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.”

Michael Nguyen (Housing & Community Development)

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)

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)

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.

Rusty (James) Anderson (Planning and Land Use)

Rusty (James) Anderson (Planning and Land Use) was commended for his “excellent customer service.”

            “Rusty has more building Certifications than any other person in the building department. He provides excellent customer service and takes time to explain the issues to them in a way that they can understand.”

Catherine Craft (Child Welfare Services)

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."

Janet King (HHSA)

Janet King (HHSA - Family Resources Ctr/Escondido) received kudos for her “five hour smile.”

“Janet kept a smile on her face for the five hours I sat in the waiting room today. She dealt with all the clients in a very efficient, friendly and warm manner.”

Don Kraft (Planning and Land Use)

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)

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)

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)

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.”