A smile crosses my face every time I cross the threshold at this wonderful post office. Always…read morekind. Always friendly. Always proactive. For almost 10 years, I've had smooth transactions at this location. There's a reason why I live in Blue Lakes and still commute to Ukiah to ship from here - they're that reliable, even for my most precious and valuable packages. The experience has always been overwhelmingly positive.
Every postal worker I've interacted with here has been nice and/or efficient. My favorite employee is the postmaster, Steve. He may come off as a bit firm or intense with his directions, but he has a terrific sense of humor and gets the job done. Sometimes, I go out of my way to go to his station just because seeing Steve brightens my day.
Every time I have ever visited this location, I've always observed Steve interacting with other customers - consistently you will hear him greet them by their name, inquiring about one's day, family, or suggesting the best shipping options.
Steve truly is a shining example of productivity and the epitome of composure. He's incredibly patient, to the point that he didn't even blink when an irate customer shouted expletives at him for reasons beyond his control. I've seen him handle some of the most horrific, short-fused, verbally abusive, and absolutely crude people. I've witnessed him navigate, diffuse situations, and take control of really tense interactions with class, integrity, and strength - I even gave him the nickname "George Clooney."
I can vividly remember how he sat down with a confused elderly couple, explaining and repeating their situation at least five different ways so they could better understand there were solutions to their issues. Or the time he displayed unbelievable patience and compassion as he helped a sweet Grandma struggling to choose between the daffodils or the daisies commemorative postage stamps as she meticulously polished her spectacles...how many people do you know would take the effort and time to do this?
Even during busy hours, Steve will do his best to keep the line moving and making every transaction as quick as possible (without rushing or being rude). Even when he looks stressed or burnt out, it's never affected his job performance or his politeness.
Customers need to realize that just because the post office closes at 5:30, does not mean that the employees stop working. Also, these employees are not indentured servants. Please don't hunt down the overburdened employee to take your aggravation and frustrations out on. The post office is not the place for entitled, adult-babies to cry about "inadequate service" when you have been waiting for literally three minutes. Some customers appear to have forgotten their manners, especially with those whose job it is to assist them. Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space...your behaviors matter. Take a deep breath, watch a couple of tiktoks, check your email, do anything other than use these employees as your personal punching bags.
Yes, the lines are often long (the post office has been chronically understaffed and overworked for years) but this post office is like a revolving door, moving customers in and out at a great pace. We need to be compassionate and empathetic to our essential workers.
When reading negative reviews, remember that more furious people write reviews than contented customers. All things considered this location provides among the most pleasant post office experiences one can expect. This place and its employees should be an example to all other USPS locations.
