Clerk Marks 35 Years With WPD

By Watsonville Police Department Staff

Elizabeth Ballinger, has served admirably as Records Division Supervisor since 2001. The expertise and oversight in her supervisory role is well known and respected throughout the department and the City of Watsonville, where she has been employed since January, 1977.

Liz, a native of Colombia, came to the United States with her husband in 1973, and found work in the Santa Cruz County court system. In 1977 she made application with Watsonville. In short order she was hired and assigned to the Records Division as a typist clerk. In 2001, Liz was promoted to the Records Division Supervisor position.

In her tenure with the city, Liz has witnessed many defining moments. Among the most notable for her was the Canary Strike in 1985-87, the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989, and most recently, . While these memorable events affected the residents of Watsonville, and in a myriad of ways, for Liz they signaled positive indicators in her perspective on the nature of the human spirit in very stressful times.

She was amazed at the way the human spirit brought people literally together in Tent City at the fairgrounds and high school athletic field following the temblor of 1989. In spite of devastating circumstances, people joined hands as they bolstered the spirits of one another. People made it through these dreadful time, and the community has been better because of adversity.

While “we cannot do anything,” Liz said, “the human spirit emerged to be what it is today.”

Liz is appreciative of all the staff in records she has had the privilege of working with during her career.

“There are many wonderful memories, as well as memories of difficult times through the years. As an immigrant girl,” Liz believes, “if one applies themselves, and remains consistent in their responsibility and commitment, they will make it.”

A special note of appreciation is given to Doris Mann, who retired as the Records Supervisor. She was a mentor, and more importantly, like a mother to her.