When Guadalupe calls, Amelia Villegas answers — and she has answered so many times that she recently received an award. 

Villegas retired from a city human resources position after 13 years, but she has stepped up to fill in when vacancies occurred.

In early 2021, she also began serving as the city clerk, taking the minutes during City Council meetings and handling other chores.

During a recently City Council meeting, Public Safety Director Michael Cash announced the latest recipient of the Exceptional Public Service Award created to acknowledge residents and employees for great work.

Villegas serves the role of “a major designated hitter” filling in as needed, Cash said. 

Along with serving as human resources manager (times three) plus city clerk, Villegas also fills the role of historian and more for the small staff. 

“I think the mayor and council can often say we really rely on her and the staff,” Cash said. “We utilize her knowledge and skill. She is an outstanding asset for the city of Guadalupe.

“She sweats, bleeds, cries Guadalupe and is an absolute treasure for our city.”

Public Safety employees nominate a potential recipient, and the department’s awards committee selects the finalist with Cash giving final approval.

Police Lt. Carlos Limon and office manager Norma Bribiesca joined Cash in presenting Villegas a shadow box. 

The recognition surprised Villegas, she said.

“I have no words. You’re going to ruin my rep. This is so sweet,” Villegas said. 

She served as the human resources director from 2006 to 2019 and has returned more than once to help.

“I love HR. I absolutely enjoy it,” joking that she has 200 years of experience in the career field.

Stepping up to help out has been “an odd pleasure,” she said. 

She attended elementary school in Guadalupe, Righetti High School in Orcutt and Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria before graduating from Cal Poly.

Life and jobs took her away from the Central Coast to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland, Novato and Napa before the self-professed Guadalupean returned after 30 years away.

After her current stint filling in for human resources duties ends, she won’t go far since her city clerk duties require attending council meetings.

She also has led the Friends of the Guadalupe Library and represents the city on the Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee.

“You’re really appreciated in many ways,” Mayor Ariston Julian told Villegas.