Gordon Terry (Probation)

Gordon Terry (Probation) received praise from an older adult victim who was helped through a difficult time by Gordon.

"I can't tell you what a wonderful surprise this is for me and Mr. Terry taking the extra steps for this little old lady is a true blessing indeed. I'm sure he has many commendations in his personnel file but please add my little "gold star" for him. My expectations were to do what I could, try to run around for required signatures, etc and still no doubt be frustrated but your Gordon Terry has spared me still more grief."

Alba Marquez (HHSA, Child Welfare Services)

Alba Marquez (HHSA, Child Welfare Services) is a "caring, sincere and good listener."

"I just wanted to let you know about our experience with Alba.  I found her to be caring, sincere and a good listener.  When I walked away from our interview, I really felt I was listened to and that I had been given really good, in fact excellent, customer service by both her and the original worker I called.  When Alba was meeting with my daughter and her boyfriend, the boyfriend got lippy and tried to give Alba a rough time.  Alba handled the situation very well and was appropriately tough with him when necessary.  She did a great job and I just wanted you to know.  I was a supervisor myself for many years and  I just wanted to let you know that I received excellent customer service from your workers."

Thomas Lam (HHSA, Child Welfare Services)

Thomas Lam (HHSA, Child Welfare Services) received praise from the grandfather of a family he worked with.

"Thomas was my first contact with Child Welfare Services.  He is a fine gentleman. Sincere and caring.  A good man.  He listened to me and my concerns and then took care of making a report to the hotline."

Holly Nguyen (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Holly Nguyen (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA) “treated me in a very kind professional manner.”

            “I would like to thank all of you for your kind and considerate help that I received during my last interview at the 5055 Ruffin Road Office. My case worker, Holly Nguyen, was very thorough and easy to talk to. I really appreciated her respectful and kind demeanor during this time of difficulty that I am going through in my life right now. Believe me, there’s nothing I want more than to get healthy again and back into the work force and contribute to society. Until I get through my problems I will be eternally grateful. Kudos to your whole staff; everyone working in the office was very polite and communicative as well. God bless you for all of your kind assistance.”

Saharina Orduna (Kearny Mesa Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Saharina Orduna (Kearny Mesa Family Resource Center, HHSA) “is the Best CMS Representative.”

          “She is extremely knowledgeable and professional and has a warm and positive attitude. She goes beyond her job description to provide the help and information required for a member to understand the program and the approval process. She promptly returns calls and resolves the issue quickly with a positive resolution. She is a pleasure to talk to and a five star asset to the CMS team!”

Elizabeth Castellanos (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Elizabeth Castellanos (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

“I feel like Elizabeth Castellanos went above and beyond doing her job. She was polite and knowledgeable and she had a very positive attitude. She handled my request quickly and answered all my questions. She gave me referrals for additional help and support. She had empathy and showed genuine concern for my wellbeing.”

Susan Gengor (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Susan Gengor (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

“Susan Gengor is an excellent employee! She was very informative and she took her time to explain every detail and concern that I had about my case. I enjoyed my time with her and I felt like someone actually cared about me and my family’s needs. Even though my outcome wasn’t what I was hoping for, I felt like I had options. I really appreciate her time and knowledge. She should be a trainer - Great Customer Service!”

Matthew Hargrove (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 & Mark Tusi (Probation)

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.”

Omar Figueroa (Probation)

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.”

Omar Figueroa (Probation)

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 (Ag., Weights & Measures)

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 (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.”