Ventura County, CA Supervisors “Walk a Day in the Shoes” of SEIU Public Workers

Ventura County Workers provide diverse, high-quality services: monitoring the fields that supply food for millions of people; offering medical and mental support services to thousands of families; and providing support to the courts, jails, and other county agencies.

Supervisor John Flynn joined housekeeper Karen Garrett in the Intensive Care Unit of Ventura County Medical Center, assisting with housekeeping duties. Garrett has worked in the hospital for six years in almost every ward, and is proud of the services she provides.

“When you have a loved one in intensive care it’s stressful,” Garrett said. “I try to keep the rooms clean as possible so the family members will feel like the patient is truly being cared for on all levels.”

Flynn has been a long time advocate and board member of the hospital. “The housekeepers do a great job at this hospital,” he said. “Most people comment on the upkeep and staff.”

Supervisor Kathy Long joined Dave Gomez in the kitchen of the Ventura County Jail. Gomez has worked for the county for three years and is one of the shift leaders for the 24-hour kitchen.

“Most people don’t realize how much regulation is involved with feeding inmates. We work extremely hard at keeping our costs down, and we’re proud when we can save money and meet all of the state standards for prisoners at the same time,” said Gomez.

“I think all of the Supervisors should do this,” said Long. “I learned so much of what goes on behind the scenes to feed over 800 inmates three times a day. I have a much better understanding of the workers and this aspect of the jail.”

In addition to Flynn and Long, Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett is scheduled to shadow a county worker in Animal Regulation in early April. SEIU Local 721 has endorsed all three incumbents.