Medical Examiner

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From a family member of a loved one that passed away to the Medical Examiner's office:

"Your compassion and assistance was greatly appreciated. I'm sure with your busy schedule you had plenty to do, but you took your time and effort to help our family in our time of sorrow and need. If there were more like you, this world would be a better place. Again, thank you for your caring and help. We will not forget you."

Department of Parks & Recreation

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From Allyson T., regarding the San Elijo Nature Center:

"Thank you for the great experience my son had at his 4th birthday party last week at the San Elijo Nature Center. Everything was so nice, from the presentation to the room and goody bags. Everyone who attended commented on what a great idea it was to have the party at the Nature Center and all of the kids had a fun time. Thank you for making the day so easy and special for us!"

Judith Ramirez - (HHSA North Inland Family Resource Center)

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Judith Ramirez (HHSA North Inland Family Resource Center) was praised by a client for her compassionate treatment of a client.

"Today was definitely the best experience I have ever had at the welfare office. Mrs. Ramirez (the worker assigned to my case) was genuinely compassionate & understanding, making me feel great about my unbearable situation and she went above and beyond the necessary required job description of an eligibility worker. She was Human!"

Marlo Garrison, Bill Smoot, Angel Bunyi, Derek Meekma, Susan Marquez and Ronald Kratochvil - Child Support

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Marlo Garrison, Bill Smoot, Angel Bunyi, Derek Meekma, Susan Marquez and Ronald Kratochvil, Child Suppport all received great comments from parents.

The Child Support Officers were commended for things like "being clear, consise and consistent," and "being very, very, very helpful and courteous." Others singled them out for "making things easy to understand" and "showing true care, concern and compassion to take care of problems."

Paloma Montemayor – (Housing and Community Development)

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Paloma Montemayor (Housing and Community Development) received praise from a subsidized housing resident:

"I have been very fortunate to have had Section 8 housing for many years. It has enabled me to live independently in a nice and safe environment. I would like to thank you for always being so helpful and nice to my sister, who helps me, and myself. You have always treated us with kindness and respect.  Whenever I had a concern, you were very patient and communicated an answer to us in a timely manner.  We appreciate the care and service you have given us through the years.”

Erica Guzman (HHSA - North Inland Family Resource Center)

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Erica Guzman (HHSA North Inland Family Resource Center) was recognized by a client for excellent customer service.

“It was comforting to work with Erica today! She made a somewhat uncomfortable situation seem almost pleasurable. She listens actively and is very thorough. It’s been awhile since I have witnessed true Quality Care when it comes to service. Erica is an incredible asset for our community. She is genuine and passionate. Thank you Erica!”

Martha Lopez (HHSA North Inland Family Resource Center)

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Martha Lopez (HHSA North Inland Family Resource Center) received praise from a client for her excellent customer service.

“I would like to comment on the help and service provided from Ms. Lopez today. Ms. Lopez was very attentive, helpful with any questions I had, she was very thoughtful, and had a lot of information. Thank you.”

Dionne Puckett and Janine Allvord (HHSA Child Welfare Services)

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Dionne Puckett and Janine Allvord, HHSA Child Welfare Services social workers, were praised by a Superior Court judge for their effort in trying to reunify a family and their great skills in writing the reports that are used by judges.

“I’m writing because these files reflected outstanding, thorough, insightful, and determined work by the two workers involved, Ms. Dionne Puckett and Ms. Janine Allvord. The reports represented a highly detailed, crystal clear, and compelling narrative documenting the enormous effort that these two Social Workers expended to help this young family reunify--- unfortunately, as in many cases, to no avail.

In any event I commend both workers for an outstanding job and thank you for sending such accomplished professionals to my courtroom.  I look forward with great anticipation to seeing them again.”

Craig Underdown (Probation)

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Deputy Probation Officer Craig Underdown (Work Projects) “is an individual to be patted on the back for his dedication to his job.”
    “I don’t often write letters like this but I would be remiss if I did not. You have a ‘keeper’ in Officer Underdown and I just wanted the higher ups in the department to hear me and know what a credit he is to the San Diego County Probation Department.
    My situation arose from a DUI which required me to do three days of community work. Officer Underdown was a total gentleman to me and all others in the crew from the moment I met him. He gave all of us the ground rules of what was expected and by his demeanor, he immediately gained the respect of each member in his crew.
I personally saw Officer Underdown chopping weeds and picking up trash which he did not have to do, especially in the blazing hot sun last weekend. This did, however, send the message to all that a good job was expected which is also precisely what occurred.
Bravo, Officer Underdown – my best to you and your family and in your career. You are a true gentleman.”

Rosalinda Nalos (Housing and Community Development)

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Rosalinda Nalos (Housing and Community Development) “is a living ambassador for the Housing Authority.”
    “I have a traumatic brain injury and I’ve been very ill and unable to collect and compile information to be recertified for my Section 8 rental assistance. Ms. Nalos helped me with everything; she is head and shoulders and beyond. Sorting and explaining everything that I needed to know, she was so kind to me and calmed me when I was so upset. She helped me to get all of my documents in order.
    “I wasn’t able to get help anywhere and Ms. Nalos told me “It’s okay Ms. R., I will help you. Calm down, it will be okay.” Her kind voice and her labor helping me, she’s just awesome. I am so grateful.”

Ana Diaz-Pina (Probation)

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Ana Diaz-Pina (Probation) helped a probationer get his life back on track.

"I was previously under the care of a different County's Probation Department, and was having a bit of a difficult time. When I moved to San Diego under the probation custody of Deputy Diaz-Pina, I immediately felt and saw the difference. In the past year I have turned my life around, stabilized myself in a home and job, and re-established a great relationship with my family and children, which I was previously unable to do. The discipline emphasized in this Probation program really helped keep me on track alongside of the weekly check-ins. Diaz-Pina demonstrated something I had never seen before while being under probation, which was a genuine concern and care. She kept me motivated to do well and improve my situation, which made it easier for me to complete to programs that were required. I feel that the staff is genuinely there to assist feel that the programs we are placed in really do help rehabilitate and make us grow as people. I can’t thank you all enough for the extraordinary work, dedication, and care that is given to all those on probation. Thank you for helping me get my life back on track."

 

Alexis Villanueva and Melinda Eichenberg (HHSA Child Welfare Services)

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Alexis Villanueva and Melinda Eichenberg (HHSA Child Welfare Services) were thanked by a mother for making her feel non-threatened in dealing with Child Protective Services.

"I had never had an experience with CPS before, but had heard horror stories. Both my husband and I felt that Melinda and Alexis were honest with us, unbiased and set clear expectations. They both explained things in a way that was easy to understand and made our young son feel comfortable when they interviewed him. It was not a good experience to go through obviously, but they made it as comfortable as they could and I appreciated the way my family was treated."

Mike Nguyen (Housing & Community Development)

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Mike Nguyen (Housing & Community Development) “has gone that extra mile for me when I really needed help.”

                “I’m so lucky to have Mike as my Housing Specialist. Before I became disabled I was a successful businessman. Mike helped me when I was overwhelmed from my bi-polar condition. The little things he does really mean a lot for all of the recipients of your program. Mike is determined to always do his best and I mean this sincerely. I respectfully request that you put a ‘Gold Star’ in Mr. Nguyen’s personnel file along with a pat on the back for a job well done.”