Officer Gabriel Tapia (Probation)

Officer Gabriel Tapia (Probation) received a letter of gratitude for his participation in one of our local school’s Law Enforcement Day.

            “I truly appreciate all that you do to serve our community and it was a treat for our students to learn firsthand about the job you do.  My hope is that our students will learn about some of the possibilities available to them in the community and realize the many choices they have to make a contribution with their lives.  Your willingness to partner with us in the education of our children towards this endeavor is greatly appreciated.”

How to Submit a Verbatim

If you would like to submit a Verbatim item, highlighting feedback that a County employee received, please email your submission to MaryAnn.Merrell@sdcounty.ca.gov and CC: Thomas.Christensen@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Tammy Cervone (Animal Services)

Tammy Cervone (Animal Services) is “wonderful.”

            “I was on Gopher Canyon this morning and a little brown dog was in traffic and in real danger of getting hit.  I was able to catch his buddy, a big black lab, but I tried for an hour to catch the little brown guy. I called your number and an amazing animal control officer caught him.  She was so professional and did such an excellent job of getting the scared little dog.  She answered all my questions. I must say that I was very impressed and feel better knowing she is out there to protect our animals.  Thanks for the great service.”



Michelle Kout (Health and Human Services Agency)

Michelle Kout (HHSA, Self Sufficiency Eligibility) was thanked for all of her “unexpected kindness.”

            “Thank you for choosing to work our case.  I don’t know how or why you came to our aid, but we would have been lost without it.  We have a plan to reach financial independence – for now we are just weathering the storm.”



Traffic Engineering (Public Works)

Traffic Engineering (Public Works) received praise for their “extraordinarily quick response” in correcting a hazardous traffic situation.

            “They definitely heard our concerns about the safety of this intersection and have worked quickly to mitigate the dangerous conditions. Even before the Traffic Advisory Meeting last week, they had already installed three chevrons along the westbound curve and are now starting the process to add the larger warning sign.  What a fabulous group to work with!”



Sue Mango (Health & Human Services Agency)

Sue Mango (Health & Human Services Agency) was thanked by a client who enthusiastically wrote “You rock!”

          “Thanks for all of your help – I couldn’t have done it without you.  You’re such a great person all around.  We need more people like you in government.  Once again, I say a BIG THANKS for your help.”



Julie Odlum, Barbara Canseco and Gail Straub (Housing and Community Development)

Julie Odlum, Barbara Canseco and Gail Straub (HCD) wowed another participant with the exceptional job that they did assisting with her relocation.

          “I have moved from New Mexico and I want to thank each and every member of the Housing Team who assisted in this process.  I was a client who always wanted to know what the next step was and if I was complying with the right things.  As busy as you all are, you took the time to respond to my questions and help me follow-up with all the requirements.  I am sure that it takes all of you to do this and you all certainly deserve credit for a job well done.  I hope that one day in the future I am strong enough physically and economically to turn in my voucher so that another client may benefit from it.”



Ramona Kleit and Barbara Canseco (Housing and Community Development)

Ramona Kleit and Barbara Canseco (HCD) provided such outstanding customer service that the client wanted a supervisor to know about it.

          “I just wanted to thank Ramona and Barbara for all of the help they have given me.  I am disabled and they have been very helpful.  They are wonderful!”



Rosalinda Nalos (Housing and Community Development)

The Director of Housing and Community Development received a letter regarding the great customer service provided by one of his staff.

          “I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for my Housing and Section 8 Specialist Rosalinda Nalos.  She is an excellent worker, very compassionate and considerate as well.  She has gone above and beyond as a worker and a humanitarian.  She has helped me and my family a tremendous amount of times.  She is doing a great job!



How to Submit a Verbatim

If you would like to submit a Verbatim item, highlighting feedback that a County employee received, please email your submission to MaryAnn.Merrell@sdcounty.ca.gov and CC Thomas.Christensen@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Thank you.

Ruth-Ann Frisby (Health & Human Services)

Ruth-Ann Frisby (Health & Human Services) “showed more caring and compassion than anyone I’ve dealt with throughout this whole ordeal.”

          “I was recently a victim of violence and have been incapacitated for the last two months.  I came to the County in hopes of getting some sort of help. After a couple visits I was about to give up when God sent me an angel and I crossed paths with Mrs. Frisby.  I hope that more people could learn to care just a little more like she did, knowing that it can really make a difference.”

Erika Rodriguez-Amezcua (Health & Human Services)

Erika Rodriguez-Amezcua (Health & Human Services) “is one of your best workers.”

          “I am so thankful – I am really blessed today.  I was introduced to Erika for my son’s Medi-Cal.  She was a godsend for both me and my son.  With all my heart I wish her the best.  I have no words to say…Erika did a fantastic job!”

Merle Magtoto (California Children Services)

Merle Magtoto (California Children Services) received holiday cards from some of her families and this one stood out.  This young man suffers from cerebral palsy and has received assistance from CCS since 2005.  Included with the card were his school picture and a thank you message:

          “Thank you for being my very special angel and taking good care of me!”

Nestor Silva (Agriculture, Weights & Measures)

Nestor Silva (Agriculture, Weights & Measures) was commended “for his outstanding attitude and technical skills with regards to pesticide and herbicide regulation enforcement.”

          “Our prior inspector for this region was Ted Olsen, who was a phenomenon of wisdom, work ethic and professionalism beyond repute.  We are very pleased that you were able to find somebody of similar character to fill Ted’s shoes.”

          “We know that these two county employees are not anomalies because we have had business dealings with other outstanding representatives within your agency – Stasi, Megan and Coleen, just to name a few.  They are all a clear reflection of your excellent law enforcement and public relations policies.  As a business owner in San Diego County, I would like to extend my gratitude.”

Deborah Jordan (HHSA Central Region)

Deborah Jordan (Child Welfare Services, Central Region) was recognized for her caring and determined strength.

“I just want to thank everyone, as a whole. All the wonderful loving people who made a difference in my daughter’s life over this past year. …Ms. Deborah Jordan (PSW in Central Region) and Judge Yvonne Campos were just two of the strong caring people, and determined, that made decisions for my daughter’s best interest. (She) will never know all those who stood up for her, but I do. Thank you!... Ms. Jordan, I’ll never forget your strength.”

Nancy Varshay (Housing and Community Development)

Nancy Varshay (Housing and Community Development) “is truly an asset to this community and worth rewarding.”

          “I would like to add that Nancy’s professionalism is of an extremely high caliber.  As a homeless person, I found her to be compassionate, kind and concerned with my overall comfort during the intake process.”

Brenda Garcia (House and Community Development)

Brenda Garcia (Housing and Community Development) “is a gem!”

          “I just wanted to thank you for doing all that you could for me and my son.  You have given us the tools to start a new life.  Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity.”

Linda Oliver (Behavioral Health Services/HHSA)

Linda Oliver (Behavioral Health Services/HHSA) “was a real joy to work with”

 “I cannot begin to tell you how helpful she was.  She was thoughtful, caring, understanding, and above all, she said what she did and did what she said.  She went out of her way to locate the information I was looking for even though it wasn’t her usual area.  That type of help is rare these days.  She is the type of worker I would enjoy working with.  I had to let you know what a ‘gem’ she is.”

Ana Collins (California Children Services)

Ana Collins (California Children Services) received a compliment from a client that attested to her customer service skills.

          “I called CCS and a very nice woman, Ana Collins, explained we were denied because an appointment had not been made and there was a deadline that had passed.  I wanted to thank her for her help in guiding us on what needs to be done.  I appreciate it greatly.

Pete Jacovino (Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk)

Pete Jacovino (Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk) “was delightful and encouraging.”

          “Pete’s professional attitude and insightfulness brought ease to a tense situation for me as we are trying to clear up some tax and exemption questions.  Pete carefully and systematically walked me through our file that was at his disposal and gave clear direction as to the forms that I needed to complete for the church and my own personal well being.  In a day and time where we have fewer personnel to do more work, it is refreshing to still have excellent customer service such as what was rendered today.  Pete needs to be commended for a job well done.”