City of Porterville

July 2010 Employee of the Month

Lupe Diaz

Community Development Department

Since November 2008, Lupe has served as Chairman of the City’s 2010 Census Committee. Under her very capable leadership, the Committee organized and participated in numerous community events to educate the public about the importance of the Census. Due to the Committee’s efforts, the Census return results to date have increased nearly 10% over the 2000 Census. In addition, during this time Lupe also served on the Library Facility Planning Committee which studied and evaluated the future needs of the library and alternatives for expansion and a possible new facility. As part of her regular duties, Lupe implements the City’s housing programs, including the First Time Homebuyer Program, the Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, and the Public Utility Assistance Program for low income households. Lupe recently assisted in the preparation of housing grants for the continuation of the City’s assistance programs. Lupe’s involvement with the Kings/Tulare County Continuum of Care on Homelessness has given her the opportunity to act as coordinator of the Project Homeless Connect that has been hosted by the City for the last two years. For one day in November, this project brings together agencies, organizations, and individual volunteers to provide a variety of services to over 300 people in need of assistance.

Lupe has been with the City for just over three years. Before being hired in her current position, Lupe facilitated the Spanish First Time Low Income Homebuyer Education class as an independent contractor beginning in 2003.

Lupe describes the most enjoyable part of her job as being able to assist those in need, reaching out to the community and making a difference wherever possible. Her motto is, “Give whatever you have, help with whatever you can, and start wherever you are.”

Lupe has two children: a daughter, Daniella, age 21 who attends CSUB, and a son, Samuel, age 20, who is completing his third year in a Christian internship program at the LA Dream Center.

   Lupe enjoys reading, walking, cooking, and volunteering. Lupe loves antiques and           definitely enjoys a good bargain. She worships at Porterville Believers Church where she teaches Sunday school in Kids Towne Children’s Church.