DCSS Staff Surf the Heat Wave

It was the perfect day for California Department of Child Support Services staff to don their best summer and Hawaiian outfits as temperatures top 103 degrees on Friday, July 29. As part of the DCSS's Itty-Bitty Morale Boosting Committee themed-days, July was "Fun in the Sun Friday" and plenty of DCSS staff caught the wave. 

More than 125 employees showed up at the official gathering decked out in Hawaiian shirts, lei’s, sunglasses and flip flops to show their spirit. This month’s winning division was Administrative Services, with a total of 57 percent participation. DCSS’ Operations Division was close behind with 51% participation.







Many other employees were spotted around the buildings sporting their hang loose gear but could not attend the official get together.

The Itty-Bitty Morale Boosting Committee thanks everyone who participated. The next themed-day will be held on Friday, September 29th, keep a look out for more details!

 

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By: Dana Simas
Director of Communications
CA Dept of Child Support

Department of Child Support Services Employee to Participate in Tenth 100-Mile Race

Data Processing Manager III, Charley Jones, began working for the state of California in 1991 and joined DCSS in 2003 as a Systems Software Specialist II.  Today, Charley manages the work of three supervisors who are responsible for system performance testing, developing and deploying custom applications and development and testing of computer hardware and software.

In addition, Charley has two major projects of his own.  First, he is working on migrating the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) system from OTech’s Managed Services (OMS) infrastructure platform to OTech’s cloud computing platform, named “CalCloud.”  When completed, the move to CalCloud will make CSE faster, most cost-effective and more secure.

Charley Jones trains for grueling 100-mile run

Despite his hectic work schedule and responsibilities, Charley Jones recently completed his ninth Western States 100-mile run that traverses from the base of Squaw Valley to Placer High School in Auburn. The race took place in June 2016 with Charley finishing 207 out of more than 360 runners.

He intends to run in the 2017 Western States 100-mile run which will give Charley an opportunity to reach the 1000-mile mark.

When asked how his passion for running began, Charley stated that in 2000, while backpacking through Europe, he decided to compete in the California International Marathon which runs from Folsom to the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento.  Charley finished that race in 4 hours and 58 minutes.

In 2005, Charley surpassed the traditional marathon course and moved on to ultra-marathons.  He ran in the “Way Too Cool” 31-mile event and the American River 50-mile Endurance Run.

To prepare for the grueling Western States event, in January 2006, Charley began running for six to 12 hours every Saturday. In May, Charley ran a 100K (62-mile) race. Over Memorial Day weekend, Charlie ran the final 70-mile section of the Western States route to familiarize himself with the terrain.

Charley Jones finishes the 100-mile endurance run

As the day of the Western States run grew closer, Charlie began heat training, running up to 12 miles wearing heavy clothes and following the run  with two hours in the steam room and sauna.

On the day of the run, the temperature in Auburn was 102 degrees. The course took the runners through canyons where temperatures reached more than 110 degrees.  Of 399 starters, 201 finished and Charley was one of them.

Charley has now completed the 100-mile event nine times, with his best time being 25 hours, 47 minutes. When the day of the 2017 race arrives, Charley’s wife and his two sons will be there to cheer him on, wearing their “Go Charley!” shirts.

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By: Randy Juster
Associate Governmental Program Analyst

San Mateo County Dept of Child Support Services Holds Successful Childrens Backpack Drive

The San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) gave back to their local community in a big way! The organization collected approximately 25 backpacks and numerous school supplies such as binders, folder, pens, pencils, highlighters, paper, crayons, rulers, markers, etc.

All of the supplies and backpacks were donated directly to the Children's Fund of San Mateo County which disperses the backpacks and supplies to foster and low-income children in the local community.

"The donation barrel was overflowing, San Mateo DCSS employees are very passionate about helping less privileged children to thrive and be ready to learn," said Kim Cagno, Director of San Mateo County DCSS.

The Children's Fund receives referrals for those in need directly from social workers, case managers, public health care nurses, probation officers and partner community agencies. The Children's Fund serves more than 4,500 children and teens in San Mateo County. 

In addition to the back-to-school item/backpack donation drive, every year San Mateo County DCSS consistently participates in the Children's Fund Holiday Annual Toy Drive in November and December.  

"Our office is always happy to find ways to give back to the community," said Dawn Sparks, Child Support Supervisor at San Mateo County DCSS.

Operation Backpack a Success!

By Dana Simas, Director of Communications and Public Affairs

Department of Child Support Services

The California Department of Child Support Services recently participated in Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack aimed at providing local foster youth with back-to-school items they need to successfully start off the school year.

Collectively, DCSS was able to collect more than 50 backpacks, approximately 35 of which were fully packed with items such as paper, glue, pencils, calculators, crayons, colored pencils, etc.

In addition to all of the physical donations, DCSS employees and friends donated more than $1,600 in cash donations. This will help purchase hundreds more items and backpacks for foster and homeless youth to start the school year off with the supplies they need to be successful.

  

DCSS’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) organized the DCSS event by creating videos and poster ads encouraging donations. Sharing the event and donation links on social media encouraged those even outside of DCSS to donate to the cause.


OCPA piled all of the items into a van and dropped them off at the Roseville Kids Care Dental location on Friday, July 22nd where more than 5,000 total backpacks were collected. Representatives from DCSS were interviewed by FOX 40, giving positive exposure to the department and its commitment to helping children and families in California.

 

 

 

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