently fill critical roles during disasters, such as the proper operation of a shelter. Training in shelter management and shelter working are given as well as other basic training on topics such as personal preparedness; plans for populations with special needs such as those with disabilities, children the elderly, etc.; and employees' potential roles as disaster service workers. Training materials were developed using Homeland Security Grant funds. The 2007 Wildfires were a testament to the success of the training programs when the county shelter team members successfully ran a shelter for more than 3,000 disaster victims at the height of the disaster.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Treasury Wire Administration and Request Portal
Contact:
Detra Williams, Administrative Services Manager
Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 152
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/531-4763
E-mail: detra.williams@sdcounty.ca.gov
In an effort to provide the best possible customer service, the Treasurer-Tax Collector launched the Wire Administration and Request Portal, a Web-based tool that processes requests for electronic fund transfers. The portal is used by numerous entities to initiate and approve request for fund transfers. It greatly improves internal processing of requests and cuts down on instances of error. As a Web-based service, there is no need for software purchase or maintenance. The portal provides a way for customers to request everything from non-recurring wires to making changes to existing recurring wires. The efficiency realized by the portal has resulted in reduced staff hours, improved controls over the administration of wire requests, and transparency in processing of requests. Users now receive confirmation of receipt/processing of requests.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Warrant Service Unit
Contact:
Mack Jenkins, Chief Probation Officer
Probation Department
94444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/514-3200
E-mail: mack.jenkins@sdcounty.ca.gov
In an effort to track down probation absconders and bring them back before the court, the Probation Department implemented a pro-active Warrant Service Unit comprised of one senior officer and three deputies. This unit was created to address the less-serious probationers who aren't targeted by the Regional Fugitive Task Force. Between November 2006 and May 2008, the Warrant Service Unit has succeeded in clearing over 425 outstanding warrants; all but four of the 250 arrests made by this Unit were done without the use of force. Costs for creation and support of the unit were funded by the Board of Supervisors. While there were measurable costs associated, the work done by the unit helps to hold the offender responsible both legally and financially.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
When Disaster Strikes, Collaboration is Key
Contact:
Patricia Carpenter, Customer Service & Support Manager
County Technology Department
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 306F
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619/531-5034
E-mail: patricia.carpenter@sdcounty.ca.gov
In order to communicate in real time with 3 million people and coordinate the efforts of over 300 different agencies in times of disaster, the county was able to plan a response that is comprehensive, robust, and extensively integrated. During the wildfires of 2007, the county was forced to put into action plans orchestrated after the 2003 Cedar Fires. Information technology tools implemented included WebEOC, a global crisis information management system, to AlertSanDiego to facilitate instantaneous communication with the public and provide first responders with critical situation awareness. An overwhelming percentage of the public stated that the government response to the fires was good to excellent.This success was accomplished through the seamless integration of an entire spectrum of information technology solutions.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Wildfire Zone
Contact:
Jan Gonzales, Wildfire Project Manager
Farm and Home Advisor's Office
5555 Overland Avenue, Suite 4101
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/694-8955
E-mail: jan.gonzales@sdcounty.ca.gov
In an effort to mitigate the increased threat of wildfires due to increased wildland-urban interface, the county instituted the wildfire zone program, which delivers information to the public about hazards and encourages residents to reduce risks. The multi-media education and outreach program includes a comprehensive Web site and a series of 12 wildfire information tip cards that convey relevant information on what to do before, during, and after a fire. Also included are training workshops geared toward the public and those in the fire industry. Development of the program required the coordination and collaboration of many stakeholders with multiple interests and responsibilities. The Web site proved invaluable during the 2007 wildfires, allowing access information to reduce loss to life, property, business, and natural resources.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Youthful Offender Re-Entry Program
Contact:
Mack Jenkins, Chief Probation Officer
Probation Department
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858/514-3200
E-mail: mack.jenkins@sdcounty.ca.gov
The Youthful Offender Re-Entry Program works with adults aged 18-24 to improve their ability to access community-based resources in an effort to reduce recidivism. The first phase of the program is in-custody and focuses on cognitive-behavioral intervention to address criminogenic needs. After release, bi-monthly or once weekly meetings, drug testing and waiver searches take place. This supervision phase ensures relapse prevention through continuous community-based support and reassessment. Once the probationer is considered stable, they transition to fewer contacts. To test results, a control group study design was implemented; recent statistics indicate program success in the lowered rates of recidivism, reduced drug use, lower recidivism-risk scores, and more than half had found employment.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Increased Library Service Hours and Access Points
Contact:
Natalie R. Rencher, Director of Library Services
605 N. El Dorado St.
Stockton, CA 95202

Phone: 209/937-8362
E-mail: natalie.rencher@ci.stockton.ca.us
The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library strategically increased hours and access points in response to the needs expressed through countywide needs assessments. Two new locations were opened; library hours were expanded by 30% and now include Sunday hours at the largest facilities, additional evening hours at the medium facilities, and more operation days at the smaller facilities. Library use patterns were analyzed to determine and prioritize solutions for gaps in service. Because the library's hour expansion was done strategically, it ultimately realized a significant savings in salaries despite the added hours. The library was successful at increasing the number of facilities, the number of hours, and its ability to support the needs of residents.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Surplus Inventory Application
Contact:
Sandra Dinardi, Information Systems Manager
24 S. Hunter Street, Room 6
Stockton, CA 95202

Phone: 209/935-7678
E-mail: sdinardi@sjgov.org
The San Joaquin County Surplus Inventory System is a web-based application designed to provide departments with a "trading post" for surplus county equipment. The application effectively tracks and advertises available surplus equipment so that other departments can acquire the equipment if needed without having to travel to a warehouse to select items. The most dramatic cost savings came from eliminating the need for storage at a warehouse facility; other savings were realized in less staff time needed to track items manually, less staff time spent traveling to the warehouse to search/inspect equipment, and a reduction in the instances of departments buying new to avoid the burdensome task of obtaining surplus equipment.

SAN MATEO COUNTY
Aging 2020-2030
Contact:
Mary McMillan, Deputy County Manager
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063

Phone: 650/363-4129
E-mail: mmcmillan@co.sanmateo.ca.us
In an effort to plan for the impending retirement of the Baby Boom generation, the San Mateo County Health Department, along with a multidisciplinary steering committee, created a projection model to accurately predict the demographic shift. Data collected on future characteristics of this population including health, housing, transportation, income distribution, etc., will help inform the strategic planning of city and county departments. The project was outsourced and paid for from the county general fund. The project creates future efficiency; therefore, the fiscal impact is not clear at this time. The data provide planners and decision makers with an efficient, single-point of information to use when coordinating the resources and services needed.

SAN MATEO COUNTY
Disaster Response Coordinating Committee
Contact:
Mary McMillan, Deputy County Manager
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063

Phone: 650/363-4129
E-mail: mmcmillan@co.sanmateo.ca.us
The Disaster Response Coordinating Committee is a multi-agency group that coordinates emergency response planning and grants monitoring for disasters in the county. Because several agencies are tasked with emergency response, this committee was created by the Health Department director ensure that the agencies work together to provide a clear, unified and immediate response to emergencies and maximize the use of funds by not duplicating services. The committee brings together managers of different agencies to enhance their communication and build relationships. The recent heat waves in May were the first opportunity to see the plan in action — the Public Health Department Operations Center worked with the Aging and Adult Services and the Behavioral and Recovery Services to protect the at-risk citizens.

SAN MATEO COUNTY
Hoarding Task Force
Contact:
Mary McMillan, Deputy County Manager
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063

Phone: 650/363-4129
E-mail: mmcmillan@co.sanmateo.ca.us
Hoarding behavior is the excessive acquisition and retention of a large number of possessions to the extent that the individual compromises his or her mental and medical health. The San Mateo Hoarding Task Force is a multi-agency team that uses a collaborative approach to address this public health problem. Issues that the Task Force addresses include impaired cognition, complicated estate and financial issues, and limited resources to address the long-term compulsive nature of hoarding behavior. Representatives from agencies ranging from Adult Protective Services to the Fire and Police Departments to discuss solutions to successfully deal with hoarding adults. This multi-agency approach has been successful in filling in service-gaps to better serve individuals suffering from this compulsion.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Ahead of the Game in Pavement Preservation
Contact:
Scott D. McGolpin, P.E., Public Works Director
Kevin Donnelly, Team Project Leader
Public Works Department
123 E. Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: 805/568-3011
E-mail: mcgolpin@cosbpw.netor kdonnel@cosbpw.net
The County of Santa Barbara has developed a Pavement Preservation Program that proactively extends the life of its pavement network, creating significant cost savings on repairs. Before this program, the public works department maintained roads using a "worst first" method, in which those areas in the worst condition were repaired leaving no funds to maintain and extend the life expectancy of newly paved roadways. Community-based education and outreach became the cornerstone of the Pavement Preservation Program, especially as the county made changes in repair techniques, methods and products. By using lower-cost preventive treatments on "good" pavements, the county was able to use the savings to repair "bad" pavements and bring them into the preventive maintenance cycle.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Holding the Line - Santa Maria River Levee
Contact:
Thomas D. Fayram, Deputy Public Works Director
Public Works Department
123 E. Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: 805/568-3436
E-mail: tfayram@cosbpw.net
The City of Santa Maria and surrounding agricultural land are protected from the Santa Maria River by the Santa Maria River levee. The levee has suffered years of damage from floods, storms, hurricanes, fires, etc. The short-term solution included a series of "pilot channels" to divert the river from attacking the levee at critical points. Excavation for these channels can be costly, so the county did a "reverse bid" soliciting contractors interested in obtaining the high quality construction material that would be taken from the river bed. The pilot channels were successful at diverting flow away from any direct attack on the levee. Additionally, the county actually realized a revenue of $212,000 from the contractor who won the bid to carry out the work.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
The Leadership Project - Creating a Customer Focused Organization
Contact:
Jeri Muth, Assistant Human Resources Director
Human Resources Department
1226 Anacapa Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: 805/568-2816
E-mail: jmuth@sbcountyhr.org
The Leadership Project was created in response to the Board of Supervisors' directive to create an organization committed to excellent customer service. This new business system directly links management pay to the delivery of excellent customer service. The project streamlined and improved upon the archaic classification and compensation structure previously known, while institutionalizing customer-oriented leadership competencies. The project significantly links individual performance and pay to the goals and values of the county: accountability, customer-focus, and efficiency. This project eliminated lockstep cost of living allowances for managers and executives and enabled the county to advance the alignment of line staff with the county's values and delivery of excellent customer service.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Breaking Cycles, Rebuilding Lives
Contact:
Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Director
Office of Women's Policy
70 W. Hedding Street, 11th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110

Phone: 408/299-5142
E-mail: esther.peralez-dieckmann@ceo.sccgov.org
Breaking Cycles, Rebuilding Lives: The Women's Advocacy Initiative is a gender analysis of the county's jail system, to understand the needs and life circumstances of female offenders and what can be done to improve outcomes for women. This is a jail-level collaborative between the Department of Correction, Office of Women's Policy, Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, and 72 community stakeholders. The data compiled through focus groups was released in a report that illustrated the underlying issues, gaps in support for female inmates, and long-term effects, which acts as an important guide to decision-making. A long-term collaborative effort was established to continue work on these issues and jail staff will receive gender-responsive training to enhance their ability to work with female offenders.

Santa Clara County
Countywide Health and Safety Seminar
Contact:
Janet Moody, Director
Risk Management
3210 N. First Street, Suite 202
San Jose, CA 95131

Phone: 408/441-4202
E-mail: janet.moody@esa.sccgov.org
In an effort to minimize the impacts of escalating workers' compensation costs, Santa Clara County sponsored a Countywide Health and Safety Seminar to provide information and training to all county employees. The seminar is a cost effective way to deliver required OSHA training and promote a culture of safety. Speakers conducted break-out sessions and a safety-and-health vendor show was held with more than 30 booths providing handouts and informational brochures. The county also publicly recognized safety award winners. The cost of the seminar ($75,000) came from the workers' compensation budget, which has seen a cost savings as a result of fewer injuries and the efficiency of training all employees at one time instead of individually.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Food Stamp Outreach Program
Contact:
Dr. Katherine Buckovetz, Director
Department of Employment and Benefits Services
333 West Julian Street, 5th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110

Phone: 408/491-6825
E-mail: katherine.buckovetz@ssa.sccgov.org
The Food Stamp Outreach Program was implemented to provide easy access to food stamps for individuals with hardships such as homelessness, disability and age-related constraints. Many eligible persons do not apply for food stamps because of the hardship posed by traveling to a face-to-face interview with a case worker. Outreach for the program includes waiving the interview and fingerprint requirements. Application forms were completed via telephone by community-based organization representatives, who sought out the eligible persons. Savings were realized in the 50% reduction in interviews. The program was funded with existing food stamps resources, as well as successfully linking the community-based organizations to the county.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY
Ranch Enhancement Program
Contact:
Delores Nnam, Executive Administrative Services Manager
Probation Department
2314 N. First Street
San Jose, CA 95131

Phone: 408/468-1655
E-mail: delores.nnam@pro.sccgov.org
The Probation Department implemented the Ranch Enhancement Program to increase pro-social behavior in juveniles through successful completion of behavior management programming. In an effort to reduce recidivism rates, the Probation Department changed the environment of the juvenile ranches, which were of the style of traditional correctional institutions. The culture shift means an emphasis on teaching, interaction and support using cognitive behavior management principles. The program also includes mental health, vocational training, family involvement and social skills classes. During the first year, graduates of the Enhanced Ranch Program (75% of the participants) reported that school had become more important, they relate better to their families and that the counseling by Ranch staff has helped them.

SOLANO COUNTY
Communities Creating Change: First 5 Results Fair
Contact:
Christina Arrostuto, Executive Director
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission
2300 Boynton Ave., Suite 204
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-1340
E-mail: clarrostuto@solanocounty.com
First 5 Solano established at Results Fair that works to communicate measurable results of programs and services to policymakers, service providers and the public in useful ways. The Results Fair was borne of the need to support the billions of dollars spent on programs with quantifiable outcome measures to identify trends, track benefits, avoid waste and replicate success. The Fair provided a forum for presentations for "what works" and a summary of program outcomes was generated and released. This also provides a venue for programs to display achievements, while helping policymakers and the public to understand and appreciate the value of program results. The process of developing the Community Impact Report helped to improve data collection, reporting and analysis of data to improve service quality.

SOLANO COUNTY
Dental Access for Underinsured Children
Contact:
Barbara Navolanic, Nursing Services Director
Health and Social Services
275 Beck Ave., MS 5-240
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-8600
E-mail: bnavolanic@solanocounty.com
A community task force of school nurses, public health staff and community-based organizations developed a system to address the needs of uninsured and underinsured children requiring urgent dental care. Complementing the county's "Smile in Style" preventive education program, the task force identifies children in need, recruits dental providers, facilitates access to care, and provides the funds/payment process for the treatment. An administrative process and care coordinator were established to facilitate the ongoing effectiveness of the program for families. The project was costly with funds coming from the county, Medi-Cal and Tobacco Master Agreement funds. The cost is only relevant considering that by providing urgent dental care prevents the need for more costly treatment in the immediate and future time frames.

SOLANO COUNTY
Eat Fresh, Buy Local, Stay Healthy
Contact:
Robin Cox, Health Education Manager
Health & Social Services Public Health Division
275 Beck Avenue, MS 5-240
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-8611
E-mail: rccox@solanocounty.com
The Eat Fresh, Buy Local, Stay Healthy campaign is a Community Support Agriculture program designed to connect county employees with affordable, locally grown healthy foods while striving to reduce obesity. This pilot program was created to promote and sustain local agriculture; improve the health of county employees by increasing accessibility to fresh, local produce; connect county employees to local farmers; develop the infrastructure of the Community Support Agriculture program; and serve as a role model to other employers. The planning team, inter-departmental collaboration and relationships built with the farmers were all crucial factors lending to the success of the campaign. A post-event survey returned extremely positive data and all participants are excited to expand the program in 2008.

SONOMA COUNTY
Groundwater Contamination Response Plan
Contact:
Christine Sosko
Supervising R.E.H.S
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 220
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: 707/565-6521
E-mail: csosko@sonoma-county.org
Water quality in individual domestic wells in Sonoma County is not regularly tested or regulated by any government entity. A gap existed between the public's perceived right to know about potential water hazards and the lack of a vehicle to provide that information. A Groundwater Contamination Response Plan was developed by the Department of Health Services that ensures timely notification to citizens about potential health risks. In fiscal year 2006-07, nearly 13,200 property owners were notified. Timely notification to citizens who are at risk for exposure to chemical pollutants is a benefit to all involved.

SOLANO COUNTY
Partnerships Turns Surplus Computers into Classroom Resources
Contact:
Dianne Koutz, Central Services Manager
Solano County General Services
675 Texas Street, Suite 2500
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-3105
E-mail: dekoutz@solanocounty.com
In an effort to provide Solano County schools with much needed computer resources in the face of severe budgetary restraints, the Central Services staff conducted outreach to school districts offering a partnership to provide the schools with surplus county computers. In order to remain accredited, schools are required to integrate technology into the curriculum. This requirement is ever more daunting in the face of budget cuts. This partnership has saved the participating schools approximately $100,000, while resulting in no hard costs to the county. The donated computers have enabled the schools to build computer labs, which supports the community by investing in the future of Solano County children.

SOLANO COUNTY
Pre-Appearance Process Improves Prop 36 Court Flow
Contact:
Beth Wells, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer
Solano County Probation Department
475 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-7540
E-mail: bbwells@solanocounty.com
Solano County Probation is the lead agency for the implementation of the Substance Abuse Crime Prevention Act of 2000, which allows nonviolent drug offenders access to treatment rather than incarceration. This created a need to streamline the hearing process in order to provide regular court monitoring despite a lack of judicial time and staff coverage. The solution was development of a two part pre-appearance process that is able to effectively handle 85-90% and 50-75% respectively, of the court calendar. The process needed no budget because it was handled by existing staff, yet overall saves staff time. It also serves as a motivational tool for the offenders who are incentivized to be more responsible and accountable in an effort to stay out of court.

SOLANO COUNTY
Public Defender Felony Transition College
Contact:
Jeffrey Thoma, Public Defender
Public Defender Office
675 Texas Street, Suite 3500
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-6724
E-mail: jthoma@solanocounty.com
The Public Defender Felony Transition College is an intensive and comprehensive, weeklong, in-house program that prepares deputy public defenders from seven different counties who are expected to receive their first felony caseload assignment. The program provides the additional needed training to prepare deputy public defenders for the increased levels of complexities in cases they will see as a result of higher rates of serious, violent crimes. The college is delivered to Solano County deputies at no cost to the county; the cost to offices from other counties is low at $300 per attorney. The Solano County Public Defender is certified as a Mandatory Continuing Legal Education provider so the attending attorneys receive 26 credit hours for the course.

SOLANO COUNTY
Retooling Public Health Processes for Better Outcomes
Contact:
Jill Cook, Quality Advisory Committee Co-Chair
Health & Social Services Public Health Division
275 Beck Avenue, MS 5-240
Fairfield, CA 94533

Phone: 707/784-8616
E-mail: jrcook@solanocounty.com
In an effort to bridge the gap between patient demand and limited resources, Solano Public Health has adopted the Continuous Quality Improvement principles that have positively transformed hospital facilities nationwide to meet the demands of the Public Health arena. Solano County Public Health has established a multi-disciplinary Public Health Advisory Committee whose mission is to improve the quality of public health and sustain a culture that promotes Continuous Quality Improvement through leadership. There is no formal budget and the only direct costs resulted from hiring a part-time consultant to assist in preliminary creation of a training program and technical assistance. Instituting the Improvement principles will result in increased productivity, staff time-savings, and improved health indicators.

SONOMA COUNTY
Drive-up Property Tax Payments
Contact:

Rod Dole
Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector
585 Fiscal Drive, Suite 101-F
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: 707/565-3287
Email: rdole@sonoma-county.org
Every December and April 9th and 10th, property taxpayers line up in the lobby to pay their taxes. During these days, thousands of cars will line the streets waiting to park and the line of taxpayers trails the building. The county decided to implement the idea of a drive-through drop-off service for taxpayers. Facility Operations Staff assisted in blocking of a small portion of parking spaces, making directional signs and setting up a tents and tables. The cost to provide this service on these two days is $4,000. The drive-through service has been provided for three tax periods now; more than 4,000 envelopes have been received.

SONOMA COUNTY
Groundwater Contamination Response Plan
Contact:
Christine Sosko
Supervising R.E.H.S
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 220
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: 707/565-6521
E-mail: csosko@sonoma-county.org
Water quality in individual domestic wells in Sonoma County is not regularly tested or regulated by any government entity. A gap existed between the public's perceived right to know about potential water hazards and the lack of a vehicle to provide that information. A Groundwater Contamination Response Plan was developed by the Department of Health Services that ensures timely notification to citizens about potential health risks. In fiscal year 2006-07, nearly 13,200 property owners were notified. Timely notification to citizens who are at risk for exposure to chemical pollutants is a benefit to all involved.

SONOMA COUNTY
Photovoltaic Power for County Leased Office Space
Contact:
Mike Wagner
Real Estate Manager
2300 County Center Dr. suite A200
Santa Rosa, CA 95430

Phone: 707/565-2463
E-mail: mwagner@sonoma-county.org
Sonoma County has resolved to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from county operations by 20% by the year 2010. The county's real estate manager and the contracted landlord of a 38,000-square-foot health services facility jointly developed a project to install a photovoltaic power system on the roof of the building to help aid in the county's fight to reduce GHG emissions. The county agreed to renew the lease one year early and the landlord leveraged the extended lease term to pay for the project. This project was implemented at no cost to the county or the landlord. The system generates approximately 118,000 kWh annually, reducing the landlord's annual electric bill 75 percent. The project also lowers CO2, NO2 and S02 emissions.

SONOMA COUNTY
Sonoma County's Cal Code Outreach
Contact:
David Mesagno
Supervising Environmental Health Specialist
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 220
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: 707/565-6560
E-mail: dmesagno@sonoma-county.org
In July 2007, a new state food code, governing all retail food facilities in California, became law. With over 4,000 retail food facility permit holders county-wide, an educational outreach program had to be designed. To address this issue, presentations were held and pamphlets were handed out. Both were available in English and Spanish, and a total of 448 food facility operators attended the nine meetings. Costs involved include staff time and material costs. The communication meetings have fostered communication in a non-regulatory environment. It also helped food operators incorporate measures of the new food code more quickly.

SONOMA COUNTY
Sonoma County's Environment Health Mapping
Contact:
Christine Sosko
Supervising R.E.H.S
475 Aviation Blvd, Suite 220
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: 707/565-6521
E-mail: csosko@sonoma-county.org
Reliable, timely information of known contamination of groundwater that can affect food facilities and public health is necessary so that land use decisions can protect the public and the environment. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was created to monitor the sites and detect ground water contamination through the Ground Water Contamination Response Plan and the location of food facilities. The cost to maintain GIS is minimal and is integrated into workflow of existing programs. Timely, accurate and reliable data is instantly available to multiple county agencies seeking information.

STANISLAUS COUNTY
Combating Illegal Dumping in Stanislaus County
Contact:
Jami Aggers, Assistant Director
Department of Environmental Resources
3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite C
Modesto, CA 95358

Phone: 209/525-6768
E-mail: jaggers@envres.org
Illegal dumping activities in Stanislaus County have been an area of focus for a number of years. A Task Force was created to continually address and assess the situation, as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of programs in use. Programs that proved ineffective such as surveillance cameras and deputies dedicated to the challenge were terminated to cut program costs. Neighborhood clean-up days, bulky item drop-off collection sites and education campaigns are utilized to encourage and incentivize community members to dispose of waste properly. By eliminating ineffective programs and concentrating efforts on those that are effective, the county saved $331,000, illegal dumping sites have decreased, fewer tires have been dumped, and turnaround time for clean-up has decreased significantly.

SUTTER COUNTY
Sutter County Crime Endangered Children Project
Contact:
Paula Kearns, MSW, Social Worker Supervisor
PO Box 1599
Yuba City, CA 95992

Phone: 530/822-7227
E-mail: kearnp@cws.state.ca.us
Crime Endangered Children is a county-wide multidisciplinary program dedicated to promoting community awareness and education regarding crimes against children. Sutter County Child Protective Services initiated this project with numerous community organizations to address the challenge of bridging the gap between the different services and systems that a family may be involved with. The enhanced communication as a result of the project allows for a more proactive response to a child's needs. A main component of the project is an educational campaign with informational materials regarding child abuse and neglect published in multiple languages. The Crime Endangered Children program is easily replicated and has improved delivery of services as well as time savings through the streamlined services.

TULARE COUNTY
Community Disaster Partners Task Force
Contact:
Amber Smith, Administrative Specialist
5957 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277

Phone: 559/737-4660
E-mail: amsmith@tularehhsa.org
The Community Disaster Partners Task Force is a collaboration of government and non-governmental agencies, formed to enhance coordinated disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery efforts. During the 2007 freeze disaster, the Freeze Relief Task Force provided effective coordination of efforts among community-based, private sector, faith-based and local government agencies; the county recognized that the structure of the Freeze Task Force needed to be replicated and institutionalized. The Freeze Task Force was transitioned into the Community Disaster Partners Task Force. Tulare County's overall disaster readiness has already improved; better utilization of resources has been actualized. There is less duplication of effort and consistent message to community members in times of disaster can be provided.

TULARE COUNTY
Construction Trades Training Program
Contact:
Henry Hash, Director
William Hayter, Assistant Director
Resource Management Agency
5961 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277

Phone: 559/733-6291 x4301
E-mail: bhayter@co.tulare.ca.us
The Resource Management Agency Tulare County Construction Trades Training Program provides hands-on construction education and training to at-risk young adults with the goal of increasing employment opportunities. The program is funded through contributions from the eight Redevelopment Project Areas of the Redevelopment Agency, as well as several competitive grants. The program has resulted in numerous completed construction projects in Tulare County, as well as many program participants being trained and certified to operate heavy equipment, such as the bobcat and backhoe. The greatest testament to the program's success is the rate at which program graduates have found employment. One hundred percent of the trainees have acquired employment.

TULARE COUNTY
The Loop
Contact:
Henry Hash, Director
Jean Brou, Assistant Director-Transportation
Resource Management Agency
5961 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277

Phone: 559/733-6291 x4004
E-mail: jbou@co.tulare.ca.us
The Loop Bus - The Safe Connection for Youth is a free bus service that provides at-risk youth the opportunity to connect with recreational opportunities at youth centers around Tulare County. The Resource Management Agency (RMA) joined forces with the 2006 Gang Intervention Task Force to be a part of the solution to the growing gang problem; The Loop is the RMA-Transportation agencies' solution measure to suppress gang activities in the county. Funding came from Measure "R," a local half cent transportation sales tax. The Loop Bus has safely transported over 1000 at-risk youth from the rural communities to various recreational opportunities at the Anthony Community Center in Visalia. This year, The Loop Bus will expand service to reach more youth than before.

TULARE COUNTY
Step Up Anti-Gang Initiative
Contact:
Eric Coyne, Media and Tourism Manager
2800 W. Burrel Ave.
Visalia, CA 93291

Phone: 559/733-6531
E-mail: ecoyne@tularehhsa.org
In response to the increase in gang-related violence in Tulare County, local leaders formed the Step Up Anti-Gang Initiative to develop strategies that reduce gang violence and its influence on youth. The goal of the initiative is to provide the community with gang awareness and to provide more opportunities for at-risk youth to make positive contributions to their communities. Three Step Up Gang Summits were hosted by the Tulare County Task Force, which attracted about 3,500 people, all of which received positive feedback and spurred similar student led events. The initiative raised $35,000 to create summer jobs for at-risk youth through the Step Up Job Training Program.

TUOLUMNE COUNTY
View Finder Project
Contact:
Shirlee Juhl, Chief Probation Officer
465 South Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370

Phone: 209/533-7500
E-mail: sjuhl@co.tuolumne.ca.us
The View Finder Project was created by the Tuolumne County Probation Department, Recreation Department, Library and others as a part of an after school program to engage youth in positive activities thereby deterring them from juvenile delinquency. Classes in digital photography are held during hours when statistics show most juvenile crime is conducted. Start-up costs for the project were about $10,000 for equipment funded through the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act allocation; the space, instructor's time, materials, entry fees and snacks are all donated by various law enforcement groups, service clubs and individual citizens. The View Finder Project promotes positive social behavioral skills by building self confidence while deterring juvenile delinquency.

VENTURA COUNTY
Build It Smart! Website
Contact:
Kim Rodriguez, Planning Director
Ventura County Planning Division
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009-1740

Phone: 805/654-2481
E-mail: kim.rodriguez@ventura.org
The Build It Smart! Website was developed to explain to Ventura County community members in a down-to-earth message about the actions, techniques, products and building materials that are gaining wider use as a way to reduce energy demand. The site offers ideas and pointers for improving building efficiency, helpful tips to maximize energy efficiency in homes, as well as real-life examples of citizens' efforts help to instruct and acknowledge those working diligently in this area. The project was completed within budget and funded by a grant from the Southern California Association of Governments. Website visit tracking indicates that the public is eager to gain the information provided from the Build It Smart! Website especially now that all the facts are readily available on one site.

YOLO COUNTY
Yolo County Newspaper Column on County Programs
Contact:
Beth Gabor, Public Information Officer
Department of Public Information
62 Court Street, Room 202
Woodland, CA 95695

Phone: 530/666-8042
E-mail: beth.gabor@yolocounty.org
The Yolo County Public Information Officer partnered with The Davis Enterprise to produce a monthly newspaper column, which highlights the county programs, services and policies that are available to the community. Topics include information on the county budget, in-home support services, the Strategic Plan, the Workforce Investment Board and many others. The columns also provide an avenue for outreach and recognition for departments that rarely receive public recognition. The monthly columns are written by college and high school interns, staff members and occasionally county employees from other departments; columns are published free of charge resulting in an extremely low cost way to provide citizens with important information.

YOLO COUNTY
Yolo County Tobacco Education Smoke-Free Apartments Project
Contact:
Steven Jensen, Health Program Coordinator
Department of Public Health
137 N. Cottonwood Street
Woodland, CA 95695

Phone: 530/666-8616
E-mail: steven.jensen@yolocounty.org
The Yolo County Health Department, in collaboration with students from the University of California, Davis, developed the Tobacco Education Smoke-Free Apartments Project in an effort to educate landlords and tenants on the health dangers of secondhand smoke. The project also urges public officials to develop policy regarding secondhand smoke to protect those at risk, mainly populations in the lower socioeconomic who are at higher risk of exposure. Costs for this project were considerably low as work was conducted by UC Davis student interns, who benefited from the real-world experience they gained. As a result of their findings and subsequent publicity, numerous apartment complexes have gone smoke-free and Woodland adopted a resolution encouraging apartment owners to do the same.

YUBA COUNTY
Yuba County GoLibrary
Contact:
Loren MccRory, Librarian
303 2nd Street
Marysville, CA 95901

Phone: 530/749-7380
E-mail: lmccrory@co.yuba.ca.us
A first in the nation, GoLibrary is a robotic book dispenser that allows for citizens in remote parts of Yuba County to access books. The County Library has always gone to great lengths to provide resources to those living in remote areas utilizing traditional means such as traveling Bookmobiles. The GoLibrary device replaces the need for that service by continuously holding up to 500 books and allowing more distant community members 24 hour access to library resources. The cost of this technology (approx. $150,000) makes hundreds of books available to a small community, without the usual costs associated with building, maintaining, and running a library. The Library anticipates a significant increase in registered library patrons as a result of this new technology.