Digital Print operator makes District 10 look great

By Bob Highfill
District 10 public information officer

District 10 is fortunate to have Ruby Islas, who runs perhaps the best print shop anywhere.

From her post inside the mailroom in the basement of the main building in Stockton, Ruby works as a digital print operator in Reprographics/Mail Services and has expert command of heavy-duty, high-tech equipment she uses to perform a variety of printing tasks that assist every facet of the department.

Ruby also handles shipping, internal mail, and incoming and outgoing mail.

Ruby shepherds the flow of communication within District 10 and creates materials, such as programs, booklets, brochures, pamphlets, and posters that different departments utilize for their purposes internally or for public outreach.

Ruby has a wide range of talents and performs her duties with a commitment to quality and detail. And she has an unrivaled work ethic.

“Ruby has embraced customer service, combined with her valuable print shop experience, and has improved the D10 Reprographics Department’s level of services to rival, and exceed, other larger district’s operations,” said Ruby’s supervisor, Bill Lavelle, creative services manager – small business, graphic design, audio visual, reprographics, web and mail room. “It really is something special.”

Ruby came to District 10 about two years ago with more than 17 years of experience working for a small family-run printing business in Sacramento. She learned quickly and took on the responsibility of running the shop shortly after she was hired. Advances in printing technology and graphics over the years meant Ruby had to continually learn new processes, which she did with enthusiasm.

“No matter what it is they try to teach you, whether it has to do with printing or not, always take advantage of it,” Ruby said. “Learn as much as you can, no matter what it is, and I kind of live by that motto.”

Ruby credits her work ethic to her late mother, Maria Martinez, a cook by trade who raised Ruby and her 16 siblings. Ruby’s father worked in agriculture, so the family moved frequently. Ruby wanted to work so she could buy her own things.

She earned a GED and started her life as an independent young woman.

Ruby saved enough money to buy a home she shared with her mother the final 25 years of her life.

“She tried to teach us to be honest, be good to people, and help people when you can,” Ruby said. “And she never turned family down.”

Ruby is honest, good to people, helps when she can, and never turns down her family in District 10. She makes District 10 look great.