Crystal Vorabouth (HHSA Child Welfare Services)

Crystal Vorabouth (Protective Services Worker) was thanked for her work with a mother of two.

"I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me and my family. I am still clean, of course, and in school. I broke up with my boyfriend since he decided to relapse. I am super proud of myself, it would seem I have really handled my codependency issues! I am so full of my own empowerment.

"I tell people frequently that CPS saved my life because it really has. I am really in a place where I can be present for the boys.

"So with the death of Whitney Houston, which I identify with her as an addict and a mother, I wanted to thank you for being apart of my resurrection from a miserable life dependent on drugs and a dirtbag man. I am still one bad choice away from becoming like Whitney but with all the effort I have put in to this life I live now I continue to choose the path I am on now."

Lupe Villa (Animal Control Services)

Lupe Villa (Animal Control Services) was praised for his professionalism and calm approach to a situation.

"Last Thursday Officer Lupe Villa came to my house to help me with my cat who had bitten me the night before.  Officer Villa was kind, calm (with me and my cat) and very professional.  I suppose I had been expecting something different, and though the situation for me was just horrible, his calm, professional demeanor helped so much.  I'm happy to know that your department has such excellent officers.  Thank you."

San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital , Emergency Psychiatric Unit

A patient praised all the Emergency Psychiatrict Unit staff at the San Diego County Psychiatric Hospital for their caring and “humanness.”

“I am so pleased with the care and attention I received today. From security up front to intake, Nurse Lisa and Dr. Ibrahim, everybody cared. I could feel it. I have been to so many different facilities/institutions in my life and I have never experienced this kind of humanness. Even the lady doing the floors and the guy who got me this black pen when the blue one ran out were kind and patient. I did not feel like a number or a dollar sign. Thank you and continue doing what you are doing. I am very impressed. “

Malena Morachis - California Children Services

Malena Morachis (California Children Services) was told the work she does is a "blessing" by the mother of a child she works with:

          “Dear Malena, just a note to wish you a wonderful Christmas holiday and to thank you again for all you’ve done for (my daughter). You may just think it a part of your job but we who are beset by life challenges, call it a blessing. Thank you for what you did last week!”

 And from the daughter:

          “Dear Malena, thank you for all you have helped do. You have helped me greatly and I wish to thank you and wish you the best Christmas and a happy new year.”

Ventura Rivera (Probation)

Officer Ventura Rivera “conducted himself in a truly professional manner and exercised control over the group while remaining fair and impartial at all times.”

            “As a result of a traffic violation I was assigned by the court to perform 19 days of public service. I was reluctant, if not resistant at first, to perform my obligation. However, after starting the program, my feelings toward it changed. Now, having completed my 19 days of service, I fully realize the benefit and merit of the program itself. I think this realization comes naturally to anyone who is open-minded and willing to accept responsibility for their actions and make amends for their past mistakes.

            I especially want to give praise to Officer Rivera whose work group I was a part of on many of my assigned days. It is refreshing to meet someone who takes pride in their work, maintains order in getting the job done and yet doesn’t abuse the authority that is entrusted to them. It is encouraging to see someone in law enforcement who conducts themselves in the professional manner that Officer Rivera does.”

Mark Tapia, Omar Figueroa, Jorge Mercado, Curtis Stewart, Avelino Gimutao and Steve Blatchford (Probation)

Deputies Mark Tapia, Omar Figueroa, Jorge Mercado, Curtis Stewart, Avelino Gimutao and Steve Blatchford “are the perfect officers for the work project assignments.”

            “Every one of your probation officers treated us with respect and encouraged us to complete each task we had for the day. They made sure we used the tools in a safe manner and were always thinking of our safety. I now see so many things that need to be addressed in our city. We cleaned homeless camps downtown in canyons in Linda Vista and Mission Valley that I didn’t realize existed. It looked like a jungle but people lived there. We pulled weeds at the railroads in Oceanside and in National City. I can’t even count the bags of trash we collected throughout the city on our streets and freeways. I felt a sense of pride after each day of the work project, knowing that we helped our community in some small way.”

“I hope I never find myself back at the work projects, but if I do, I know what to expect and I hope that you will have probation officers doing their job in the same manner.”

Kelly Monge (HHSA - Protective Social Worker)

Kelly Monge (Protective Social Worker, HHSA) was thanked for her persistent advice and hard work.

I don’t know how often you hear these words – probably much less than you should – but thank you.

You told me things I didn’t want to hear and made me do things I didn’t want to do or believe I needed to.  But you probably saved my life.

I was resistant, rude, annoying and an outright pain, I know. It was hard to accept it all.

I was angry and ashamed but a solid 10 days on my meds and being sober for 5 days has brought so much clarity.

I know that I might take a step backward and then two steps forward because I am not perfect, but I am committed to this process and to keeping my family intact.

Please accept my sincere gratitude for all that you have done for me and my children.”

Linda Oliver (HHSA – Behavioral Health Services)

Linda Oliver (HHSA – Behavioral Health Services) is “a hard-working employee with great interpersonal skills.”

“I would like to tell you what a wonderful employee you have in Linda Oliver, office assistant with the Strategic Planning and Administration unit. I called because I am a teacher with an after-school program that works with refugee teenagers. I have noticed signs of clinical depression in quite a few of these students and was looking for some resource material I could use…

“[Linda] made calls to places she knew may have the information I was seeking…Her helpfulness was invaluable and is very much appreciated.

“While we often get only recordings from offices where we seek information these days, it was a pleasant surprise to see such efficiency and helpfulness from one of your employees. I wish all businesses, agencies, and organizations could be as easy to work with as it was with Linda’s help.”

Jennifer Durant HHSA

Jennifer Durant (HHSA) is "helpful and professional".

          "To my delight, Jennifer Durant has been instrumental in helping our family though a horrible domestic violence situation/divorce in an effective and positive way. She interviewed my children who were made to feel cared for and listened to. She interviewed me in a very diplomatic and professional manner. She helped me form a safety plan and directed me to the appropriate resources to get our lives back on track as healthy and quickly as possible. Thank you for sending such a professional.”

Andrea Clark (Housing & Community Development)

Andrea Clark (Housing & Community Development) “treated me with integrity.”

            “Andrea Clark is my daughter’s Section 8 worker and I have nothing but admiration and respect for her. She has been wonderful! My daughter had an eight hour brain surgery this year and for the first four months I had to take care of her and her affairs. Without Andrea’s assistance to me regarding her housing, it would have been very difficult and stressful.”

            “I know the County strives for its employees to be courteous and helpful to the public. I just wanted you to know that Andrea Clark goes above and beyond that expectation.”