Q&A with Jaime Ureno, Landfill Operations Supervisor
Question (Q): Very neat that OCWR worked with a local Girl Scout to help her achieve her Gold Award for composting. How was it working with Bella on the Landscaper Open House project?
Answer (A): We hosted two Landscaper Open Houses at Prima; I was fortunate to be present for both. Day one Bella and her mom showed up early to help set up for the event. It was early around 7:45 and the event was scheduled to start at 8:00. Most teenagers are still sleeping at this time, especially on a Saturday morning, but not Bella she wanted to be at the composting event. To me that’s dedication for what you are trying to accomplish. We had multiple landscapers show up and sign up for the free pass we offer. Bella welcomed all who came and talked to them about the benefits of obtaining a pass. Not only did she talk to the landscapers but also to residents who were not aware about the event and showed up to the self-pick-up area. Bella was engaging with the landscapers that showed up it was great to see a young teenager interact and get the information out to the community. Bella conducted herself in a professional manner, and many of the landscapers I spoke to were happy that this information was available to them.
Q: Do you enjoy this type of project? Why or why not?
A: I myself do enjoy working these types of projects. I come from a background of landscaping; my father has a Tree Trimming Company (Freddy’s Tree Service). We also do landscaping and hardscapes and being able to get good quality mulch/compost is great for business. It is great to see landscapers get quality material for their businesses. Educating and getting the information out to hard working people feels great. I find it rewarding when I see people take advantage of great opportunities and this is one of them. Seeing the community benefit is a WIN! for me.
Q: Do you have words for your staff who participated in the project?
A: I feel like these projects are possible thanks to all the workers on site. It takes a whole team to get the green waste material and turn it into mulch/compost. It takes weeks for the final product to be ready and hard work from laborers, maintenance workers, operators and office staff to process and coordinate the events. A big shoutout to the crews working daily making sure we have quality material for our events. The day of the events I had help from multiple staff members setting up canopy, table and chairs; Operators making sure we had out self-pick up areas stocked up and having operators accessible to load vehicles. It takes a team of dedicated individuals who love what they do. A big thank you to all staff that worked not only behind the scenes weeks prior but also the ones who helped the day of the events. Thank You!!
Q: Do you have any words for Bella?
A: Bella thank you for putting this event together and helping get the word out to the community. Not only as a County Employee but also as a Latino Landscaper. I saw my father in every one of those landscapers who showed up that day to pick up material. I know my father would have been one to show up and take advantage of the opportunity. Your focus was Spanish speaking landscapers and it feels great that there are people out there who want to help us out. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing you on future events.
