We commit to a positive approach to provide our customers with a positive experience. We'll regularly highlight some of those positive experiences here.
Our positive approach is driven by serving with HEART. Learn more on the Customer Service website.
Matthew Hargrove (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)
“I would like to point out the excellent customer service that I received today. Matthew Hargrove was very helpful and polite. I had an appeal pending due to a disagreement with the County’s decision on my case and because of the information and recommendations that Matthew provided I am satisfied and I don’t need to go on with the appeal. Thank you for this person!”
Robert Feuerstein (Cartography) was thanked by a Sheriff Department Deputy:
"I just wanted to write you quick e-mail in regards to some work I just had done by Robert Feuerstein at Cartographics. I work as a detective for the Sheriff's Department. I recently submitted some technical work to Bob from one of my cases . Bob completed his work and I was able to gain valuable information on my case based on his work. I would like to pass my sincere thanks on a job well done by your unit and in particular Bob. The services you provide are needed and I trust you keep up the good work. Once again thank you."
Deborah Allison and Mary Ritter (North Inland Family Resource Center, HHSA) “are very kind and helpful.”
“She (Deborah Allison) explained everything to us in detail with patience and knowledge. She was able to answer all of our questions. We are so happy to learn that there are people like her working for the County helping the public.”
“Mrs. Ritter has been helping me with my husband’s case. I wish I could have the right words to explain to you how I feel. I don’t know professional terminology to write a nice, formal letter. Please accept my simple words that come out of my heart! She was so helpful that I felt that she was a family member; concerned and serious, not like a stranger. I tried to make her some food or cakes to show my gratitude but she won’t allow me. I thought I would thank you for having employees like her.”
Officers Bobby Burns, Mike Anderson & Heidi Barajas (Probation) spoke to a humanities class and impressed both the teacher and students:
"I wanted to take time to thank Ms. Barajas, Mr. Burns and Mr. Anderson for speaking to both of my Law in Action classes yesterday. The students and I really enjoyed the information that you shared. I know my classes had their eyes opened to a great deal of what you discussed with them. It is so greatly appreciated when professionals take time from their busy schedules to present to my classes. It truly enriches their learning experience. Thank you."
Dawn D’Acquisto (Housing & Community Development) “was extremely nice and knowledgeable.”
“We came into your office to straighten out a Section 8 issue. Dawn took her time and helped us solve the problem. She has been the most helpful and considerate person that we have ever worked with.”
Officers Avelino Gimutao, Jorge Mercado, Curtis Stewart and Mark Tusi (Probation) “turned a group of strangers who were tired and unhappy into a team by the time they were headed home.”
“I was not enthusiastic about getting up at the crack of dawn to spend the day in an orange vest and hardhat doing who-knows-what or where. Over the weeks as I was clearing brush, collecting other crews’ trash bags or picking up roadside debris, I began to notice that the guys in charge had the delicate ability to set limits and establish authority while still maintaining humor and specific relationships with the people involved. I appreciate their professionalism, skill and ability to relate to their charges. Thanks for the chance to see some silver lining to the events that led to my being there. It actually felt good to be working for my community.”
Officer Omar Figueroa (Probation)
“Your agency is fortunate to have Officer Figueroa as part of its team. He treated me, as well as everyone else, with respect and dignity. As long as you worked hard and followed all the rules it was attainable to complete the assignment. I was apprehensive about working with the probation department but Officer Figueroa made this experience pleasant.”
Officer Omar Figueroa (Probation) “is a huge asset to your department.”
“I was thoroughly impressed with Officer Figueroa for a number of reasons. He treated the crew with respect and dignity and he led by example, often working alongside the crew regardless of the difficulty of the task. His professionalism created an environment that encouraged the crew to work hard while making an otherwise unpleasant situation very tolerable. His great sense of humor made some pretty long days go more quickly. It has been a privilege to meet him.”
Lynn Gordon (Department of Agriculture, Weights, and Measures) was complimented on her prompt response to a consumer complaint.
"On Wednesday, February 22, I reported to your department an overcharge by Target for an eight-pack of Coke; they would not give me the posted price. Your employee, Lynn Gordon, investigated and cited Target for a violation.
I would like to commend Ms. Gordon for her very prompt and professional handling of my complaint. I appreciate the great service from your department."
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) 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."
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) 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.”
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.”
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 (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) 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) 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) “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) “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.”
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