Friday May 18th the City of Loma Linda officially received their newest Postmaster, Judy Simpson. Simpson has been fulfilling the duties of Postmaster for the City of Loma Linda since August of 2017 but is just now making it official by taking the oath and having the celebratory ceremony. “I did get this position back in August, but I guess it took a while for me to be convinced to have one” explains Judy.
Simpson has been with the USPS for 30 years and has worked her way up through the ranks by starting as an LSM Operator. “I did it because there are a lot of people to thank, who helped me get here, I did it for my family also.” Simpson’s family were in attendance including her daughter, Aubrey Tonner, son, Kevin Simpson, husband, Doug Simpson, her two sisters Xochilt Seleska and Pamela Fletcher, brother-in-law Russell Seleska, and her 91 year-old father Jesus Espinoza. Several childhood friends were also present in a show of support for her. There were numerous postal dignitaries in attendance ranging from Barstow to San Diego and everywhere in between, including Mike Cardoza Senior Operating Manager of “C”, who actually gave Simpson the promotion to Postmaster. Cardoza, who played an important role in Simpson’s training, was also the emcee for the ceremony.
The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, led by Sonja Prince, kicked of the installation service. An ice-breaking medley of postal themed songs was also sung to liven the mood. Hits included "Please Mr. Postman" and “Return To Sender.” Cardoza explained the honor in being selected as the postmaster for a city, “She takes great pride in doing what she does, not only for the employees but also for the city, making sure they are being well served.” He also gave a synopsis of her 30 year career indicating that, “With her enthusiasm, this probably wouldn’t be her last stop.” San Diego District Manager James Olson was present to officially install Simpson by having her take the Oath of Office. Simpson thanked her family as well as the host of Postmasters from the local regions who took the time out from work to come and celebrate with her.
Simpson did invite one very special guest from Loma Linda, Mrs. Marie Finazzo. Mrs. Finazzo was a victim of vandals to her mailbox and was frustrated and upset about not only the inconvenience of having to pick up her mail daily at the post office, but also the time it was taking to restore her box. Simpson recounted the story of a “very determined woman who was going to speak to her congressman” about her issue. Mrs. Finazzo handed Simpson a letter and gave her “10 days to fix this problem!” In a postal meeting, Mr. Olson closed by asking his team, as he often did, “Is there anybody out there that I can do something for?”
Simpson was the only person to raise her hand, and presented Mrs. Finazzo’s situation. Needless to say, within a week, her postal box was restored and Mrs. Finazzo was “so excited to see the mail truck delivering her mail every day.” She sent Simpson a thank you card and accepted the invitation to see her new postmaster installed. The post office in recent years had gotten away from the formal installation services as well as the celebration that goes along with them. However, Simpson’s installation is part of the focused effort to bring back the tradition and to give honor where honor is due. City News Group congratulates and welcomes Judy Simpson as the new Postmaster of Loma Linda; we look forward to your continued service!