Employee Newsletter 11-2018

CITY OF VERNON
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2018
A TIME TO HONOR AMERICA’S VETERANS FOR THEIR
PATRIOTISM, LOVE OF COUNTRY, AND WILLINGNESS TO SERVE

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. The country stands united in respect
for you, our veterans. Here, at the City of Vernon, we are honored to acknowledge a number of employees
who have served in the U.S. Military. This month is a time for giving thanks, and it is only fitting that Veterans Day
falls in the month of November which is synonymous with spirit of Thanksgiving.
The Veterans Day holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s ser-
vice and was originally called Armistice Day. November 11th is significant because it is the anniversary of the
signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. In 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order
to account for all veterans in all wars.
We celebrate and honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and
sacrifice for the common good. And, we extend special recognition to our Vernon employee veterans. You
are true heroes!

Up-to-the-Minute News

Remember to follow our Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter accounts for all of the latest City related news
and events! We can be found on:

@CityofVernonCA
@City_of_Vernon
@city_of_vernon

The Latest...

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS UNDERWAY!

The City’s annual open enrollment is now underway
through December 10, 2018. The Human Resources
Department is hosting informational meetings in the
Council Chamber along with Health Benefit Brokers
and Carrier Representatives to review benefit plan
options for calendar year 2019. Please plan to attend
the one remaining session if you have not already at-
tended previously:

Monday, December 3rd
8:00 am - 10:30 am
Council Chamber

OPEN ENROLLMENT FACTS:

• A “Steps for Annual Enrollment” form was provid-
ed to you via email to describe any actions re-
quired on your part.

• Open enrollment plan information will be avail-
able at open enrollment meetings and in the
City’s internal network drive at M:\HRForms\2019
Health Benefit Information. If you do not have ac-
cess to the link, please contact the IT Department
at [email protected] or at extension 241. Please
note that plan information from specific carriers is
being uploaded as it is received.

Enrollment/changes are effective January 1, 2019. IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

All enrollment information/changes must be submit- DECEMBER 10th - DEADLINE TO ENROLL
ed to the Human Resources Department on or before JANUARY 1st - BENEFITS EFFECTIVE DATE
Monday, December 10, 2018 at 8:00 am. There are no
exceptions!

Employee Tree Lighting Ceremony and Ugly
Sweater Contest to be Held on December 6th!

Join us on the 2nd floor of City Hall, in the Customer
Service Lobby, for an employee tree lighting ceremo-
ny on December 6th at 2:00 pm! In addition to a dra-
matic tree lighting countdown, refreshments will be
served.

In keeping with the festive holiday spirit, employees are
encouraged to wear their UGLIEST holiday sweater on
this occassion. Participants’ sweaters will be judged
and the UGLIEST will win a prize to be announced at
the City’s Holiday Celebration on December 13th! Be
creative and don’t be afraid to get ugly!

The Latest...

Vernon’s 2018 Holiday Celebration is Near!

The City of Vernon is happy to announce its upcoming Employ-
ee Service Awards and Holiday Celebration Event! Join your
fellow employees and their special guests for an evening of din-
ner, dancing, and raffle giveaways. The event will be held on:

Thursday, December 13, 2018
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Commerce Doubletree Hotel

This annual employee appreciation event recognizes all em-
ployees that have reached their five (5) year service increment
milestone this year, announces VEEP Award recipients, and the
winner for the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest!

Please contact the Human Resources Department at ext. 166
or ext. 323 with any questions. RSVPs were due by Wednesday,
November 28th, but please contact HR if you inadvertently
missed the deadline and wish to attend!

If you are attending the event and you wish to increase your
odds of winning a fantastic raffle prize, please deliver an un-
wrapped toy with a minimum retail value of $10 to the Human
Resources Department by Tuesday, December 11th, to earn
one additional raffle ticket!

It is the season to reflect on the year and celebrate our person-
al and collective achievements. This is the purpose of the City’s
special holiday event, and we hope to see everyone there!

DONATE A TOY FOR SPARK OF LOVE AND VERNON’S
OPERATION SANTA

Vernon Fire has partnered with ABC7 for the 26th Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive! This campaign collects new,
unwrapped toys and sports equipment for the underserved children in our communities. Any donations from
our Vernon employees would be appreciated!

This year’s drive runs through December 23rd. Toys collected in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Ven-
tura, and Riverside counties are distributed locally. Last year alone, “Spark of Love” collected close to 750,000
toys within the five counties. Our goal is to exceed last year’s contribution amounts!

Donation boxes are located at all Fire Stations and at Vernon City Hall. Please join ABC7 and Firefighters across
the Southland in making this season a little brighter for thousands of local boys and girls who may otherwise go
without a gift. Through the Spark of Love Toy Drive, the spirit of giving will be felt throughout the communities
we live and work, deep in the hearts children.

Vernon’s own Operation Santa will ensure that toys are delivered to all Vernon children. Last year, an impres-
sive parade of police and fire vehicles with lights and sirens ablaze made its way through Vernon streets, stop-
ping in every residential area. Vernon PD and Vernon Fire led the City’s first Operation Santa and will continue
the tradition in 2018 with your generous donations! Thanks in advance, everyone!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Anniversaries

30 Years

Mauro Trujillo, Water Foreman; Pete Torres III, Fire Engineer; Craig D. Peltier, Fire Captain

25 Years

Anna M. Swinford, Police Dispatcher (pictured below left)

15 Years

Todd C. Newton, Police Officer

10 Years

Maryam Farajzadeh, Associate Electrical Engineer; Rafael Castellanos, Sr. Water Maintenance Worker

5 Years

James D. Moore, Sr. Electrical Inspector (pictured below right); Sandra R. Dolson, Administrative Assistant;
Lisette M. Grizzelle, Sr. Human Resources Analyst (pictured below center);
Felix Velasco, Public Works Project Coordinator

New Hires, Promotions, Recruitments, and Retirements

New Hires

Fredrick Agyin, Director of Environmental Health, Health Department
Devina Reynolds, Firefighter, Fire Department
Kevin Tovar, Firefighter, Fire Department
Carlos Hernandez, Firefighter, Fire Department
Joshua Salaets, Firefighter, Fire Department

Marcus Fino, Police Officer Trainee, Police Department
Wendell Wall, Water Superintendent, Public Utilities Department

Promotions

Felix Velasco, Public Works Project Coordinator, Public Works Department
Chadrick McGovney, Fire Captain, Fire Department

Jem Fanvu, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department

Retirements

Richard Recano, Electric Operator, Public Utilities Department
Michael DeFrank, Water Superintendent, Public Utilities Department

Recruitments

Electric Operator - Closes on 12/9/2018

CITY NEWS

Disaster Preparedness Commands Attention

Vernon remains focused upon its disaster prepared-
ness and has ramped up its efforts as of late by incor-
porating a number of components that are vital to
successful emergency operations. In October, City
staff activated the City’s Emergency Operations Cen-
ter in response to the Great California Shakeout earth-
quake simulation event. In this exercise, staff were able
to see first hand how a real emergency situation might
impact City communications, action plans, and its dis-
tribution of resources. Exercises such as these ensure
that first responders and City leaders are equipped
with the knowledge necessary to manage volatile
emergency events that may impact the City and/or
the region. The City recognizes the importance of be-
ing prepared and continues to train staff and invest in
equipment that will aid the City in a disaster.

Vernon Public Utilities (VPU) was a featured partici-
pant in the annual American Public Power Association
(APPA) Mutual Aid Working Group (MAWG) table top
exercise on October 29th which included representa-
tives from 30 public power utilities across the country,
California Utilities Emergency Association, and Depart-
ment of Energy. In the exercise, members coordinate
mutual assistance activities in preparation for and
during disasters. Vernon was one of five utilities that
were impacted by simulated fires and floods. Partic-
ipants worked together to strategize on restoration
activities simulated within the VPU service territory. Sig-
nificant takeaways from this exercise revolved around
building resilience into infrastructure, diligence in ad-
dressing inventory levels pre-disaster, and the impor-
tance of communication during unforeseen events.

Support and collaboration amongst VPU and Vernon
Fire has resulted in the completion of a needed up-
grade to the Hazardous Materials Unit. The unit, now
outfitted with current technology, is ready to serve
both the Fire Department and the utility as a mobile
Joint Emergency Command Center. The unit features
an external camera system and meteorological sen-
sors to monitor conditions outside of the unit. In addi-
tion, the unit also is equipped with the capability to
access critical programs, perform analysis of GIS map
data for systems and infrastructure, collect and distrib-
ute essential data to responders, allowing for greater
situational awareness and the safe and responsive res-
toration of services.

These recent activities and investments exemplify the
inherently collaborative nature of a full-service city
and demonstrate a commitment to preparedness.

EVENTS Employees enjoyed an NFL Kickoff Luncheon on September
6th with pizza, salad, wings, nachos, and raffle prizes! Employ-
ees showed their Halloween spirit by participating in the var-
ious employee contests on October 31st. It was great to see
everyone take part in the fun in such elaborate, creative ways!

Employee Halloween Spooktacular!

EVENTS

Department Highlights

Each day, employees are hard at work making a difference in their respective depart-
ments. In this section, we will highlight a few of the accomplishments, happenings, and
newsworthy events that have taken place over the last several months.

Vernon Public Utilities Finalizes
Integrated Resource Plan for the City

Vernon Public Utilities has completed a study of its short
and long-term goals and objectives which has culmi-
nated with a comprehensive Integrated Resource Plan
(IRP). The IRP is a comprehensive planning tool which
identifies a resource acquisition strategy favoring
more renewable energy and fewer carbon-emitting
resources, and defines a road map for meeting state
mandates, while balancing the need for reliable and
affordable electric service to customers. Moving for-
ward, the IRP will guide the Utility’s decision making in
the procurement of resources and delivery of services.

Throughout the study, VPU has solicited feedback from
Vernon stakeholders and has hosted outreach meet-
ings accordingly. On September 27th, VPU held its
fourth and final public IRP outreach meeting and on
November 8th, VPU presented the results to Vernon’s
Business and Industry Committee. Throughout the out-
reach process, VPU received an excellent response
from stakeholders. Meetings were well-attended by
City customers, real estate developers and South
Coast Air Quality Management District representatives
alike.

Department Highlights

Vernon Public Safety Joins the Fight
to Suppress Woolsey Fire

The Woolsey Fire is now 100% contained, but it burned nearly 97,000 acres throughout Los Angeles and Ventura
Counties for several days during its wrath. The Woolsey Fire was one of the most destructive wildfires on record
for California with multiple lives and structures lost. Vernon Public Safety were on hand to aid where necessary.

Both Vernon Fire and Police responded to mutual aid deployments during the Woolsey Fire. Firefighters spent 10
days protecting homes that were in the path of the flames. VPD sent 8 officers over a 3 day period to aid with
traffic, looting and to escort affected residents into the burn areas.

We are so proud of our Vernon Public Safety staff that were pulled away from their families with very short no-
tice to help others during their time of need.

Vernon Means Business

Business and industry is what we’re all about here in Vernon! This section is designed to single out
a business (or a few in this case) in Vernon and highlight their unique operation. In this edition, we
are acknowledging the City’s newest restaurants on Alameda and 25th Street. Welcome to all!

Dedeaux Properties

Alonti Catering, Burger IM, Cafe Dulce, and Jersey Mike’s are
Now Serving Vernon from their New Locations on Alameda!

The buzz continues to brew as Cafe Dulce is the latest eatery hot spot to take residence at the new Vernon
Retail Center on Alameda and 25th St. Dedeaux Properties, the Vernon Chamber of Commerce and new
restaurants Cafe Dulce, Burger IM, and Jersey Mike’s hosted a special Open House on July 31st of this year.

Alonti Catering Kitchen (catering orders only), Burger IM, Cafe Dulce, and Jersey Mike’s offer great food options
for Vernon residents and businesses, and the surrounding communities. Please spread the word!

Be sure to check out these great restaurants if you have not done so already!

VERNON GIVES BACK

The Pink Patch Project Donates
Funds to City of Hope

Vernon PD leads the Pink Patch Project! Pink Patch Project donated $330,000 to the City of Hope for Breast
Cancer research, treatment and education. Nationally, the Pink Patch Project raised an estimated 1.4 million
dollars! Great job Vernon PD!

Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

Benefits from Annual Blood Drive

Hi Captain McGovney!

Thank you again for helping the patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles by hosting your another On October 24th at Fire Station 76, Vernon firefighters
successful CHLA blood drive. Each blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give hosted their annual blood drive for Children’s Hospi-
to others in their community who are sick or injured. In about one hour, a person can donate one unit of tal of Los Angeles. The blood drive collected 69 units
blood that could help save up to 3 lives. That blood can only come from volunteer donors, like you and of blood which translated into helping 207 children in
your fellow Vernon Firefighters. There is no substitute for a donor’s time and blood. We want you to need. The next blood drive is scheduled for March of
know that they are truly appreciated by CHLA patients and families here every day. 2019. Thank you to all who donated and aided the
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in collecting much
This collaboration helps provide our children with another chance at life. Our blood drive data reports needed blood and platelets required for treatment.
that we registered 83 donors and were able to collect a total 69 units of blood, which can potentially
help save up to 207 lives!

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles treats over 350,000 children every year. These children require over
2,000 units of blood each month to successfully complete their treatments. Maintaining a safe and
adequate blood supply for our patients is a demanding undertaking. Fortunately, thanks to the great help
from Vernon Fire Department, we can continue to fulfill our promise to treat some of the bravest little
children in the nation and fulfill our mission of building hope and healthier futures for our patients.

It is always a pleasure working with you! Please also extend our appreciation to Captain Busch, his
students and all Vernon Firefighters that came and took the time to support the blood drive. Should
anyone have any comments, suggestions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. Your
passion and commitment to help the kids at CHLA made this event all the more special. On behalf of
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, I would like to thank you for all your hard work in coordinating this
blood drive with us. I look forward to working with you again in the near future!

Warmest Regards,

Cindy

Cindy Nakamoto|Recruiter
BLOOD DONOR CENTER
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Blvd., MS 131
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Ph: 323.361.2441 | Direct: 323.361.6377
[email protected] www.chladonateblood.org

VERNON GIVES BACK

City of Vernon Participates in Vernon
Elementary’s Halloween Festivities!

Council Member Ybarra, Fire’s Engine 77, and Police staff were fortunate to participate in Vernon Elementa-
ry’s annual Halloween Costume Parade! Kids proudly displayed their creativity and Halloween spirit on Octo-
ber 31st and City staff managed the difficult task of judging who would be the winners.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Vernon’s 2018 Halloween Spooktacular
was a Treat for the Community!

In addition to the City’s evening community event, the 2018 Halloween Spooktacular, City Hall staff welcomed
Vernon Elementary students for a special tour of select departmental Halloween mazes on October 30th and
31st. Staff created a fun experience for our elementary school neighbors all in the spirit of Halloween!

On the evening of October 30th, the City’s 2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular was attended by over 200
people from Vernon and the surrounding areas! With the largest attendance to date for a community outreach
event, staff may celebrate the successful turnout as an indication of the relationship Vernon has solidified with
the southeast region’s residential population.

The City’s next event, a community tree lighting ceremony, will be hosted on December 6th. Snow will cover
the City Hall lawn and guests will be treated to coffee, hot cocoa, and sweet snacks. We are thrilled to cel-
brate the season with our community and wish everyone Happy Holidays!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Below are images of Vernon Elementary’s visit to City Hall and the City’s evening Halloween event on the City
Hall Lawn. All images were captured over the course of the City’s two-day Halloween Spooktacular festivites.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

More images of the City’s community Halloween Spooktacular are shown below. The City’s out-
reach events continue to gain popularity amongst Vernon residents and the neighboring cities.

CITY CALENDAR

December

December 6

Employee Holiday Ugly Sweater Contest and Tree Lighting Ceremony @ 2:00 pm
Community Tree Lighting Ceremony Outreach Event @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

December 10

Benefits Annual Open Enrollment Ends

December 13

Employee Holiday Celebration and Employee Recognition Event @ 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

December 15

Spark of Love Toy Drive Ends

December 19

Operation Santa Toy Delivery

December 24

City Hall Closed - In observance of Christmas Eve Holiday

December 25

City Hall Closed - In observance of Christmas Day Holiday

December 31

City Hall Closed - In observance of New Year’s Eve Holiday

January

January 1

City Hall Closed - In observance of New Year’s Day Holiday

January 21

City Hall Closed - In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

February

February 18

City Hall Closed - In observance of Presidents’ Day Holiday

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year City of Vernon!

Let’s make the next edition great! Offer your interesting news and events for the employee
newsletter. We want to hear your stories! Please submit inquiries, stories, or photos to Diana

Figueroa. The next publication is due to be released in or around February 2019.