At the heart of our success lies a steadfast commitment to safety. It’s more than a priority — it’s a core value that guides everything we do. Today, we proudly recognize team members who exemplify this commitment by consistently performing their tasks with care, responsibility and attention to safety. Their dedication not only protects themselves and their colleagues but also strengthens the foundation of our entire organization.
Here are our most recent recipients. If you know someone who should be included in this list, please take a moment to nominate them !
May 2025
Britney Bibbs
Dining
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Upon noticing plates that were stacked too high, Britney immediately and without hesitation corrected the situation by reducing the number of stacked plates, preventing potential injury and damage.
Mikaela Buensuceso
Housing
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Mikaela showed great poise and leadership when directing residents out of the building during an evacuation and ensured that all residents were out of the building and followed all safety precautions.
March 2025
Evelyn Aguilar
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
Evelyn consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to safety by diligently using the required PPE, including safety cutting gloves and heat-resistant sleeves. Not only does she prioritize her own safety, but she also ensures that all team members assigned to her are properly equipped and following PPE guidelines. Her proactive approach to injury prevention sets a great example for the team, reinforcing a culture of safety and accountability. Her dedication to workplace safety helps create a secure environment where everyone can perform their tasks with confidence
Brenda Banuelos
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
Brenda was observed reminding a coworker to use proper PPE around the oven heat, and the advice was then followed by the coworker.
Alexander Diaz
Dining
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Alexander was observed working as part of a team as he safely used a turbo mixer while coworker Rosalinda Miranda stabilized the container.
Bryan Gonzalez
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
Bryan consistently wears the proper PPE for the job he is performing.
Ian Hernandez
Dining
Safety Category: Near Miss
Ian helped a student take a tall stack of plates to the dish room to ensure the plates didn’t fall and/or cause anyone to get hurt or injured.
Salvador Lopez
Dining
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Salvador and his team demonstrated outstanding commitment to safety by proactively placing umbrella bags at the entrance, ensuring guests had a designated place to store their wet umbrellas. This simple yet effective action helped keep floors dry, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Their attentiveness to guest safety and adherence to best practices in hazard prevention reflect their dedication to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for everyone. Their initiative showcases the importance of proactive safety measures in daily operations.
Ana Menjivar
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
Ana and another coworker immediately blocked an area with caution signs, swept and mopped the area and cleaned the tables after a guest dropped a glass cup during service hours.
Rosalinda Miranda
Dining
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Great job working together as a team with Alexander Diaz to be safe.
Cynthia Ochoa
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
Cynthia reported that the green platform in the dish room was missing two supports, which made it unsteady, wobbly and the potentially cause of a fall.
Blanca Delia Jimenez Poot
Dining
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Blanca was observed using a wet floor sign in an area with a lot of water present.
Jason Sato
Dining
Safety Category: Process Adherence
During an unexpected large water leak, Jason demonstrated exceptional commitment to safety by recognizing the potential risk. He immediately followed established safety protocols, swiftly notifying the appropriate teams, securing the affected area and ensuring that colleagues and guests remained safe.
Donisha Truss
Conferences & Catering
Safety Category: Process Adherence
After noticing some Sterno being incorrectly stored without lids and resolving the problem, Donisha emailed other supervisors to communicate the issue and ensure that proper protocol was being followed by everyone.
Olivia Vega (3 awards)
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
1. Olivia was observed wearing PPE while working in the Stonefire station at Bruin Plate.
2. Olivia communicated with a coworker about the importance of changing gloves when switching between serving meat and serving vegan plates to avoid cross-contamination. Throughout the shift, coworker followed Olivia’s advice and change gloves repeatedly.
Safety Category: Near Miss
3. Olivia reported the glass sneeze guard on the Grille station at Bruin Plate had missing and loose screws. Maintenance was called right away and her action prevented possible injury, food contamination and closure of the station should the glass have fallen.
James White
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
A student dropped a glass cup on the floor and James and another coworker immediately walked quickly towards it to make sure there were no injuries. James did his best to block the section off to prevent any further injuries and his coworker brought a broom for him to sweep it up.
February 2025
Matthew Arichea-Peneyra
Housing Maintenance & Project Management
Safety Category: Process Adherence
Matt was observed wearing proper PPE while safely handling the propane tanks carried at the parts room. He also organized the tanks in the security cage and properly tagged them to indicate whether they were full or empty.
Vanity Guerrero
Dining
Safety Category: Near Miss
Upon noticing an uneven surface at Bruin Plate, Vanity notified her manager to prevent others from tripping on it.
Edwina Monroy
Dining
Safety Category: PPE
Edwina was working at a station that required special PPE. She was observed wearing her cut gloves, just as required. This behavior prevents injury to the hands.
Daniel Soloranzo
Housing Maintenance & Project Management
Safety Category: PPE
Daniel was observed preparing his PPE before installing new non-skid tape on a side ladder to access the HVAC equipment. This action helps prevent a future mishap.
Victor Velasco
Housing Maintenance & Project Management
Safety Category: PPE
While in the shop, Victor was observed cutting a frame for a window screen while using proper PPE (safety glasses and ear protection). In addition, he yelled “cutting” to ensure everyone around him heard him and were prepared for him to cut.