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Connections eBulletin: May 15, 2020

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A Message from the General Manager
Dear Colleagues,
Today is International Day of Families, a 25-year-old United Nations observance that brings awareness to the social, economic and demographic issues faced by families around the world. In the context of today’s global fight against the coronavirus, these issues are even more profound and affect families both abroad and closer to home. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has set up financial, food, testing and other programs to ensure families are not forgotten during this crisis. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed has similarly introduced programs that are helping families survive and remain safe, including a moratorium on evictions, support for distance learning students, housing and food assistance, and of course, emergency child care for families of health care workers, Disaster Service Workers and all essential City workers.
Our department’s mission has always revolved around providing clean parks, quality recreation and creative programs for San Francisco families. During these extraordinary times, that mission has become even more critical, and I continue to be inspired by our collective effort to step up, serve the public and provide these services to our city’s families. You all are doing an amazing job, and I am grateful for everything that you do.
On this International Day of Families, from your Recreation and Park Department family, I wish you and your family a great weekend. Please get outside and enjoy your parks with your loved ones.
Phil Ginsburg
A properly masked family enjoys a stroll through Golden Gate Park
A properly masked family enjoys a stroll through Golden Gate Park
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Virtual Town Hall Meeting on May 20: Help Recognize Your RPD Colleagues
Next Wednesday, May 20, at 1:30 p.m., we’ll be hosting our department’s first-ever virtual Town Hall meeting, where we’ll discuss our ongoing work during the COVID-19 situation as well as take a look forward to what we can expect in the coming months as we transition into summer and the fall. We’ll also have an opportunity to highlight our department’s role in our City’s coronavirus response and celebrate your extraordinary efforts in serving our public. Meeting details to come!
In the meantime, if you’d like to tell us about the good work your colleagues have been doing, so that they can potentially be recognized during the Town Hall, please complete this survey posthaste! The survey will close Tuesday, May 19, at 5 p.m.
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New Face Coverings for Staff
The department has recently purchased face coverings for staff. Perfect for the upcoming summer, these will keep you cooler when working outdoors, playing sports or participating in other activities in the heat. They can be tied off and used as face coverings, similar to bandanas. Each employee will receive one of these face coverings/cooling towels next week via your supervisor. Stay tuned!
A masked bandit!
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Discounts and Virtual Opportunities During COVID-19

As the city continues to take precautions by urging us to stay inside, Rec and Park’s HR division has compiled a list of handy discounts to get you through the upcoming weeks. Check out the attached PDF file labeled ‘Discounts During COVID’ for information on which companies and organizations are offering free and discounted services during the current quarantine. Some of the deals include extended trials of streaming platforms, virtual tours of national parks (including our own wonderful Golden Gate Park!), and access to free online courses.

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Reminder: Investing In Employee Financial Wellness

Don’t forget, you can sign-up immediately for SFHSS’s financial well-being program to receive free one-on-one Smart Money Coaching. Smart Money Coaching is a confidential service that offers an opportunity to meet virtually with a certified financial coach to discuss your financial challenges and goals.

This resource can support employees who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 or for those who want a financial check-up to see if there are opportunities to improve their financial security. Coaches can offer resources that can help you make informed decisions during this uncertain time. Schedule an appointment with a Coach today or access one of the free webinars here!

To schedule a Smart Money Coaching appointment:

  • Go online or call 877-256-0073
  • Specify that you are an RPD employee
  • Schedule an appointment during the workday by talking to your Supervisor for approval to use personal time or the option for flex-time

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity, and look out for information on more free financial resources for staff (ex: new, free financial webinars) in future issues of Connections.

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Surrealistic Summer Solstice Virtual Concert on May 16
On Saturday, May 16 at 5 p.m., in our ongoing celebration of Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary, web viewers will enjoy a livestream special production of 2019’s Surrealistic Summer Solstice Jam, celebrating the music of 1969. Surrealistic Summer Solstice Jam 3 was produced by Dawn Holliday with the musical direction of Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz. The two-hour special virtual concert will feature Bay Area music legends such as Norman Greenbaum, Country Joe McDonald, New Chambers Brothers, along with founding members of iconic Bay Area bands such as Jefferson Starship, Santana, Jerry Garcia Band and others. These local luminaries are joined by musicians from the newer generation of San Francisco bands including ALO, The California Honeydrops, Strangefolk, Midnight North, and more. Check out the concert and more anniversary activities and celebrations at https://www.goldengatepark150.com/.
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DHR COVID-19 Newsletter

Here’s the latest from the Department of Human Resources: https://t.e2ma.net/message/lbs7gc/lb8zpki
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Health and Safety Tip of the Day
Hilary Stoermer’s Health and Safety Tip of the Day: As per the CDC there is no evidence that food or food packaging play a significant role in spreading the virus in the United States. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.
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GM Message

GM, Phil Ginsburg

“RPD University is our commitment to giving our team the tools and training we need to grow professionally, to keep current with best practices and new thinking, and to remain innovative and responsive as we serve the public. RPD-U provides skill development for our workforce to succeed and opportunities for personal growth. When each of us is exposed to different thinking and new ideas, we gain competence, perspective, and judgment—so that all of us benefit. I hope these learning opportunities and programs inspire and connect us to our profession, to each other, and to the park users we serve.”
— General Manager Phil Ginsburg

About RPD-U

Team RPD
The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for over 220 of the best parks and recreation centers in the nation. Given that we have locations all across San Francisco, we are a very geographically dispersed workforce. That's where RPD-U comes into play!