Inyo County Probation Department

08/14/2026

We are excited to highlight an amazing team member each month. For the month of August, we are featuring Deputy Probation Officer II, Jorge Alvarado. Jorge has worked for the Inyo County Probation Department for 4.5 years. He initially joined the Department as an intern in 2013, then held multiple positions with Inyo County Health & Human Services before returning to the Probation Department as the Probation Services Coordinator. Jorge was asked to share the following perspective categories:

🏛️ Professional Insight:
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in probation or community corrections?

I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful impact on the community where I was born and raised. I’ve also always been interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, so being able to combine that interest with my desire to help people and give back to the community has been really meaningful to me.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy seeing individuals put in the work to better themselves and, through sobriety, rediscover who they are and the person they want to become.

3. What’s one accomplishment or case of success you’re especially proud of?

​One thing I’m especially proud of is seeing clients become more consistent with their appointments, take more responsibility for their actions, and start making better decisions. I’ve learned that change doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it takes a lot of patience and consistency. For me, success is being able to set clear expectations, hold someone accountable, but also give them the support and opportunity to make better choices. Seeing a client make progress and knowing that I played even a small part in helping them get to a more stable and positive place is something I’m really proud of.

4. What do you think people often misunderstand about probation work?

I think a lot of people have the misconception that probation officers simply arrest people when they violate their conditions and move on. What they often don’t see is the amount of behind the scenes work that goes into effectively supervising clients.

5. What’s one skill or quality that helps you succeed in your role?

One skill that helps me succeed as a probation officer is effective communication. I need to communicate clearly and respectfully with clients, families, treatment providers, and other professionals. Building trust while also maintaining professional boundaries helps me hold clients accountable, understand their needs, and support them in making positive changes.

💬 Personal Side:

1. Where are you originally from, and what brought you to Inyo County?

I was born and raised in Bishop California.

2. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I enjoy running, hiking, fishing, lifting weights and going to Dodger games.

💭 Reflection & Motivation:

1. What does “making a difference” mean to you in your role?

To me, making a difference as a probation officer means helping individuals make positive changes while holding them accountable for their actions. I believe success is not just about enforcing the conditions of probation, but also about connecting people with resources, encouraging better decision-making, and helping them develop the skills they need to become productive members of the community.


2. Who has been a mentor or positive influence in your career?

Jake Morgan, Sam Rottner, Lisa Vetter, Julie Weier

3. What advice would you give to someone starting their career in probation?

The rewarding days ultimately outweigh the negative ones. We’re tasked with making life-changing decisions for individuals, so it’s important to be responsible and thoughtful with that responsibility. You have to be comfortable with the decisions you make, trust your judgment, and continue moving forward with confidence.

📸 Quick Hits:
1. Favorite snack or coffee order: Iced Americano with 5 shots of espresso.

2. Something that always makes you smile: My Dogs and Family

3. Three words that describe you: Determined, Empathetic, Consistent

4. Best part of being part of the Inyo County Probation team:

That we’re a small department that gets things done. Unlike other larger Probation departments in the state where officers can be stuck in silos, doing just reports, just court, or just field work, we do it all. We handle every part of probation, which keeps us involved, flexible, and working together.

08/14/2026

Congratulations to Ronald Marchi, an Inyo County Drug Court participant on reaching Level 4, the final level of the Drug Court Program. This achievement reflects tremendous resilience, commitment, determination, and personal growth.

Reaching this milestone is something to be proud of. Keep moving forward, stay focused on your goals, and continue building the healthy and successful future you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

08/14/2026

On July 29, Reentry Court participants celebrated progressive milestones; Christopher Ortiz and Frank Bush promoted to Phase 4 of the Reentry program and Andrew Broady promoted to Phase 2. Stay focused and continue the momentum gentlemen.

07/29/2026

California’s Fourth District Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil and District Representative Valerie Spake recognized each member of the Inyo County Probation Department during Probation Services Week with an individualized Certificate of Recognition. It is a true honor to have our team’s dedication and service acknowledged in such a meaningful way. We are sincerely grateful for this special recognition.

07/29/2026

Congratulations to Eduardo Gallardo on successfully completing the Drug Court Intensive Outpatient Program on July 22nd. This achievement reflects your dedication, resilience, and willingness to do the difficult work required to create lasting change.

Recovery is not defined by perfection, but by the commitment to keep moving forward, even through challenges. Your perseverance, accountability, and personal growth throughout this journey are commendable and should be a source of pride.

As you move into the next chapter, continue building on the foundation you have created. The skills, insight, and support you have gained will serve you well as you pursue a healthy, productive, and fulfilling future. Congratulations on this significant milestone, and best wishes for your continued success in recovery.

07/23/2026

Congratulations Jorge Alvarado on being named Employee of the Year! This recognition is a testament to your hard work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your positive attitude, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impact on your coworkers, the organization, and those we serve.

Thank you for your outstanding contributions and for setting such a high standard every day. This honor is well deserved, and we are proud to recognize your exceptional service. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement!

07/21/2026

🇺🇸EMPLOYEE FEATURE 🇺🇸
We at the Inyo County Probation Department are excited to feature for the month of July, Office Technician III, Tammy Martinez. Tammy has been in the roll of Office Technician for 5 years. She was asked to give some professional and personal insight.

🇺🇸Professional Side:
-What inspired you to pursue a career in probation or community corrections? I find it rewarding to support indivduals as they work toward a better future while holding them accountable for their responsibilities.
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
One of the most rewarding parts is witnessing people realize that sobriety and recovery can be truly amazing. Seeing someone discover hope, regain confidence and begin to embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life is incredibly meaningful.
- What's one accomplishment or case of success you're especially proud of?
I am proud of myself for being able to support people in recovery without judging them. Everyone deserves the chance to work toward sobriety and a better life.
- What do you think people often misunderstand about probation work?
That we as probation are not here to help and support them.
- What's one skill or quality that helps you succeed in your role?
Adaptability; The ability to change your approach or behavior to fit new circumstances.

🇺🇸Personal Side:
- Where are you originally from, and what brought you to Inyo County?
I was born in Montana and moved to Bishop when I was 14 years old. My parents brought me here.
-What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?
I enjoy hiking, gardening and pretty much all outdoors activities.

🇺🇸Reflection & Motivation:
- What does "making a difference" mean to you in your role?
Making a difference means contributing positively through my work support team and ensuring clients have a great experience.
- Who has been a mentor or positive influence in your career?
I would have to say Julie Weier because of her dedication to the Probation Department.
- What advice would you give to someone starting their career in probation?
I'd say be patient, listen without judgement, stay organized and never stop learning. Building trust while maintaining professionalism is key to help people make positive changes and succeed on probation.

🇺🇸Quick Hits:
- Favorite snack or coffee order: My favorite snack is Swedish Fish.
- Something that always makes you smile: The things that make me smile are my
husband, kids and grandkids.
- Three words that describe you: I would have to say supportive, adaptable and reliable.
- Best part of being part of the Inyo County Probation team: Watching clients grow mentally and emotionally has been one of most fulfilling parts of my work. Seeing them overcome challenges, gain confidence and embrace recovery is inspiring. I am also grateful for my supervisors and coworkers who have created a supportive environment where I continue to learn, grow and become a better professional every day.

07/20/2026

To kick off Probation Services Week in Inyo County, Probation Management hosted a pancake and sausage breakfast for staff. Chief Thomson took on the role of master chef, flipping pancakes like a seasoned pro and helping start the week with great food, good company, and plenty of appreciation.

07/14/2026

The Inyo County Probation Department joins our colleagues across California in mourning the passing of Chief Marlon Washington, Chief Probation Officer of the Marin County Probation Department.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, his family, our colleagues at the Marin County Probation Department, and everyone across California's probation community who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Chief Washington's legacy of service and leadership will continue to have a lasting impact on our profession.

End of Watch - July 10, 2026

This is an immeasurable loss for our profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Washington’s wife, Jennifer, his family, the Marin County Probation Department, and all who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time.

https://www.cpoc.org/article/cpoc-statement-passing-chief-marlon-washington

07/09/2026

Community Work Service provides participants with meaningful opportunities to give back, build responsibility, and strengthen their connection to the community. Through hands-on contribution, individuals develop practical skills, reinforce accountability, and experience the positive impact of their efforts. This service not only benefits local organizations and residents, but also supports personal growth.

Pictured are Probation Specialist, Lora Terrasas who supervises the Inyo County Probation Departments Community Work Service program, working with youth participants during a hydrant painting project in Lone Pine, CA on Wednesday, July 8th.