Time Off Following an Emergency Declaration

As Tom Welsh mentioned in the All Staff Meeting on Friday, Governor Newsom has announced a disaster proclamation due to the atmospheric river system and intense storms hitting our state.

Californians are experiencing long power outages due to downed trees, and the National Weather Service warns of local flooding (see "Flooding Expected" infographic below).

How Does the Proclamation Impact Staff?

For the duration of this period of severe storms, the State is “strongly encouraging” telework to protect staff from any hazardous commutes. As a result, everyone at CEA is encouraged to work from home.

If you have suffered or end up suffering power outages at home during these telework periods, the direction from CalHR is to record time as “alternative time off” (ATO) on your timecard and you will receive credit for working. This also applies to those who experienced power outages in December (note that some staff who suffered outages in December and are determined to be entitled to ATO will need to go back and amend their timesheets). Please email any questions or concerns to Human Resources and include any backup documentation – like copies of Outage Notices from your utility company.

Nancy Ward Picked to Lead Cal OES 

Nancy Ward makes history by becoming the first woman to lead the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) since it was formed in 2008. Cal OES is charged with overseeing and directing preparedness, response, recovery, and Homeland Security events within the state. 

Former Cal OES Director, Mark Ghilarducci, who is the chairman of the CEA Governing Board, said, “Nancy Ward is an outstanding choice to lead the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Nancy is an exceptional emergency manager and skillful leader who brings strong relationships and years of deep experience.” Ghilarducci, who has served in the role for a decade, announced his retirement last year. 

A Retired Annuitant at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services since 2017 and the Chief Deputy Director and Department of Homeland Security Advisor from 2014 to 2017, Nancy Ward was chosen by Governor Gavin Newsom to be the new Director of Cal OES. Her Cal OES tenure began with an earthquake in Humboldt County, and she is now working through damaging storms across California. 

New Requirements in PolicyTech

As you heard during Friday's staff meeting, an updated procurement guide is available in PolicyTech. The CEA Procurement & Contracting Guide (Guide) was developed in accordance with CEA’s statutory authority and various Governing Board resolutions.

If you are currently involved in procurement right now, we encourage you to read it. It is user-friendly and should help you in your work. It helps us be prudent about how we spend policyholders’ money. More training on this issue may be available this year but, in the meantime, please familiarize yourself with the guide. Any questions, please contact Anna Gallardo.

On a separate but related note, there's new information in PolicyTech about hiring and telework that you should also read.

Kimchee, Kimchi or Kimuchi?

January 13th is Korean American Day—so let's talk about a tasty tradition!

Kimchee is a staple Korean side dish served with almost every meal, including breakfast. Not only is kimchee eaten by itself as a side dish or as an appetizer, it is also used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Kimchee jjigae, a traditional stew made with kimchee, is perhaps one of its most popular uses. The fermented food, typically made of salted and fermented vegetables like Napa cabbage and Korean radish, is also used to flavor fried rice, stir-fry dishes, noodles, sandwiches, soups, and even pizza. Kimchee is made with a wide variety of seasonings, including gochugaru (Korean chili powder), spring onions, garlic, and ginger.

Check out these recipe recommendations shared by your colleagues.

Dean Bischoff:

Kimchi and Kkakdugi recipe by Maangchi

Shawna Ackerman (vegan recipes):         

Easy Vegan Kimchi | Minimalist Baker Recipes

Vegan Kimchi - Easy Homemade Recipe - The Simple Veganista (simple-veganista.com)

My Favorite Kimchi Of All Time. - The Korean Vegan

Aeky Summerell:

Kimchi Recipe (Napa Cabbage Kimchi) - My Korean Kitchen

Did you know?

According to Kimchee Girl, South Koreans insist it is spelled kimchee instead of kimchi or kimuchi, which many consider to be Japanese variants of the Korean name. Read more about the benefits of eating kimchee, and the history behind this flavorful dish.

Have a culturally significant recipe to share? Email DIBAC@calquake.com.

We have a new staff member who starts today in Mitigation.

Please help us welcome Jennifer Hogan, our new Mitigation Director and Earthquake Brace+Bolt's Managing Director (Annde Ewertsen held this position previously). Click the button below to learn more.

EPMO Position Available

The Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) is looking for a Senior Project Manager.

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the management, coordination, implementation, execution, control, and successful completion of all assigned EPMO projects. This individual will manage project plans, scope, budget, and quality, provide the status of project activities and escalate risks and issues as appropriate. Please contact Human Resources with questions.

Stipend Submission Time!

It is time to begin submitting your Work From Home Stipend reimbursement for the fourth quarter through Concur. If you need training on Concur, or have any questions, please contact Trudi Miller or Linda Nolan.