The City of La Mesa hosted an employee appreciation luncheon recently after a two-year “pause” on employee events due to the pandemic.

Employees were recognized for their service years for 2020 and 2021, and employee promotions during the period were announced. The highlight of the event was the announcement of two employee of the year winners, announced by City Manager Greg Humora.

Fred Juarez, custodian in the public works department and Sheryl Sherman, risk management analyst in the administrative services department, were recognized for their extraordinary achievements. What made this year’s award stand out was that the winners were nominated by their peers across all departments as the result of a new employee recognition program. A total of 36 nominations were submitted.

Juarez is currently the longest serving active employee in the City, with 38 years under his belt at the City of La Mesa. Sherman was recognized for her outstanding work related to risk management; specifically, her expertise with COVID-19 administration, and her important work following the civil unrest in 2020. She has served the City of La Mesa since 2011, and has worked in three different departments.

The award winners received one day off, a plaque, a gift card funded by the executive team, and will be recognized at an upcoming council meeting.

Photo credit: Elaine Alfaro