In a message dated 6/5/01 6:44:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Vansrib@aol.com writes: > I am glad things went well for you. I guess you get a little weary after a > while; like now I am waiting and have been waiting 4 months for a death > certificate from California. What is bad about dealing with them is they > only have a recording to talk to. No real people. I have written to them > once and still nothing, but they do have my money. > > Hi..........Had to put this comment in about CA records. I have also waited for several months for copies of birth or death certificates in CA. If you want a faster way to go, try the website for <A HREF="http://raogk.rootsweb.com/index.html">Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - Genealogy Research Tool</A> . The address is: http://raogk.rootsweb.com/index.html. For those of you not familiar with Random Acts, it is a list of volunteers who are willing to do lookups, photos of cemeteries, etc., in the area they live. They do not charge for anything except the cost of copies, film, etc. I have had wonderful luck with several of these volunteers. There is even an opportunity for you to list yourself to volunteer in your area.....you can list exactly what you will and will not be willing to do. The site is worth checking out. I usually write a letter first, asking if they are still willing and when they respond, I send them my inquiry. I have had wonderful luck with a couple of these volunteers!!! Hope this helps someone. Karen (in CA) PS Don't give up on the CA cert!!! They do take awhile, but I've gotten every one I've sent for!