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GOLD -  Josephine Fleming of the Public Works Department

Jo Fleming is being recognized for her implementation of new and innovative programs that will help prevent environmental degradation of our county's precious water resources. Among them, Jo implemented Environmental Stewardship awards through the Santa Cruz County Sanitation District, with six businesses receiving awards this year for their environmentally friendly business practices. Jo also developed pamphlets outlining Best Management Practices for eight business types that, due to the nature of their operations, have the greatest potential for water degradation. In addition, Jo organized a task force to develop and gain approval of a multi-jurisdictional Green Business Program serving the Monterey Bay area, a program which is now in full swing and has been successfully executed solely as a result of her efforts. Jo is deserving of recognition for her extraordinary accomplishments in all these areas which are beyond her normal job requirements of regulating dischargers.

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SILVER - Rachel Fatoohi of the Public Works Department

In her work as a Senior Civil Engineer in the Public Works Department, Rachel Fatoohi consistently applies her rigorous educational training and knowledge of engineering to the most difficult drainage issues in the county. Rachel unfailingly provides excellent public service and demonstrates exceptional inter-personal skills in working effectively with members of the public, ensuring that thorough and reasonable explanations are provided concerning even the most difficult construction projects. Rachel was instrumental in the County applying for and receiving an $850,000 grant for the initial establishment of the County's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, a countywide, multi-departmental program to reduce the amount of pollutants in storm water running into Monterey Bay. Rachel is also leading the County's efforts to receive funding from the recently approved Proposition 50 bond initiative and is working to ensure that the County is able to obtain a share of the available funding to develop important environmental protection measures.

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BRONZE - Robert Ochoa of the Public Works Department

Robert Ochoa has been employed by the Public Works Department's Solid Waste and Recycling Services Division for over 18 years. Throughout his tenure with the County, Robert has demonstrated his unfailing commitment to doing whatever is necessary to keep the County's Buena Vista Landfill in compliance with State mandated permit requirements. This past fall, Robert single-handedly completed several key tasks at the landfill which are required to winterize the site for erosion prevention and drainage control. Not only do State landfill inspectors often comment on Robert's abilities and the quality of his work, Robert is also extremely attentive to requests from the public and presents a good example for other employees to follow. Robert is deserving of the County's recognition for his many years of service and his outstanding commitment to ensuring compliance with State standards.

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