• Excellence & Achievement Awards
• Community Collaboration: Naming New Parks
• Recreation, Partnerships & Events: Partner Spotlight
• Boosting Cybersecurity: District Awarded $224,910 Grant
• Exclusive CORE Membership Rate for District Employees
• Thanks for supporting RAD
• Harassment Prevention Training
• CPRS District 2 Park Forum Recap
• 2024 Emerging Leaders Program
• Cosumnes Fire Promotion Ceremony
• Impact of Heart Health
• Staff Highlights
• Newsletter Contributors
As we continue to build a culture that values collaboration, recognition, and support, celebrating our staff’s outstanding contributions is crucial to boosting morale and engagement. Our recent Years of Service and Excellence Awards ceremony was a great example of this commitment.
I felt incredibly proud to see our staff’s dedication and excellence being recognized and celebrated. Congratulations to our Years of Service recipients, who have reached significant career milestones, and to our Award Winners, who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their work. Your hard work and commitment inspire us all!
The event showcased the remarkable talent and character of our team members. I was particularly touched by the heartfelt nominations submitted by staff to recognize their peers.
I encourage you to continue recognizing and celebrating the excellence that surrounds us every day. Take a moment to:
• Write a thank-you note to someone who’s gone above and beyond
• Acknowledge a job well done in a team meeting or email
• Express gratitude for support and guidance
Small acts of recognition can make a big difference in our workplace culture.
Thank you again to our outstanding staff for all that you do. The following pages provide a recap of the individuals recognized at the ceremony.
Sincerely,
Amanda Chehrezad Interim General Manager
Vincent Pompei
Recreation Coordinator
Parks & Recreation Department
By transforming a concept into a valuable experience, he created a platform for community engagement and e-sports development with the Fighting Games Jamboree. His innovative approach has enriched our extracurricular offerings and demonstrates his ability to drive meaningful change.
Angela Newman
Recreation Manager
Parks & Recreation Department
During a crucial six-month period, Angela showcased exceptional leadership in the Parks & Recreation Department’s succession plan. She navigated challenges to maintain operational continuity and successfully hired the largest number of part-time staff in our District’s history. With over 25 years of service, Angela exemplifies authentic leadership and resilience.
Lizy Silva Senior Management Analyst Fire Department
Lizy is leading the Fire Department’s accreditation by dedicating time to a selfassessment and ensuring compliance with 250 performance indicators, enhancing community service delivery. She improved the National Fire Incident Reporting System, enabling informed decisions about community needs. Lizy’s proactive approach and commitment to improvement embody the spirit of this award.
Ciera Dulgar Recreation Supervisor
Parks & Recreation Department
As supervisor of the Recreation Adventures (RAD) program, Ciera shows exceptional dedication to diversity and equity. She leads adaptive and inclusive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring programming equity and providing necessary accommodations. Her commitment to securing funding has greatly supported the success of the 2nd annual RAD Games, benefiting our special needs community.
Paul Du Val Firefighter
Firefighter Paul Du Val has shown extraordinary courage, compassion, and commitment to serving our community. While off-duty, he provided life-saving CPR during a cardiac arrest emergency in his neighborhood, demonstrating his skills and dedication. Paul’s selfless actions and duty to act exemplify the highest standards of our department. His positive attitude, integrity, and servant’s heart make him an outstanding role model for his colleagues.
Sandhya Sami Management Analyst
Sandhya secured a record number of sponsorships for the Giant Pumpkin Festival, highlighting her skill in attracting local business support. She also advanced the District’s ABC license application for the Golf Course, showcasing her ability to manage complex processes. Her professionalism, kindness, and commitment to customer service create positive experiences, while her uplifting attitude inspires those around her.
Yvonne (Yvi) Mendoza
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant Yvi Mendoza has demonstrated impressive dedication and work ethic. Despite her limited time with the Department, she has excelled in complex skills, provided exceptional customer service, and proven to be a valuable team player. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities have significantly aided the implementation of new software and processes while effectively managing multiple tasks.
Steve Dalton Construction Inspector
Steve’s expertise in construction management has been vital for the CORE project, effectively addressing challenges with contractors and the design team. His attention to detail and commitment to contract compliance ensure quality outcomes. By fostering collaboration through stakeholder engagement and site walk-throughs, Steve positively impacts projects like McConnell Dog Park, Veninga Park, and Cattail Creek Park, benefiting our District and community.
Eric Sturges Park and Golf Operations Manager
Eric’s outstanding leadership and work ethic have greatly impacted our team and community. His commitment to excellence was evident at the 30th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival, and his dedication to improving our parks and building relationships across departments has earned him immense respect from his peers. His leadership and innovation truly reflect his passion for our community.
PARKS & RECREATION
Michelle Vargas Recreation Supervisor
Michelle’s leadership has been crucial to the success of our Facilities section. She effectively manages a large team and multiple facilities, consistently meeting revenue goals. Her logistical expertise and leadership style have contributed to successful events like the Giant Pumpkin Festival, creating memorable experiences for our community. Michelle’s dedication and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our department.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication
Julie is an exceptional individual who has dedicated her career to serving the community with selflessness and compassion. She began as a fire intern and has grown into a remarkable leader and mentor. Her contributions, including her involvement in Firefighter Burn Camps, Youth Fire Camps, and the launch of the Fire Explorer Program, have significantly impacted the department and inspired many aspiring firefighters. Julie’s dedication and passion for the fire service set a high standard for public service, earning her the respect of her peers and the community. Her service exemplifies both integrity and commitment.
Congratulations to our dedicated staff members who have achieved milestone anniversaries in their Years of Service! We are thrilled to celebrate the commitment of the following individuals.
Years of Service Awards_12.31.2024 FINAL.pdf
By Jenna Brinkman & Molly Lebed
By Mitzi Kies
The City of Elk Grove and the Cosumnes Community Services District (District) are excited to announce a collaborative effort in selecting names for two neighborhood parks, two pocket parks, and one new trailhead in our community. This partnership marks an important step in ensuring that the names chosen to reflect the shared values, history, and identity of the people who live here.
Earlier this month, representatives from both the City and District met to review and discuss nominations for the new parks. This meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to come together and engage with the community’s ideas and suggestions, recognizing the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the naming process.
As the final decisions are made, the City and District look forward to sharing the chosen names and celebrating the completion of these parks. The new spaces will not only provide outdoor enjoyment for families and individuals but also serve as a testament to the strength of community collaboration.
By Elizabeth Rhoan
We’re excited to highlight our successful collaboration with the NorCal Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce to bring vibrant community events to our district that promote cultural diversity and inclusivity.
Our partnership with the NorCal Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce has entered its second year. We recently celebrated Lunar New Year at Elk Grove Park on February 1 and 2. The event featured a dragon dance, live music,
to navigate the permitting process in order to bring this magical event to life.
Last year, we celebrated the Year of the Dragon with approximately 10,000 attendees. This year’s celebration, honoring the Year of the Snake, welcomed a crowd of around 15,000 community members. In addition to the Lunar New Year Festival, our partners also host the Mid-Autumn Celebration at Laguna Town Hall every fall. Our equitable partnerships enable us to offer large-scale, free, and public events to our community, providing significant cost
By Tiffany Piper, Farnam Shadmani, & Kirsten Potter
We’re excited to announce that our District has been recommended for a $224,910 grant through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)! This funding, once approved by the Board of Directors, will enable us to significantly enhance our cybersecurity posture and reduce risk.
The SLCGP is a nationwide program that allocates $1 billion over four years to improve cybersecurity across state and local governments. Our Grants Team, in collaboration with Townsend Public Affairs, identified this program as a suitable funding source for our District.
If approved, the grant will allow us to:
• Conduct penetration testing to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities
• Conduct and implement the Asset Discovery and Inventory Program
• Implement comprehensive end-point encryption
• Establish and implement security preparedness and training for personnel
• Implement a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) for Segmentation and isolation of networks
• Establish a Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) program
• Establish Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) program
• Implement Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC, DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Sender Policy Framework (SPF)
These initiatives will not only strengthen our cybersecurity but also potentially lower our insurance premiums.
This grant recommendation is an important step in our ongoing efforts to prioritize cybersecurity and ensure the integrity of our systems.
By Anthony Viveiros
The District is excited to announce that all employees can enjoy an exclusive membership rate at CORE Recreation Center for just $39 per month! This special offer, which began on February 3, is the District’s way of supporting employee wellness and providing a valuable benefit.
$39 PER MONTH
If you’re eager to get started right away, we currently offer morning and evening classes at Laguna Town Hall to help you continue or kickstart your health & wellness journey.
Also, you can now join the CORE Run Club, this 6-week training program will focus on preparing for the Running of the Elk event on March 30, 2025! Club members will meet once a week at scenic locations throughout Elk Grove to explore the city’s beautiful running paths and parks.
Our experienced coaches will guide CORE Run Club, this program is perfect for runners of all levels, offering a comprehensive training plan for both 5K and 10K distances. Build connections with fellow runners, stay motivated, and proudly represent the CORE Run Club with a team shirt!
Register today and be part of this exciting journey.
By Teri deRosier
In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3rd, BJ’s Brewhouse generously offered a 20% donation of food purchases toward RAD programs.
We are proud to announce we received $620.77 from the fundraiser, more than double last year’s amount! This success is thanks to the District’s Board of Directors, staff and friends who supported the fundraiser.
In addition to our regular weekly and monthly RAD programs, mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual RAD Games on Saturday, May 10 at Wackford Community & Aquatic Complex.
To volunteer for this amazing event, email Ciera Dulgar, RAD Supervisor.
All District staff are required to complete harassment prevention training at least once every two years. Supervisors must complete two (2) hours of training, while all other employees must complete one (1) hour. To ensure compliance, the Human Resources Division is excited to welcome Gage C. Dungy from LCW Legal to host Harassment Prevention Workshops in February.
District employees are highly encouraged to attend the sessions, as these sessions will not be recorded. However, if you are unable to attend either session and are not in compliance with this training requirement, you will be assigned harassment prevention training via Vector Solutions.
If you have recently completed this training, you are encouraged to attend but are not required to complete it again.
By Brittany Hodach
The California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 2 hosted its 3rd annual Park Forum on January 23rd at Roseville’s Maidu Community Center. This event offered a valuable platform for park and maintenance professionals, planners, and administrators to learn, network, and share best practices.
Our Parks and Recreation team was well-represented, with 18 staff members in attendance. Additionally, J Long, Recreation Manager, and Traci Farris, Parks & Recreation Administrator participated in a panel discussion titled “Teamwork & Collaboration in Parks & Recreation”.
Some other educational highlights included:
• Irrigation Management & Repair
• AI Impacts on Parks, Recreation & Community Services
• Teamwork & Collaboration in Parks & Recreation
The event had a great mix of hands-on, practical sessions and fresh ideas for the future. Our staff walked away with useful tips they can apply right away, plus the chance to connect with others in the field.
By Ciera Dulgar
The District’s 2024 Emerging Leaders program was an 11-month leadership development initiative designed for parttime recreation staff to enhance their professional skills and bridge the gap between part-time and full-time positions. The program featured a cohort of seven part-time employees from various sections across recreation. Participants engaged in
a range of learning opportunities, including tours of CSD facilities, presentations from guest speakers from different departments, and training sessions in areas such as ActiveNet, time management, marketing, professionalism, budgeting and resume building. They also explored the Cliffton Strengths culture and took the StrengthsFinder quiz to identify their top strengths.
Each member of the cohort presented their own unique program or event idea to the leadership team. Following a collaborative discussion, the group collectively designed and executed a successful event, gaining hands-on experience in event preparation, marketing, and organization. To wrap up the program, participants delivered a final presentation, sharing their key takeaways and showcasing the leadership skills they developed throughout the year.
By Brita Geiger
In January, the District’s Board Room was filled with pride, camaraderie, and a deep sense of accomplishment as we gathered to celebrate the well-earned promotions of several outstanding members of our team. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow personnel, our newly promoted members received their badges in a heartfelt badge pinning ceremony. Each promotion represented not only years of dedication and hard work but also a commitment to the continued excellence that defines Cosumnes Fire Department.
We extend our congratulations to the following personnel on their promotions: Fire Captains: Milo Griffin, Steve Guthrie, and Cody Newcomer Engineers: Eli Ransdell and Travis Briar Fire Inspector I: Brandon Singleton
The event served as a reminder of the unwavering dedication of our personnel have to serving Elk Grove, Galt, and Sacramento County with excellence in a timely, courteous, and effective manner. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our personnel on this special day. Congratulations to all!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the Cosumnes Firefighters Community Support Foundation annual Crab Feed a success! Your support, generosity, and community spirit made for an incredible night of great food, fun, and fundraising. We truly appreciate everyone who contributed, volunteered, and participated.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Staff Harassment Prevention Training
Virtual: Thursday, February 20
McConnell Dog Park Grand Opening Celebration
Saturday, February 22
9:30am - 11:00am
Get Ready for a Paws-itively Fun Celebration!
Last month, we announced the exciting opening of the McConnell Dog Park, and now it’s time to party! Join us for the McConnell Dog Park Grand Opening Celebration on February 22 from 9:30am-11:00am. Bring your furry friends and enjoy a fun-filled day of games, socialization, and tail-wagging excitement!
McConnell Park 10081 Hampton Oak Drive, ELk Grove, CA 95624
Fighting Games Jamboree
Saturday, March 8 1:00pm - 6:00pm Albiani Recreation Center
Shamrockin’ Family Dance
Saturday, March 8 6:00pm - 9:00pm Wackford Complex
CORE Recreation Center
Presale Open Now!
By Tiffany Piper
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and take proactive steps to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Promoting heart health in the workplace can contribute significantly to overall well-being. Here are some ways to keep your heart safe at work:
By integrating heart health into risk management strategies, the District can achieve:
• Reduced Absenteeism: Healthy employees are less likely to miss work due to illness or chronic conditions.
• Enhanced Productivity: Employees with good heart health have more energy and focus.
• Lower Healthcare Costs: Prevention and early intervention reduce long-term medical expenses for both employees and the organization.
• Improved Morale: A workplace culture that prioritizes employee health fosters trust and satisfaction.
• Ergonomic Workspaces: Use a standing desk or adjustable workstation if possible.
• Frequent Breaks: Stand and stretch regularly to improve circulation and prevent strain on your cardiovascular system.
• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall health.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Keep consumption moderate to avoid added strain on the heart.
• Know the Signs: Learn the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke and be prepared to act in an emergency.
• Time Management: Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Mindfulness Practices: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce workplace stress.
• Talk About It: Seek support from a peer through the BeWell line, EAP, or mental health professional if work-related stress becomes too much.
By Kelly Croisdale
Meet Doug, a dedicated Captain with Cosumnes Fire, hired in January 2015 and promoted two years ago. Currently serving at Station 72, Doug is passionate about making a positive impact in his community and supporting those around him. He feels fortunate to share these experiences with his crew.
Doug’s commitment to his community extends beyond his work. He recently authored a children’s book, “Karter’s Big Adventure – Firefighter Karter,” inspired by his grandson Karter’s enthusiasm when visiting the fire station. This book is the first in a series aimed at introducing kids to blue-collar careers in a fun and exciting way.
“Karter’s Big Adventure” is now available on Amazon.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Doug is also dedicated to giving back to his community. He has been a big supporter of Chicks in Crisis, a local non-profit organization, and has volunteered at their last two fundraisers.
In his free time, Doug enjoys cooking, golfing, camping, and spending time with his wife. He loves exploring new places and seeing the excitement on his wife’s face when she discovers something new. Doug also lends a hand to his son’s junk removal company, Junk Masters, whenever possible.
By J Long
Liz Rodriguez has been recognized as the Parks & Recreation Department’s Employee of the Quarter, an honor presented at our All Staff meeting this January. Liz’s exceptional contributions have truly set her apart.
Liz has been instrumental in leading our fitness program, offering 48 classes and engaging over 320 participants in their health and wellness journeys. Her passion for fitness has created a ripple effect, impacting many in our community. Furthermore, Liz has played a key role in recruiting and training 11 new fitness instructors, expanding our program’s reach and fostering a strong team dynamic.
Liz’s leadership and dedication to fitness excellence were showcased in our highly successful Les Mills Preview Day. This free event attracted over 80 community members, providing a unique opportunity for them to experience our fitness offerings.
Liz’s commitment to making a positive impact in our community is evident in everything she does. We proudly recognize her outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence, honoring her as our Employee of the Quarter.
Ransdell Engineer
Anthony Trejo
Building Maintenance Worker, Sr.
Kyle Roberson Park Ranger Manager (reclassification)
Christopher Schamber Battalion Chief of Admin WOC
• Kelly Croisdale has dedicated 15 years to the Cosumnes CSD, starting as a preschool teacher and now bringing her passion for service and care to her role as an Accounting Assistant in the Finance Division.
• Teri deRosier, a Recreation Manager, enjoys connecting people with resources and fostering leadership. She leads a dynamic Youth Development team, driving professional growth and creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen the community.
• Ciera Dulgar, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor, has been with the District for almost 3 years. As a Certified Recreation Therapist, she has a passion for her program oversight, which includes RAD, Teens, and Measure E (supporting atpromise youth).
• Brita Geiger, the Executive Assistant to the Fire Chief, has been a dedicated member of the District for nearly 10 years. With experience across all departments, she brings exceptional organizational skills, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for supporting her community and its success.
• Brittany Hodach is the Administrative Assistant for Park & Golf Operations. She has been with the District since 2018 working in various administrative roles across multiple departments in Parks and Recreation.
• 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.
• J Long, Recreation Manager for Sports & CORE, is dedicated to promoting sports, fitness, and community connections. His passion is demonstrated through creating meaningful recreation experiences, that foster both physical well-being and a sense of belonging.
• Tiffany Piper, our Risk Manager, has shown dedication to protecting our employees and community since joining the District in 2022. Her expertise and thoughtful approach enable her to skillfully navigate the complexities of risk management.
• 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.
• 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.
• Elizabeth Rhoan combines her love of making friends and throwing parties as the partnerships & events supervisor. She builds and maintains strategic partnerships for the District while supervising talented coordinators who bring innovative and culturally significant events to our community.
• Anthony Viverios is the Operations Supervisor at CORE, responsible for overseeing daily operations, creating a welcoming environment, and ensuring top-notch programs for future members.