Congratulations to Steven Reyes, OC Public Libraries’ employee of the month. Steven consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. He is dependable, hardworking, and always provides strong customer service. Steven has exceptional technology skills and he uses them to the benefit of the Tustin Library and OC Public Libraries. Whether creating professional recordings for the Social Media/Digital Content Committee or helping a patron or fellow staff member with technological issues, Steven is an asset. Steven’s kindness, sense of humor, and pleasant demeanor are appreciated by his colleagues and the public.

OC Public Libraries is recognizing the Warehouse team as Team of the Month for outstanding patron support. On average 18,000 books, DVDs and audiobooks are sorted and transported between libraries daily by the Warehouse team. They go above and beyond every day to ensure books, audiobooks and DVDs are available at our libraries!

Congratulations to the OC Read department! The staff of OC Read has demonstrated excellent customer service, flexibility and adaptability. In addition to continuing daily literacy operations, the department has spent the last few months happily assisting at multiple branches by working at the service desk, helping with the Lunch @ the Library and by offering programs. We are grateful for their willingness to assist on all levels and especially for their sunny dispositions.

Over her tenure, Helen has been committed to providing the public with resources and materials in various languages and in all formats, as well as the latest technology to enrich and enhance their educational, recreational and informational needs. She was instrumental in the building of the Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, the Tustin Library and the remodel and expansion of the Laguna Niguel and San Clemente Libraries and in establishing the partnership that brought the dream of the Library of the Canyons into reality. Not only has Helen provided us all with a shining example of hard work and effective leadership, this intrepid renaissance woman has demonstrated to us all, how to live life to the fullest away from the office. Whether hiking, flying a plane, making her own jewelry or traveling to places no one has even heard of, Helen never let working hard get in the way of enjoying all life has to offer. She’s been all over the world, has read just about any book you could name and is always up on the latest movies and she can cook.

Housing & Community Development have made a document available for public review. The public notice period is until September 24, 2018. Name of the Document: FY 2017-18 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER)The document can be found here: http://occommunityservices.org/hcd/community/

Olga Martinez is deserving of the employee of the month recognition for her contributions to the Lunch @ the Library program. This summer, the El Toro Library hosted the 6-week Lunch @ the Library program for its community. With a smile and a warm welcome, Olga ensured that the children and their families had a great experience, from the time they lined up, to signing up for the reading program and enjoying their lunch. Additionally, Olga was instrumental in communicating with the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which helped to strengthen this partnership and ensure that the Lunch @ the Library program will continue at El Toro for years to come.

Congratulations to Kelly, our July Employee of the Month. Kelly works tirelessly to provide a wide and varied selection of programs for kids of all ages and abilities. Her makerspace classes, Coding Club, STEMgineers, and other various programs are well attended and appreciated by the kids and parents who attend. Her enthusiasm for Children’s Literature and Services inspires others to do more, learn more, and be more.

Alison Georgevich, Maggie Villalobos and Vivian Strabala  exemplify what it means to be both a leader and a team player. These three worked together to manage Heritage Park during the period the branch was without a manager.

They led by example. They worked hard and remained flexible. They assumed new responsibilities and learned as they went. Most importantly, they remained positive throughout and encouraged their fellow staff along the way. Their dedication, hard work and creativity is much appreciated. Thank you, Alison, Maggie and Vivian.

Employee of the Month - Nelda Stone

Library Assistant, Nelda Stone consistently provides OCPL patrons with exceptional reference service. A member of the Historical Images Committee, Nelda provides a continual stream of ideas for enhancing the online local history collection, OC Stories. Her passion for and broad knowledge of Orange County history attracts researchers from throughout California to the Laguna Beach Local History Room. Utilizing the unique resources housed in the local history room and by consulting her network of contacts in various local history organizations, Nelda is adept at helping people locate information that is not often readily available through a Google search. Recently, when a local detective approached her for information related to a number of cold cases that he we re-opening, Nelda showed him how to use OCPL’s collection of digital local newspapers. The detective was so happy with what he considered, "a goldmine of information" that, before he left, he told her, "I owe you a pair of diamond earrings."

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, is releasing the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (SEA/IS/MND) for the Santa Ana River Mainstem, Santiago Creek, Orange County, California (SARM) for a 60-day public review. The 60-day public review period will be held from Friday, September 15, 2023 through Tuesday, November 14, 2023. As part of the public review period, USACE would appreciate any comments or concerns you might have associated with this work. The Draft SEA/IS/MND is available at the following location: https://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works-Projects/Santiago-Creek/. Comments on the adequacy of the draft environmental documents may be submitted via email or mail. Emailed comments should be sent to santiago_comments@usace.army.mil. Mailed comments should be sent to the attention of Mr. Michael Padilla (CELRC-PDB-D) at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 231 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604. All comments should be postmarked or emailed by November 14, 2023. A public meeting will be held on October 2, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the County Conference Center, 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. There will be an opportunity during the public meeting to submit verbal and/or written comments on the adequacy of the draft environmental documents.