For some, a new job only means continuing their work in community service.
Charla Friedmeyer has taken over the role of clerk for the California Police Department. After spending much of her time in the area working the community through her job as a mail carrier, Friedmeyer looks to serve the community in other ways through her new role.
"I had just been looking for about a year to move into a different type of job," Friedmeyer said. "This one seemed to hopefully be a win win, for the police department and the community and for me. Hopefully, I can bridge some gaps with things."
Although it has only been a little over a month since she accepted the position, Freidmeyer said she's amazed with how many things officers have to do for a single event and how much they have to do behind the scenes to make sure everything is done correctly.
She's still learning a lot of different facets to the job. Freidmeyer said as clerk she's expected to perform secretarial duties, such as filing, making sure the proper agencies receive the correct paperwork as well as helping citizens at the front desk. However, another role she has as a clerk is as the department's evidence custodian. Friedmeyer said that's where she'll be doing a lot of learning training in the next few months.
Having previously worked as a coach, a day care worker for St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and a volunteer for her children's scout organization, Friedmeyer said she's enjoyed helping out where she can. However, it was work with the post office that motivated her to assist people in the community.
"Over the past 20 or so years, (my husband, Brad, and I) coached our kids T-ball teams or basketball and we were pretty active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts when they were more prevalent. And then a lot of volunteer work at our church," Friedmeyer said. "Honestly, with the post office too, delivering mail, you get to talk to and see so many members of the community and I love helping people kind of put the pieces together. Like, they need this and I can find help with that."
Friedmeyer said she understands what it's like to be new the community and with her son still in high school she has often run into parents and families who have just moved to the area. Her former position at the post office allowed her become familiar with a different aspects of California, which came in handy as she helped new friends and families navigate the city.
"But I really enjoyed being able to help people find the services and the people they need to really understand what a great community this is. Because a lot of times when you move somewhere new, you just don't know who to ask or who to what. So I'm hoping I can help more here with that, too."
"If there's something I can help them with, I want them to fell welcome in asking," She added. "And if I can't help them, I will try to find who can help them."