Office of Emergency Services' Disaster Curriculum

From J. Michael Wilson, teacher at Benito Juarez Elementary, to Kim McDermott at the Office of Emergency Services regarding the newly released disaster curriculum for teachers:

"Dear Ms. McDermott, I went ahead and ordered off the website. It is nice to have such a thorough, detailed and well-planned resource that is immediately ready to use. Also, the Symbaloo site is phenomenal as well."

Agriculture, Weights and Measures

From Angela Friedl, regarding service provided by Ag, Weights and Measures:

"Thank you for your phone call regarding the complaint I submitted about being overcharged three times in the last few days at the Vons on Regents Road. I was astonished that you went there, as I thought my information would be lodged into a database! I had no idea about the Scanner Awareness Program. It's very beneficial and I think many people are served by it."

Air Pollution Control District

City of San Diego Councilmember Scott Sherman's office filed a complaint regarding odor from an asphalt plant in the Mission Gorge area. A County inspector went out and discovered the odor was the result of rubberized asphalt for a job in the City of Santee. The odor subsided once the job was complete. Riley Webb, a policy advisor for the district, sent this to the Air Pollution Control District:

"Aerio was great. Called me first thing this morning and then right after he was out there. Could not have asked for a better response from your department. It was much appreciated."

Medical Examiner

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.”