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PARKPICS | HAPPY CAMPERS | KUDOS & COMMENDATIONS | IN THEIR FREE TIME | ON THE MOVE | DISTRICT UPDATES | EQUITY CORNER | EAC UPDATE | HR CORNER | TRAININGS | TRIVIA

ParkPics

(Featured Photos & Video)

Oct. 2 Health & Safety Fair Photo Album

Happy Campers

(Employee Quotes)

"I love the people that I work with. They are all amazing, intelligent, curious, kind, and compassionate.



I also love the diversity of work. I get to conduct bat surveys, pond surveys, check wildlife cameras, and help get regulatory permits that allow us to keep our parks beautiful."

- Ecological Services Coordinator Brook Vinnedge

Kudos & Commendations

(Employee Shout Outs)

Shout out to Ardenwood Naturalist Chris Garcia who is retiring after an amazing 35 years with the Park District. Thank you Chris for your contributions to the Park District. You’ve reached the ultimate milestone. Good luck on your next adventure!

Shout out to Crab Cove Supervising Naturalist Felicia Walker who recently rewrote the Land Acknowledgement that is being used by staff and Board Members at Board meetings and events. Kudos Felicia!

Send your kudos and shout outs to employeenewsletter@ebparks.org.

In Their Free Time

(Employee Updates)

🙂 Spouses Edward (Eddie) Willis and Joseph Stoney recently became foster parents to an 8-year-old boy. They are learning the joys and challenges of parenthood and are so excited to welcome a new member to their family!

Send your short "In Their Free Time" updates to employeenewsletter@ebparks.org.

On The Move

(Welcome & Congratulations)

Please give a warm welcome to new colleagues who recently joined the East Bay Regional Park District. Congratulations to staff serving in new roles!


Here are the new hires, new roles, and retirees from Sept. 21 through Oct. 19, 2024.

NEW HIRES

Cedric Cunningham, Small Trails Crew Leader, Small Trails

Seth Lasater, Park Ranger, Martin Luther King Jr.

Elsa Grandvoinet, Legislative Assistant, Government & Legislative Affairs

Max Korten, Deputy General Manager, General Manager’s Office

Karla Cornelio, Farmer II, Ardenwood

Haweya Hassan, Accounting Technician, Finance

NEW ROLES (Transfers & Promotions):

Stefani Himes, Park Services Worker, Lake Chabot

Eric Holmes, Project Coordinator, Public Works Administration

Allyson Cook, Deputy General Manager, General Manager’s Office

RETIREES:

Jim Rutledge, Park Supervisor II, Sibley/Claremont

Terry Noonan, Park Unit Manager, Interpretive Parks Unit

Will Burr, Park Craft Specialist, Anthony Chabot

Glenn Gilchrist, Design Manager, Design

District Updates

Fire Department’s Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Park District Fire Department is hosting its second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive with all donations and proceeds going to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.


Fire Department sponsored food collection locations sponsored by the Park District Fire Department (through Nov. 20):

  • District Headquarters: 2950 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland (map)
  • Public Safety Headquarters: 17930 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley (map)
  • Safeway: 4100 Redwood Road, Oakland (map)

Flyer

Sunol Heritage Festival

On Oct. 19, the District celebrated its 90th Anniversary at the Sunol Heritage Festival where attendance grew for the second year. Visitors learned about the heritage of the Sunol parkland, including the Native Peoples who lived and thrived on the land since time immemorial. The event also taught about the history of ranching on the land. Board member Olivia Sanwong spoke about the Park District's 90th Anniversary. Photo Album


Equity Corner

Equity Exercise:

You have probably heard the recommendation that you should be walking 10k steps per day or that you should aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day. But have you ever thought of applying this approach to deepening your equity and empathy practice?  


Here are two bite-sized “equity exercises” you can start practicing today:

“My access needs are being met” & “My pronouns are x/x”

Introductions are powerful tools for modeling interactions and displaying allyship to those that identify with marginalized groups. In spaces where it can be very helpful to be aware of access needs (both physical and non-physical), we can normalize these needs by simply stating, “My access needs are being met.” This brings attention to the fact that what may be normative for some, might not be for others.


Similarly, sharing one’s pronouns “creates a welcoming environment for individuals of all gender identities. It helps avoid assumptions based on appearance and ensures that everyone is addressed in a manner that affirms their identity.” Here’s a quick 2-minute video on “Why Pronouns Matter” if you want to learn more.

 

One example of how to put this exercise into practice is: “Hello, I’m José, he/him, from the Office of Equity, and I want to recognize my access needs are being met. It’s nice to meet you all!”



Let us know if this content was helpful and/or what other topics you’d like to see in the future!

Employee Appreciation Committee Update

Calling all colleagues to catch up and meet up with new friends.

Let's connect and celebrate again!


UPCOMING EVENTS:


Holiday Luncheon Makers Market

Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline, the Bridge Yard building

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

RSVP


*Are you Artistic, Creative, or Crafty?

Reserve a booth at the Holiday Luncheon's Makers Market

Flyer


EAC End of Year Workshop

Trudeau Training Center

Tuesday, Dec. 10

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Interested in being part of the EAC or being part of the planning process for events in 2025? Join the annual workshop! Formal invite with RSVP link coming soon.


Landbank Hike at Roddy Ranch

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Details coming soon.


EAC’s calendar of upcoming events… Please note, events are subject to change.


Interested in becoming a part of the EAC or have suggestions or feedback to share? Contact us at EmployeeAppreciation@ebparks.org.

Tarantula Hike Photo Album

Human Resources Corner

Recruitment Dispatch:

- Kate Dey, Recruitment and Classification Manager


Embracing Seasonal Trends in Hiring

As the air turns crisp and we prepare for cozy sweaters and festive celebrations, it’s a timely reminder that the Recruitment team is wrapping up the 2024 hiring season and looking ahead to a bustling 2025. While temperatures drop, hiring remains active, and we greatly appreciate your partnership in opening roles, conducting fair and informative oral panels, and identifying top talent to join our mission.

 

You might have noticed that job seeker enthusiasm ebbs and flows throughout the year. Just as nature transitions from the vibrant colors of autumn to the quiet of winter, the recruiting landscape shifts. Certain months see a surge in applications, while others experience a lull. However, it’s possible to attract candidates year-round with the right strategies.


November-December: The Wind Down

November and December tend to be the slowest months for hiring, largely due to the holiday season. Many candidates focus on family gatherings and festivities, putting job searches on the back burner. This shift can make it challenging for employers to fill positions quickly. However, these quieter months present a valuable opportunity for reflection and preparation. It’s the perfect time to analyze trends, prepare reports, and plan for renewed outreach in January!

 

Looking Ahead: 2025 Here We Come!

Recruiting operates on a cyclical rhythm, with distinct peaks and valleys. January and February often see a spike in job applications as individuals seek fresh starts. Spring brings a competitive atmosphere, with candidates eager to secure positions before summer vacations begin. At the Park District, we dive fully into seasonal hiring in February.

 

As we close out the year, let’s work together to meet hiring goals and build a strong team for the future. Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration!


Updates:  

2024 Health & Safety Fair

Thank you to everyone who made the Health & Safety Fair a success! Despite the sweltering heat and last-minute logistical changes to prioritize employee health and safety during the heat advisory, we had nearly 500 attendees come out to Castle Rock to enjoy a barbecue lunch and visit with 37 internal Park District, safety, and benefit provider exhibitors. Congratulations to this year’s safety standouts who were presented recognition awards by General Manager Landreth for going above and beyond in the name of safety.

 

Special thanks to Diablo Foothills/Castle Rock staff, Park Operations Units 6 & 7, MAST/Fleet, I&R Recreation, Office Services/Central Stores, Creative Design Group, EBRPD Fire and countless others for their collaboration and support to make the Fair happen. Until next year!


Water, Rest, Shade! Mandatory Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP) Training

Cal/OSHA adopted a new regulation on July 23, 2024, on indoor heat illness. The Park District’s revised HIPP includes requirements and procedures for outdoor and indoor heat illness prevention and ways to keep employees healthy and safe during high heat days. A mandatory Summit training has been assigned to all staff to review the new plan, the purpose, and what you’ll need to know (especially if you’re a supervisor or manager). After the training, check out Central Stores for available supplies, purchase directly for your work site through other suppliers, and/or contact Risk@ebparks.org if you need support. Want to learn more? Visit the Risk Department SharePoint for all Heat Illness Prevention Plan resources.

 

Concern EAP:

With holidays soon approaching, stress levels can reach higher than usual. Please remember to frequently visit the resources offered by the Concern EAP program including free webinars provided by LifeAdviser. More information can be located at employees.concernhealth.com. All you need is the Employer Code- EBRPD.

 

Open Enrollment:

Thank you everyone for submitting your health benefit changes by the deadline. The HR Benefits team is reviewing all requests and will contact you with questions or requests for additional information. Please note: Changes to medical insurance plans and monthly premium rates will take place the first paycheck in December. All other benefits (i.e., dental, vision, FSA), will be applied in the first check of January. Please contact the Benefits Team at HRBenefits@ebparks.org if you have any questions.

 

Empower Deferred Compensation Plan

Our assigned Retirement Planning Advisor (RPA), Jing Chen, is available for in-person or virtual visits. She will be hosting onsite meetings at various locations to allow all employees an opportunity to meet with her. In-person meeting will be held on Dec. 4 at Peralta Oaks Admin Building, Conference Room 2A.

Please visit Book Appointment (empowermytime.com) to schedule your appointment.

Trainings and Learning Opportunities

Training and Learning Opportunities

* Supervisors, please approve Summit training requests in a timely manner.

 

Optional + Recommended:

30x30 Staff Event Workshop

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This daylong session will provide an overview of the California’s 30x30 Initiative and its successes to date. Park District staff will learn how to support the initiative, including how to provide input on the Park District’s Second Century Plan. Participants will also discuss how to accelerate, amplify, and scale up the work of conserving and restoring public lands and supporting access and equitable engagement. Register here.

 

Recording Round-Up

A series of training recordings from HR partners at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW Legal). Click the training title to view.

 

Workplace Bullying: A Growing Concern

Password: Workplace822

Expires on Nov. 22, 2024

 

A Supervisor's Guide to Understanding and Managing Employees' Rights: Labor, Leaves and Accommodations

Password: Super918

Expires on Dec. 27, 2024

 

Maximizing Supervisory Skills for the First Line Supervisor: Part 1

Password: SuperPart1

Expires on Jan. 21, 2025

What was the Park District first Regional Trail?

Submit

The first five winners will receive free East Bay Regional Parks merch!

Winners will be recognized in the next employee newsletter!

October Winners:

David Vance, Craig Barclift, Manuel Tinoco, and Jessica Sloan.


October Question:

What is the Name of the Park District's second General Manager?


October Answer:

Harold Curtiss

Feedback / Comments:


To provide suggestions or feedback, email employeenewsletter@ebparks.org.