Thank you to Santa Monica's Public Works Team
May 18, 2021 8:15 AM
by Rick Valte
This week is National Public Works Week, themed Stronger Together, which provides an opportunity to recognize the complex coordination required to build and maintain Santa Monica’s infrastructure and, more importantly, to honor the exceptional professionals working on the frontlines and behind the scenes to keep our beautiful city clean and safe for all to enjoy.
Santa Monica’s award-winning Public Works Department runs a 24 hour/7 days per week operation and staffs 430 employees, a significant majority of whom made many personal sacrifices to continue reporting to work onsite throughout the pandemic. Our frontline Public Works staff clean, sanitize, and maintain Santa Monica’s streets, parks, beaches, public facilities, and emergency vehicles. They also collect garbage, recyclables, and organics, deliver a clean and safe water supply to residents and businesses, provide compassionate mortuary and cemetery services to families when loved ones are laid to rest, and oversee the design and construction of new and renovated City facilities and infrastructure.
Public Works staff deserve an enormous thank you for their ongoing commitment and service to our city, and particularly during the pandemic. If you would like to share accolades or words of gratitude in support of these frontline workers, please submit your comments to public.works@smgov.net by Thursday, May 20.
Each Public Works division has selected an Employee of the Year to recognize a few of the department’s extraordinary professionals and their contributions to Santa Monica.
Lizzy Acosta, Executive Administrative Assistant, Administrative Services
Lizzy is a great asset and words would fall short if one were to attempt to praise her for the support she has provided the Public Works Department over the last year. Whether it was overseeing contract approvals, organizing public inquiry responses, coordinating personnel matters, managing schedules, or communicating important procedural updates during the pandemic, she was always one step ahead. Lizzy is the glue that holds the Public Works department together; the dot connector who works at all levels to ensure the group doesn’t miss a beat.
Peerawat Prasatcharoen, Staff Assistant III, Airport
Peer is being recognized for the excellent work dedication and support he has contributed to the Airport in the last year. In his first year working for the Airport, Peer assumed responsibility for processing Airport revenues and has assisted with training all new Airport staff. He has demonstrated the importance of working as a team, is always willing to help, and does so with a positive attitude. Peer has continuously worked onsite during these unprecedented times supporting the day-to-day operations of the Airport and providing excellent customer service to Airport tenants.
Amber Richane, Sr. Design Manager, Architecture Services
Amber’s leadership in completing City Hall East, renovating City Hall, and now leading the reopening process has paved the way for hundreds of staff to soon return to safe, clean, and beautiful spaces of which we can all be proud. Her passion for sustainability, equity, and genuinely caring about each resident and employee of Santa Monica is really inspiring.
Corey Ziegler, RRR Equipment Operator, Resource Recovery & Recycling
Corey has not missed a scheduled day of work since the start of the pandemic. He is always willing to help others, willing to stay late when needed, is friendly and considerate, and always has a smile on his face. Corey consistently steps up to help keep Santa Monica clean and safe, all while keeping his and his colleagues’ spirits high.
Yvette Pierre, Project Support Assistant, Engineering & Street Services – Engineering Administration
Yvette has played a crucial role in the Engineering and Streets Services Division since 2011. She has shown exemplary leadership, especially during the last year with staff reductions and reorganizations. Yvette takes great ownership of her assignments and goes the extra mile to ensure the division’s internal processes and work products are top-notch. She keeps the work of the division on track so that it is able to successfully deliver many capital improvement projects each year.
Allen Issagholian, Street Services Supervisor, Engineering & Street Services – Street Services
Allen is very accountable and plays an important role in the overall workload scheduling for Street Services so that our projects stay on target and within budget. He has great follow through and continues to motivate staff to achieve a higher level of productivity by communicating expectations, setting goals, and being actively involved.. Allen addresses customer-related issues quickly, places a high priority on finding a resolution and making sure the customer is satisfied with the outcome.
Juan Martinez, Equipment Operator I, Public Landscape
Juan has taken on a heavy load of work at Palisades Park, Tongva Park, and City Hall. He has a positive attitude and is very dedicated to his work. Juan has a very strong horticultural background, is an expert on many unique and rare plants, and shares his knowledge with the other employees. He assists with projects like rose pruning, planting, and amending and mulching planter beds, and also assisted with new plantings at the John P. Jones memorial and the Rose Garden.
Glenn Claypool, Underground Utility Safety Coordinator, Water Resources
Glenn has provided dependable, round the clock support over this past year not only specific to the Water Resources Division but for the City as well. Glenn has served in multiple roles, including serving as the EOC Safety Officer and is Public Works’ Equity and Inclusion Officer. He is an advocate for the safety and well-being of his colleagues and was instrumental in helping the Water Resources Division comply with all health and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide uninterrupted water and wastewater services to the community. He is the ultimate team player who pitches in when and wherever help is needed.
Aram Corluyan, Fleet Services Writer, Fleet Management
Aram has been an amazing resource and ambassador for Fleet Services to all of Fleet’s customers. Aram is very reliable, honest, punctual, and the utmost professional. He takes his job seriously and pushes himself to be better in every way. Aram alone has saved the City thousands of dollars due to his methodical approach and being incredibly resourceful. Fleet is grateful Aram is part of our team!
Russell Ackerman, Sustainability Analyst, Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Russell leads the City’s sustainable landscape and watershed management programs and is recognized as national, state, and regional leader for his expertise in policy development that results in meaningful impacts at the local level. In his day-to-day work, he performs landscape plan checks, landscape inspections for compliance with the Green Building Ordinance Water-Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Standards, and Urban Runoff Mitigation BMP inspections. He implemented the first overhead spray irrigation ban in the state.
Patrick Hayden, Administrative Analyst, Woodlawn Cemetery
Patrick Hayden is an exemplary employee and a key member of the Woodlawn Cemetery team. He is responsible for budget reports, monitoring accounts, forecasting, preparation of deposits, accounts payable, and is one of the first points of contact for families calling or visiting the cemetery. Patrick is always polite and compassionate, provides excellent customer service, and plans Woodlawn events that have become increasingly more successful each year due to his efforts.
Terry Maher, Building Systems Technician, Facilities Maintenance – Facilities Services
Terry is a very valuable asset and is consistently a kind, patient, diligent, and dependable employee. He has always been proactive and hardworking but, since last year’s restructuring, he has stepped up without hesitation and taken on additional responsibilities.
Rashan Ivy, Custodial Supervisor, Facilities Maintenance – Custodial Services
Rashan has been instrumental in meeting the operational needs of the Custodial Services Division as well as maintaining a high morale for our employees. His leadership and can-do attitude have assisted Custodial Services sustainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rashan embodies all the characteristics of an exceptional employee and deserves recognition.
Authored By
Rick Valte
Assistant Director of Public Works