Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

After San Bernardino attack, focusing comes hard on first day back at work

Monday was the first day back at work for county elections office workers after the deadly shooting spree in San Bernardino. The flags were flown at half-mast.
Monday was the first day back at work for some county elections office workers after the deadly shooting spree in San Bernardino. The flags were flown at half-staff.
(
Mary Plummer/KPCC
)

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.

Listen 0:43
After San Bernardino attack, focusing comes hard on first day back at work

Monday was the first day back at work for some government workers in San Bernardino, five days after the shooting spree that left 14 victims dead.

At the county elections office on East Rialto Avenue, Customer Relations Coordinator Yvonne Harmon was back at work, but her mind kept wandering, she said.

"I think that this will probably be the hardest day for me to get through," Harmon said.

She knew two people killed in Wednesday’s mass murder, including former coworker Aurora Godoy who once worked in the county registrar's office.

The news of Godoy's death hit Harmon so hard, she said she had to pull her car over — and just sit. 

But Harmon said in the days since the shooting, she’s pushed away her fears and is determined to stay strong.

"If it’s not my time to go, it’s not my time to go. And I’m not going to live my life worried about what somebody else may do," she said.

Sponsored message

The detail that sticks most with Harmon is Godoy's age. She was just 26 and leaves behind a husband and young son.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right