Chamber of Commerce honors Yanez as Public Employee of the Quarter
April 06, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce recognized hard work over the decades at the March Sunrise Santa Paula breakfast meeting where Interim Public Works Director Brian Yanez was honored.
Mayor Martin Hernandez, City Council members Ginger Gherardi and Jim Tovias as well as City Manager Jaime Fontes also attended the chamber event held at Flight 126 Café at Santa Paula Airport.
Chamber President-CEO Fred Robinson first offered thanks to representatives of Casa Del Mexicano that opened their historic “home” to the chamber for its annual Awards Luncheon at no cost.
The Casa has been serving the community in various ways for about 70 years.
“Everything we asked for they accommodated us…thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Robinson, who presented Casa representatives — including President Angel Montelongo — with a certificate of appreciation and a La Cabana restaurant gift card.
When it came to Yanez, Robinson noted, “Historically, Good Morning events honor a police officer or firefighter of the quarter, but I called the city manager and he said they’re so short-staffed they’re running out of people to honor. I said well, let’s look at somebody else to honor,” as the Public Employee of the Quarter.
It was quickly decided that Yanez should receive the award.
Hired as a building coordinator in 1989 by the City Recreation Department Yanez was made Acting Recreation Supervisor in 1997. He was promoted to Director of Community Services in 2000; in March 2011 Yanez was appointed Interim Public Works Director and has served in that capacity ever since.
Fontes said Yanez has several major accomplishments ranging from the new 4-million-gallon water tank and completion of the Bike Trail to renovating Harding Little League Park.
And, noted Fontes, “Citywide water, sewage and street projects are coming up…Brian is a great employee, a great department head and a great family man,” whose daughters are athletes and scholars.
Said Hernandez, “I met Brian in the late 1990s and it was my great pleasure to work with him,” when Yanez was in charge of city recreation.
Hernandez, then the executive director of the Santa Paula Family Resource Center, said Yanez made sure those served participated in city recreational activities.
“It’s also been a pleasure to work with Brian on the City Council…he stepped into a big role and has been doing everything in his power to improve the looks of the downtown,” that have declined over recent years and “needs some polishing…”
Chamber Board Chairman Zahid Shah congratulated Yanez and introduced his wife, Camille Yanez.
“I’m really proud of him, he’s a great family man,” but also a dedicated employee…Camille noted her husband “although injured still worked from home,” following an accident, surgery and the recovery period.
“He’s really dedicated to the city of Santa Paula and is a great role model for our kids…ours is the house that all their friends come and hang out.”
“Brian,” Yanez added, “Is a great father and husband.”
“This means a lot to me,” said Brian Yanez when he was presented with the Chamber Employee of the Quarter Award.
“I’ve been with the city going on 27 years this summer,” said Brian. “We continue to strive to make things as best as we can with our limited budget but that doesn’t stop us from trying to make things better…there is a great work ethic in public works.”
When Yanez was appointed Interim Public Works Director, “There were three of us…me, Raul Gaitan and an administrative secretary. The place had been gutted…but nothing changed, the community did not shrink in half.”
Yanez said the department has re-added staff in the “last couple of years and we want to make the town the best place to live, work and play. We have a passion for the community I have a passion for the community…I grew up here.
“My family, my friends live here and it’s more than a job for me. I want to make sure,” said Yanez, “that Santa Paula is the best town in Ventura County.”
