Ventura Rivera (Probation)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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.”

Michael Nguyen (Housing & Community Development)

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Michael Nguyen (Housing & Community Development) “is amazing!”

            “I just wanted to express a thank you to your department and specifically acknowledge Mike Nguyen as the case manager we were working closely with. Mike always returns calls promptly and he handles things with ease on our part. He communicated what needed to be done to make the property compliant and the inspection was scheduled at a good time. When we needed to fix a couple of things, the re-inspection was again rescheduled in a timely manner.”

“Thank you for the professional manner your department and Mr. Nguyen handled our rental. Your department offers a very fine and valuable service to both owners and tenants.”

Cyndee Rash (Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk)

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Cyndee Rash (Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk) was commended for her “assistance with birth certificates.”

            “We occasionally have issues with birth certificates needed for the adoption process here in HHSA. I am fortunate enough to know Ms. Rash as a past co-worker. When the clerical staff here needs immediate answers concerning a birth certificate, I have been able to contact Ms. Rash via phone and ask her to research our issue. She is always polite and helpful with her response thereby enabling us to complete our tasks in a timely manner. Her courtesy, along with Cheryl Lauta and James Scott, helps us to service our social workers in providing great customer service to our clients. Thank you Cyndee.”

David Craig and David Byrnes (Air Pollution Control District)

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David Craig and David Byrnes (Air Pollution Control District) were commended on “helping their co-worker, who was in need of help.”

            “The recent power outage caused difficulty for many county employees. One employee at our office was waiting until after work to get gas in her car before picking up her two children in two separate areas of the county. When the power went out and it was determined that the power would not be restored for an extended period of time, all employees were sent home. This employee did not have enough gas to pick up either of her two children and she was not able to get through by phone to family or friends that could have picked up her children for her. David Craig and David Byrnes came to her rescue by finding a hose to siphon gas out of their own vehicles and enabling her to get to her children.

Catherine Craft (Child Welfare Services)

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Catherine Kraft (Child Welfare Services) was praised for her dedication and support for family's adopting children.

"Catherine is extremely professional and courteous...she delivers attention and detail directly to your family. This makes a tremendous difference to families. Catherine was always the constant positive in the process.

"Catherine is truly a kind person, but it really is more than that for us...her skills and knowledge of the process makes you have confidence that your case is being handled with care and efficiency. We can only wish that every family could work with Catherine and have the experience we have had."

Don Kraft (Planning and Land Use)

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Don Kraft (Planning and Land Use) was commended for his “extra care to find a planning solution to meet our clients’ needs.”

“Don Kraft was the planner assigned to address issues regarding modifying a MUP (Major Use Permit) from 1962. He took extra care to find a planning solution to meet our clients’ needs as well as the Counties regulations.  Great Job!”

Jeff Olson and Carol Vandenberg (ARCC)

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Jeff Olson and Carol Vandenberg (ARCC) - “Thanks for the Excellent Service!”

            “Over the last month, I have had the opportunity to work with the Assessment Services Office on a series of Applications/Appeals of Property Tax assessment matters.

            In regard to those services, I have worked particularly with Mr. Jeffrey Olson (Division Chief) and Carol Vandenberg.  Both of them have been so helpful, going out of their way to identify the information required on each application and verifying that I had made the right entries.

            Again, I appreciate the positive and helpful attitude.  My clients feel the same way since we want to be sure that each Application/Appeals is complete and correct.”

Polinsky Children's Center Staff (HHSA)

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The Polinsky Children's Center staff "is so nice."

 

            "Dear Cathi Palatella (Polinsky Center Director), I am a CASA, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for foster children. The foster child I work with is a 15-year-old girl. The other day when we were on an outing, we happened to pass the Polinsky Children's Center. In a very enthusiastic voice, she said, 'Oh, I just love that place.'

             I asked her what she liked about it and she said the people (staff) were so nice and they always had fun things for us to do.

             I know you work very hard to make the center a special place and thought you would like to hear this compliment first-hand from someone who attended your facility.

             Thank you for being a positive chapter in her life of many challenges."

Anna Washington (California Children Services, HSS)

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Anna Washington (California Children Services, HSS) “is truly an angel.”

                “Dear Anna, thank you very much for your help in assisting us for getting my son’s insurance. It was a big help and I am grateful to see your wonderful staff take their time in helping us in important situations. I hope you have a great success in your working environment and continue being the wonderful person you are. Thank you so much and God bless you all.”

Joe Cordero (Office of Community Affairs)

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Joe Cordero (Office of Community Affairs) came to the aid of a woman trying to obtain property records in time to save her friend’s home in Pennsylvania.

            “I don’t know how to thank you properly; because of your assistance we were able to gain access to the public documents very quickly.  Grace Smith (ARCC) was a huge help!  I emailed several other officials and you were the only person to take matters into your own hands and actually help.  I owe you many thanks.  Gaining access to the deed we were looking for should help forward the process of the closing on his house. The fact that you actually followed up with my situation shows that you are a true public servant with heart and soul."

Vista Medical Therapy Unit (California Childrens Services)

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Vista Medical Therapy Unit (California Childrens Services) sponsored an event designed to be fun but also teach our therapy children higher level skills needed to promote independence including socialization, meal planning, and maneuvering in a kitchen.

One of the kids and the mother wrote a very nice thank you note: 

“Dear California Childrens Services Staff, thank you very much for the girls party. I had a lot of fun. I was happy to meet the other girls and do girly stuff together. Also, the movie “Last Song” was cute and nice. And the lunch was yummy. It was a wonderful girls day. Thank you again from Kahna.

 Her mother added: “P.S. Thank you so much for putting this together. Kahna keeps telling me what a fantastic time she had. Thank you, Yuki.”

Alma Sandoval (HHSA)

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Alma Sandoval Helped Edgemoor Patient Earn Diploma and Associates Degree

“[Alma Sandoval has] a lot patience about helping me to sit me up on bed to study, set up my computer for doing my homework, set up my book holder and a book to read as well as the printer to print my homework - sometimes very late at night when is almost time or her to leave.

"She helps me a lot. She said she helps me because she sees how hard I make the effort by getting up every morning, leaving to school and coming back in the afternoon.  And then go to bed an I set up on bed to keep studying doing my homework until very late at night. That’s why she didn’t mind to help me to set up everything almost everyday without abandoning her other patients too.”