The County honored its volunteers Tuesday during the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the County Administration Center.
County officials say volunteers help build healthier and stronger communities by donating their time, skills and experience. Their work is vital in helping the County provide quality customer service.
Last fiscal year, 9,186 volunteers saved the County $37 million, allowing those dollars to go toward other programs and services.
During the event, the Clerk of the Board presented a proclamation on behalf of Chairwoman Nora Vargas for Volunteer Recognition Month to the County’s volunteer coordinator Samantha Lanham and departmental coordinators.
Afterward, the Board Supervisors recognized the volunteers that were nominated by departments as providing outstanding service. These 2024 County Volunteers of the Year are:
Michael Dopierala – Animal Services
Judith E. Moerschell – Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
Joel Bailey – District Attorney’s Office
Phil Eakin – Health and Human Services Agency, Aging and Independence Services, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Marcela Grabon – Health and Human Services Agency, Aging and Independence Services Ombudsman
Zamantha Herrera – Health and Human Services Agency, Child and Family Well Being
Cherie Heid – Health and Human Services Agency, Child and Family Well Being
Morgan Tovar-Bell – Child Support Services
Enrique Baramontes – Health and Human Services Agency, Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities
Camille Fitzpatrick – Health and Human Services Agency, Medical Care Services Division
Dr. Lillian Harvey Banchik – Health and Human Services Agency, Medical Care Services Division
Mickey Gold – Parks and Recreation
Arjun Suri – Public Defender Office
Samantha Bhatia – Public Defender Office
Bonnie L. Smith – San Diego County Fire
John Schmitz – San Diego County Library
Norman Sauceda – Probation Department
David Grapilon – Sheriff’s Department
Harriet G. Taylor – Planning and Development Services
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can find opportunities at a variety of County departments and through County partners. For more information, visit the Clerk of the Board’s volunteer program.
