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

S E C O N D Q U A R T E R 2 0 0 7V O L U M E 1 2 • N U M B E R 2

No More ButtsTom Vasgird—Auditor-Controller’s Office

Many of us can remember the cloudsof cigarette smoke creeping over ourcubicle walls like late afternoon fogsloping over Mt. Tam, 15 and moreyears ago. Or the oral board memberwith his cigarette-in-mouth mumble. Weprobably attended staff meetings withchain-smoking colleagues. In those dayswe all were part of the smoking culture.■ We’ve come a long way. The torridrelationship with smoking has certainlyseen its rise and fall. The fall, or thebeginning of the smoke-free culture,began incrementally in the workplace.First, smoking was banned in JuvenileHall; not only were kids not allowed tosmoke anymore, but staff had to go outside to do so. The jail followed suit.Then smoking was prohibited in theCivic Center cafeteria, except for theback four rows of tables (as if smoke

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restricted itself to that area). Then, in 1990, following the passage ofProposition 99, Marin County beganreceiving funds which led to the hiringof Elizabeth Emerson (H&HS) as headof the Alcohol, Drug and TobaccoDivision, and the creation of theTobacco Related Disease ControlProgram (TRDCP), which funds smoke-free education campaigns. ■

Initially, Elizabeth’s job was to promote smoke-free education and assist withProposition 99 compliance. She went onto develop a highly successful county-wide tobacco control program andorganized a coalition of residents andvoluntary health agencies to overseethe program. The coalition became theSmoke Free Marin Coalition (SFMC),which includes the American Cancer

L to R: Bob Curry, Elizabeth Emerson, and Shae Ladnier are shown with maps of states andcountries that have requested the county's HHS-ADT Tobacco Related Disease Control Program’seducational materials, training, and guides.

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member of the Crisis Unit. Today,Carol supervises graduate psychologyinterns, facilitates case conferencesand a practicum, and leads trainingsand a weekly clinical topics seminar.Her passion and dedication are evident in her glowing expression, “Ilove what I do. Supervising is moralebuilding—you are mentoring the nextgeneration,” says Carol. ■ Carol’scolleague and co-trainer, MarisolMunoz-Kiehne (H&HS) remarked,“Three words come to mind: brilliance,dedication, and kindness. Carol makeseach and every intern feel special,supported, and competent.” ■ Freshout of UC Berkeley’s School of Public

“I have the sweetest job in the system,”boasts Dr. Carol Kerr (CommunityMental Health Services, H&HS), theOutstanding Supervisor of Volunteersfor 2006–2007. Art Marthinsen(Environmental Health Services, CDA),the Outstanding Volunteer of 2006–2007, says he likes volunteering “for allof the ‘good stuff’—the camaraderie,the people, and the satisfaction ofdoing something really well.” ■

Carol and Art were honored by theBoard of Supervisors on April 10 fortheir outstanding contributions tocounty programs. ■ A former highschool English teacher, Carol startedworking for CMHS in 1986 as a

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Sweetest Job and Good StuffBy Shirley Trimble and Megan Numair—HR

Under the new ordi-nance you MAY NOT

SMOKE in places ofemployment, to

include constructionsites, taxis, and

warehouses; in publicareas, including out-

door dining areas,parks, playgrounds,

bus stations, andfarmers’ markets; inATM lines and ticket

windows; in mosthotels and all bed-

and-breakfasts; andwithin 20 feet of any

entrance to a placewhere smoking is

banned.

Art Marthinsen, Outstanding Volunteer ofthe Year

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Carol Kerr, Outstanding Supervisor ofVolunteers of the Year

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

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

Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7167Heather Burton, Aud–Cont. Office, 499-6169Jack Govi, County Counsel’s Office, 499-6117Cio Hernandez, H&HS, 507-2848Larry Kay, Public Works, Nicasio Corp.Yard, 446-4421Kelley Litz, H&HS Admin., 20 N. San Pedro Road,

San Rafael, 499-6924Megan Numair, Staff to Editorial Board, Human

Resources, Civic Center Volunteers, 499-7407Joe Spaeth, Public Defender, 499-6321

Design: Rob Roehrick, Roehrick Design Copy Editor: Bill Pryor, Civic Center

Volunteers Photographer: Janice Hughes, D.A.’s OfficeProofreaders: Jane Donohue, Leslie Miller,

and Christine Walcoff, Civic Center Volunteers

Printing: Marin County Printing Services

Frankly Speaking is a quarterly publication for and by Marin County employees. It is accessible with paychecks, on the MINE hompage, and at www.co.marin.ca.us—enter Frankly Speaking in the searchbox. E-mail articles, cartoons, photos, poems, etc., tojbrown@co.marin.ca.us. For articles please identifysubject, your name, and phone number. For photos,include all names and the photographer’s name. Digitalphotos must be shot at the highest quality setting.

Reporter of the Quarter: Deborah Lewis

ScheduleArticles Due Publication DateTuesday, June 5 Friday, August 17Tuesday, Sept. 11 Friday, Nov. 7Tuesday, Dec. 4 Friday, Feb. 1, 2008

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

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

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

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Take Me Out to the Ball GameCounty co-ed softball season begins in May. Games are played mid-week and start at 6:00 p.m. at McInnis Park, San Rafael. If you are interested in joining a team, or forming one of your own, pleasecontact Rich Estrada at 415-897-3827 or emailestradasix@verizon.net.

L to R: Keevan Hesus of the Navajo Nation and David Escobar (BOS) of the Lenca-PotonNation sing an honor song for all native people in the Cesar Chavez movement who workedin the fields alongside Mexican and Filipino workers. David’s daughter Wakinysela-ska,who is half Lakota, helped hold the drum.

The event was organized by the Marin County Latino employees’ group Olé. SupervisorJudy Arnold praised the importance of the work of great non-violent leaders includingMahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy, and Cesar Chavez. The PBS filmof Chicano singer/composer Lalo Guerrero’s life was introduced by his son, Mark, whosang to employees and Marin middle school students on March 29.

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Clean Water, Safe PetsBy Gina Purin—DPW

OWOW stands for OurWater—Our World. It’sa campaign to preventpesticide pollution of local creeks and the bay.Marin County StormwaterPollution PreventionProgram (MCSTOPPP)works with 15 local nurs-eries and hardware storesto educate the public aboutalternatives to using toxicpesticides in their homesand gardens. It does thisthrough various mecha-nisms, the main one beingthe use of “shelf-talkers,”

that identify products that are safer for people and pets. Information also can be obtained through fact sheets available at participating stores. ■ Three factsheets address issues that are pertinent to pets. Metaldehyde is an ingredient that isvery toxic to pets and is found in many snail bait formulas. A preferable alterna-tive is iron phosphate, which is not harmful to pets. It is discussed in the Snail andSlug fact sheet that is part of the program. Another fact sheet is on lawn care.Lawn weed killers and insecticides are rarely, if ever, needed. They are linked tocanine cancers. ■ For more information, check out the OWOW website atwww.ourwaterourworld.org, or call Gina Purin at 415-499-3202. ■

Safe products on display

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By Steve Petterle—P&OS

I read an interesting article yesterdayabout a study from a reputable uni-versity. The study found that peoplerecognized written words based onthe first and last letters in the word, the word length, and the letters inbetween the first and last letters. That’snothing new. But the really amazingthing was that the odrer of letters inbetewen the first and lsat letters madelittle difefrecne in an indviidaul’sabiltiy to copmrehend the wrod! ■

So, I treid it and it’s true! Tehn, Ibegan thikning of all the time andefofrt I’d put into maknig srue taht mymemos, lettres and reprots didn’t hvaeany tpyograhpical erorrs in them.What a watse! Why had I worired somuch? Eevn if it wsan’t spleled rihgt,even if it wsan’t perceft, peolpe wuoldhvae stlil udnertsood waht was binegsiad as lnog as the fisrt and last lettreswree right! (There’s smkoe conimgfrom the auto-corrcet on my copmtuerrihgt now!) ■ Of coruse, there areporblmes wtih words like “from” and“form” or “three” and “there,” but thehuamn mnid is cabaple of undars-tendnig cnotext pretty eaisly. Forexmalpe, if sonoeme aksed for a “taxfrom,” tehy wulod amslot carteinly geta “tax from” and not a “tax form.”Taht preson colud eevn ask for therefroms so tehy wulod hvae etxras incsae of a mitsake. ■ Stlil, nnoe of uswluod wnat sonoeme ot tihnk that wedno’t konw hwo to slpel ro taht wr’eento pyinag atetniton. The sloutoin hreeis ovbiuos—msisplel sa mnay wrodsas posibsle. A redaer mihgt nitoce oenor two erorrs, but fi eyervthnig is msis-pleled, teh sucboncsiuos mnid wlil tkeeoevr. (Isn’t ti intesertnig taht in oderrot delirebalety mispsell a wrod, oenhsa frist to konw hwo to slpel ti?) ■

Aynawy, ti’s smoetnihg to tnihk aobutthe nxet tmie you’re cnofornetd wtihprapering a wrtiten doucnemt. ■

PERSPECTIVE

P E T T E R L E ’S

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By Steve Petterle—P&OS

The Marin County Fair is the fair that rocks. And the Western FairsAssociation agrees. That’s why theyrecognized the Marin County Fairwith a ton of awards (22, to be exact).But Fair Manager Jim Farley and theHealthy Marin Partnership are mostproud of awards for “Healthy FoodChoices” and the “Healthy MarinPartnership Prevention Pavilion.”Linda Armstrong (H&HS), Lillie Kocher(American Cancer Society), and JanetFranklin (Kaiser) helped move themessage of health along to the com-munity. They’re absolutely “fairtastic!”It’s stuff like this that keeps the MarinCounty Fair on the cutting edge. ■

Building on the success of the pastfour years, the Fifth Annual PreventionPavilion at the 2007 Marin County Fairwill be even bigger and better, featur-ing interactive exhibits, games, prizes,and information encouraging fairgoers to make healthy choices whileat the fair and after. ■ Over the pastthree years the Prevention Pavilion hasgarnered great attention, both locallyand as a model to fairs across theregion, for innovative approaches toencourage people of all ages to make

healthy choices. In 2006 the innova-tion of Play Fair and the PreventionPavilion were responsible for three ofthe Achievement Awards bestowed onthe Marin County Fair by the WesternFairs Association. The fair and pavil-ion were acknowledged for “movingbeyond alcohol” with Play Fair andtitle sponsorship of the fair, efforts topartner with the fair’s food vendors forincreasing availability and promotionof healthful menu options, and theincredible community outreach done(in English and Spanish) in thePrevention Pavilion. ■ The PreventionPavilion is a collaborative effortinvolving 41 community agencies thatwork with families and youth. Thiscoalition includes many divisions ofthe Department of Health and HumanServices, including Alcohol and OtherDrug Prevention, Children’s HealthDisability Program, Childhood LeadPoisoning, Dental Services, Nutrition& Wellness, Public Health Nursing,Women’s Health Services, and theWomen’s, Infants’, and Children’sProgram. ■ This year’s fair, AquaticAdventures, runs from June 30 to July4. Be there and be healthy! ■

The Honorable Paul Haakenson (Courts) hands his jacket to his daughter before donninghis new judicial robe. Judge Haakenson, formerly a Deputy District Attorney, was sworn inon March 1. Judge Lynn Duryee and Commissioner Randolph Heubach (Courts) look on.

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Big Winner Again

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By Kathleen Koblick—H&HS

One woman drinks two glasses ofwine a day and has her first baby at40. Her next door neighbor drinks thesame amount and has her first baby atthe same age. All of their other breastcancer risks are the same. Only one isdiagnosed with breast cancer. Why? ■

Concerned about the pervasivenessof breast cancer in Marin, in 2006the Marin County Department ofHealth and Human Services (H&HS)Community Epidemiology Programlaunched the Marin Women’s Study,a major breast cancer research effortin Marin County. This novel program,designed and led by Marin County, is a collaborative effort involving theBuck Institute, the Fred HutchinsonCancer Research Center, KaiserPermanente, Marin General Hospital,and UCSF. The development andimplementation of the study has been

Marin County Leads Novel Research Program

explore and unlock the mysterieshidden in the development and pro-gression of breast cancer. This hasgreat potential to unravel the mysteriesand to begin more effective measuresin the prevention of breast cancer.” ■

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey andSenator Barbara Boxer lobbied toobtain federal funding to study the ele-vated rates of breast cancer in Marin.Congresswoman Woolsey said, “TheMarin County Department of Health &Human Services has taken a remark-able leadership role in coordinatingthe Marin Women’s Study. I amproud to be a partner with the MarinWomen’s Study and will continue towork to secure further federal fundingfor these vital research efforts.” Withcongressional, academic, medical,and advocacy powerhouses backingthe study, and an incredibly involvedcommunity of women in Marin partici-pating in the study, we are sure tomake the study a great success! ■

All of Marin's mammography sites areparticipating in the study. It is hopedthat 20,000 women will be enrolled.Community Epidemiology ProgramChief Rochelle Ereman says, “We areasking Marin women to take the timeto fill out the Marin Women’s Studyquestionnaire at their next mammo-gram. A small amount of your timewill benefit generations.” For compre-hensive information call 415-507-4077or go to www.marinwomensstudy.org.■ Women in need without healthinsurance may call 507-2578 for areferral for a low- or no-cost mammogram. ■

guided by a Community InvolvementGroup (CIG) comprised of members of 15 community-based organizationsin Marin County. “A critical compo-nent in the development of the MarinWomen’s Study has been gatheringinput from the community,” saysProject Coordinator Kathy Koblick

(H&HS). EpidemiologistsChris Corniola, MarkPowell, and Lee AnnPrebil (H&HS) run theresearch, while Kathycoordinates communityoutreach. RochelleEreman (H&HS) is the study’s PrincipalInvestigator. ■

The study is aimed atgathering risk factor,biological, and breasthealth data to allow usto examine the linksamong Marin women’shistories, biological factors such as genetics

and hormone levels, and their breasthealth. Marin women 40 and over areencouraged to enroll in the study whenthey go for a routine mammogram.High-risk women under 40, receivingroutine mammograms, are alsoincluded. Some women will also beasked to provide blood and/or salivasamples for research. All of this infor-mation will then be linked with the outcomes of women’s mammograms.According to H&HS Director Dr. LarryMeredith, “…the Marin Women’sStudy will bring together our commu-nity to enable researchers … to

Marin Women’s Study Community Epidemiology Work Team, wearingMarin Women's Study baseball hats L to R: Rochelle Ereman, MS, MPH;Kathy Koblick, MPH; Cicily Emerson, MSW; Julie Van Winkle, MPH;Mark Powell, MD, MPH; Jennifer Welle, MPH

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By Megan Numair—HR

Despite the bonus hours so graciously offered by daylight savings, do you continue to find it tough to fit exercise intoyour day during the work week? For many of us, the jugglingact of work, family, and personal time is enough to make usthink our life’s theme song would be more appropriatelyheard under a circus tent! For anyone who might not beaware, perhaps this FYI will inspire an alternative to giving

up on your fitness plan altogether; the Civic Center hasshowers available to employees. On the second floor of theAdministration building is a women’s shower in room 201,and a men’s shower is in room 231, near the cafeteria. If you work at the Civic Center, a mid-day run or bike ride ispossible now that showers are accessible. A shower key isneeded—see your department’s CAO for details. ■

Employees Showered with a Gift

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Saving the World—and Money—One Department at a TimeBy Omar Peña—CDA

Do you find yourself turning off unnecessary lights at work and athome? Doing laundry after 7 p.m.?Recommending compact fluorescents toyour family and friends? If so, you’renot alone. In fact, employees frommany county departments were busy in the last year getting down to thebusiness of sustainability. Here are justa few of the highlights. ■ MarinCounty’s libraries are at the forefront ofinnovation when it comes to reducingsolid waste. Although most of us mightnot know what an image filer is, severaldepartments, including our libraries,have been using the technology to scanmaster hard copies into electronic ver-sions. This can dramatically cut downon paper use. “I am so proud of thelibrary staff for assiduously collectingemail addresses from our customers, sothat we can notify them through emailwith overdue notices, reserve materials,and even a courtesy notice giving atwo-day warning before library mater-ial is due. Over half our notices are sentvia e-mail, which saves a lot of paperand postage costs,” says Carol Starr,Director of County Library Services. ■

In addition to decreasing solid wasteand increasing recycling, saving energy

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Ira Shaw, turning debris into mulch

Black History WinnersBy Connie Siebler—Assessor’s Office

Who knew that Ann M. Fudge is the CEO of a global network or that Madam C. J. Walker was the first knownAfrican-American female self-made millionaire? Who knewthat Ida B. Wells was dragged from a railway coach forrefusing to give up her seat to a white man 71 years beforeRosa Parks’ arrest? Who knew that Arthur Ashe is cele-brated as a role model for all athletes on how to use fame as a platform to address inequities? The winners of the BlackHistory Month Quiz, that’s who. This quiz was presentedonline on the MINE during February. Teresa Taylor-King(H&HS), Nancy Joe French (Assessor), Tammy Taylor (CDA),Garland Murphy (H&HS), Crandon Losee (DCCS), and PeterCerutti (PD) all scored 100% and took home the prizes, whichwere awarded by lot, while Joan Brown (HR), PamelaCringle (Treas/Tax), Mirta Cuevas (H&HS), Maya Gladstern

(IST), Leelee Thomas (CDA), Gail Wiemann (Library), andSusan McDonald, Sage Oliva, and Wendy Patterson (allfrom Assessor) also scored 100% on the Black History MonthQuiz prepared by Jim Evans, Patricia Maguire, and PatWarren (all of HR). ■

L to R: Quiz winners Crandon Losee, Garland Murphy, Nancy Joe French, Tammy Taylor, TeresaTaylor-King, and Supervisor Steve Kinsey (behind) Not Pictured: Peter Cerutti

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is no foreign task to the Department ofPublic Works. Last year the Buildingand Maintenance Division tested andinstalled new energy-saving lightingcontrols and cooling/heating systems.In the process, the department receivedthousands of dollars in rebates. ■

The Farm Advisor/U.C. CooperativeExtension got into the swing of thingsby providing homeowners, farmers,and ranchers with information aboutnon-toxic gardening and farming tech-niques. “Our Grown in Marin Programhas helped our farms and ranchesdiversify their operations with newproducts like farmstead cheeses, grass-fed beef and poultry, and organiccrops, while our Master Gardener vol-unteers provide sustainable landscapetips and tools to over 5,000 Marin resi-dents at clinics in our local libraries andfarmers markets,” said Ellie Rilla, FarmAdvisor. ■ Equally involved, Parksand Open Space uses a chipper whenclearing debris to produce mulch on-site. This allows carbon and other nutri-ents to return to the soil and avoids thefuel consumption and emissions thatwould otherwise be generated by haul-ing green waste away. The mulch alsohelps control weed growth and evapo-ration, limiting the need for mowing

and watering. “Our staff are leaders inconserving resources in our parks andpreserves as well as teaching it to thenext generation through our volunteerstewardship programs with families andschool children,” said Sharon McNamee,Director of Parks and Open Space. ■

Linking our health to the environment,Health and Human Services has beenplaying a vital role in promoting healthyfoods, walking, and biking. ■ Alsohelping in the promotion of healthycommunities and a healthy environment,the Agricultural Weights and MeasuresDepartment supports and promotesorganic food production while manag-ing seven farmers’ markets. ■ Theseexamples show that sustainability is allaround us. This year, why not try outrechargeable batteries, recycled printercartridges, or even riding a bike towork? If we do our part, we may evensave a buck or two! ■

Edie Lawrence (Sheriff), the Sheriff’sparking enforcement officer at the CivicCenter, had a busy month! When shefound the pickup parked in the fountainat the Civic Center, she took care tomark the tire, “just in case.” In her 31years at the Civic Center, Edie thoughtshe had seen just about everything

“alive” left in parked cars;there have been dogs, cats,sheep, a goat, an iguana,and birds, but thankfully thismountain lion wasn’t movingwhen she did a double take.The four legs were securelyattached to a piece of ply-wood. The old taxidermy

trick. Do you suppose it makes thedriver eligible to use the carpool lane? ■

Jim Selmi (IST–DPW/CDA/FIRE), diag-nosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2005, pedaled his way into historylast September, completing a century(100-mile) bicycle trek on Oahu as a member of the Redwood/WineCountry branch of the Leukemia andLymphoma Society’s “Team In Training”(TNT). In early 2006, he joined TNTto rebuild his stamina, following

chemotherapy. He raised $2,885 tosupport research to find a cure forleukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s dis-ease, and myeloma. Jim and his sister,Cathy (IST) lost their older brother, Bob,to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when hewas only 28. ■

Families who run together have funtogether. Roy Asprer (H&HS) ran theNovember 2006 Big Sur Half Marathonand the January 2007 Carlsbad HalfMarathon. His foster son Joey, 13, ran the Carlsbad Half Marathon too,while foster daughter Yakaline, 10, and children Angela, 6, and Xavier, 3,ran the Keebler Kids Marathon Milethrough Legoland in San Diego thesame weekend. ■

In more sports news, in December 2006 Matt Bronson (CAO) and his wife Samantha completed their firstmarathon ever. A fascinating groupregistered for the 26.2-mile run onOahu. Many of the 25,000 runnerswore costumes (shades of Bay toBreakers) and half of the registrantswere from countries other than the U.S.Matt placed in the top 1,000 overall andthe top 100 for mainland runners! ■

Gerry Norton (HR), Bruce Abbott(Assessor), and Cam Norton (Assessor)took a recent trip to Turkey, where thegroup rode a hot air balloon overCappadocia while watching the dawnbreak, and experienced a sense ofwonder walking through the emperor’sdoor in Hagia Sophia, seeing marblein the doorjamb worn down from over1,000 years of use, and beholding themassive dome supported withoutcolumns. ■

O D D S & E N D S B y J e r i S t e w a r t

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Cio Hernandez (H&HS) was one of 100women honored by the “Search for theCause” on March 28. This event recog-nized women from our community whoinspire our community. ■

Deanna Giammona (HR) and husband,Frank, recently celebrated their 40thanniversary in Washington, D.C. andmarked the occasion by having a U.S.flag flown over the capital in theirhonor. The Giammonas discovered thatany U.S. citizen can request to have aflag flown over the Capitol on a chosenday. If you are interested, visit the web site of your state senator or con-gressperson. When the Giammonasreceived their flag, there was a certifi-cate signed by Senator Feinstein com-memorating the occasion. ■

Jasmín, the Dancer, a sonnet by AnitaErola (HR), was published in the SecondAnnual Poetry Farmers’ Almanac,which came out in late 2006. Anita is a member of the Novato Poetry Farm, a group of writers that meets monthly to develop their talents. ■

Kellie Moore (Fire) recently had thechance to meet actor Ed Harris, whowas filming an independent film in thearea. ■

Long Truong (Courts) and his wife, Thi,are pictured here on Hai Long Bayduring a recent trip to Vietnam. ■

Please e-mail theinformation fromyour department tothe Odds & Endscolumnist, RickFraites, at rfraites@co.marin.ca.us.

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Edie doin’ her job

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Jim Selmi (on the right) crossing the finish line

Kellie Moore and Ed Harris

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Long and Thi Truong

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A mountain lion?

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Bruce, Cam, and Gerry in front of the great library of Ephesus

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By Jeri Stewart—DPW

ex·ot·ic (ig-zot'ik) Intriguingly unusualor different; excitingly strange.

“I have been studying the traits anddispositions of the “lower animals” (socalled) and contrasting them with thetraits and dispositions of man. I findthe result humiliating to me.”–Mark Twain, Letters from the Earth, 1907

Why did Jody Timms (H&HS) choose a corn snake as a pet, which cangrow to be 5 feet long? Interestingly,Jody grew up around snakes withoutan innate admiration for them. Her brothers coveted them, and terrorizedher by sticking them in her face.Determined, Jody overcame her fearof snakes by owning them. Jody wasborn in the Year of the Serpent

Jody Timms with pet corn snake

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(Chinese calendar) and views thesnake as her power animal. Two outstanding characteristics of humansborn in the Year of the Serpent arepassion and determination. Is there a coincidence here? ■ A picture isworth a thousand words … exempli-fied well by John (DPW) and MarliaBerg. Dixie, the chestnut mare, andCharger, the Appaloosa gelding (abreed of saddle horse with the spottedrump as a chief characteristic) have to put up with the dogs in the family,as they all go for a hike on the MMWDwatershed. Picture the dogs pullinghappily on their humans, while themore elegant mare and gelding aredelighted just to amble through thegreen banquet laid out for their bene-fit. ■ The Italian language just seemsto have a romantic appeal. Even anItalian name, such as Draco (Italian

Exotic Pets and Their People

John and Marlia Berg with horses Dixie and Charger, and their two dogs

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for dragon) is intriguing. Draco isJohn Aliotti’s (DA) pet AustralianBearded Dragon. This diurnal lizarddines well, delighting over salads,crickets, and approximately 10 meal-worms daily. When Draco is excep-tionally excited or cranky, he turns all of the scales under his chin blackand puffs them out; hence, the name“Bearded Dragon.” ■

Draco the Dragon

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From Potpourri to Odds &EndsBy Megan Numair—HR

Did you know that Frankly Speaking’s wide-ranging Odds & Ends column hadits beginnings as a small feature entitled Potpourri? In the 1996 summer editionof the employee newsletter, this little-known piece was revamped by CarolynCrabtree, who at the time was a legal secretary in the District Attorney’sOffice. For the two years that followed, Carolyn gathered interesting morselsof news from county employees, skillfully weaving them into the column wenow know as Odds & Ends—the treasured compilation of tidbits that givesemployees insight into what their coworkers do outside of the office. Followingin Carolyn’s footsteps was Margaret Ryan Bohan (DPW), who took on Odds & Ends for the next four years. ■ We are sorry to learn of Carolyn’s recentpassing and want to recognize her contributions to the development of FranklySpeaking as a true voice of the Marin County employee. Margaret retired inMarch and we thank her for her dedication to the newsletter and the columnfrom 1998 to 2003. ■ Thanks to Carolyn and Margaret, we are all remindedto have fun, honor what means the most to us, and live life fully. ■

Big HeartsBy Connie Siebler—Assessor’s Office

On January 16, one of our newly hiredemployees, Bridget Fricke (Assessor), was seriously injured in a car accident inPetaluma. She had just started her benefits,and didn't have much sick time or vacationaccrued. Because she had been on the jobonly a few weeks she wasn’t eligible for cata-strophic leave. The Assessor’s Office held afund-raising pizza luncheon for Bridget inMarch, asking attendees to contribute what-ever amount they wished to help cover herhealth benefits. Along with additional individ-ual donations, a total of $3,239 was raised.■ County Assessor Joan Thayer remarked, “I am very proud of my fantastic staff.” ■

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L to R: Monica Mazzini, Leticia Alcantar, Leighann Jorin, Carmen Rios Ramirez, Duyen Kauffman,Isabel Hernandez, Carolyn McGrath, and Cleo Deras

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Nurse Midwives, obstetricians, thera-pists, and a variety of other providers.Their services include pre- andpostnatal care, postpartum support,evaluation and assistance for psy-chosocial and mental health issues,classes in childbirth, breast-feeding,and other maternity related topics, aswell as assistance with affordablehousing. Members of the group arealso involved in the CompanerasProject, a labor-coaching program. ■

Says Leighann, “Marin MaternityServices is a really huge part of thecommunity and provides incredibleservices to a wide range of patientswithin the county, from young teens toadult women, serving both those whopay for the quality maternity servicesand those who cannot.” ■ MarinMaternity Services is located in SanRafael’s Montecito Shopping Centerand provides services in English,Spanish, and Vietnamese. ■

Taylor, Regina intends to write andpublish seven more books in the Spell Across Time series, which shedescribes as “romantic suspense witha touch of the paranormal—mysticalthings.” The main character is KellyMcKenna, a reporter for a SanFrancisco newspaper who is beingstalked. Each title in the series willfeature a “witch’s tool.” In ThePentacle, the tool is a five-pointed spiritual symbol. In book two it will be a crystal ball. The first draft of book two is almost complete and could be published in the next year or two. ■ Regina reports that salesof The Pentacle are good. It has beenreviewed by several online sites,receiving ratings of four or five stars,

which is considered great in the indus-try. Reviews and links to interviews areon her website, www.ReganTaylor.com,along with some excerpts. ■ Reginahas written several other books, bothfiction and non-fiction, some of whichhave been published or are in theprocess of being published. She alsohas written reviews for four years andedited for three. ■ Of course she is an avid reader, saying that she likes to read “anything and everything. I‘llread the toothpaste tube if nothing else is around.” She owns over 10,000print books and about 2,000 e-books.■ And what does she enjoy aboutwriting? “I get to travel to anywhere Iwant, any time I want”—the perfectway for her to relax and escape! ■

Relaxing with WordsBy Nancy Davis—Library

After surviving a day atwork and fighting withtraffic on the way home,most of us find someway of relaxing: a briskwalk or run, a hot bath,a bit of television, orcatching up on familynews. Regina Schneider(Retirement) relaxes bywriting novels. She hascommitted herself towriting at least 1,000

words a day, and 5,000 to 10,000words on weekends. One result of herrelaxation is her new book, SpellAcross Time: The Pentacle, which hasjust been published by Whiskey CreekPress. ■ Using the pen name Regan

Team of theQuarterBy Jennifer Walter—Treasurer/TaxCollector’s Office

Congratulations to the CaseManagement Team of MarinMaternity Services (H&HS), which hasbeen chosen Team of the Quarter!Members of this dynamic team includedepartment supervisor Leighann Jorinand perinatal service providers (casemanagers) Carolyn McGrath, CarmenRios-Ramirez, Leticia Alcantar, DuyenSuzanne Kauffman, Isabel Hernandez,Monica Mazzini, and Cleo Deras. Theprogram, which is part of Women’sHealth Services, was created in 1991in response to a growing need forcommunity-based maternity care forlow-income, high-risk women, andprovides a variety of services to adiverse group of pregnant women inMarin County. ■ These eightwomen, who work under the guide-lines of the California ComprehensivePerinatal Service Program, handle acase load of 50–75 patients each, withat least 60 infant deliveries a month.The team works closely with Certified

Regina Schneider with her latest novel

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E M P L O Y E E S O F T H E M O N T HE M P L O Y E E S O F T H E M O N T H

During most of the last year, HelenSteppler, Employee ProgramsCoordinator (HR), picked up a considerable extra workload due tostaff reassignments to MERIT. She did so without hesitation, in a true spirit ofcooperation. Her work ethic and com-mitment to excellence represent thebest in a Marin County employee. ■

Helen is one of the first faces newemployees see when she facilitates themonthly New Employee OrientationProgram. If they miss her there, theymight see her as an instructor whenthey attend The 7 Habits of HighlyEffective People training. Or, theymay see her early in the morning,rushing to the county’s training room,to ensure that all arrangements are inplace for the day’s event. ■ A countyemployee since 1991, Helen is well-loved and respected by her co-work-ers. She sets those around her at easewith her positive energy, humor, andreassuring presence. To each task,she brings energy, enthusiasm, and asense of joy. ■

By Misha Miki-Ladner and Vikki Loufakis—Human Resources

During her 12-year career as an attorney with County Counsel, ReneeGiacomini Brewer has excelled bothas a litigator and a leader in provid-ing outstanding customer service tothe many county departments she hasserved. As a litigator, she exhibits skill,dedication, and tenacity in federal andstate courts, and in numerous admin-istrative courts and forums. She hasachieved exceptional results for theCounty of Marin in endeavors whichhave included employment proceed-ings, civil rights litigation, roadwaycases, and a myriad of personal injurymatters. Moreover, Renee providessuperb service to her many clients.These clients consistently cite hertimeliness, competency, energy, pas-sion, and warmth. She also exhibitsthese wonderful characteristics amongher co-workers at County Counselwhere she fosters teamwork, readilyvolunteers for difficult assignments,and helps to maintain a high level ofmorale. Renee truly raises the bar oncounty service and is a splendid rolemodel for all employees. ■

By Jack Govi—County Counsel’s Office

Freddy Dubon-Romero (PD) hasworked for the County of Marin sinceNovember 2002. As an AdministrativeAssistant in the Public Defender’sOffice he is the calm eye in the middleof the daily storm of quickly changingcalendars, demanding staff attorneys,and clients in need of prompt atten-tion. He is knowledgeable about hisown desk and also proficient in others.He volunteers whenever there is aneed. His organizational skills aresecond to none. Because he is soconversant with his job’s requirements,he knows what is needed before beingasked. He has improved systems sothat work runs more smoothly. Freddyis quietly effective and a great team-mate. His work ethic and his readysmile help keep office morale high.■ Freddy is the office’s AssemblyArea Coordinator for the BuildingEvacuation Team and proudly wearsthe orange hard hat. He coaches histen-year-old son’s soccer team, withthe cheerleading assistance of hisfour-year-old daughter. ■

By Marta Osterloh—Public Defender’s Office

By Ann Gregory—MCREA

Marin County Retired Employees Association (MCREA) started ascholarship program last year under the guidance of Mary AnnGallardo, now president of that organization. As chair of thescholarship program she worked with Tom Hendricks, formerMarin County Counsel, to set up the program. It provides threescholarships of $1,500 each to children or grandchildren of

MCREA members. The awards are named after MCREA contribu-tors Agnes Nathanson, Robert Roumiguiere, and Joe Coffrini,and are for a high school senior, an undergraduate, and agraduate student. The web site is www.mcrea.info where schol-arship applications for MCREA may be downloaded. Keep thisin mind for your grandkids when you retire and join MCREA. ■

Scholarships for MCREA Kids and Grandkids

10

Cleo Deras (H&HS):“After I deliveredmy first child, mypediatrician told mea baby needs threethings: to love him;to feed him; to holdhim. It’s worked out pretty well.”

Edmond Dea (Aud-Cont.): “Our pastortold us ‘From thispoint on, whateverdecisions you make,you will never makealone. You willshare the decision and the responsibilityfor it will be equal.’”

Will Payton(Assessor): “There’sa saying in the ser-vice, ‘Loose lips sinkships.’ It means tothink about whatyou’re going to saybefore you open your mouth.”

Rosalind Tuthill(H&HS): “I’m sort ofa chronic worrier.So, when I feelmyself worrying, I read a Swedishproverb: ‘Worryoften gives a small thing a big shadow.’It helps keep me in check.”

Eva DeNegri(Sheriff): “Mymother, Clare, toldme my whole life,‘When you feelsorry for yourself,do something chari-table for someone who needs help andthat will make you feel better!’”

Roving ReporterBy Connie Siebler—Assessor’s Office

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What’s the best advice you’ve evergotten, and from whom?

HaikuBy Bob Beaumont—DPW

Life’s prime elixirGolden mead that fills the heartAnd binds us to all.

“It was an incredible experience work-ing with these bright and dedicatedstudents,” said Sean Kensinger, DeputyDistrict Attorney. ■ Each year, theMarin County Office of Educationcoordinates the High School MockTrial Competition. This year, seven local

high schoolsparticipatedover the courseof two days. TheBranson School,Marin Catholic,Redwood, SanRafael, SirFrancis Drake,Tamalpais, andTerra Lindacompeted for the

chance to be the county’s representativein the regional competition. TamalpaisHigh School won for the twelfth consec-utive year. ■ Many county employeesvolunteer their time to coach and sup-port the participating teams. This year,I was privileged to coach the RedwoodHigh School team for the second yearin a row. I was assisted by Sean andDeputy Public Defenders MichaelSchroettner and Camille Bosworth.Deputy District Attorney Teresa Leon

Varela coached the San Rafael HighSchool team. ■ Camille stated, “I wasvery excited when asked to help coachRedwood High School.” After workingwith the students two nights a week, twohours a night for over two months,Camille said that she was “amazed byhow bright the students were and whata strong understanding they had of thelegal system and the way trials work.”She concluded that “overall, it was agreat experience.” ■ Michael said,“The opportunity to influence youngpeople and hopefully inspire them tojoin the legal profession was a verygratifying experience.” He hopes thestudents all will choose to becomepublic defenders one day! ■ JudgesAdams, Boren, Haakenson, Ritchie,Smith (recently retired), and Sutro, andcommissioners Chernus and Hochmanpresided over the competition. ■

Deputy District Attorney Karen Lamb,Deputy Public Defender ColleenSonneborn, and Assistant PublicDefender Jose Varela scored the stu-dents’ performances. Marin CountySheriff’s Deputies Steve Shawler andShirley Garner opened up the court-house over the two weekends for theMock Trial participants. ■ Everyonewho volunteered their time to mentorthese young students found the experi-ence to be deeply rewarding, and mostwill do it all again next year. ■

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L to R: Student participants Becky Cannon, MadisonSink, and Zooey Meill

Mock TrialBy Deborah Lewis—Public Defender’s Office

L to R: Mary Kennelly, Don Allee, Sharon Silver, Janet Mullin, Geri Moreno, Kristin Drumm,Reid Thaler, Rebecca Johnson, Joyce Evans, Kris Krasnove (behind Joyce), Curtis Havel,Scott Callow, and Fred Vogler

Members of CDA are caught in action on the first day of the new weekly game of lunchtimebocce ball. Organized for the purposes of team building and having fun, this weekly gatheringwas commenced by Fred Vogler and the game balls are provided by Kris Krasnove. The groupsport will be held on the cafeteria patio lawn (for the short game) or Civic Center lawn (for thelong game) in accordance with the whims of the group.

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Society. ■ Elizabeth’s life was dramat-ically changed by the tobacco relateddeaths of three close friends. Sherebounded by developing public healthpolicies. In the mid-90s, with Elizabethat the helm, the TRDCP collaborated withthe SFMC to develop a comprehensivesmoke-free campaign. This led to newlocal smoke-free ordinances in MarinCounty jurisdictions. The Wall StreetJournal wrote that these were the “mostprogressive tobacco control ordinancesin the United States.” ■ Recent effortsto update smoke-free laws received apowerful boost on June 27, 2006, withthe release of the first U.S. SurgeonGeneral’s report since 1986 on second-hand smoke. The report stated that onlycomprehensive smoke-free laws canprotect workers and the public from theserious, scientifically proven dangersof secondhand smoke. This set up the

No Butts cont’dFrom front cover

county’s new smoke-free ordinance,which became effective February 14. ■

Finding smokers was difficult, but RoseHall (Aud-Cont.), a smoker, came for-ward to say that she thought her infantgranddaughter would live to see asmoke-free society. But for now shesaid, “I’ll obey, but I don’t like it.” Rosealso questioned the enforceability of theordinance. ■ Another smoker, NancyZaharin (DCSS), expressed conditionalsupport for the ordinance, but was lividabout the lack of accommodations forsmokers. “Not enough ashtrays andsmoking areas,” she said. Nancy doescarry a portable ashtray with her wher-ever she goes. ■ Rob Guidi (DA), anon-smoker, echoed Nancy’s concernabout the unfairness to smokers. Hequestioned where the lines should bedrawn and thought that smokers andnon-smokers should learn to be moreadaptable toward each other. ■

Supervisor Hal Brown (BOS), a smoker,expressed some concern about constitu-

Health in 1956, Art began his com-bined 50-year paid and volunteercareer with the county as one of fourinspectors, who were then called“sanitarians.” Fast forward 37 years to1993, when just one week after retiringfrom his supervisory post, Art returnedto his career department to volunteeras a Health Consultant. Now in his15th year as a volunteer, Art preparesdepartment records for scanning bycategorizing and organizing theinformation for proper indexing.Once the records have been scanned,he reviews the documents, and entersthe records into microfiche for easyviewing. For the extensive WaterWell Program, Art closes out cases,processes the completions, andupdates the logs. ■ Phil Smith (CDA),Deputy Director of EHS, says, “Art isour institutional memory, spanning 50 years. He has lasted through threedirectors. He has a great sense ofhumor and he’s so punctual I set mywatch by him. He’s been a tremen-dous resource and a role model forour staff.” ■

Good Stuff cont’dFrom front cover

tional rights but said, “I’m all for it;overall, it’s good!” He also hoped theordinance could be enforced. ■ Onesmoker was found at the Civic Center,smoking in the rain. He identified himselfonly as a county employee. He said,“I’m fed up with the way smokers arenow seen as second class citizens. Butit’s really the government I have a gripewith. Enforcing this ban, I don’t see it asfair at all.” ■ Elizabeth has been calledthe Tobacco Taliban, but she believesthat smokers should not be treated assecond-class citizens. “Smokers shouldbe treated with non-judgmental compas-sion, since the cigarette companies gotpeople hooked when they were young.In spite of the tobacco industry’s recentextreme makeover campaign as asocially responsible industry, the fact isthat their product still causes preventabledisease and premature death.” ■ Forinformation about quitting smoking,dial 1-800-NOBUTTS or go online towww.SmokefreeMarin.com. ■

By Jan Johanson—H&HS

“Therefore, let it be resolved that theTeen Tuesday collaborative clinic hashad a profound, positive, and enduringimpact on the entire Marin community.”Thus ended the February 6 Board ofSupervisors’ resolution congratulatingand celebrating 10 years of the success-ful weekly afternoon reproductive healthclinic for teens run jointly by Health andHuman Services and Huckleberry YouthPrograms at Montecito Plaza. JanJohanson, Martha Nelken, Claudia

Asprer, and Cio Hernandez (all H&HS)were especially happy, as they havebeen involved with the clinic from thefirst day—Feb. 7, 1997. ■ TeenTuesday staff received the County ofMarin Board of Supervisors’ Award for“Public Health Hero” in recognition ofits model of public and private partner-ship. ■ More than 3,825 clients havereceived a total of 17,243 services in theten years that the clinic has been inoperation. ■

Back Row, L to R: Brittany Glass, Myel Jenkins, Maria Quintero, Annette Muller, GemmaRodriguez, Martha Nelken (in back), Cio Hernandez, Elvia Benitez, and Jan Johanson FrontRow, L to R: Daniel Solis, Veronica Garcia, Claudia Asprer, Xavier Asprer, and Susan Quigley

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Hooray for Teen Tuesday

Catherine M. Medeiros Accounting Asst., ISTMaryann Perrine Sr. Public Health Nurse, H&HSGina M. Clark Comm. Dispatch. I, Sheriff Rebel L. Johnson-Mazar Comm. Dispatch. I, SheriffPaul Simpson Comm. Dispatch. I, SheriffMichael Aycock Personnel Analyst I, HRReina Barone Sr. Secretary, Aud-Cont.Sharon Blakley Assessment/Record Tech. I, AssessorLinda Aldrich Librarian I, LibraryMalini Nijagal Obstetrician/Gynecologist II, H&HSDenise Clark Assessment/Record Tech. I, AssessorBridget Fricke Assessment/Record Tech. I, AssessorCarolyn Shore Clinic Physician–Biling., H&HSMartha Kassin Librarian I, LibraryRosaura Gonzalez-Alvarez Deputy Probation Officer II, ProbationAntonio Ramirez Marin Center Utility Wkr., CSIrma Sanchez-Ledezma Eligibility Wkr. I–Biling., H&HSMara Tobis Public Defender Investigator, PDHeather Willis Assessment/Record Tech. I, AssessorMarvin Urroz Child Welfare Wkr. II–Biling., H&HSJudy Arnold County Supervisor, District 5, BOSScott Buer Deputy Sheriff, SheriffAnne Crouse Board Aide, BOSHeather Damato Deputy Probation Officer II, ProbationTanya Maxwell Board Aide, BOSChristopher Corniola Epidemiologist, H&HSFelice McClenon Sr. Secretary, H&HSMatthew Sagues Resource Spec. GIS, P&OSMargaret Steppler Sr. Clerk/Typist, ProbationNancy Hillman Intermediate Clerk/Typist, ProbationAnneliese Hansen Deputy Sheriff Trainee, SheriffDavid Bernardi Sr. Civil Engineer, DPWElizabeth Clark Accounting Asst., Treas/Tax Alisha Branning Sr. Clerk/Typist, FireAmy Zhuang Accounting Asst., P&OSCarol Myers Accountant II, Aud-Cont.John Wanamaker Sr. Comm. Tech., DPWAnthony Taubert Cultural & Visitor Svcs. Tech. Coor., CSEdward Kirley, Jr. Accounting Asst., H&HSLisa Sevilla Assessment/Record Tech. I, AssessorMichele Berrong Deputy Public Defender II, PDDavid Vaughan Associate Architect, DPWCara Zichelli Engineering Asst., DPWBrandy Steier Asst. Engineer, DPWDavid Bernardi Sr. Civil Engineer, DPWTroy Bachich Victim/Witness Advocate, DADelfin Medina, Jr. Systems Support Analyst II, ISTGabriel Ngarangad Open Space Park Ranger, P&OS Joseph Flannery Open Space Park Ranger, P&OSNeal Conaster Asst. Engineer, DPWHelen Long Library Tech. Asst. I, LibraryTimothy Miller Deputy Sheriff Trainee, SheriffGary Burroughs Financial Analyst, Aud-Cont.Victor Lemmon Engineering Asst, DPWDarryl Ferris Tech. Support Analyst I, SheriffBrian Johnson Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Sheriff

Farewell to Retirees!Glenn Becker Deputy Public Defender III, Public DefenderSandra Jewell Retirement Benefits Spec., RetirementClaire Monfort Child Support Officer II, H&HSNancy O’Leary Assessment/Record Tech. II, Assessor Richard Tipping Stage Technician, Cultural ServicesMamie Walters Family Mediator, Courts Cynthia Murray District 5 Supervisor, BOSJanet Hayes Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff Maggie Johnston Asst. Retire. Admin., RetirementJean Cochran Legal Process Asst. II, Probation

&WELCOMEFAREWELL !

Welcome to New Employees! Listed in order of hire date from November 19, 2006 to March 1, 2007

Wright’s original vision

for the Civic Center

roof was to color it

gold, using bronze

flakes in a transparent

membrane.

Gotcha CoveredBy Bob Beaumont—DPW

It’s blue. It’s sculpted. It’s longer than an aircraft carrier. Youcould fit four soccer fields on it, end to end, with plenty ofroom left over for bleachers. There’s enough concrete upthere to pave over Santa Venetia. From two miles up it lookslike a big check mark (yup—we’re right here). ■ The CivicCenter roof. Many of us spend our days beneath it andseldom, if ever, stop to reflect on how unusual an accom-plishment it is. Imagine being handed the job of not onlydesigning a roof with an area in excess of three acres, butalso (by the way) making it waterproof. No doubt they madea noble effort but, in the end, ‘twas for naught. For manyyears, the leaks were legend. Maintenance staff had the wetweather bucket drill down to an art. ■ About five yearsago though, the county received a $2 million state grant torepair the roof. Space age technology finally caught up withFrank Lloyd Wright’s original vision and the county’s capitalprojects’ staff finally solved the problem. ■ Wright’s origi-nal vision for the Civic Center roof was to color it gold, usingbronze flakes in a transparent membrane. In the midst of thedesign work, however, another project that Wright wasdoing in Milwaukee employed a blue tile roof that was verywell received. In light of that success, the color of the CivicCenter roof was changed to a deep blue. ■ Further,Wright’s original concept for the roof contained no skylights.With his main offices in the Chicago area, perhaps hisimage of Californiadidn’t include rainy winters. Wright passedaway before the CivicCenter design was completed. His level ofinvolvement in the finaldesign details is notknown, but somewherealong the way, skylightswere added. Lucky forus. And almost 50 yearslater, the darned thing’seven waterproof.Amazing. ■