Today I interviewed with Phoenix Police Code Enforcement Department. The interview panel consisted of four people, two being males and the other two females. I was really nervous while I was waiting for them to call me in. Once I entered the room and saw that I knew one of the interviewers, I felt a little relieved. Her presence made me feel more confident and relaxed.
The interview consisted of approximately 16 questions and lasted about 20 minutes. I walked in and shook their hands then I sat down in a little desk right in-front of their table. We had a little breathe in breathe out session for relaxation. I thought that was really neat of them to do that. In the back of my head I was reminding myself to; sit up straight, make eye contact, ask questions, and all those little things we sometimes forget to do.
The position was for a Administrative Assistant I at the Vehicle Impound area. This position directly supervises five-six Administrative Aides and up to three temporary agency staff; it indirectly supervises an additional seventeen Administrative Aides and numerous agency staff. To be honest this position doesn't fit me. I'm glad they took me into consideration for an interview, but I think I need to look for something that is more in my area. I have no knowledge in regards to impounds nor supervising a group of five-six people.
I'm glad I got to experience the feeling of interviewing once again. Hoping I get another interview soon with Phoenix Police Dept or Aviation. I also just applied with U.S. House of Representatives - Office of Congressman Ed Pastor as a Constituent Services Representative. I'm staying positive something will come soon.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Slow day with great news
Today was a slow day at the office. It gave me time to organize files, catch up with scheduling pending meetings for the Mayor, reply to couple emails, and even do a little bit of homework. It's rare when we have days like this one at the office. Usually it's hectic and always working 100 mph. I also did some cleaning and started putting away my personal belongings. We have exactly five weeks left in the office.
Five weeks left and some of us still looking where to go. Luckily, I got a call for an interview tomorrow! My interview is with Phoenix Police Department Public Records Office. I'm a little bit nervous because I haven't had an interview in 8 years! I've been practicing and reviewing the usual questions they ask at interviews. Hoping I do well and nail it.
Five weeks left and some of us still looking where to go. Luckily, I got a call for an interview tomorrow! My interview is with Phoenix Police Department Public Records Office. I'm a little bit nervous because I haven't had an interview in 8 years! I've been practicing and reviewing the usual questions they ask at interviews. Hoping I do well and nail it.
2011 City of Phoenix Community Service Fund Drive
The City of Phoenix Employees have been giving their time and dollars to the community through the Community Service Fund Drive for over 30 years. As a result, over $13.5 MILLION has been given in the last 10 years alone!
Countless employees have believed in this effort and worked hard to positively impact Phoenix beyond our daily jobs.
The effort is planned through a team of volunteer employees knows as the Executive Committee and led by an annual Campaign Chairperson. Support is given through the Human Resources Department, which houses the Drive's history and functions by lending some services of an employee.
As the CSFD is not an offical city function or an organzation unto itself, we need a community organization partner to carry out our goals and distribute the dollars raised each year.
Our partner is the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW), a respected non-profit organization in our community since 1925. The VSUW assists our CSFD with expertise and resources for our campaigns. It also serves as the distributor to all the agencies we have chosen to be on our list.
I'm proud to say that I've been a CSFD representative for the Office of the Mayor for two years now. We've helped raise money through making personal contributions and sponsoring little fundraising events to reach a our own department goal. Usually, CSFD has a goal to raise $1 million each year, and I'm excited to say that we did achieve it once again this year. Approximately 5,131 employees donated to the campaign in support of VSUW, the Environmental Fund for Arizona and other programs.
The successful campaign will be celebrated at the CSFD Awards breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 30. I'm proud to be part of this team who put all their effort to meet our goal, considering the economic challenges employees and the city organizations face.
Countless employees have believed in this effort and worked hard to positively impact Phoenix beyond our daily jobs.
The effort is planned through a team of volunteer employees knows as the Executive Committee and led by an annual Campaign Chairperson. Support is given through the Human Resources Department, which houses the Drive's history and functions by lending some services of an employee.
As the CSFD is not an offical city function or an organzation unto itself, we need a community organization partner to carry out our goals and distribute the dollars raised each year.
Our partner is the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW), a respected non-profit organization in our community since 1925. The VSUW assists our CSFD with expertise and resources for our campaigns. It also serves as the distributor to all the agencies we have chosen to be on our list.
I'm proud to say that I've been a CSFD representative for the Office of the Mayor for two years now. We've helped raise money through making personal contributions and sponsoring little fundraising events to reach a our own department goal. Usually, CSFD has a goal to raise $1 million each year, and I'm excited to say that we did achieve it once again this year. Approximately 5,131 employees donated to the campaign in support of VSUW, the Environmental Fund for Arizona and other programs.
The successful campaign will be celebrated at the CSFD Awards breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 30. I'm proud to be part of this team who put all their effort to meet our goal, considering the economic challenges employees and the city organizations face.
Why You Should Shop Phoenix for the Holidays!
Spend the holidays shopping at locally owned businesses to find that unique gift, or satisfy your holiday cravings at one of the many locally owned restaurants in Phoenix.
When you do your shopping in Phoenix, taxes from the merchandise you buy goes directly to the city's General Fund. City sales taxes are about 40 percent of the total General Fund revenue, which pays for city services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, senior centers and street maintenance.
When you make purchases at local and small businesses more of your money re-circulates in the community instead of being sent out of state. That means more jobs, neighborhood improvement and community development for Phoenix.
Let's support the cause and Shop Local Phoenix to support our local businesses and our community services and programs!
When you do your shopping in Phoenix, taxes from the merchandise you buy goes directly to the city's General Fund. City sales taxes are about 40 percent of the total General Fund revenue, which pays for city services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, senior centers and street maintenance.
When you make purchases at local and small businesses more of your money re-circulates in the community instead of being sent out of state. That means more jobs, neighborhood improvement and community development for Phoenix.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Black Friday not so much madness
Who hasn't been part of Black Friday? Everybody knows that Black Friday brings out the crazies looking for great deals. Well I was surprise to see that this year there weren't any madness at the malls. Well at least to the malls I went to. I shopped at the Biltmore and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Both malls weren't packed with crazy people and it was a peaceful shopping experience for me. Although, I did see in the news about people getting trampled on and even people getting tase for shoplifting. I'm glad I wasn't around that mess.
Did anybody else have a great Black Friday experience?
Did anybody else have a great Black Friday experience?
2nd Annual CityScape Tree Lighting
On Saturday, November 26, my coworkers and I had the honor once again to attend the 2nd Annual CityScape Tree Lighting at Patriots Square at CityScape. The ceremony also featured the opening of the NRG ice rink. The ice rink is the only outdoor ice rink in Downtown Phoenix. Mayor Gordon inaugurated this event last year, and it was unfortunate he couldn't make it this year. Organizers and constituents were pleased to know Mayor Gordon's staff was able to go and represent the office.
I was too excited watching the show that I totally forgot to take pictures. lol... If I find any, I'll make sure to post them.
I was too excited watching the show that I totally forgot to take pictures. lol... If I find any, I'll make sure to post them.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Career Service/ Job Searching
Yesterday, I had a really productive meeting with Kathleen Haggerty, Deputy Personnel Director at The City of Phoenix Human Resources Department. We met to discuss other job opportunities with The City of Phoenix. Mayor Gordon's team is only 5 weeks away for the transition to begin and we need to start looking elsewhere for jobs. Mayor Gordon always protecting his staff, made sure we met with Human Resources to seek other opportunities within the City.
During the meeting we first reviewed my resume and made sure everything was to standards. We did shift a couple things around and added important notes to it. After that, we moved on to the lists of positions I've applied to within the City. Being on these lists gives us better chances to get interviews with the different departments that have openings available. I'm in 4 lists which is good because it gives me better changes of getting interviews. The departments that are available for me to work in is the Police Department, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Water, and Aviation. I personally would love to interview with Police and Aviation. I'm so interested that I already picked up a background check packet from the Police Department. The packet consists of 14 pages!
Hoping for the best these couple weeks to come!
During the meeting we first reviewed my resume and made sure everything was to standards. We did shift a couple things around and added important notes to it. After that, we moved on to the lists of positions I've applied to within the City. Being on these lists gives us better chances to get interviews with the different departments that have openings available. I'm in 4 lists which is good because it gives me better changes of getting interviews. The departments that are available for me to work in is the Police Department, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Water, and Aviation. I personally would love to interview with Police and Aviation. I'm so interested that I already picked up a background check packet from the Police Department. The packet consists of 14 pages!
Hoping for the best these couple weeks to come!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Chocolate cake relieves stress
It's that time of the semester...finals! The word "finals" gives me stress. It's not easy working full time and going to school part-time. Well, how I try to relieve the stress is by eating chocolate cake. It's not the medical way to go but, it sure make me happy and makes me forget about the world. LOL. We all have those tricks or remedies to relieve it, right? What's yours??
In a serious note, what are beneficial ways to relieve stress? I've gone to the chiropractor, getting massages, even going to the neurologist. Stress causes me horrible migraines. I once had a migraine that lasted a week! Worst feeling ever. I got prescribed pills for it but, those pills don't let me sleep. I don't know what I've done different but, I don't get migraines that often as before. Maybe it is the chocolate cake?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Mayor's Farewell Gala
The Mayor’s Farewell Gala was a huge success on Nov. 16. My personal experience started with brief introductions to many of the guests as I, along with a few other co-workers, registered each of 400 attendees. There were many different faces of professions under one roof ranging from healthcare to international developers and local politicians, many of whom I’ve worked with – it’s always great to place a face with a voice at the other end of the phone. The event was held at Stand Up Live in the very new multi million dollar project in the heart of downtown Phoenix….I need to disclose that the event was not paid for with city tax dollars. Lol!
Given the nonsense printed in the media about my boss, he is brilliant with many talents and a heart the size of Texas. He is the first Mayor to have set goals publicly and conquer them all which consisted of a bio science center, downtown campus for ASU, lightrail, bring in a $750 million construction development and a 3rd Hotel. Not only did the Mayor meet his goals he surpassed them by bringing in U of A in addition to ASU, a $950 million dollar construction site, known today as CityScape; he expanded the Convention Center, extended lightrail, brought in the Sky Train at CityScape and millions of dollars to Phoenix bringing jobs and enhancing the quality of life to many. It’s simply amazing to witness history in the making.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
10th Annual Hope Luncheon
In my many assignments I have in the office, I also serve as the liaison for The Family Advocacy Center. "The Family Advocacy Center's goal is to deliver quality victim advocacy services that positively impact primary and secondary victims of domestic and sexual violence while educating the community about the dynamics and prevalence of violence in our community" (http://phoenix.gov/humanservices/programs/victims/fac/index.html). Mayor gets invited to many fundraising events or events that honors domestic violence survivors and centers that provide support services. Sometimes Mayor can't attend them so, I attend on his behalf. Not necessarily to provide any type of speeches or remarks but to show presence and support from our office.
Later that afternoon on Tuesday, November 15, I attended the Sojourner Center 10th Annual Hope Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa with over 600 attendees. To learn a little about the Sojourner Center visit the following website: http://www.sojournercenter.org/go2/index.php/aboutus.
This specific luncheon was to fundraise for the center. The ballroom where it was held was full of people, especially with families victims of domestic violence. The program included two guest speakers which happened to be domestic violence victims. They both talked about what they experienced and how they survived and ending their speech by thanking the Sojourner Center for giving them the support they needed. Their stories touched everybody's heart and had us all sobbing.
Attending these events are always life learning experiences. It's amazing how many victims are out there and have no clue how to get away from danger. Thanks to centers like the Sojourner Center women who are victims become survivors.
Later that afternoon on Tuesday, November 15, I attended the Sojourner Center 10th Annual Hope Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa with over 600 attendees. To learn a little about the Sojourner Center visit the following website: http://www.sojournercenter.org/go2/index.php/aboutus.
This specific luncheon was to fundraise for the center. The ballroom where it was held was full of people, especially with families victims of domestic violence. The program included two guest speakers which happened to be domestic violence victims. They both talked about what they experienced and how they survived and ending their speech by thanking the Sojourner Center for giving them the support they needed. Their stories touched everybody's heart and had us all sobbing.
Attending these events are always life learning experiences. It's amazing how many victims are out there and have no clue how to get away from danger. Thanks to centers like the Sojourner Center women who are victims become survivors.
Eventful "Green" morning
On Tuesday, November 15, I had the turn to staff the Mayor at an event. APS and The City of Phoenix partner to kick-off a conference called GoGreen'11 at the Phoenix Convention Center. GoGreen'11 Phoenix hosted business owners and leaders - those who can make decisions regarding sustainability practices at their respective companies. Mayor Gordon was in charge of kicking-off the event that morning. I had to arrive early and make sure the program was running as planned. Mayor kicked-off the conference with the following talking points:
- Phoenix is proud to host the GoGreen Conference right here in our own LEED silver certified West Building of the Phoenix Convention Center.
- This building is home to the one of the largest photovoltaic systems in the City of Phoenix
- By 2012 solar installations on city buildings like this will generate 12 megawatss of power
- Through the Solar Phoenix Program, 445 homes have also recently received solar panels
- Phoenix has been leading the way in the sustainability decades before "green" was cool
- We began four decades by developing rubberized asphalt made from recycled tires
- We've adopted water conservation and energy programs 30 years ago
- More than 50 percent of our city fleet now runs on alternative fuel - making it one of the largest programs of its kind in the country
- This past year we provided almost 1 million in incentives to residents and business looking to building green - and we adopted one of the first green buildings codes in the nation
- We are on the way to achieving the aggressive goals in my 17 point Green Phoenix Plan
- By 2015 we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for city operations to five percent below 2005 levels
- By 2025, 15 percent of the city will be powered by alternatives fuel
- Our city will achieve 25 percent shade canopy coverage by 2030
Monday, November 14, 2011
Temporary Good News!
At staff meeting this morning it was announced that I will become Mayor Gordon's main scheduler for the remainder of his term. The news was a surprise for me. Although, it is only temporary I feel excited! I've done this role many times when the scheduler is out. So, the duties are not new to me. I'm confident we can end the term smoothly and with professionalism.
I'm excited and looking forward to the challenges to come!
I'm excited and looking forward to the challenges to come!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Change...it has to happen sooner or later
Yesterday, November 8th, The City of Phoenix had the last opportunity to vote for the new Mayor. That new Mayor being Greg Stanton. Congratulations to him and his campaign who worked hard for the victory.
Today at the office was a usual hectic one. I started my morning with a 9am meeting regarding our Affirmative Action Plan and Business Plan with the Equal Opportunity Department. We were introduced to new businesses that will work with the City. Then at around 10am we had a staff meeting. We gathered to talk about how our team will help Mayor Interim Greg Stanton, and his administration to transition to the office. We also discussed what we plan to do with old files and archives. Before we throw anything away we have to make sure we stay in compliance with City's regulations on records retention. Our meeting concluded with a commendation from our Chief's of Staff to all of us for the hard work and dedication we've had.
The City of Phoenix has voted for a new mayor and that's how it will continue to happen every four years. It's part of change, and change is a way of celebrating democracy. We hope to make it a smooth and pleasant transition for the new administration.
Today at the office was a usual hectic one. I started my morning with a 9am meeting regarding our Affirmative Action Plan and Business Plan with the Equal Opportunity Department. We were introduced to new businesses that will work with the City. Then at around 10am we had a staff meeting. We gathered to talk about how our team will help Mayor Interim Greg Stanton, and his administration to transition to the office. We also discussed what we plan to do with old files and archives. Before we throw anything away we have to make sure we stay in compliance with City's regulations on records retention. Our meeting concluded with a commendation from our Chief's of Staff to all of us for the hard work and dedication we've had.
The City of Phoenix has voted for a new mayor and that's how it will continue to happen every four years. It's part of change, and change is a way of celebrating democracy. We hope to make it a smooth and pleasant transition for the new administration.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Busy week at the office
This week will be yet another hectic one. Tomorrow we find out who the new Mayor will be! It's a bitter sweet moment for all of us in the office. We have two full months left in office. We're starting to wrap up projects, making sure nothing is half way done, and even starting the "how to" manuals.
The "how to" manuals will be binders that contain step-by-step instructions on how to do a certain assignment. I'm sure the new administration will have their own way of conducting things but, at least they'll have something to reference from.
Another reason why this week will be a hectic one is because Nov. 16 is getting closer. This day we'll be having the Mayor's Farewell Reception. The event which is being sponsored by friends of the Mayor. Our staff is not working directly with the production of the event but, for some reason it's causing (at least for me) some stress. I guess because it's a reminder we only have a couple months left as Mayor Gordon's staff.
The "how to" manuals will be binders that contain step-by-step instructions on how to do a certain assignment. I'm sure the new administration will have their own way of conducting things but, at least they'll have something to reference from.
Another reason why this week will be a hectic one is because Nov. 16 is getting closer. This day we'll be having the Mayor's Farewell Reception. The event which is being sponsored by friends of the Mayor. Our staff is not working directly with the production of the event but, for some reason it's causing (at least for me) some stress. I guess because it's a reminder we only have a couple months left as Mayor Gordon's staff.
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