CONNECT NEWSLETTER COSUMNES CSD
IN THIS ISSUE
• 40 Years of Community, Connection, and care
• Amazon Business Account
• Squad 71, Squad 74, and Battalion 11 Celebrate One-Year Anniversary, Boosting Emergency Response
• Coding Camp
• Helping Elk Grove Students See What’s Possible 20+ Years of Growth & Service
• Oakley the Acorn: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Our Future
• Honoring Our Heroes: Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial
HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY
A Message from the General Manager
July 2025 marks 40 years since the Cosumnes Community Services District was officially formed. As we reflect on this milestone, I am reminded that our history is really about the people impacted: people who built this organization, people who benefit from the services provided, and people like you who continue the legacy of the District today.
In the early days, our parks were just taking root, our fire service was growing to meet the community’s needs, and our recreation programs were creating spaces where people found connection and belonging. Over four decades, we have grown into one of California’s larger and most comprehensive community services districts, but through it all, remained focused on the quality of service rendered to people, all 215,000 within our reach.
This month’s newsletter highlights that spirit, through stories like the Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial and
• Derr-Okamoto Park Community Engagement
Monument Signs
• Staff Highlights /Newsletter Contributors
Oakley the Acorn, milestones like the first anniversary of Fire Squads 71 and 74, and the launch of new programs like Coding Camp and the College Application Prep Class, which are investments in the future of our community.
Our anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, it is a call to keep moving forward. The work we do today will shape the next 40 years of community services in Elk Grove, Galt, and surrounding unincorporated south Sacramento.
Thank you for the pride, care, and passion you bring to your work every day. Because of you, this District is not just a government agency, it is an integral part of people’s lives, and the outstanding quality of it because of you!
Happy 40th Anniversary, Cosumnes CSD.
Sincerely,
Tim Ogden General Manager
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
40 Years of Community, Connection, and Care
By Traci Farris
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in July, during National Parks and Recreation Month, no less, I find myself reflecting on what this milestone means, not only to our District but to me personally.
Seven years ago, I joined this organization as a Recreation Manager, and from the very first day, I knew I had landed somewhere truly special. Since then, I’ve had the honor of working alongside incredible people who are the heartbeat of this organization, and today, I’m privileged to serve as the Parks and Recreation Administrator.
My journey into this field wasn’t planned. Like many, I stumbled into Parks and Recreation by accident. But over the past 23 years, it has grown to become my life’s passion. As a kid who moved around a lot, I often felt like the “new girl.” With a hardworking mom, after-school rec programs were a lifeline, a safe, welcoming place to just be. Maybe that’s why I care so deeply about what we do. I know firsthand the impact it can have.
When I started here, I named my commuter car Leslie Knope (a character from the TV Show, Parks and Recreation), because for years, she got me here on time (despite a long daily drive), and because Leslie says what we’re all thinking, with humor and heart. One of her quotes sums up this profession, and maybe even life, better than anything else:
“We have to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.”
As we mark 40 years of service, I would like to thank the team I’m fortunate enough to lead and the community we’re proud to serve. Here’s to many more years of building belonging, fostering connections, and creating safe, vibrant places for everyone.
Happy Anniversary, and Happy Parks and Recreation Month!
Your Parks and Recreation Administrator, Traci Farris AKA Hazel’s Mom
NEWS & EVENTS
Amazon Business Account
By Nou Vang
The District continues to make great progress in modernizing our procurement process through our partnership with Amazon Business. Over 130 users have successfully migrated to the new District Amazon Business account, and beginning July 1st, all Amazon purchases will be processed through invoice billing. In addition, single sign-on (SSO) will be activated to simplify user access further and ensure smoother transactions.
To complement the rollout, a group of District staff and representatives from other government agencies were recently invited to tour the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Tracy, CA. The tour offered an inside look at
Amazon’s advanced fulfillment operations, where robotics and automation play a major role in streamlining the processing and delivery of goods. It was a great opportunity to see how technology is shaping the future of procurement and logistics.
This partnership brings several benefits to the District, including faster order processing, consolidated invoicing, improved budget oversight, and enhanced compliance with purchasing policies. By leveraging Amazon Business, departments will have greater flexibility to obtain necessary supplies while improving overall efficiency in daily operations.
NEWS & EVENTS
SQUAD 71, SQUAD 74, AND BATTALION 11
Celebrate One-Year Anniversary, Boosting Emergency Response
By Brita Geiger | Photo by Craig Pattenaude
This July marks the one-year anniversary of the Cosumnes Fire Department’s squads at Stations 71 and 74 and Battalion 11 on the west side of Elk Grove, an important milestone made possible by voter-approved Measure E. These two-person units, each staffed by at least one paramedic, operate out of 4x4 crewcab pickup trucks and are designed to enhance the Department’s emergency response capabilities in high-demand areas of Elk Grove. Battalion 11 was a much needed second duty Battalion Chief to more effectively mitigate emergency incidents and span of
The squads were launched to improve response times for medical emergencies and other non-fire
“Thanks to Measure E funding, the squads and additional duty chief are not only enhancing service but also protecting the longevity of the Department’s fire apparatus...”
incidents, while also reducing strain on larger apparatus like engines and trucks. Their strategic placement at Stations 71 and 74, two of the busiest in the district, has allowed for more efficient call handling and better distribution of emergency resources.
In their first year, the squads have made a measurable impact. At Station 71, total responses increased by nearly 7% from the previous year, with Squad 71 taking on more than 2,700 incidents and easing the burden on Engine 71.
Station 74 saw a 5% rise in overall responses, with Squad 74 handling almost 3,300 incidents, helping reduce responses from Engine 74 and Truck 74 significantly. Battalion 11 responded to just over 300 emergency incidents over the last year, thereby increasing the total amount of Battalion Chief responses by 19.3% as compared to the previous year.
By filling a critical gap in the emergency response system, the squads have also helped balance calls across neighboring stations. Both Engine 73 and Engine 75 saw a decrease in incidents, suggesting that the squads are effectively covering areas that previously drew resources from the adjacent fire stations (Stations 73 and 75).
Thanks to Measure E funding, the squads and additional duty chief are not only enhancing service but also protecting the longevity of the Department’s fire apparatus while ensuring safety for responding personnel and community members. Ultimately, resulting in a stronger, more sustainable emergency response for the community.
NEWS & EVENTS
Coding Camp
By Riva Ballis | Photo by Aela Veerkamp
Kids Central Staff recently concluded the first-ever Coding Camp, giving kids a chance to get hands-on with technology and basic programming. Held at the Johnson Recreation Center, the camp was open to youth from across the community and registration quickly reached capacity.
The camp successfully engaged young learners in the exciting world of digital technology, with the support of ten brand-new laptops made possible through Director Daniella Zehnder and Measure E. These laptops ensured participants had access to the latest tools and technology, significantly enhancing their learning experience. The new laptops have provided opportunities for our programs, allowing each child to get individual experience while still collaborating on group activities.
The Coding Camp provided an interactive introduction to coding, nurturing essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. Participants explored hands-on activities designed to stimulate curiosity and build foundational knowledge in programming concepts.
During the camp, students engaged with a variety of educational platforms, including interactive programs such as Blockly Games, Scratch, and Code Combat. Blockly
Games offered puzzle-based challenges to help students learn basic coding concepts through visual blocks. Scratch allowed participants to create interactive stories, games, and animations, fostering creativity and logical thinking. Code Combat introduced more advanced coding techniques through immersive, game-like scenarios, encouraging critical and strategic thinking.
This new Coding Camp underscores our commitment to equipping young community members with a stronger foundation for the future. By providing modern technology and instruction in a collaborative environment, we’ve created a space where children can confidently explore their coding abilities and unleash their creativity.
Kid Central staff look forward to another successful week of Coding Camp, helping the next generation understand how technology shapes the world around them.
Helping Elk Grove Students See What’s Possible
Submitted by John Kenkel | Photo by Craig Pattenaude
As we celebrate 40 years of service, programs like the College Application Prep Class show how that legacy continues, supporting youth, fostering dreams, and building futures.
On June 30, the final College Application Prep Class wrapped at Albiani Recreation Center. Led by Youth Outreach Advocate, John Kenkel, it ended not with a form, but with a spark.
This inaugural edition of the class explored the costs of college, how to pay those costs through grants, loans and scholarships, the admissions process, timeline to apply, and extensive exploration of the transfer process. Each student shared their dream college out loud. For many, it was the first time they’d said it to anyone. That simple act turned possibility into something tangible.
To take that dream one step further, nine Elk Grove juniors and seniors were awarded financial support to help with the cost of applying and preparing for college, funded through Measure E.
This class wasn’t just about applications. It was about belief. Creating space to say, “You matter. We see you. And we’re with you.”
Programs like this are a reflection of what’s possible when a community invests in its youth, and their future.
NEWS & EVENTS
Oakley the Acorn: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Our Future
By Tammy Rominger
In
Celebration of National Park and Recreation Month
In the heart of one of our parks, nestled under a wide canopy of leaves, a tiny acorn once fell to the earth. That little seed, let’s call him Oakley, may have seemed small, but he was part of something much bigger. Oakley came from a long line of valley oaks, some of which have stood in this region for centuries. When he fell, the land looked different. There were no playgrounds or paved trails. But the land still had caretakers, the people who lived in close relationship with the natural world and understood the importance of protecting and renewing it.
Oakley’s journey reflects many traditions that continue to shape our community’s landscape. These are traditions of planting, protecting, and passing along something enduring. One of those traditions is acorn gathering, which has continued for generations. Each fall, the Sacramento Tree Foundation collects acorns from our district’s mighty oaks, including trees like the one Oakley came from. This is part of a long-standing effort to reforest and increase the canopy cover in the Sacramento Valley, including right here in Elk Grove. The collected acorns are nurtured into young seedlings at the foundation’s nursery. Some are shared with families and schools to plant at home. Others are returned to our parks to become the next generation of trees, bringing shade, habitat, and beauty to public spaces.
This full-circle effort is about more than planting trees. It’s about carrying forward a living legacy. It’s a quiet but powerful tradition that our park operations team helps to sustain every day.
As Oakley grew, so did the city around him. What was once open land became neighborhoods, roads, and parks.
But through all the change, one thing remained constant, people continued to care for him.
From the early stewards of the land to today’s skilled park operations staff, people have pruned branches, monitored health, protected roots, and created space for trees to thrive. The work has changed over time, but the purpose remains the same. To protect what’s rooted here and what it represents.
Thanks to support from Measure E, we’re continuing this legacy through our Tree Preservation Program, beginning with legacy oaks at Elk Grove Park. Crews are using specialized air excavation tools to study and protect roots, assess soil health, and plan for the long-term care of our district’s most iconic trees.
And Oakley is not alone. You can find his “relatives” throughout our parks. Just to name a few: Jennie McConnell Park, Miwok Park, Lichtenberger Park, Emerald Lakes Golf Course, and of course, Elk Grove Park, where some of our largest and oldest oaks still stretch out their branches.
So, when you see an acorn on the ground this fall, remember that it may be the start of something that will last for hundreds of years. That tiny seed carries not just potential, it carries tradition.
This Park and Recreation Month, we’re honoring you—the caretakers of those traditions, the stewards of our trees, and the heart of our parks. Your work helps protect the past, shape the present, and plant hope for the future. Thank you for being part of something that grows deeper every year.
NEWS & EVENTS
20+ Years of Growth & Service
By Mike Dopson
As we begin to celebrate our 40th anniversary as a District, I find myself reflecting on the past 20+ years that I’ve spent here. I can’t speak to all 40 years of the District’s history, that’s something I’ll leave to the Justin Ellermeyers of the world (just kidding). But I have been fortunate enough to spend over two decades serving the Elk Grove community through my work with this District.
I started when the Wackford Community & Aquatic Complex was still just a mound of dirt, having recently broken ground. As the Recreation Supervisor overseeing the Aquatics program, we were gearing up for the big opening in late August of 2004. That time was both fun and challenging. Opening day is something the community will always remember—we reached capacity within minutes. While we held a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, the public was far more excited to go down the slide or jump off the 3-meter diving board. Looking back, the opening of the Wackford Complex was a seminal moment for the District. It helped us grow from a small special district in the Sacramento area to an industry leader in Parks and Recreation, both locally and at the state level.
For over a decade, we won awards almost annually. Whether it was for marketing the Harvest Festival (later renamed the Giant Pumpkin Festival), or for excellence in Aquatics, Events, Teens, or Therapeutic Recreation. Our team grew
from just 9 full-time recreation staff to more than 20 in just 18 months. Almost overnight, we became the largest youth employer in the city due to the rapid growth in our sports programs, youth development initiatives, customer care, and aquatics services.
“In the early 2000s, we moved from building “cookie-cutter” parks to designing themed parks with innovative features...”
Throughout my time here, we’ve been fortunate to consistently receive the resources needed to provide high-quality programs for a rapidly growing community. In the early 2000s, we moved from building “cookie-cutter” parks to designing themed parks with innovative features, including one of the first multi-use synthetic sports fields. Our park planning division also earned recognition in facility and design categories. This rapid expansion benefited not just the District, but also local community organizations. For example, a local rec swim team grew from just over 100 swimmers to more than 350 today. The indirect impact of our work is clear, we’ve created healthy and positive outlets for thousands of youth in our community.
Like any municipal government, the CSD has faced its share of adversity over the years. But one thing has remained steadfast: the dedication of the staff. We’ve had people who truly care about the community, about the programs they manage, and about developing the people within their teams. Because of that care and commitment, many have chosen to remain with the District, even when presented with opportunities elsewhere. One of the most enduring
Mike
Mike Dopson, 2001
Parks & Recreation Department, 2013
Bartholomew Sports Park, Best of Elk Grove: Best Sports Facility, 2018
NEWS & EVENTS
aspects of our culture has been the attitude that we can always improve. Despite being award-winning, we never stop striving to be better. That mentality sometimes causes us to miss the forest for the trees we may not always recognize the long-term impact of what we do.
I’m honored to have seen many of the staff I’ve worked with over the years grow into the next generation of leaders. People like Ashleigh Stayton (now Adams), a member of the first class of Wackford lifeguards, who now brings her own kids to the pool and continues to give back as a PAC member. Or Jessica Murrain, who rose through the Aquatics ranks and now works full-time on the other side of the house with our Fire Department. Or Molly Collins (now Lebed), who showed natural leadership at 18 and has since ascended through various District departments to her current role as Chief of Staff. And, of course, the many individuals who come up to me at events and say, “Are you Mike Dopson?” before telling me their first job was with the District.
Writing this, I’m only now starting to fully appreciate the lasting impact we’ve had.
Earlier, I mentioned our continued commitment to improvement, to being industry leaders, and to receiving national recognition, including our CAPRA Accreditation in 2023. While many of these accomplishments highlight Parks and Recreation, it’s important to note that this is a District-wide mentality.
Over the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know members of our award-winning, and nearly nationally accredited, Fire Department (did I mention Parks and Rec was first?). What started during a staff training on care transitions has blossomed into ongoing collaboration at events. I’ve seen Kevin Leveroni drag the manikin back and forth across the obstacle course at Fit Fest. I’ve watched recreation staff assist with Fire Camp. I’ve heard Assistant Chief Robert Kasparian speak to the Junior Guard class about lifeguarding as a path into the EMS field. These collaborations are remarkable because, earlier in my career, they didn’t happen. It wasn’t that they were discouraged, more that they were afterthoughts as each department focused on its own priorities.
I’ve learned and borrowed a lot from our Fire Department. I wish I had known about Task Books earlier in my recreation career. I’ve admired Chief Hanson for how she advocates
Fire Camp, 2023
for her department, highlights their community work, and promotes appreciation events like National Firefighter Appreciation Day. Parks and Recreation has learned a lot from these efforts, adopting similar recognition practices.
“The growth we’ve seen is almost unparalleled. I can’t think of another agency in Northern California that’s experienced the kind of expansion we have this century.”
Looking back, parts of my career feel surreal. When I started, there were so many long-tenured staff, and now, in the blink of an eye, I’ve become one of them. Outside of Fire, I believe it’s just Justin Ellermeyer, Angela Newman, and me who’ve been here this long. The growth we’ve seen is almost unparalleled. I can’t think of another agency in Northern California that’s experienced the kind of expansion we have this century.
As I enter the stage of my career where I attend more retirements than new job celebrations, I’m genuinely excited for what lies ahead. From mobile squads patrolling the city to the opening of the CORE, we continue to invest in highquality staff. And that staff continues to deliver high-quality programs and services.
NEWS & EVENTS
HONORING OUR HEROES:
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Elk Grove Regional
Veterans Memorial
By Mitzi Kies | Photo by Craig Pattenaude
On the morning of June 19th, over 100 community members gathered at Elk Grove Park for a heartfelt and patriotic occasion, the groundbreaking ceremony for the third phase of the Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial.
The event began with the Posting of Colors by the American Legion Honor Guard, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, sung by CSD’s own Tiffany Leschinsky. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the vision for the next phase of the memorial, which will enhance the site’s ability to honor both living and deceased service members. Details were shared about the new design elements and how community members can participate in honoring veterans through engraved bricks and other dedications that will become permanent parts of the memorial.
One of the highlights of the event was a moving speech by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, who spoke eloquently about the importance of remembering those who have served and the responsibility we all share in ensuring their legacies live on. Her words struck a powerful chord with attendees, many of whom had personal connections to veterans and the memorial. The Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. As work begins on the third phase, the memorial will grow not only in physical presence but in its impact on the community as a space where generations can come together to remember and pay tribute.
For more information on how to support the project or honor a veteran, please visit Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial
Derr-Okamoto Park Community Engagement
Submitted
The Administrative Services and Parks & Recreation Departments hosted a lively and successful community engagement event on June 12, focused on the DerrOkamoto Park Phase 2 project. The evening was filled with meaningful connections, thoughtful discussions, and shared inspiration.
We received 118 comment cards from the community members in attendance. Special thanks to the many Staff members who made the event possible, including Hollis Erb, and Director Reina Tarango, whose presence and support helped make the evening impactful.
Monument signs located in front of fire stations have been updated to reflect the District’s recently updated logo. These updates create a consistent, recognizable identity and reinforce our commitment to public service.
by Christine Manitta | Photo by Craig Pattenaude
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
GET TO KNOW....ERIC
STURGES
By Kelly Croisdale
Our staff highlight this month is Eric Sturges! Eric is a Park & Golf Operations Manager in the East Sector. He has been with the District for almost six years and truly enjoys contributing to the community through his work. He is passionate about baseball, spending time in the great outdoors, and making the most of family moments. These interests fuel his dedication to creating welcoming and enjoyable spaces for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s a ball game, a hike, or a family picnic, Eric loves being part of what makes the parks special.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CORE Grand Opening
Saturday, July 26 | 9am-2pm CORE Recreation Center
RAD Dance - Neon Lights
Friday, August 8 | 6:30pm-8:30pm Wackford Complex
Sammy Star Search
Friday, August 8 | 6pm-9pm
Laguna Town Hall
Summer Concert Series
Friday, August 22 | 6pm-9pm Laguna Town Hall
Alexa Camilleri Evans GIS Technician
Yvette Castaneda Payroll Technician
Santini Fire Captain
• brings exceptional organizational skills, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for supporting her community and its success.
• Christine Manitta, Landscape Architecture & Planning Director, leads an interdisciplinary team in creating sustainable, resilient, and innovative landscapes. She oversees award-winning projects including parks and green infrastructure, emphasizing community engagement and long-term environmental sustainability.
• John Kenkel, Youth Outreach Advocate, believes in the promise of all children. He works to leverage district and community resources to provide positive opportunities and support for the youth of Elk Grove.
• Justin Ellermeyer began his career with the District working part time as a Park Maintenance Aide in 1986. He now oversees the Facility Management Division for the District and is proof not only that dinosaurs exist, but can be found in the workforce.
• Kelly Croisdale has dedicated 15 years to Cosumnes CSD, starting as a preschool teacher and now bringing her passion for service and care to her role as a Management Analyst for Parks and Recreation.
has been with the District for over 20 years. He brings a unique perspective for both the Parks and Recreation Service areas. His unique mindset had brings forth innovative District ideas.
• Mitzi Kies is the Executive Assistant to the Parks & Recreation Administrator and has been with the District for over 8 years. She cherishes the opportunity to make a difference for families in our community, including her own.
• Nou Vang, our Finance Director, has been instrumental in strengthening the District’s financial position since 2021 through her strategic leadership and expertise.
• Riva Ballis, Recreation Coordinator for Kid Central and Preschool, is passionate about creating specialty programming that blends play with purpose for families looking to prepare their children for future academic success.
• Tammy Rominger, Urban Forestry Manager, is an urban forestry professional with 18 years of experience, specializing in tree care, public education, and promoting environmental consciousness.
• Traci Farris, Parks & Recreation Administrator, brings over 20 years of parks and recreation leadership to the District. She oversees parks, facilities, and programs that enhance community well-being.