Aviation Operations & Maintenance Team
Edgar Ocampo, Daniel Vasquez, Javier Arreguin, Chuck Scott, Alberto Arredondo, and Brian Howell were recognized by one of their peers for exemplifying the TLMA Core Value of Service, Excellence & Creative Solutions.
The nomination included the following statement: "There is seriously nothing these guys can’t do. They do absolutely everything to keep our airports running (mowing, landscaping, electrical, plumbing, striping, painting, asphalt repair, HVAC, fencing, security, etc.). They never complain and always get the job done with a sense of personal pride in their work and our airports."
TLMA CLOVER Nominations
Caught Living Our Values Employee Recognition Award
This inbox serves as a collection tool to nominate someone for the CLOVER award. The CLOVER award is meant to recognize employees for their extraordinary work and generous actions, whether it's inside or outside of work.
Employees have the power of nominating each other for this award, if they are "caught living our values." Please specify the core value that you caught your
nominee living and give a brief description as to why it relates to the core value. Click on the clover photo or click here to submit your nomination.
|
 |
|
Administration and Fiscal
|
Rania Odenbaugh joins us as Assistant Director of TLMA
You may have already seen me walking around (hopefully you didn’t catch me trip on the 9th Floor the other day) and wonder, "Who is that?"
I am the new Assistant Director of TLMA and thrilled to be working alongside all of you. I spent the last four years working in the County Executive Office as the Director of Constituent Services. Prior to coming to the County, I was an Engineering Manager at Eastern Municipal Water District and prior to that an Assistant Project Manager at Webb and Associates. My background is in constituent services, engineering, budget / fiscal, grants administration, land use, policy development and water resources planning.
I am a daughter, a wife, a sister and a mother to James, 19, and Emma, 10. We live in Woodcrest and have a total of 22 animals, one of which is a 220-pound Saint Bernard named “Buddy.” During the winter, we can be found riding our dirt bikes in the desert and in the summer, we are camping in San Diego or in Kauai.
I am a big believer in working hard all while having fun and as Mary Poppins said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap! the job’s a game.”
Want to know more or say hi, come on by!
|
 |
New TLMA websites launched June 15
New websites for TLMA, ALUC, Aviation, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, Planning and Transportation debuted on June 15 with new photos, updated graphics and easy-to-navigate menus. Thanks to all the departments who worked hard to complete the websites. Way to go Wave 7 Web Team!
TLMA attends mock interview event at Perris High School
TLMA's Administrative Services Manager Mike Maldonado and Ombudsman Halimah Shenghur conducted mock interviews with seniors at Perris High School on April 5 to provide them with mentorship and guidance for their future careers.
They had fun with the students and were invited to return for the school's next event.
|
What to watch: Rhonda Goodwin delivers invocations at Board meetings
We asked Rhonda Goodwin, executive assistant at TLMA, about why she gives invocations at the beginning of Board of Supervisors meetings.
"Well, I was asked, and so I said yes," she said. "My former supervisor used to call upon me to pray privately, and one day at the beginning of the pandemic, she persistently suggested I do this."
Rhonda says she believes prayer changes things.
"Prayer is such an exhaustive and never-ending study that is full of mystery and intrigue, because it deals with the invisible. This, unlike other things, makes prayer the ultimate power. It is truly one of the greatest things in the earth today," she said.
Rhonda used to pray for a living when she worked for a ministry called "The Healing Rooms."
"I learned so much about the God that lives inside of me and how to communicate with him. It was because of this experience and encounter, I was recognized and ordained twice," she said.
If you want to catch Rhonda at the next Board meeting, she is scheduled to give her next invocation on July 11.
"Thanks for allowing me to be the ultimate public servant by lifting up our leaders who are in authority through prayer. It will stand the test of time for everyone. This I know," she said.
TIP photos competition begins
The Transportation Improvement Plan book will be published this summer. The TIP book contains all transportation construction projects as part of a 5-year construction plan. The TIP Unit is excited to announce its annual TIP book photos competition. One construction photograph of an ongoing or recently completed capital project will be selected from each of the five supervisorial districts. The winning photos selected by management will be showcased in the FY 2023/24 TIP book. Each winner will receive a $50 gift card! Winners are announced on July 28.
New hires and a promotion in Finance
We would like to welcome Tara Markland as Buyer II in our TLMA Admin-Purchasing team. She comes from the Department of Waste Resources with a purchasing background. She has already jumped in to assist and troubleshoot for all departments with Peoplesoft 9.2 implementation.
In addition, Kim Howard started as Accounting Tech I in TLMA Admin-Cost Recovery team this month and Lena Qahoush-Tyler promoted from Accountant II to Senior Accountant in Transportation Garage-Fiscal.
 |
|
Airport Land Use Commission
|
 |
|
Reappointment of ALUC Chair and Vice Chair
Steve Manos, left and Russell Betts, right, were reappointed as Chair and Vice Chair of the Airport Land Use Commission.
|
ALUC has 10 agenda items in July
ALUC's agenda items increased from an average of six items to 10 since the Commission held workshops with jurisdictions to improve their submittals.
 |
|
Aviation
|
Aviation employees attend career fair at Coachella Valley High School
Aviation employees Edgar Ocampo, Kimberly Loomis and Jose Ruiz shared information on aviation careers during the Coachella Valley High School Career Fair on March 29.
They discussed their job duties in real estate, maintenance and development at the County airports, but also gave out information on aviation careers outside the County. They also included information on an Eagle Scouts program at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, which introduces aviation to kids between the ages of 8 and 17 by offering the kids in their program a free introductory/discovery flights with licensed pilots.
|
 |
|
Building & Safety - Land Use
|
Land Use serves commercial and residential customers
Land Use Tech II Renida Claude explains what customers can expect when they visit Land Use for help with their residential and commercial projects.
Watch this video to find out who Renida's most memorable customer was and what the customer offered to do!
|
Land Use team - dedicated to customer service
On April 26, 2023, the Land Use Team accepted special awards for their strong work ethic and dedication to customer service.
Selvana is moving on up
Selvana Guirguis promoted to the position of Administrative Services Manager II/Assistant Building official.
Selvana has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and holds certifications as a building inspector, plans examiner, building official, and fire marshal.
Selvana began working at the County in 2015 as a plans examiner and was then promoted to Agency Program Administrator. Selvana has shown great dedication and enthusiasm in performing her job duties. She will help us to improve our customer service and take over some administrative functions.
|
Front row Brenda Torres, Ashley Castro. Second row-left to right. Mariliana Hernandez, Mayra Estrella, Neeta Bains, Lizeth Reyes & Nancy De la Torre. Not pictured, Cynthia Hamlin and Desjanae Dupree
Dispatch delivers exceptional customer service
Employees are from our Dispatch team at Building & Safety who engage with our customers on a daily basis. Their co-workers say their dedication contributes to the success of TLMA.
“A good employee inspires their boss and an employee’s hard work is the fuel to a great company culture,” said Marlene Maldonado, Building & Safety Office Assistant II. “We value our employees in Dispatch and are very proud of the work they do. Their supervisor, Brenda Torres, is a great example of what teamwork is all about. She is the best supervisor I have ever met with great dedication to her team. Her attention to detail makes her unique as a supervisor. Keep up the good work and thank you for all you do.”
 |
|
Code Enforcement
|
Ride along with Officer Nicole Gonzales
Code Enforcement, including Officer Nicole Gonzales, along with the Riverside County Sheriff served an abatement warrant in Winchester for a property with unpermitted outdoor sheds filled with rubbish being used by squatters.
Watch the video to see the before and after images of the cleanup.
|
Code Enforcement finds moldy marijuana
The Code Enforcement Cannabis Enforcement Team partnered with the Hemet Sheriff's station and the Sheriff’s Regional Marijuana Enforcement Team to serve search warrants on several properties in Anza and Aguanga.
The photos show why it is important to regulate and monitor all marijuana plants that will be consumed by customers. Like food products, if marijuana is ingested while infected it can cause serious health issues.
Upon entry, the officers immediately noticed an unpleasant odor and it wasn’t the smell of marijuana. They located moldy cannabis rooms filled with black mold and spider mites, which can be extremely harmful, especially if inhaled into the lungs.
The black mold and spider mites were found on many of the plants and surrounding walls and fans. Spider mites reproduce extremely fast and are so tiny they are almost impossible to see with just the human eye. They can also become immune to killing methods and pesticides.
Operations were successful and thanks to the collaboration between departments about 12,744 illegally grown marijuana plants were eradicated, around 602 pounds of processed marijuana seized, 3 firearms seized, and 5 persons were arrested for various violations.
"Huge pile of trash" is no more
Property owners near the highly visible intersection of Bonita and Elm Street in Cabazon were the victims of squatters. The location became known as "the huge pile of trash."
Mid County Code Enforcement Technician and officers worked with the owners and the Riverside County Sheriff to file and enforce no trespass orders, then clean up and secure the location.
Free removal of vehicles through the Junk Your Clunker Program, and a voluntary clean-up agreement with limited funds were offered. All accumulated rubbish, outside storage, and occupied recreational vehicles have been removed and the cases are closed in compliance.
|
Homeless encampment cleaned up near Perris
Code Enforcement received several calls and emails regarding this homeless encampment near Perris.
The vacant lot had squatters that were living in RVs, surrounded by large amounts of rubbish and several dogs. Code Enforcement teamed up with Animal Control Services and the Riverside County Sheriff to address the issue.
The owner of the property was communicative and corrected all violations noticed within a reasonable time frame. The property is now clean.
|
Cabazon squatters provided assistance, property cleaned up
Code Enforcement responded to a homeless encampment on a desert parcel in Cabazon.
The squatters on the property were told they needed to relocate and clean up their trash and remove their trailers.
The squatters were provided contact information for the Homeless Outreach Team and they said they would take advantage of the services.
The property owner was made aware of the violations on the property and the Sheriff's Department was also contacted. When Code Enforcement followed up, the property was cleaned up.
|
Tire Team tackles 480 waste tires in Coachella
The Code Enforcement Tire Team received a complaint about illegal dumping on a vacant parcel on 52nd Avenue in Coachella. The officers learned that the property owner had been victimized by illegal dumping. The property became a dumping ground for approximately 480 waste tires.
Code staff got permission from the property owner to contact the State of California CalRecycle Waste Tire Program to assist in the removal of the tires. CalRecyle removed all the tires, and the property owner has now taken proper steps to secure his property to prevent any further issues of illegal dumping.
Homeless in Highgrove
Our West County Code Enforcement office received numerous complaints about several homeless encampments on two large parcels in the Highgrove Community. Officer Juarez conducted an inspection with Riverside Sheriff Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).
Services were offered to the individuals squatting on the property and a Notice of Violation was issued to the property owner for accumulated rubbish and occupied recreational vehicle.
The property owners communicated with Officer Juarez and worked diligently to correct the violations. A successful clean-up was done on both parcels and all violations have been corrected.
This a great example of multiple agencies working together to make the community a safer place.
|
 |
|
Employee Resources and
Support Services
|
We're growing at TLMA
The Support Services team is wrapping up the two new office builds on the 14th floor, as well as an added office on the 12th floor. TLMA Support Services was able to successfully manage this project internally, navigate and learn the procurement and permitting process, while drafting a process for these type of improvement projects moving forward.
The ability to partner with Facilities Management and manage these projects internally, has resulted in overall cost savings for the project, as well as improved turnaround times for completion. Most importantly, this has paved the way for future tenant improvement projects throughout the Agency.
In addition, our team was able to gain valuable experience in the areas of procurement, permitting and inspections, as well as valuable trade experience and has opened doors for future development, and training opportunities for the team.
New employee onboarding, current employee training continues
At Employee Resources, the team is continuing to navigate and fine tune the Onboarding/New Employee Orientation process, and revise procedures accordingly.
They are also gearing up for our Department Representative Training in the New Employee Evaluation System (RivCo Talent), to better support our TLMA staff, supervisors and managers.
The team is also preparing the next Transportation group to transition to Paperless Timesheet Routing and Approvals.
|
 |
|
Planning
|
Short-term rental outreach: Idyllwild
Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Planning Department Director John Hildebrand discussed short-term rentals with a packed house at the Town Hall in Idyllwild on May 1.
The audience was a mix of citizens concerned about the impact of noise, trash, and parking in their mountain neighborhoods and short-term rental operators who said they wanted to continue their businesses responsibly to help promote tourism to the town.
Planning taking public comment on noise ordinance
Public input began coming into the Planning Department after the Board of Supervisors voted on April 18 to amend the County's noise ordinance in response to concerns by owners of Ranchos in the Coachella Valley.
Planning will be reviewing comments by the community and analyzing different ways to measure and regulate noise and bring recommendations to the Board.
The supervisors are also looking to create a clear and effective noise ordinance that preserves the opportunity for nighttime events while also balancing the public’s right to peaceful enjoyment of their property. Specifically, the amended ordinance will establish regulations that will fairly enforce a noise ordinance that relies on sound level readings; appropriate sound level standards for the County’s variety of communities; and special circumstances and special requirements for events.
|
 |
|
Transportation
|
Thank you for 50 years or more of public service to our County
The Board of Supervisors and TLMA honored Transportation Department employees with more than 50 years of service to the County with challenge coins.
Pictured left to right in the front row: Greg Mobley (25 years), Transportation Director Mark Lancaster, retired Transportation Director Patricia Romo, Paul Russell (50 years) and Marc Winchak, (53 years).
Back row: The County's Chief Operating Officer Juan Perez, Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington, Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Fourth District Supervisor V. Manual Perez, First District Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, and Asst. CEO/TLMA Director Charissa Leach.
 |
Clinton Keith Extension Project nears completion
In the mid-1990s, the County of Riverside with the cooperation of the City of Murrieta initiated a project to extend Clinton Keith Road from I-215 to State Route 79.
The project addresses the need for another east-west corridor to accommodate the increase in traffic demand.
The final phase of the project includes the extension of Clinton Keith Road from Leon Road to SR-79, connecting at the existing intersection of SR-79 and Benton Road.
Ultimately, Clinton Keith Road will provide six lanes from I-215 to SR 79. This drone footage is from the last phase of the project currently in construction.
When completed, the road will provide greater mobility to the residents in the French Valley, Murrieta, Temecula and Menifee region. Construction is scheduled to be completed late this summer. For more information about this project, visit rcprojects.org/clintonkeith
|
County plans additional $44 million investment in Gilman Springs Road Safety Improvement Corridor Project
The Transportation Department updated the Board of Supervisors in April about the progress of the Gilman Springs Road Safety Improvement Corridor Project, including the County’s plans to invest an additional $44 million for three more phases of improvements.
To date, the County has completed approximately $18 million in improvements during the first five phases of the project, the last of which was completed in November 2019.
The County is currently working on Phase 6 and will begin Phase 7 shortly, which will provide a 4-foot-wide painted median and 5-foot-wide paved outside shoulders between highways 60 and 79. Phase 8 has also begun which will replace the existing bridge at Potrero Creek and realign curves on Gilman Springs Road in the vicinity of the bridge.
Gilman Springs Road is a vital commuter route that connects Western Riverside County and the cities of San Jacinto and Hemet. It is the main route to the Soboba Casino Resort, Mount San Jacinto College, and Golden Era Productions, attracting visitors to the region.
|
 |
 |
|
Customer Service
|
Comment Cards: What people are saying about us
“Please do not change anything you're doing. Riverside County is one of the best places. It is always simple to pull permits. Your staff is always so helpful. Riverside County is the best. Other places should just follow you.”
“One of the best building departments I've visited. Very streamlined.”
“Very informative and went above and beyond.”
“Great attitude, fast, and very helpful.”
“Excellent attention and service.”
“I had a very pleasant and helpful person who assisted me.”
“Knowledge and patient customer service was great.”
“Awesome service.”
|
 |
TLMA Digital Suggestion Box
The TLMA Executive Team wants employees to share their ideas, thoughts and recommendations directly with TLMA Director Charissa Leach through the Digital Suggestion Box.
All suggestions sent to the TLMA Digital Suggestion Box will only be reviewed by Charissa. We hope this encourages everyone to step forward, voice their opinions and shape the future of the TLMA Agency.
Click on the suggestion box photo or click here to submit your suggestion.
|
In memory of Jesse Pizano
Jesse Pizano, a longtime employee of the Transportation Department passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2023. Jesse worked for Transportation for more than 15 years - first as a Maintenance and Construction Worker from August 2007 to March 2021. He then began working as a Truck and Trailer Driver in March 2021 up until his death. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fellow employees.
In memory of Tyson Falls
Tyson Falls was a Traffic Signal Technician in the Signal Shop at the Transportation Department.
He began working for the County on December 19, 2022 and sadly passed away on April 10, 2023.
Our sincere condolences to all of those who cared for him, including his friends and co-workers.
Jacob Morris graduated earlier this month
Jennifer Morris, our Supervising Code Enforcement Officer, is pleased to announce her son Jacob graduated from Riverside Poly High School this month!
He will be attending vocational school after graduation.
"Jacob was born the year I started with the County in 2003," his mom said. "The support and love that he has received his whole life from my County family has helped shape him into the great young man he is today. I’m so proud of him."
Let's give mom and Jacob a round of applause and a message of good luck as he heads into his future.
|
Halimah on Hulu
Did you know our own TLMA ombudsman Halimah Shenghur has nine sisters and is starring with them in a new show airing on Hulu called "Secrets and Sisterhood?" The series follows the lives of 10 Muslim American sisters - the Sozahdahs - some of whom were born in Afghanistan and some in the United States. Watch the trailer for the series here or read about the new show in People Magazine.
|
Phoenix family baby shower
TLMA Administrative Services Assistant Dawn Burnett visited Phoenix in April for her niece's baby shower.
In this photo, she is surrounded by her mom, three sisters, three nieces and Teddy the Bear.
Dawn says this baby will be her mom's 15th great-grandchild. Congratulations!
Hawaii vacation
TLMA's Public Information Officer Felisa Cardona went to Hawaii for the first time in April with her family.
They visited the Big Island and stayed in Hilo to visit a volcano and Rainbow Falls, and to swim with turtles at black sand beaches.
Watch the video to see the sights. Aloha!
|
TLMA held baby shower for Keena Coniglio before her son was born
TLMA came together on April 12 to celebrate the upcoming birth of Keena Coniglio's baby boy.
Rowen Lee was born on May 11, which was his due date!
|
Pizza, enchiladas, guacamole, pasta salad, brownies, animal cracker cookies and pie were on the menu for the department-wide potluck.
A space-themed decor washed over Conference Room A while many wished Keena the best of luck with Rowen.
Watch this video for more images of her new baby.
|
TLMA play date
Cai Hunter and Olivia Martinez, TLMA children who were born 1 day apart in 2020 turned 3 years old in April!
Cai is TLMA Executive Assistant Rhonda Goodwin's grandson and Olivia is the daughter of Alondra Martinez, Accounting Tech I.
Watch this video of the two of them having a fun play date together.
|
Darth Vader visited TLMA on May the Fourth
Darth Vader (Dan Rogers) represented the "Dark Side" of Records to celebrate the Star Wars holiday "May the Fourth" with staff.
"Luke! I am your FATHER!"
Cinco de Mayo potluck
Building & Safety and Land Use 9th floor staff celebrated big for the Cinco de Mayo potluck!
It was a party for all to enjoy.
|
