Cynthia Rash (ARCC)

Rash was gratefully acknowledged by the U. S. Consulate in Germany for the “invaluable assistance provided as we faced very unique circumstances when one of our colleagues passed away unexpectedly.”

“Your office understood and appreciated the gravity of our circumstances and provided an extraordinary response.  Ms. Cindy Rash went well beyond the call of duty in addressing the complicated logistics of sending the necessary documentation to Frankfurt in an expeditious manner.  We greatly appreciate the outstanding service and understanding that was extended to us as we worked to assist the family of a young man who died abroad while serving his country.”

Robert Laudy (Carto Services/DPW)

Laudy was thanked for his quick assistance with a rush request.

“The podium graphic was perfect - I was even late getting it to Robert and it was done early.  It looked so great that someone took it!  I tried to find it after the event but it was nowhere to be found.”

Tom Harrington (Facilities Management/General Services)

Harrington “is a problem solver.”

“I have been struggling with a complex problem involving real estate in San Diego.  All the County employees that I talked to were courteous and helpful, but one person deserves special recognition.  Tom Harrington understood the issues and knew how to find the answers.  He gathered information from other departments and when he had it all, he made the solution look simple.  Tom’s professionalism was way beyond my expectations!”

Diane Day (Carto Services/DPW)

Day received kudos for her excellent work on an evidence display for the DA’s office.

“I just wanted to compliment Diane Day on some displays she created for an attempted murder trial.  She constructed them perfectly; they looked amazing and worked out great.  She was very friendly and patiently explained what information she needed in order to create her masterpieces.  I want to thank Carto for all the great work you produce for us here in El Cajon.”

Joanne Bolanos (Insect Detection/AWM)

Bolanos was thanked for “her attention and detection of problem sites.”

“It is good to know that we have some very dedicated people in public service.”

Marilyn Thompson (Children Services/HHSA)

Thompson received a very nice thank you from a grateful mother.

“I didn’t even get through the door before he started saying ‘Guess what I did at therapy today!’  Thanks for believing in him and trying new things with him.  Coming to the Vista MTU has been pleasant and refreshing after years of therapy.  He loves coming to see you.  He asks me ‘where am I going today?’ I tell him that after school he is going to therapy to see Marilyn – what does he say? Yeaaaaaaahhhhh!!  Seriously, thank you.  Who would have known that he would cry when he didn’t have therapy?”

Daniel Oluwasakin (Insect Detection/AWM)

Oluwasakin “is just a sweetheart.”

“A couple of times I’ve had traps placed in my orange tree and the last time, the young man that serviced the traps just couldn’t have been nicer.  He left a card that said that said “your opinion matters to us.”  My opinion is that he is a great addition to your staff.”

Matthew Messmer and staff of the Southeast Family Resource Center (HHSA)

The center received a letter of appreciation from one of the Welfare to Work customers who was assigned to their office for the WEX (Work Experience) Program.

“As a welfare client I had no idea how each and every worker works so hard on each case.  I now have a better appreciation for my welfare benefits.  At your office there are so many dedicated people.  Mr. Messmer and all of the staff are very professional and kind.  I have seen first hand how patient and attentive they to their clients.”

Chrystyne Curry (Special Education/HHSA)

Curry worked diligently with a family to find the right combination of services to benefit a child.    

“I will be forever grateful to you for the role you played in our child’s life.  It is nothing short of a miracle to see how far our child has come.  We have been so blessed by the people who have touched our lives and crossed our paths.”

Brenda Garcia (HCD)

Garcia made the process easy for a client who needed to transfer his Section 8 assistance from Riverside County to San Diego.

“I wanted to let you know that Brenda Garcia did an outstanding job on my move to San Diego.  Brenda provided a personal touch in the way she treated me.  She always answered the phone and returned all of my phone calls.  Unbelievable!”

Thankful recognition for the County Library

An appreciative comment about a parenting class at the Lincoln Acres Branch Library, asking for more parenting classes “because as a parent it’s very important to be a better person.”

A comment by a patron who attended a program at the Encinitas Library on art for the non-artist:  “This program has opened my eyes to a new world.”

A mom responding to “Baby and Me” Story time at 4S Ranch Library:  “My baby and I are making new friends.”

Joan Swanson (DEH/Hazardous Materials)

Swanson “is fast, efficient, customer friendly and informative in her communications.”

“Kudos to Joan Swanson - Joan is consistently educating the business community about County/State regulations in a professional and cooperative role.  For many companies she is their first contact with the DEH and Joan does a fine job representing your department.  Joan is patient and instructional.  It is apparent she cares about her job and the regulated community.”

Nancy Varshay (HCD)

Varshay was acknowledged for her outstanding service by one of the landlords that she works with.

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the excellent customer service Nancy provided to me.  She was so kind and very cooperative.  Nancy is an excellent worker and she was extremely patient.  It was a very good experience with the Housing Authority.”

Todd McCracken (ARCC/Property)

McCracken “is the kind of public servant that is needed at every level of government.”     

“Todd did an excellent job explaining things that I didn’t quite understand regarding my property tax assessment.  He was friendly and not degrading or defensive, a man who did his job quite well.  If there were more men like Todd, the government would likely save a lot of time and money because people would be helped to comprehend what is sometimes incomprehensible.”

Michael Johnson (DEH/Vector Control)

Johnson “is a GREAT employee.”

“He was informative, pleasant and prompt.  We were impressed how professional he was and how he seemed to really care about our situation.  He talked to a few of our neighbors and patiently repeated all he’d just told us and proceeded to answer every question we all had.  All these things should be standard, but you and I both know, that just isn’t the case in today’s world.  We wanted you to know how much we appreciated Michael Johnson.”

Todd Hudson (HCD)

Hudson received compliments from a tenant for his great customer service.

“He was very polite and mannerly and checked everything in my apartment, that’s really important for our good and the owners.  He answered all my questions in an understanding way.  Of all the inspectors I’ve had, Mr. Hudson is outstanding in every way.”

Richard Delgado (DPW/Roads)

Delgado was praised by an East County resident for following up on the road surface and shoulder berm work that he requested.

“I wanted to bring to the Board’s attention the outstanding work of those in the Department of Public Works, Transportation Division.  Specifically, I want to commend Richard Delgado.  Richard called me on several occasions giving me unsolicited updates on the progress of their work and ensuring the work met my expectations.  I really appreciate this level of response and professionalism from the County.”

Rachel Guerra (HCD)

Guerra was thanked by a community manager for “restoring her weakening faith” in people.

“l can’t even imagine what your work load must be like these days.  I want you to know how much I appreciate your dedication and hard work on behalf of the impoverished.”

Dr. David Kellum and his staff (Entomology/AWM)

They received several letters of appreciation for making this year’s Quail Botanical Gardens Insect Fair “the best ever!”

“What a great Insect Festival! Thank you for all your support, resources, expertise and most of all your presence. We couldn’t do this without you.You and your staff are a wonderful and I hope the Insect Festival endures forever."

“On behalf of Quail Botanical Gardens I wish to thank the County of San Diego’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures for helping us stage the most well attended Insect Fair to date.The County’s contribution of staff, volunteers, resources and contacts was crucial to the success of this event, which we estimate was enjoyed by over 6,000 people."

Craig Abernethy (HCD; Retired August 2009)

Abernethy was thanked by one of his clients.

“I heard you were retiring and I want to let you know you will be greatly missed.  I want to thank you for all your wonderful understanding and for being so kind.  This world could use a lot more people like you in it.  I wish you the best in every thing – today, tomorrow and always.  Enjoy your retirement!”