Saluting Our Veterans

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In honor of Veterans Day, we are recognizing current County employees who have served in the armed forces.  Thanks to those veterans who chose to share their stories and thank you to all veterans for your service.

Myrna T. Catubay, HHSA

U.S. Navy, HMCS (RET)

I served 20 years with the U.S. Navy during March 1980–March 2000, and retired as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman/Laboratory Technician. I was stationed at various naval hospitals/clinics, including a deployment with Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm aboard the USNS Mercy during the Persian Gulf War in 1990–91.

During 1992–1996, I served as an instructor in the Medical Laboratory Technician School for 4½ years at the Naval School of Health and Sciences here in San Diego.

I now work as a Public Health Microbiologist.

My other duty stations included:

  • Recruit Training Command (Orlando, FL)
  • Basic Hospital Corps School (Great Lakes, IL)
  • Naval Hospital Great Lakes  (IL)
  • Basic Medical Laboratory School (Fort Sam, San Antonio, TX)
  • MEPS (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Advanced Medical Laboratory School (Bethesda, MD)
  • Naval Hospital San Diego (CA)
  • Naval Medical Clinic (Pearl Harbor, HI)
  • Naval Hospital Oakland (CA)
  • Naval Hospital Yokosuka (Japan)

Jacqueline Santillanes, Edgemoor DPSNF

Service: USN / Retired

Dates of Active Duty:  January 11, 1982 to January 31, 2008

Rank at Discharge: Security Officer / Lieutenant

Recognition:

  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4)
  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4)
  • Good Conduct Medal (5)
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3)
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal
  • Overseas Service Ribbon
  • Southwest Asia Service Medal
  • Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
  • Navy Unit Commendation

Ships deployed on:  USS Dixon, USS Samuel Gompers, USS McKee, USS Belleau Wood, Staff onboard USS Ronald Reagan.

Some of the ports visited:  Hong Kong, Diego Garcia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Guam, Singapore, Australia, Canada,  Philippines, Hawaii, United Arab Emirates, Korea. 

Martin Cherry, Operations Manager - First 5 Commission

I am Martin Cherry, Operations Manager for the First 5 Commission (farthest to the right).  I retired from the Navy in 1999 as a Chief Petty Officer after 21 years.  The four men to the left are my sons.  From left to right they are Jesse, Ken, Adam, and Matt.  The three in uniform are officers in the Air Force (Adam was in the Air Force also but is now a Police Officer in Phoenix).  Jesse is a pilot, Ken is an Intelligence Officer, and Matt is in Logistics.  I am super proud of all of my boys.

I spent all my time in Southern California in San Diego, Long Beach and Ridgecrest California.  I was on 4 ships out of San Diego:  1) USS Berkeley, 2) USS Pigeon (submarine rescue), 3) USS Fox, and 4) USS Constellation (aircraft carrier).

I joined the Navy right out of High School.  I am proud to have served my country.

Carl Smith, HR Analyst, Department of Human Resources - Employee Development Division

Carl Smith retired as a Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service in July 2012. He reported for basic training in 1992 here in San Diego, and then transferred to Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Command where he completed “A” and “C” School training. In March 1994, he reported in USS Spruance (DD-963), where he conducted three Mediterranean deployments, a Black Sea deployment, and numerous counter-drug operations in Central and South America. From March 1999 to October 2004 , he transferred back to Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Command where he taught and developed Sonar System Maintenance courses. From 2004-2008 Chief Smith conducted Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure Operations throughout the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf in support of Intelligence and Special Operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Smith also served in USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), and finally ended his career at Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific.

Don Steuer, DCAO FG3/CFO
Captain, USN
Active Duty: June, 1973-February, 2000

Among the ships deployed in:

  1. USS Independence  (CV 62)
  2. USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
  3. USS Constellation (CV 64)
  4. USS John F Kennedy (CV 67)
  5. USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)
  6. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
  7. USS John C  Stennis (CVN 74)
  8. USS Long Beach (CGN 9)
  9. USS Texas (CGN 39)
  10. USS LaSalle (AGF 3)
  11. USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20)

Notable Assignments Afloat:

  1. Line Division Officer, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Eleven (HS 11)
  2. Operations Department Head, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS 4)
  3. Flag Secretary, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three
  4. Executive Officer, Anti-Submarine Squadron Eight (HS 8)
  5. Commanding Officer, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Eight (HS 8)
  6. Chief of Staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe

Notable Assignments Ashore:

  1. Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Aviation Logistics Analyst
  2. Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Executive Assistant, Chief of Operations Analysis
  3. Anti-Submarine Warfare Wing Pacific Fleet, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Officer
  4. Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Requirements Officer,  Aircraft Carrier based Helicopters
  5. Commanding Officer, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Ten
  6. Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station North Island/Naval Base Coronado

Among Aircraft Flown:

  1. T-34 Mentor
  2. T-28 Trojan
  3. TH-57 Jet Ranger
  4. H-1 Huey  (single and twin engine versions)
  5. SH-3 Sea King
  6. SH-60 Sea Hawk
  7. C-2 Beech Craft King Air

Notable Personal Decorations:

  1. Department of Defense Superior Service Medal
  2. Legion of Merit
  3. Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards)
  4. Navy /Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards)
  5. NATO Medal (Balkans)
  6. Kuwait Liberation Medal
  7. Southwest Asia Service Medal
  8. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
  9. National Defense Medal
  10. Meritorious Unit Commendation

Lee Ann Bishop, Treasurer-Tax Collector Specialist 

U.S. Navy
Aviation Ordnanceman   (AW/SW) 2nd Class
2005-2010
USS Nimitz

Bob Muballe, HHSA

Bob Muballe began working at our County Mental Health Case Management 7months ago. Bob's start date was delayed because he was deployed with the US Army for training.  Bob entered our program and quickly became a team player here brightening everyone's day with his personality.  Currently, Bob is deployed again for a year as a medic with the US Army. We wanted everyone to know how much we appreciate him. We wish him well and a speedy and safe return.

Janet Rose, Probation

 

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class                      

I served in the United States Navy from 1984  to 1997.  During those 13 years I have worked as a ward corpsman, a Urological Technician and an Independent Duty Corpsman. 

Honors include: Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct, National Defense Service  Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon

Duty Stations:

Naval Hospital San Diego

Naval Hospital Guam

Naval Hospital Groton, CT

Naval Hospital 29 Palms              

I enjoyed serving my country and salute the service men and women who carry on that tradition.  

 Amber J. Griffith, DPW

Medical Laboratory Technician, SRA, USAF, April 1995 – April 2001
I served in the US Air Force for 6 years after high-school. I worked as a med lab tech at Wilford Hall Medical Center on Lackland AFB in San Antonio Texas for my entire enlistment. I worked in the Emergency Department, Blood Gas, Special Chemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology and Hematology labs, and regularly performed phlebotomy. I witnessed people in the best and worst conditions of their lives. I received an honorable discharge in 2001, and then used my GI Bill for college.

 

Kurt Greiner, Sheriff's Department

 
Chief Petty Officer Greiner joined the US Navy and volunteered for submarine duty. He was stationed onboard the USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636B) and USS Sam Rayburn (SSBN 635G) based out of Holy Loch, Scotland completing 12 Strategic Deterrent Patrols. He transferred to the USS Billfish (SSN 676) completing several classified Special Operations and a 6 month Mediterranean Cruise. He was also onboard USS Haddo (SSN 604) and the USS Haddock (SSN 621) completing 5 Western Pacific and Indian Ocean Deployments and numerous Special Operations. He was assigned to the USS Boston (SSN 703) and completed a ten month Depot Maintenance Period at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His final assignment was the USS Asheville (SSN 758) where he completed extended operations as part of the USS Carl Vinson Battle Group during Operations Southern Watch and other deployments before retiring with over 21 years of service and joined the Sheriff's Department.

Sharon Tracy, HHSA

 Specialist SP4 U.S. Army October 1981 – October 1984

I served in the U.S. Army as a Electronic Warfare Signal Intelligence Non-communications Interceptor (98J). My basic training was at Ft. Dix, NJ, AIT school & Space Collections school at Ft. Devens, MA. I was stationed for 1 year in Sinop, Turkey & the remainder of my enlistment at Ft. Bliss, TX. While at Ft. Bliss, I was sent to Germany for a 2 month training mission.

John Gaffaney, HHSA

John Gaffaney was serving as a captain in the Army Reserve when he was killed in the Fort Hood, Texas shooting in 2009. He had attempted to stop the gunman but was fatally wounded. He had earlier served in the Navy and California National Guard.

An HHSA colleague asked that he be remembered in our tribute.

Roberto T. Caroche, HHSA

USN RETIRED. United States Navy – February 12, 1979 to June 30, 1999. A Gulf War veteran while serving onboard the aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) at Persian Gulf.

 

Tori Bramhill, HHSA

I served in the U.S. Navy from June 2003 – March 2007.  I was an Aviation Electrician’s Mate and had a final rank of AE3 (Petty Officer 3rd Class).  I served on board the U.S.S. Nimitz and went on one WestPac where I visited Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bahrain, Dubai, Guam and Australia.  Honors and awards include:

 

  • Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Navy Good Conduct Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
  • Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
  • Aviation Warfare Specialist Pin

 

Rene Colon, General Services

United States Navy January 24, 1986 – September 30, 2006

Retired as Chief Boatswain’s Mate(SW)

Assignments

AFDM – 14
USS Stump DD-978
USS Peterson DD-969
USS Obrien DD-975
USS Halsey CG-23
TOPGUN
USS John Young DD-973
SIMA San Diego
ACB-1
Naval Base San Diego 32nd Street

Kristie R. Makowsky

Veteran, US Army
Specialist SP5 Fort Polk, LA
1975-1979
My son is current serving too… a proud family tradition…5th generation

 

Alan Reddick, ARCC

US Army 1969-1971
Expert Badge M16a2 Rifle
175 Mm Howitzer Crew Member
Medic And X-Ray Technician
30th Field Hospital
Augsburg, Germany
Certificate. Of Appreciation
Honorable Discharge

 

 

Areleous Burton, Agriculture/Weights & Measures

I spent four years in the US Army as a Personnel Administration Specialist, spending my last year in the Army with 82nd Airborne Division.   I had a total of 15 jumps while with the 82nd.  I also spent 16 years in the US Coast Guard as an ST (Sonar Technician) & ET (Electronics Technician), with my last five years as a COMSEC (Secure Communications) instructor. 

Our Coast Guard Cutter was the first one on scene at the Exxon Valdez oil spill; another of my cutters was lead cutter of the Haitian Operation, bringing Haitians trying to come into the U.S. back to Gitmo (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba), temporarily until they could be repatriated.  Honorably discharged at expiration of term of service.

 

Louis Johnson, HHSA

US Navy 1982-2002 (Operations Specialist)

Served aboard:   USS Okinawa LPH-3

                           USS Essex-LHD-2

                           USS Tarawa LHA-1

Some ops:

Desert Storm/Shield

Nato operations Mogadishu

Relief to USS Cole

 

Awards

Nato award

Combat Action ribbon

Navy Achievement Medal

Sea Service

Good Conduct Award

Proud to serve and glad the Navy showed me the world.

 

 

George Gonzales, Sheriff's Department

Service: California Army National Guard

Active Duty: Dec 1976 – 1979, 1/325th IN, 82nd Airborne Division

US Army Reserve 1980 – 83, National Guard 1996 – Present

Present Rank: Sergeant Major (E-9)

Currently serving with the 40th Infantry Division, General's Staff - Future Plans and Strategy (G5)

Prior Assignments: First Sergeant - Headquarters Company, 40th Infantry Division.

First Sergeant - Headquarters Company 2/185th Battalion, 40th Infantry Division

Operations Sergeant, 2nd Brigade, 40th Infantry Division

Decorations, Awards and Citations:

Army Commendation Medal (4 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Army Achievement Medal (1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster)

Good Conduct Medal (Bronze Clasp 2 Loops)

National Defense Service Medal

NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3)

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M Device, X Device)

Army Service Ribbon

Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (Numeral 3)

South Carolina State Ribbon

Parachutist Badge

Expert Badge (M9 Pistol)

Expert Badge (M16A2 Rifle)

Expert Badge (M67 Grenade)

USAJ / 9th TAACOM, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution

JTFWG ARFOR HQ, Certificate of Excellence

USAJ / 9th TAACOM, Certificate of Appreciation for Exceptional Service

40th I D, California, Certificate of Appreciation for Meritorious Service

Cited for Excellence by the Fort Knox Senior Observer Controller Team

Carmen Stamper, HHSA

US Navy  (New Orleans, Pearl Harbor, San Diego)

Assigned to a Unit that provided communications for the Seabees.

The cell phones back then were heavy, bulky and big (about 9”).

 

 

 

 


Andrew Strong participating in a mass casualty drill aboard USS Ronald Reagan.Andrew Strong, FG3 Executive Office

Service: United States Navy, Hospital Corpsman, 1998 - 2007

Designations: Fleet Marine Force/ Surface Warfare/ Air Warfare

Duty Stations:

Camp Johnson, North Carolina

Camp lejeune, North Carolina

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina

Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Silverdale, Washington

USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76, North Island

 

Winston McColl, Purchasing & Contracting

Winston served 28 years in the United States Army retiring as a Colonel.  During that time he served two tours in Vietnam, first as a combat engineer, while the second tour he served as an infantry officer.  His numerous assignments took him to places around the globe from Vietnam, Germany, and South Korea, to Paris, France in the fields of intelligence and acquisition.  His final tour of duty involved the command of over 500 civilians and military in Van Nuys, CA overseeing $18 billion dollars in DOD contracts,

Winston was awarded three bronze stars, earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Jump Wings, and graduated from Ranger School earning him the Ranger Tab.  He is also a graduate of the US Army’s War College.

Mary Santos, Public Works

U.S. Navy

Radioman 2nd Class

I served in U.S. Navy from 1973 – 1977

I am proud to have served my country!

Steve Spence, Environmental Health

I enlisted in the Navy  at the age of 19  in July 1973, one month before direct military involvement ended in Vietnam. After training in Electronics Technology at Great Lakes, Ill,  I was stationed for two years in Spain when it was under the authoritarian regime of General Franco. The Navy then brought me to Long Beach and San Diego where I was stationed on the USS Towers (DDG-9) highlighted by visits to many countries during an eight month deployment to the Pacific.

 

Ramon Bilbao, Parks & Recreation

I served in U.S. Navy aboard the following ships:

USS Jarrett (FFG-33)
USS Ranger (CV-61)
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62)

I’ve participated in Operation Desert Storm, Restore Hope, and Iraqi Freedom.

 

Tara Harre, Probation

1996 – Present.  Fifteen years ago I joined the Army Reserve as a Private (E-3), and I continue to serve today as a Captain (O-3).   During these last fifteen years, I have traveled the world, jumped from planes, and served in combat.  I truly feel that I am a stronger person from the experiences that I have endured from the military.  I am a proud veteran and am going for my 20 - HOOAH!

 

Chairman Bill Horn, County Supervisor District 5

Service: USMC

Dates of Active Duty: July 1966-December 1970

Active reserve: 1970-1978

Rank at Discharge: Captain

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966 after graduating from SDSU. In 1968, I was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and sent to the jungles of Vietnam where I joined the Kilo 4/13 as the Executive Officer. Later that same year, I was promoted to Commanding Officer of Lima Battery 4th Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd MAR DIV RVN. While my Battery was under fire at `The Rockpile’, I received shrapnel wounds.

Recognition:

  • Bronze Star Medal with Combat V
  • Purple Heart
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Presidential Unit Citation
  • Naval Unit Citation
  • Meritorious Unit Citation
  • National Defense Medal
  • Vietnamese Campaign Medal with four stars
  • Overseas Service Ribbon
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold and Silver Star
  • Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation
  • RVN Civil Action Palm
  • Vietnam Service Medal

One of the greatest honors I have ever had was leading 270 men in combat for a year. As Ronald Reagan once wrote "Some people work an entire lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference to the world. But the Marines don't have that problem."

Semper Fi

Lonnie Palm, HHSA

Branch of Service:  United States Army

Length of Service:  May 1973 – May 1976

I enlisted at the beginning of the all-volunteer Army at age 19.  My first duty station was in Turkey near Istanbul for twelve months.  In 1974 tensions  between Turkey and Greece mounted concerning the island of Cyprus.  At that time I had purchased a round trip ticket on a Turkish airline to visit the southern Mediterranean coastline of that country for three days.  Permission was given by my commanding officer to take the trip.  On the final day there I returned to the airport only to discover that it was closed off to the general public and taken over  by the Turkish military. I contacted the base by telephone (not cell) and purchased a bus ticket with $1.25 remaining for the cross-country trek.  During the bus trek an Army captain from my base also boarded. It was a good feeling to know that I wasn’t alone.

 

Mike Dick, General Services

U.S. Army, ’71 to ‘74

25th Infantry Division 147th Aviation Co. CH-47 Chinooks

Barbers Point Naval Air Station, HI

They were just two weeks back from Viet Nam.

 

U.S Army National Guard ’84 to 2001 Retired MSG

40th Infantry Division 240th Forward Support Battalion

 

David Lampley, Probation

I enlisted in the US Army on June 1, 1970 and trained at Ft. Tacoma, WA and Fort Jackson, SC before being sent to Fifth Corps Support Command at Hanau, Germany.  Volunteering for Vietnam in 1971, I served at Cam Ranh Bay, Danang and Long Binh for nine months as all  units were being sent home around that time.  From 72 to 73, I was stationed at Fort  Hood, Texas, a few miles from home.   Honorable Discharge on May 31, 1973 as a Specialist 4th Class.  Notable experience was sending two weeks in Managua, Nicaragua in Dec. 72 with a MASH unit  supporting the country after a earthquake.   I also spent one year in the Texas National Guard in 1974.

I enlisted in the US Navy in March 77 and served on USS Chicago (CG-11), USS Durham (LKA-114) and deployed to the Pacific on 5 occasions, three times as a member of Cruiser-Destroyer Group One on board the USS Long Beach, USS New Jersey and USS Midway.  I retired in March 1977 as a E6, Operations Specialist First Class.  All my time was spent in San Diego except for a two year tour on the minesweeper, USS Fearless (MSO-442) from 81 to 83.

 

Pete Jacovino, ARCC

I proudly served for 20 years 9 months and 1 day in the US Navy as a Lithographer.  Often asked “if you could do it over again, would you”, always answered "heck yeah!" People pay good money to sail around the world and I always felt fortunate to be paid to sail around the world. Sure there were family separations, but they came along with the adventure. Our family always felt that the separations made you stronger.

One of the lasting memories I will always have tucked away in the military portion of my mind was floating around in the mined waters off the coast of Kuwait in the spring of 1991 for 45 days wondering, what if, and another would be riding a typhoon for the better part of 8 hours. Fun stuff!

Seriously, it was a great career, and heck yeah, I’d do it all over again. Anchors Aweigh!

 

Nina Gordon, Probation

I joined the military as a 2nd Lt in the Army Nurse Corps.  My first assignment was the Newborn Nursery, Fort Ord, Monterey, a far cry away from the fighting in Vietnam.  I remember the broken minds and the broken bodies of the men and women who were fortunate enough to return home.  I also remember being in uniform, standing outside the subway in N.Y., and having to experience less than complimentary comments from people who didn’t think we should be in Vietnam. I am proud to have served my country.  But I sometimes think the honorable title of veteran should be reserved only for those who served on the front lines.  I salute those veterans, my fellow Americans, who put their lives and limbs on the line for the rest of us.

 

Doug Ailshie, HHSA

United States Army - Sept. 1972 to June 1974

Military Policeman – Specialist 4th Class

Tour of duty (16 mos.) - Camp Long Support Detachment

Wonju, Korea

I was part of the last draft during the Viet Nam War era.

My orders were amended to Korea from Viet Nam during the last week of advanced training @ Ft. Gordon, Georgia.

Jose Mallari, Public Works

I belong to an endangered species that is well on its way to extinction unless a saving treaty takes effect soon.  As a Filipino citizen and non-resident of the United States in 1989, I joined the US Navy at the Subic Bay Recruiting Station in the Philippines by virtue of Article XXVII of the 14 March 1947 Military Bases Agreement between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.  This agreement was abolished with the 1992 closure of US Military Bases in the Philippines.  I served in the USS Dixon (AS-37), deployed to the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War, and was honorably discharged in 1993.  Now an attorney, I have recently initiated an advocacy to seek restoration of US Navy Recruiting in the Philippines via re-negotiation of the Visiting Forces Agreement.

 

Jerry Wilkins, HHSA

Service:  U.S. Marine Corps

Dates of Active Service:  11/23/65 to 11/23/69

Inactive Reserve:  11/23/69 to 11/23/71

Rank at induction:  Private (E-1)

Rank at discharge:  Staff Sergeant (E-6)

 

Duty Stations:

  • U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (Basic Training)
  • Marine Corps Schools, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
  • Republic of Vietnam (Chu Lai/Danang/Phu Bai) with 11th Marine Regiment (Artillery), 1st Marine Division – October 1966 to November 1967
    • Participated in 5 major operations against VC/NVA
  • 28th Marine Regiment (Infantry), Camp Pendleton – November 1967 to November 1969

Recognition:

  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • Presidential Unit Citation
  • Vietnam Service Medal
  • Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Meritorious Promotion to Corporal (E-4)
  • Meritorious Promotion to Sergeant (E-5)
  • Meritorious Promotion to Staff Sergeant (E-6)

 

Jennifer Reynolds, HHSA

I served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. I served my country with the Marine Mag units as well as the VP67 Naval Air group, learning skills such as Emergency Medicine, Minor Surgery & Diagnosing sick sailors and Marines. I will never forget my brothers and sisters that stood beside me to assure our freedom.

 

Franco Lopez is on the right.Franco Lopez, Auditor & Controller

USMC 1999 – 2004

Memorable Events:

Weeks with no bed, little sleep, no shower, and no toilets at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003; no problem, we had plenty of ammo and a mission.

Coming out in one piece after countless conveys.

Setting up camp at the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon.

Mourning friends and colleagues.

 

Final Awards:

Combat Action Ribbon

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Marine Corp Good Conduct

Presidential Unit Citation

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

National Defense Service Medal

 

Sol Masangkay, Parks & Recreation

U.S. Navy, 1980-1991

Service: Antisubmarine Squadron 29, NAS North Island 1980-1983 (aboard USS Kitty Hawk, CV-61 in 1981 and aboard USS Carl Vinson, CVN-70 in 1983 on its first cruise)

NAS Miramar Supply Department, 1984-1987

USS Tripoli, LPH 10, 1987-1991 (Desert Storm veteran)

Doug Stauffer, General Services

1973-1994, US Navy Civil Engineer Corps

See the world- every move I made was across an ocean. I went from Mississippi to Okinawa to Puerto Rico to Hawaii to Diego Garcia to Georgia to Italy to New York to Japan, ending in San Diego.  Best assignment: landed on Diego Garcia 2 weeks after the Iranian hostage-taking and witnessed the place go from a sleepy little backwater to the nexus of US military strength.  Within months we had more Seabees on the island than anywhere else in the world.  Seven day a week construction operations supporting fleet forces in the Persian Gulf.

 

Tony Avina, Agriculture/Weights & Measures

I actively served in the US Army from 1987-1990.  I remained as an inactive member of the US Army until 1995.  I was stationed in Frederick, Maryland at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases-Bacteriology Division.  I was Biological Sciences Assistant in the Anthrax Biological Research team.  Our team was responsible to optimize the Anthrax vaccine, which was used by military personnel during the 1990 Persian Gulf War.  I am a Persian Gulf War veteran.  I was honorably discharged in 1990.

In addition, I also served in the California National Guard from 1992-1995.  I was honorably discharged in 1995.  

 

 

Harold Randolph, HHSA

United States Marine Corps, September 1974 to August 1995

I served as Administrator, Inspector/Instructor, Recruiter, Group Administrative Chief, Classified Document Courier, Company Gunny and Administrative Analyst.  Places stationed or visited: North and South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; all states with Marine Corps Units west of the Mississippi and all Marine Units in the Western Pacific.   Most memorable assignment was “Operation Restore Hope” Mogadishu, Somalia from December 1992 to May 1993.  Most time spent overseas, 18 months in Subic Bay, Philippines.  Most fun had was flying (not piloting) when stationed with VMO-1 “Can Do” and with VMO-4 “Bronco”.  Call Signs used:  “Guru” and “Reverend”.  Continents visited – 6. Countries visited – 28.  Ready to do it all over again!!!

Happy 236th Birthday Marines! (November 10, 1775 – 2011)

Semper Fi


Rolando Indiongco, Probation

I proudly served in the United States Navy for 30 years and 14 days. I travelled to more places around the world in 30 years that most people do in a lifetime, all for free, thanks to the multiple aircraft carriers wherein I served. I was promoted to the rank only 1 percent of the enlisted military attain: Master Chief Petty Officer. I started serving following the conclusion of the Vietnam War. I also served in the Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and many others. I salute all of my fellow veterans.

 

Timothy Henry, HHSA

I served almost 13 years in the Navy, worked on aircraft avionics systems mostly on the SH-2F and SH-60B helicopters. In the middle of my Navy career I was assigned to VX-1. This is the squadron that tests any new Antisubmarine Warfare aircraft and equipment. At this squadron we had five different types of aircraft both helicopters and fixed wing.

 

 

April Heinze, General Services

Join the Navy and See the World-that was the recruiting line that attracted me to the Navy.  The 1970’s were the early days of expanded opportunities for women in the military and I was fortunate to receive a Navy ROTC scholarship to attend engineering school, serve my Country as a Civil Engineer Corps officer around the world, and become the third woman ever promoted to the rank of Captain in my specialty.

Memorable events include:

Seabees-the honor of leading the most dedicated and energetic young people to build and repair almost anything, anywhere
Shipyards-3 Navy shipyards, crawling through utility tunnels, repairing WWII damage in Pearl Harbor, and the eerie silence of the USS Arizona memorial
Diplomacy-bi-lateral exercises in Korea and Thailand, drinking vodka with generals in Russia
Disasters-earthquake recovery and monsoons in the Philippines, outrunning typhoons in the Pacific
Conflicts-landing in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Marines just 8 days after Iraq invaded Kuwait in the first Gulf War
Congress-watching our democracy at work, preparing testimony for appointees, briefing staffers on the hill, sitting in hearings directly behind the principals
9-11-flying cross-country on military aircraft with senior political appointees to return to D.C. when all commercial aircraft were grounded, returning to the Pentagon on 9-12 to find over 90% of the military and civilian employees continuing to work for freedom

 

 

Diane Cook, Purchasing and Contracting

Eight years active duty service with the US Army. I am a disabled veteran who participated in Desert Storm as a combat medic.  Throughout my military career I was stationed in some exotic and not so exotic places just to name a few: Ft Leonard Wood Missouri, Ft Sam Houston Texas, Tripler Army Medical Center Hawaii and Madigan Army Medical Center, Washington. While serving I became a Department of Defense Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, one of only 50 of us at the time Army wide.

 

Carlos Renstrom, Parks & Recreation

I served as a Human Resources Specialist (42A) in the U.S. Army. I was stationed in Columbia, South Carolina and Schofield Barracks in the island of Oahu, Hawaii, where I completed active duty.

During active duty, I was part of the Personnel Action Center for the 84th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) in the 25th Infantry Division (Light) providing Human Resources services to 600 soldiers and their families. I was in charge of processing military personnel promotions, demotions, personnel actions, leadership briefings, data processing as well as making sure that soldiers and their families were receiving military benefits and counseling as needed during deployments. In 2004, I received the Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Marksman on M16 and M249 Rifle, Expert on Grenade and Overseas Medal.

 

 

Anne Greenstone, HHSA

I joined the Air Force Nurse Corps after college to earn the GI Bill to pay for grad school.   I was assigned to Carswell AFB  Texas 3/ 1972-3/ 1974.  In early May 72  all active duty men  on the base (pilots, crew, nurses) were hurriedly assembled and flown to Viet Nam in one night for the Tet offensive.  Noise from departing planes kept me awake all   night.  All male RNs were gone.    I worked the orthopedic ward caring for the war wounded .  What a rambunctious group, mostly ages 18-20.  One night I was surprised by flight staff entering the ED with a group of ill men- POWs coming home to Texas.  I separated in March 1974.  I went directly to UCLA.  I was awarded my MN degree from UCLA in 1978. The GI Bill paid for  living expenses.  I earned it. 

 

James Boyd, County Counsel

1972 – 1975 U.S. Army, Special 5, US Army Legal Services Agency, Europe
1975- 1977  U.S. Army Reserves (E-5)
1977 – 1980 U.S. Marine Corps, Lance Corporal until Enlisted Commissioning Program (OCS), 1st Lieutenant, Infantry

 

Dale Santee, Alternate Public Defender

Colonel Dale W. Santee was the senior individual mobilization augmentee to the staff judge advocate, HQ Pacific Air Force, Hickam AFB, HI.  Commissioned as a reserve officer through the Direct Appointment Program, he served on active duty as an Air Force judge advocate from January 7, 1979 to August 8, 1983.  He deployed twice in support of peacekeeping operations in Bosnia with the Tanker Task Force based in Pisa, Italy for Operations Deny Flight and Joint Endeavor.  In December 1996, he deployed to Istres, France in support of Operation Joint Guard.  From August 2000 to December 2000, Colonel Santee deployed for Operation Southern Watch to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the first reserve Staff Judge Advocate of an Air Expeditionary Force (AEF 9).  He was an adjunct instructor at the Judge Advocate General School, Montgomery, AL, Pacific Joint Operations Law Exercise, HI and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Remo, Italy.

 

Robert Contreras, Housing and Community Development

I served in the United States Navy from January 1976 until January of 1980. That is what brought me to San Diego. I enjoy my time in the Navy, especially the traveling. But what I remember most is meeting persons from my hometown of Schertz, Texas. The most memorable one was when I arrived at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. I was checked in by an Air Force sergeant who I had met when I was a teenager. I lived next to a Air Force base and I often hung at the gym. This sergeant worked with my uncle. Boy, was he surprised to see me. After I finished my enlistment, I decided to stay in San Diego as I fell in love with the city on my first visit.

 

Greg Locke, General Services

I served 21 years of active duty with the United States Marine Corps. The leadership traits that I witnessed while in the Marines Corps are something I have tried to emulate on a daily basis and will continue to for the rest of my life. I have lived in a number of unique areas of the world; I spent four months living in a tent in Yechon, Korea, spent time in the western Egyptian desert, saw the rainbows are formed  when the desert sands blow off the coast of Tunisia in the evening and saw my daughter born in a hospital in Japan. I hope that all the veterans will enjoy this special holiday on November 11, 2011.

 

 

Manuel Garcia (right) with former County employee Robert Roberson.Manuel Garcia, HHSA

Active Duty

United States Army Feb. 1973 to July 1976

52nd Construction Engineer Battalion

220th Field Artillery,

Fort Carson, Colorado

 

United States Army Ready Reserve-1976-1987

129th Med. Evac. Hospital (Must Unit)-Admiral Baker Field

177th Transportation Company-Camp Pendleton

 

 

Tom Philipp, Auditor & Controller

Submarine Service – Cold War (1977-1983).   Nuke machinist on USS HADDO SSN604.  Home port – San Diego.  Longest submerged – 45 days when Iran held US hostages.  How does it feel underwater?  A bit like an airplane, especially when they do ‘angles and dangles.’

 

Jay Patterson, ARCC

Rank: Dental Technician 1st Class
Branch: United States Navy (Retired)
Service: March 1976 to March 1996
Specialties: Medical/Dental Administration & Oral Surgery Technician

Commands:

(a)  Overseas Command: NAS Agana Guam [Sep 76 to Mar 79]

(b)  Sea Commands:
USS Coronado (AGF-11) [Apr 81 to Apr 82] – Persian Gulf Command Ship
USS Hunley (AS-31) [May 82 – Dec 83] – Holy Loch Scotland
USS Long Beach (CGN-9) [Jan 87 – Jun 90] – Pacific Fleet
USS Rushmore (LSD-47) [Aug 93 – Mar 96] – Pacific Fleet

Shore Commands:

(1)  Naval Hospital, NAS Whidbey Island WA
(2)  Naval Regional Dental Center, San Diego, CA
(3)  Naval Supply Center, San Diego CA
(4)  Fleet Dental Office, US Pacific Fleet

Notables:

(a)  Sailed around the world in 1987.
(b)  Set foot on every continent on this earth.
(c)  Five tours of duty to Persian Gulf region (combat and non-combat).
(d)  Lots of memories…

 

Kristie Makowsky, HHSA

I joined the United States Army right out of high school. I served for four years, on 3 different bases – Fort Polk, LA, Fort Gordon, GA and Fort Jackson, SC. I was the first female Radar Technician recruited right after the Vietnam war. I learned a lot in the Army and my veteran’s benefits are the only reason I was able to purchase my home. My son is following in my path and will be reporting to Fort Jackson, SC in March 2012.

 

Moises Rivera, Probation

USN 1989-1993. I served on the USS Vincennes CG-49.

 

Daniel E. Chesler, HHSA

U.S. Navy,  served on ships escorting tankers during  the ‘Tanker War’ and had a front row seat during Operation Preying Mantis.

 

 

 

 

Jayne Reinhardt: Outstanding Community Partner

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She always stands…and also stands out.

Jayne Reinhardt, community health promotion specialist with the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), will be getting a 2012 Outstanding Community Partner award from Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP).  The award, given to “those who go above and beyond to volunteer their time, contribute their ideas and expertise, and provide leadership,” will be presented to Reinhardt next week.

“I feel honored,” said Reinhardt, 51, who seldom sits because of a back injury. “I love working with them (CHIP). I love their initiatives. They fit in well with Live Well, San Diego!”

Live Well, San Diego! is the County’s ongoing initiative to improve the health and well-being of local residents.

Reinhardt has worked for HHSA for almost 20 years, first as an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist and then in many roles in her current position in the Central and South regions. 

Reinhardt works on policy and environmental change, promotes healthy behaviors, and helps link people to medical providers and resources to improve their overall health.

“When people have a medical provider or better health homes, they are going to be healthier,” Reinhardt said.

She is also actively involved in promoting mental health and participated in the creation of depression screening events which take place every October. Reinhardt worked on the region’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan, funded by the County and created by CHIP, and was instrumental in getting faith groups and organizations to participate in its development.

“I’ve worked in so many different areas, but I’ve always found a great deal of passion in all of them,” added Reinhardt, who now works with community partners doing outreach and providing resources to youth and the homeless.

“I am excited. I am working to create change. I am trying to make things better.”

Mo' for CECO

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The clean-shaven men at the start of CECOvember.

A group of employees has embarked on a hair-raising fundraising effort for the San Diego County Employees' Charitable Organization.

The men are growing moustaches this month to coincide with the CECO membership drive running through November 30. It’s modeled after Movember, an annual event in which men grow moustaches to raise money and awareness for men’s health issues. The County crew is calling their twist on this CECO Hair for Care.

The team members have photos of themselves clean-shaven and will be documenting their progress through the month. They are asking colleagues for support by making a donation to CECO. You can send a contribution to CECOvember at 5580 Overland Avenue or Mail Stop O-25. For other questions, contact the soon-to-be-moustachioed Mike Davis at Michael.Davis@sdcounty.ca.gov.

To learn more about CECO or make a donation not involving whiskered men, visit the CECO website.

Preparing and Protecting - All in One

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Martha Bartzen, RN, east region public health nurse manager

San Diego County is known nationally for emergency preparedness.

To keep that reputation, County employees participate in emergency drills throughout the year.  

What if we needed to quickly vaccinate hundreds of people? How does HHSA staff prepare for that? Actually it’s one of the drills they do often – and the drill offers flu shots to the public at the same time.

Thursday, HHSA staff held a drill at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon that doubled as  free flu shot opportunity to East County residents.

“If you can kill two birds with one stone, all the better,” said Martha Bartzen, RN, east region public health nurse manager. “After a drill like this, everyone knows in a time of disaster what they have to do and how it works.

“It’s similar to going to CPR training,” she said. “You do this drill every year so if we were to have an emergency, we could call staff and we could have a clinic like this set up within a couple hours.”

Plus HHSA is able to help protect the public against the flu.

“Flu is a big thing and we’re working to protect the public against outbreaks,” she said.” We’ve had outbreaks in the past so by getting this done we’ll protect our fellow East County neighbors.”

HHSA has been doing mass vaccination drills since the 2007. Clinics like this were used to provide the public with vaccinations during the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic and in both 2010 and 2011 for pertussis.

Bartzen and her staff began preparations for Thursday’s mass vaccination in September, although the location was booked last year.

“You have supplies that need to be ordered, the vaccine and you have to organize the staff,” said Bartzen. “We have each of the managers in the region identify ten members of their staff who want to do this.

“There are now so many HHSA employees who enjoy coming here that they have to select the ten because there’s a lot more than ten who want to come.”

Public Health Services, Child Welfare Services and Family Resource Center staff from Lemon Grove and El Cajon were all involved in staffing the clinic.

“Of course the nurses are giving the vaccine and work triage, but the majority of the staff is made up of office assistants, social workers, eligibility workers and health educators,” said Bartzen.  “When you have a clinic or shelter that opens up in an emergency, you’ll have nurses in the medical area, but you’ll have different workers in other areas. It’s a team approach.

“You never know when a disaster is going to happen and you have to be able to get your staff going in a short amount of time and we’ve been able to do that,” she said.

Another element this year was having employees shadow each other as a way more people are trained in different roles in case of an actual emergency.

“One of the things we’re doing this year is succession planning where we have people shadowing us so they can see what it’s like to be a site manager or the lead in triage or operations,” said Bartzen.

“We need to be able to come together as a group to support whatever disaster happens and it’s like they say, ‘It’s not if it’s going to happen, it’s when,’ and we have to be ready to go!”

Take That, Vampire Power!

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You’ve heard of vampire power, haven’t you? It sucks electricity from computers and other appliances even when you’re not using them. That wastes energy and costs money. But the County is fighting back and gaining money in return.

How did we manage that? No stakes, sorry. And no garlic, either. New network software allows us to put connected computers and monitors into a low energy consumption state when they’re not in use. The software – in a centralized location - can detect whether there’s been any activity on your desktop and if not, can automatically put your PC into a low energy mode or hibernation.

The savings don’t sound like much power for one computer, but add in another 9,300 computers and monitors and we’re saving about $286,000 per year. Put it another way, the energy savings is the equivalent emissions reduction of taking 870 cars off the road.

As a result, SDG&E presented an energy efficiency rebate check to San Diego County for $139,485 for the County’s Networked PC Power Management Project. In addition, the EPA Energy Star Program recognized the County for its efforts as a participant in the national Low Carbon IT Campaign. The rebate check will go into an energy trust fund and will be used for energy efficiency projects at some of our existing facilities.

“There’s a dual benefit,” said County Energy and Sustainability Manager Peter Livingston. “We save energy and utility costs but we also get the benefit of increasing employees’ productivity by performing software updates more efficiently.”

That means power management at the server level can schedule software downloads at night, even stagger them, so waiting for your computer to download software before you can start working in the morning is a thing of the past. 

While the rebate accounts for about 9,300 desktop computers, the County is actually saving more money and energy than is reflected in the check. The project is being done in phases and eventually 13,500 computers, including laptops, will be included in the project.

Vampire energy being what it is, it took a powerful team to ward off its energy-sucking powers. That team? The Chief Technology Office, our IT provider HP, Community Services Group IT Manager Kim Hatfield and Livingston. Now that’s what’s called taking a bite out of energy waste!     

Call Her Tenacious!

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County Library Director Jose Aponte, Volunteer of the Month Christine Connell, Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Alpine Library Branch Manager Elisabeth Newbold

The County’s Volunteer of the Month doesn’t mind the moniker at all. Christine Connell was recognized as Volunteer of the Month by the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The Alpine resident was commended for donating her time to the Alpine County Library for the last nine years. She’s so devoted she’s also serving as the President of the Alpine Library Friends Association or ALFA.

Originally from England, Connell moved to Alpine from the Bay area 13 years ago. The first thing she did after unpacking her boxes was get a library card. She volunteers because she believes it’s important. The rest is history.

Among her many duties, Connell sets up for branch programs, runs meetings and helps out in the bookstore.

During the Board meeting, Supervisor Jacob described Connell as a passionate and energetic advocate for the San Diego County Library.

“She’s very tenacious, I can tell you that personally,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “She continues to push for that Alpine Library.”

In response to the commendation, Connell said she feels like a fraud. She’s one of 200 members of the Alpine Library Friends Association and they all work like a well-oiled machine. Admittedly, she says, sometimes as a cranky old machine what with lugging books around and fund-raising.

What is most rewarding about giving her time? The people. Connell says it’s a joy to volunteer for branch manager Elizabeth Newbold. The admiration is mutual.  

“She never lets you down,” said Elisabeth Newbold. “Even if she’s out of town, she makes sure   things stay organized.”  

But what about that new library? The current library has been in the same location for 30 years. The branch is only about 3,000 square feet and Connell says there just isn’t enough space for the branch’s many programs and library patrons who want to read.

The lot for a new library was purchased several years ago and will be four times larger than the current one. The hitch, of course, is funding to furnish and equip the library so Connell is working hard to get it.

“I think Supervisor Jacob said I’m tenacious. I think we have to be because we really, really, really need our new library,” said Connell.  “And she’s promised to do her best to make that happen so we’re push, push, pushing to bring our new beautiful, beautiful library to Alpine.”

Tenacious? That’s just another word for not readily letting go of, or giving up. And that sounds exactly like the County’s Volunteer of the Month for October 2012 Christine Connell!

  

Putting the Spotlight on Social Workers Through Job Shadowing

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It sounded like Mission Impossible: take everything a San Diego County social worker does, and explain it to eager high school students in three hours or less.

That was the task at hand as juniors and seniors from Escondido-area high schools job shadowed County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) employees through a partnership with Escondido COMPACT (Creating Opportunities Making Partnerships and Connecting Teens).

Lillian Asoera, Marie Hommel and Reem Radwan, all HHSA social workers, took four students on a tour of HHSA’s North Inland Child Welfare Services, Vista family court and Green Oak Ranch - a safe haven for children in protective custody.

“This was a great day for students to think about what their strengths were,” said Chuck Matthews, assistant deputy director for HHSA north inland and coastal regions. “Come with your eyes and ears open and don’t hold back on asking questions.”

After a short orientation session to start the day, the social workers and students piled in a minivan and headed to the Child Welfare Services offices in Escondido. Before the students had a chance to ask questions, Asoera had one for them.

“What have you heard about us?” she asked.

The perceptions the girls brought to job shadow opportunity were a mixed bag:

“I heard that you take care of kids who’ve been abused.”

“You’re the people that take children away.”

“That’s what happens to rebellious kids – they take you away.”

Asoera said the reason for opening with that question was simple: “I don’t like to do presentations without asking what they’ve heard about us out in the community.”

It gives the social workers a starting point in their presentation to correct misperceptions and HHSA staff hope when the youth go back into the community they have a base of knowledge about what social workers do and can correct any mistaken impressions.

 “Sometimes no intervention is needed,” said Hommel. “There is a difference between poor parenting and child abuse.

“It’s my job as a social worker to find out what level of intervention is needed.”

Removing a child from their parents is an option, but it’s far from the only option available.

“Sometimes we refer parents to parenting classes or we can refer a Public Health Nurse to visit and do home education with parents,” Hommel said.

“Our over-riding goal is to not cause any more trauma to a child,” said Asoera.

The students were curious about the social workers background, education and work day.

Hommel has several degrees, including a law degree. She stressed the ability to communicate and having a passion for the job.

“You have to learn communications skills,” she said. “It’s very important.

“I have a passion for this job, and it’s extremely rewarding if you have a passion for it.”

Asoera made it clear to the students that there was no such thing as a typical day for a social worker.

“We’re supposed to work 8 to 5, but we’re dealing with people’s lives,” she said. “If a parent gets home from work at 6 pm, when are you going to go see them?”

After a tour of the office, the group headed over to the Superior Court of California’s North County Regional Center in Vista for a visit to family court.

“This gave them an opportunity to go in a courtroom and see what an actual hearing looks like,” said Radwan. “They got to see what’s called a 48-hour detention hearing where there is a judge in the courtroom.”

The final stop for the day was the Green Oak Ranch.

“The students loved the ranch,” said Asoera. “They were very excited to see what it was like for a child coming in to the ranch.

“They really loved it and the environment there.”

At the end of the day, the students told the social workers they were all ready to change career paths and become social workers after the experience.

Asoera told them they had plenty of time to make up their minds, and many social workers had one or more careers in other occupations before they became social workers.

But if they become social workers, it’s very personally rewarding, according to Asoera.

“You meet people when they are really down and in crisis,” she said. “You have the ability to go in and say, ‘we can fix this.’

“I always like to get young adults to really think about their future and the decisions they make about their careers, and make sure it’s something they really want to do. I’m hoping we really made an impression.”

Halloween-themed 5K Run/Walk to Benefit Crime Reward Fund

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If your loved one was attacked or killed and the case remained unsolved, you would be desperate for information leading to an arrest.  Sometimes a reward fund can coax witnesses to come forward and help solve a case.

“It means that somebody cares and it’s hope that the case will be solved,” said Sally Cox, executive director for San Diego County Crime Stoppers non-profit organization. “Knowing the community is invested in getting the case solved means the world to people.”

Here is your chance to take part in a fun run/walk that will help raise money for the Crime Stoppers Felony Crime Reward Fund which could bring some justice to grieving families.

Lace up your running or walking shoes, throw on a costume if you dare, and join San Diego County Crime Stoppers, San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies,  and other local law enforcement for the 26th annual Light the Night Against Crime 5K Run/Walk in Balboa Park this Saturday night. At least 1,400 law enforcement officers and their families are among those taking part in the 5K.

To join them, sign up online or download an application at http://sdcrimestoppers.com/lightthenightagainstcrime.html.  Registration is $33 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Registration goes up to $35 for adults on the day of the race. 

This year’s race is dedicated to the memory of San Diego Police Officer Christopher Wilson, who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 27, 2010. San Diego County Sheriff’s Sgt. Craig Johnson and Detective Ali Perez, who were both shot on duty in September, will also be honored.

Despite the serious undertone of the fundraiser, the event is intended to be fun and kid-friendly. Some 3,000 people are expected to participate including 500 kids, said Cox.

The course starts at Balboa Medical Center and is flat looping Park Boulevard. A kids run starts at 6:15 p.m. and the adult race starts at 7 p.m. A Halloween-themed event expo with a kid zone that includes face painting, music, rock climbing and a pumpkin patch will kick off at 5 p.m. and the post-race party will go until 10 p.m.  A costume contest with prizes will take place at 8:30 p.m.

“Most of our volunteers and some of the teams are people who’ve been affected by crime,” said Cox. “It’s a way to honor their loved one and also a way to go out and have fun and support a good cause.”

On the Move

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A crew hoists a 45,000 lb. Senegal Date Palm tree at the CAC Tuesday using a massive crane. The tree will eventually sit farther north at the CAC. The work is part of the Waterfront Park project.

It’s not just you. A tree did just move at the County Administration Center. A few, actually.

Construction crews at the County Administration Center began unearthing and moving huge palm trees Tuesday morning. They will be preserved and replanted onsite as part of the new Waterfront Park project.

The first trees to move were two enormous, historic Senegal Date Palm trees which date back to the CAC’s landscape plans developed by prominent landscape architect Roland Hoyt in 1939.

The trees are enormous, weighing about 45,000 lbs. and 95,000 lbs. each. It took a 300-ton crane and to lift them from where they sat along Ash Street on the far south side of the CAC property. The crane then placed the trees onto a truck, which carried them to a new temporary home. Under the new park plan, they will be replanted farther north in a “historic core” area on the CAC’s West lawn.

In the meantime, the trees will live in what look like oversized wooden planter boxes that were used to move them to the southwest side of the building. Project Manager Suzanne Evans said an arborist determined the trees would be OK living in the boxes for the next year until they can be permanently replanted.

More trees will likely be preserved as part of the project and a total of 150 new trees will be added to the CAC grounds. A few trees were removed, most of them dying, past their prime or considered noxious or invasive. Overall, the CAC will have far more trees when the new park is completed, Evans said.

County officials offered some trees that could not be used onsite to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Botanical Garden and both are considering it, said Leonard Pinson, Property Manager for the CAC.

The first phase of the project, which will include a new underground parking structure on the south side, is expected to be completed in Sept. 2013. The second phase, which will include the surface improvements and the park on the north side, will be done in spring 2014.

For more information, visit the Waterfront Park Project page. 

Crews prepare to move a massive palm tree from the far southern end of the CAC. The Senegal Date Palm tree has been at the CAC since 1939 and will be preserved in a new location.