CONNECT NEWSLETTER COSUMNES CSD
A Message from the General Manager
PUMPKIN TRADITION
With the Giant Pumpkin Festival having recently ended, I recalled a memorable pumpkin connection from my childhood. When I was fourteen, my mom started a new holiday tradition just before Thanksgiving. Along with my brother and sister, we spent the morning baking several pumpkin pies to give to families from our church who would benefit from the kind gesture. However, we convinced our mom to let us anonymously deliver the pies to their doorsteps, then knock, run, and hide to enjoy their reactions from a distance. The first two deliveries went smoothly, and it was a joy to see their surprised and grateful faces as they received the pies.
However, on the third pie delivery, after knocking and quickly hiding behind a nice sports car, the neighbor came out with his shotgun aimed at us! Obscenities flew from his mouth as he yelled for us to come out of hiding with our hands up. My siblings and I slowly revealed ourselves, fully expecting that our lives might end with a loud bang!
He yelled that he had finally caught us and that we weren’t stealing his car tires tonight (as had apparently happened the previous weekend), which led us to quickly plead for him to look down at the pumpkin pie on his doorstep that we had brought for him! When he realized we weren’t tire thieves but sweet pie deliverers instead, the shotgun disappeared, and embarrassed giggles erupted as the reality of our situation sank in. Needless to say, we didn’t deliver the other two pumpkin pies as planned and enjoyed them ourselves in the safe comfort of our home, far from any more shotguns.
This one-time family tradition was certainly exciting, but it is easily overshadowed by all the other memorable holiday customs that we enjoyed, which strengthened our family unity, fostered greater faith, and had us reveling in the sights, smells, and nostalgia of past seasons. I wish you all a wonderful fall season starting with our Giant Pumpkin Festival, and memorable holidays to follow, spent with friends and family, focusing on what matters most.
Sincerely,
Tim Ogden General Manager
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
Giant Pumpkin Festival Success
By the Strategic Management Team
The 2025 Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival was a huge success thanks to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of staff throughout the District. Whether you were directing traffic, supporting vendors, helping guests, setting up or breaking down, or managing key festival zones, your efforts made this community tradition shine once again.
This year’s event also made history! During Saturday’s weigh-off, Brian Werner of Gridley, California, took home the top prize of $7,000 with a pumpkin weighing 2,147 pounds the largest ever recorded at our site. Werner, a longtime grower who has competed in Elk Grove since 2001, celebrated his first win surrounded by family. Two growers, Johnny Gayton and Jose Ceja, tied for second place with 1,621-pound pumpkins, each earning $3,500.
The festival once again attracted thousands of visitors to Elk Grove Park for two days of family fun, entertainment, and community pride. From the awe-inspiring weigh-off to the crowd favorite Pumpkin Regatta, it was
a weekend that perfectly highlighted what makes this community and our staff so special.
As members of the Strategic Management Team, we were proud to work alongside many of you throughout the event, serving, guiding, and celebrating together. The Giant Pumpkin Festival reflects who we are as a District: dedicated, collaborative, and community-focused.
Thank you for the countless hours, creativity, and teamwork that contributed to making this year’s festival a record-breaking success. Your efforts leave a lasting impact on our community, and we sincerely appreciate them.
Exploring New Grant Opportunities
By Eileen Alcanices
District and Townsend staff recently met with representatives from the California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) to discuss potential funding opportunities for upcoming District projects. This proactive collaboration helps ensure we stay well-positioned to secure future state grant funding that supports community improvements across the District.
Firewall Security Upgrade Completed
By Farnam Shadmani
The Information Technology Division has successfully upgraded all District firewalls to the Cisco Meraki Firewall Security System with the Cisco Secure Connect VPN app. This upgrade enhances network reliability, streamlines connectivity, and significantly strengthens our cybersecurity defenses against evolving digital threats. All systems are now fully operational.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
Guiding Our Future: Strategic Planning Begins
Just like a map guides a road trip, or a playbook guides a team, the District’s next Strategic Plan will guide us in making decisions and setting priorities for the years ahead.
WHAT IS A STRATEGIC PLAN?
A Strategic Plan is a roadmap that outlines the District’s vision, goals, and strategies to better serve our community. It helps ensure that:
• Our decisions are intentional and aligned
• Our resources (time, people, and budget) are used effectively
• Our projects and priorities connect to the District’s long-term direction
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The District is currently developing a Strategic Plan that will be presented to the Board of Directors at the second Board meeting in November. This plan will serve as a two-year transition plan to guide the District’s priorities, projects, and organizational focus through this next phase of growth and alignment.
LOOKING AHEAD
Once approved, the Strategic Plan will serve as a foundation for future initiatives and will help strengthen the District’s ability to deliver on its mission. Updates will be shared as the process moves forward, so everyone stays informed and engaged.
This effort will set the stage for the next chapter in the District’s service to the community.
Updated Administrative Leave Award Application
Exempt employees will see updates to the Administrative Leave Award Application, aimed at emphasizing key leadership priorities.
KEY UPDATES
• Point System: The maximum number of points has been reduced from 100 to 40, to have each point represent an hour of administrative leave.
• Community Connections: Staff may now earn points for service at the Giant Pumpkin Festival based on various needs.
• Continuing Education:
• Department Head pre-approval is now required for any book or course used to claim points to ensure the selection is relevant.
• A written summary of lessons learned, at least two paragraphs in length, must be submitted with the application.
• When identifying points for published newsletter articles, staff must provide a copy or link to it.
DEADLINE
Applications are due by June 1st each year to give the Finance division enough time to process awards so qualifying hours are included in the correct paycheck.
View the updated Administrative Leave Award Application
DEVELOPMENT
Fire Station 73 Roadway Upgrade Complete
By Scott Jones
The access road to Fire Station 73 received a much-needed upgrade. The original roadway which was not designed for heavy fire apparatus, had deteriorated over time despite numerous patch repairs. Thanks to Measure E funding, the entire roadway has now been reconstructed with a properly designed structural section, and the south driveway was also replaced. Importantly, fire apparatus access remained fully operational throughout the project.
Beeman Park Revitalization Moved Forward
By Christine Manitta and Hannah Levy
Exciting updates are underway for Beeman Park, as the District moves into the next phase of its long-awaited revitalization project.
Earlier this year, staff hosted two community outreach meetings, each attended by more than 30 residents who shared valuable feedback about what they’d like to see in the improved park. Common priorities included better lighting, updated play structures, and removal of the old, unused barn on the site. Following the meetings, staff developed a concept plan that incorporated both in-person and online community input. The barn was successfully demolished in July 2025, paving the way for new improvements. Now, preparations are underway for construction to begin. A Notice Inviting Bids was recently advertised for the project, which will include upgrades such as new play equipment, shade structures, site furnishings, lighting, and enhanced utilities and drainage systems.
Construction is expected to begin this month and take approximately 120 working days to complete. Once finished, the revitalized Beeman Park will reopen to the public likely in summer 2026, offering an even more welcoming and enjoyable space for families to gather, play, and connect.
DEVELOPMENT
Solar-Powered Lights Brighten Admin Parking Lot
By Scott Jones
The new solar-powered parking lot lights are now fully operational in the back lot of the Administration Building, marking the completion of this energy-efficient project.
This installation builds on the earlier phase of work that laid the foundations and prepared the site for the new poles and fixtures. With everything now in place, the project delivers brighter lighting, improved safety, and a more sustainable solution for the District.
Best of all, the new lights are entirely powered by solar energy, eliminating the need for electrical wiring and ensuring no increase in energy costs. It’s another great step toward enhancing our facilities while supporting the District’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
NEWS & EVENTS
We’ve Gone Viral…AGAIN!
By Jenna Brinkman
Two years ago, Cosumnes Parks & Recreation captivated a global audience with their TikTok video showcasing the Pumpkin Regatta. And this year, we’ve done it again! An Instagram Reel created by Assistant Communications Specialist Aela Veerkamp has exceeded expectations and gone viral, surpassing 31 million views and still counting! The marketing team also achieved its strategic goal of channel growth this year, gaining over 6,300 new followers.
NEWS & EVENTS
Fire Department Update: Administrative Realignment
Effective October 1, the Cosumnes Fire Department implemented an administrative realignment to enhance coordination and internal support across the organization.
Under this update, the Administrative Manager position moved from the Office of the Fire Chief to the Administration Branch, now reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. The Administrative Manager’s team also transitioned to the Administration Branch, maintaining their reporting structure and continuing to provide high-level administrative and analytical support for the Department.
An updated organizational chart reflecting this change will be available soon on both the Department website and Cosumnes Connect.
This adjustment aligns administrative resources under one branch, improving communication, collaboration, and efficiency as the Department continues its mission to protect the community through prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.
District Approved to Participate in CUPCCAA
By Nou Vang
After receiving Board approval on September 17, the State Controller’s Office has officially confirmed the District’s participation in the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA). This program simplifies the bidding process for public projects, providing the District with greater flexibility and efficiency in delivering community improvements.
Teen Pathways Summer Bash
By Ciera Dulgar & Lexi Cobb
On August 22, the Teen Pathways Measure E program hosted its 3rd Annual Summer Bash, a free event exclusively for teens where no guardians were permitted. Teens took over the Cosumnes CSD Aquatic Center for an evening filled with fun, including open swim, yard games, inflatables, Kona Ice, food, drinks, and a DJ playing popular tracks.
A big thank you to the Aquatics Team and Teen Pathways staff for working together to host a fun, energetic night that teens will remember. With nearly 130 participants, this year’s Summer Bash was a huge success and a great way to end the summer season.
Celebrate the season at the Emerald Lakes Fall Festival
October 23 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Emerald Lakes Golf Course
Enjoy a night packed with family-friendly activities, including unlimited range balls, food trucks, vendors, a bounce house, free face painting, and the always-popular Trunk or Treat – Golf Cart Edition! Don’t miss the golf cart decorating contest, where creativity and community spirit come together in a festive fall display.
ADMISSION
$25 for adults
$10 for juniors (18 and under) — and juniors who sign up for an October golf class get in FREE!
WANT TO JOIN THE FUN?
Sign up to decorate a golf cart, pass out candy, or reserve your spot for the event.
REGISTER FOR THE FALL FESTIVAL HERE!
NEWS & EVENTS
District Fall Decorating Contest
This year, the fun is spreading across the District! The District Fall Decorating Contest invites staff from all departments and facilities to showcase their creativity and celebrate the season together. Whether you’re decorating your cubicle, shared office space, or entire facility, it’s time to display your best fall flair — think pumpkins, leaves, scarecrows, and all things spooky or cozy!
DECORATE YOUR OFFICE OR CUBICLE
OCTOBER 6 - OCTOBER 31
Show off your fall spirit and join staff District-wide in celebrating the season! Decorate your cubicle, your division’s common office space, or your facility. Get creative—think pumpkins, leaves, scary fun, and all things fall!
DECORATING THEMES
• Spookiest (Scary)
• Fall Colors (Oranges, Yellows, Browns, etc.)
• Best Team Effort (Division or Group)
• Harvest Theme (Pumpkins, Corn, Scarecrows, etc.)
JUDGES & WINNERS
• Judging will be on 10/31
• Winners will be announced at the Pumpkin Drop Party
PRIZES
• $30 gift card for individuals
• Pizza Lunch Team Award
REGISTER TO ENTER CONTEST!
Register Individually or as a Team/Group Entry will be open until October 27th
• Judges will be SMT For questions, KirstenPotter@CosumnesCSD.gov
NEWS & EVENTS
The Leaf Report: Fall Insights & Leafy Highlights
By Tammy Rominger
It’s that time of year again! While the calendar says it’s officially fall, trees don’t exactly follow our dates. Instead, they follow the weather.
If you’ve been paying attention, you might have noticed that some trees started dropping leaves weeks ago. This is because the weather has been milder than last year, even with those 100-degree days! What really matters to trees is the cooler nighttime temperatures. Those cooler nights signal to deciduous trees (trees that naturally shed their leaves in fall) that it’s time to slow down, conserve energy, and invest in their roots and structure for the winter ahead.
Within
the Cosumnes Community Services District, we care for nearly 48,000 trees that we love, cherish, and manage.
More than 41,000 are deciduous, which means there will soon be many leaves on the ground. In natural forests, trees don’t need caretakers; nature balances itself. But in urban areas, trees need our help to stay healthy and safe where we’ve planted them. While we can prune, water, and protect them, we can’t control the millions or billions of leaves that fall each autumn!
To put that in perspective, the District’s 6,800 sycamore trees alone produce more than 2 billion leaves each year! Let’s pause to recognize our Park Ops and Urban Forestry staff, who help manage this amazing, leafy abundance each year. They keep our urban forest safe, healthy, and beautiful, which is no small task with billions of leaves to handle!
PREPARING FOR WINTER
Fall is also the right time to prepare your property and trees for winter storms:
• Prune wisely: Always hire an ISA-Certified Arborist to prune trees properly. This enhances the tree's structure and decreases risks during heavy winds and rain.
• Keep water flowing: Clear gutters and storm drains of leaves and debris before and during storms to prevent flooding.
• Leave the leaves: Mulched or left in place, they return essential nutrients to the soil and support your trees' health.
FROM OUR URBAN FOREST TO YOU
As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, we hope you take a moment to enjoy the beauty of our local trees. From our urban forest to your family, happy fall, and may your season be filled with colorful leaves, cozy moments, and a little bit of leafraking fun!
NEWS & EVENTS
Cattails Creek Park Opens – Our 107th Park!
By Mitzi Kies
On August 28th, we celebrated the opening of our 107th park - Cattails Creek Park. The event brought together staff, community members, and nature lovers to mark another milestone in our parks system.
Approximately 100 guests attended the celebration, enjoying a sunny evening packed with fun and educational activities. RecForce One was on-site, providing engaging, familyfriendly experiences led by our dedicated staff. From games to interactive activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Our Rangers played a crucial role in connecting visitors with the natural beauty of the area, leading interactive activities and sharing knowledge about the wetland wildlife and bird species that inhabit the park’s borders. Their passion for nature helped bring the park’s natural story to life for visitors of all ages.
To sweeten the day, guests enjoyed Kona ICE while speakers shared the vision behind Cattails Creek Park, from its thoughtful design to its amenities. Highlights included details about the surrounding trail, which features interpretive signage and connects to the Hitching Post Trailhead, providing visitors with a scenic route through the Elliott Springs area.
The successful opening of Cattails Creek Park shows our team’s ongoing dedication to building welcoming, educational, and sustainable outdoor spaces for the community.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Get Ready for the Great ShakeOut!
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m., the District will join millions worldwide for the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. This quick, all-staff exercise helps us develop the reflexes to stay safe when it matters most: Drop, Cover, and Hold On!
WHAT TO DO AT 10:16 A.M.
• Drop to your hands and knees.
• Cover your head and neck under a sturdy desk or table (or next to interior wall if no shelter).
• Hold On until the drill ends (about 60 seconds).
• Field, parks, and mobile crews: If you’re outdoors, move away from trees, light poles, and overhead hazards, then Drop, Cover (head/ neck), and Hold On.
BEFORE THE DRILL
• Clear tripping hazards and identify your nearest safe shelter spot.
• Confirm how you’ll assist visitors, volunteers, or patrons.
• Supervisors: decide who will announce the start and end of the drill.
AFTER THE DRILL (QUICK DEBRIEF)
• Check in with your team: any obstacles or questions?
• Note any fixes (e.g., unsecured items, blocked pathways) and submit a work order or Safety ticket.
• Update your site’s Emergency Action Plan if needed.
THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING AND FOR MAKING SAFETY SECOND NATURE. LET’S “SHAKE IT OUT” TOGETHER AT 10:16 ON 10/16!
Honoring our Safety Champions
We’re proud to recognize this quarter’s Safety Champions, whose commitment to awareness, responsibility, and prevention helps strengthen our culture of safety. Through their proactive mindset and everyday dedication, they play an important role in reducing risk and protecting one another across the District. Thank you for setting the example and inspiring all of us to keep safety at the forefront of our work.
Ciera Dulgar
Jennifer Warson
Billy Daniels
Brian Lucero
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Admin Services Tees Up for Team Building
By Kirsten Potter, Photo by Craig Pattenaude
In September, the Administrative Services Department enjoyed a fun and engaging team-building event at Emerald Lakes Golf Course! Special thanks to Mark, Katie, Natalie, and Joe for making golf lessons both enjoyable and easy to learn!
StrengthFinders – Talent DNA
By Tim Ogden
The District continues to promote participation and use of the StrengthsFinder program (also known as CliftonStrengths), which identifies your talent DNA and helps you better understand how you naturally think, feel, and behave. The program aims to foster self-improvement that can lead to career growth. It also assists leaders
in empowering their teams, resulting in increased engagement at work, higher productivity, and the creation of happier and healthier workplaces where talents and teams are aligned. If you want to take the StrengthsFinder assessment, please contact your supervisor and join the effort to understand talent DNA!
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTSSAFETY MINUTE
Reflecting on Fire Prevention Week
By Simone Nazzal
Fire Prevention Week remains the longest-running public health observance in the United States, with roots dating back more than a century. It was established to commemorate one of the most devastating fires in American history — the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
This annual observance reminds us of the importance of fire safety and prevention. Each year, communities across the nation come together to raise awareness and share lifesaving practices that help prevent firerelated injuries and deaths.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week, held October 5–11, focused on the theme “Every Second Counts – Plan 2 Ways Out!” — highlighting the importance of having multiple escape routes in case of fire. When fire strikes, every second truly matters, and being prepared can make all the difference.
Throughout the week, Cosumnes Fire Department staff shared resources and tips to help our community plan ahead and stay safe. From educational outreach to public demonstrations, these efforts reinforced a simple but powerful message: fire safety starts with awareness and action.
5 QUICK FIRE SAFETY REMINDERS:
Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!
How fast does fire move? Very fast. You could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
• Install Smoke Alarms: Make sure there are working smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Test Alarms Monthly: Press the test button once a month to ensure they are working.
• Create an Escape Plan: Identify at least two exits from every room and set a family meeting place outside.
• Practice Your Plan: Run fire drills so everyone knows what to do and where to go.
• Stay Low and Go: If there’s smoke, get low and go under it — smoke rises and can be deadly.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Fire Prevention Week 2025 a success, from those who led outreach efforts to those who helped spread the word across our community. Let’s continue to stay vigilant year-round — because fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.
WELLNESS RESOURCES
Focus on You: “Turn the Discord Down
By Human Resources
October’s Healthy & Resilient You feature from Concern Health invites us to take a closer look at our inner voice and how practicing self-compassion can make a powerful difference in how we handle stress, setbacks, and daily challenges. The article, “Turn the Discord Down: Tune into Self-Compassion to Silence Your Inner Critic,” reminds us that we often extend kindness to others more easily than we do to ourselves and that learning to replace self-criticism with self-encouragement can lead to greater balance, confidence, and wellbeing.
YOU’LL FIND PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR:
• Shifting negative self-talk into positive self-coaching
• Practicing mindfulness and self-acceptance
• Building resilience through small, consistent habits
If your inner critic has been a little too loud lately, this month’s Concern Health article is a great reminder to pause, reset, and treat yourself with the same patience and understanding you give others.
READ: Turn the Discord Down ENGLISH READ: Turn the Discord Down SPANISH
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
From Shelter Dog to Search Dog: Ruffles Joins Cosumnes Fire
By Jenna Brinkman; Photos by Craig Pattenaude
Cosumnes Fire proudly announces a historic first: Captain Justin Quarisa and his canine partner, Ruffles, have officially earned national certification as a live find canine search team—a first in the Department’s history.
This brings an exciting new resource to the District and enhances disaster response efforts throughout the Sacramento area. The team will deploy with Sacramento US&R Task Force 7, a FEMA-affiliated unit that responds to major emergencies across California and beyond. Whether it’s earthquakes, building collapses, or wide-area searches, having a certified canine team adds a vital and specialized skill set, strengthening California’s emergency response network.
Captain Quarisa, who has served with the Department since 2004 and has been a member of Task Force 7 for a decade, trained with Ruffles in Southern California through the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF). The nonprofit rescues high-energy dogs from shelters, trains them to be disaster search dogs, and matches them with firefighters and other first responders across the country—at no cost to their fire departments.
Ruffles, a 2.5-year-old Australian Heeler, was rescued from a shelter in Texas. Staff there recognized her drive and potential, and she was accepted into SDF’s program. It turned out to be a perfect match.
“She’s an amazing dog,” said Captain Quarisa. “She’s focused, driven, and always ready to work. From the beginning, she stood out in training and flew through the program. Plus, everyone who meets her loves her.”
Now certified, Ruffles is an official member of Cosumnes Fire and even has her own employee ID badge. She and Captain Quarisa train together daily and are ready to respond wherever they’re needed. And while Ruffles may turn heads with her cuteness, she’s all business when it comes to saving lives.
Welcome, Little Park Ranger
By Kyle Roberson
After an extensive recruitment process and thorough deliberation, I am pleased to announce the successful recruitment of our newest team member. Measuring 21 inches long and weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces, Brianna Roberson was brought on board on Sunday, July 27 at 1340 hours.
Brianna Roberson
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
Full Circle: From Tiny Tot to Teacher
By Patrick Bitcon
At Tiny Tot Preschool, we take pride in our community connections. It’s common for former students to return as valued staff members, like our teacher Courtney, who now teaches at the same site she attended as a child. This year, we’re excited to highlight Riley Karnes, showcasing the lasting impact of our programs.
Riley’s journey with us is truly a full-circle story. Having attended our preschool herself, she later reconnected with our programs as a lifeguard. Three years ago, her natural ability to connect with kids led her to our after-school program, where she discovered her passion for early childhood education.
Now working as an aide at the Oasis site, Riley is completing student teaching hours for her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Cosumnes River College. She’s already applying to four-year colleges to continue her journey. Her supervisors commend her for her exceptional ability to connect with children and manage her classroom with a perfect balance of fun and firm leadership.
Riley’s story beautifully reflects our motto, “Building community, one child at a time.” Through our programs, we have not only laid a foundation for her education but also provided a space for her to discover her passion and achieve her goals. We are very proud of Riley and her commitment to the children in our community.
GET TO KNOW.... BRITTANY HODACH
Our Staff Highlight this quarter is Brittany Hodach! Brittany has been with CSD since 2018, gaining valuable experience in both Parks and Recreation. In her current role as Administrative Assistant in Park and Golf Operations, Brittany helps community members through the Park Maintenance Hotline. She is deeply committed to creating enjoyable and accessible spaces and programs for the community. In her free time, Brittany loves spending quality time with her kids and dog, watching movies, and singing her heart out during home karaoke sessions. These hobbies reflect her energetic and creative personality, which she brings to her work every day.
Riley Karnes
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
WELCOME ABOARD and CONGRATULATIONS
Cynthia Marquez Payroll Specialist
Alan Darlin Recreation Coordinator (Sports)
Ana Cruz Barajas Accounting Assistant
Bella Dawson Aquatics Recreation Supervisor
NEW HIRES (July
8 - October 1)
Resources Director
COSUMNES FIRE RECRUITS
Mitchell Arriola
Andrew Bassegio
Jackson Biggs
Collin Dean
Jeffrey Del Pozo
Bryson Downs
Enrique Dugay
Tyee Guerrero
Bryce Kaufenberg
Nick Langevin
Aiden Lee
Steven Marriott
Jite-Ogbuehi Human Resources Manager
Advanced Practice Providers
Ryan Gollott
Curtis Fowler
Robert Miller
Thomas Cowles
Orest Oleshchuk
Catherine Olguin
Nolan Pickens
Michael Renati
Gabriel Talley
PROMOTIONS Retirement
Jarrell Urban
Drew Valencia
Kyle Wong
Jarrod Zgraggen
RETIREMENT
Ulises Pena Fire Engineer
Eric Servais Fire Captain
Anthony Trejo
Building Maintenance Worker, Sr.
Brett Gorrell Recreation Coordinator (Sports)
Christopher Regenhardt Park Maintenance Supervisor
Gregory Allen Fire Captain
John Pagluica Firefighter
Victor McCrum
Building Maintenance Worker, Sr.
Troy Bair Deputy Fire Chief
Agnes Nnenaya
Brody Lorda Human
Enrique Angulo Building Maintenance Worker
NEWSLETTER
• Christine Manitta, Landscape Architecture & Planning Director, leads an interdisciplinary team in creating sustainable, resilient, and innovative landscapes. She oversees awardwinning projects including parks and green infrastructure, emphasizing community engagement and long-term environmental sustainability.
• Ciera Dulgar, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor, has been with the District for nearly 3 years. As a Certified Recreation Therapist, she is passionate about her program oversight, which includes RAD, Teens, and Measure E (supporting atpromise youth).
• Eileen Alcanices, with 18 years at the District, supports budget development, contract coordination, procurement, and administration, demonstrating her strong commitment to public service and dedication to efficient, high-quality operational support.
• Farnam Shadmani is the IT Director, leading technology initiatives to enhance efficiency and security. Focused on strategic solutions, he ensures seamless digital experiences for staff and the community.
• Hannah Levy is a Landscape Architect with a lifelong connection to the Elk Grove area. As the District’s Senior Landscape Architect, she brings her passion for communityfocused design and attention to detail to every project she leads.
• Jenna Brinkman, Community & Public Relations Manager, has led a diverse range of communications, marketing, and media outreach efforts over the past 10 years.
• Kirsten Potter is the Executive Assistant to the Acting Administrator of General Services and has served the District for nearly 15 years. She applies her exceptional organizational and customer service skills to support the community and the District.
• Lexi Cobb joined the District in 2017 and now coordinates Teen Programming and Enrichment classes, creating safe spaces where teens can connect, grow, and develop leadership skills within their community.
• Mitzi Kies serves as the Executive Assistant to the Parks & Recreation Administrator and has been with the District for over eight 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.
• Patrick Bitcon, Recreation Supervisor for Youth Development, is passionate about creating quality programs that foster growth and engagement for youth and staff, strengthening the community.
• Scott Jones serves as the District’s Engineering Director, overseeing and managing projects within the District’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Focused on public works initiatives, he ensures that new developments are thoughtfully designed to meet the community’s needs.
• Simone Nazzal is a former public school teacher who serves as the Cosumnes Fire Department’s Public Education Specialist, managing educational programming and community outreach initiatives. She brings 15 years of teaching experience to the role and enjoys educating community members of all ages about fire and life safety.
• Tammy Rominger, Urban Forestry Manager, is an urban forestry expert with 18 years of experience, focusing on tree care, public education, and promoting environmental awareness.