MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
As summer continues, more people spend time outside, soaking up the sun, getting active, traveling for vacation, and hosting family and friends. While most people associate warmer months with fun and relaxation, it can also be a time of unpredictability.
Summer brings dangerously high temperatures and many wildfires. As you all know, the District plays an essential role in providing recreational activities for community members to participate in throughout the summer, emergency medical services, and emergency response to fires. I am confident that our services make a difference in the lives of our community members, and I am proud to be part of this organization for that reason.
As we continue to provide the highest quality of service to our community throughout these warm months, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for all that you do on behalf of the District. Please remember to stay hydrated and take care of yourselves. We have many personnel working outside in the heat daily and deploying to fire incident events. Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. Lastly, I hope you all have a wonderful summer and have opportunities to make meaningful memories with your families.
July 2023
ELK GROVE CIVIC SUMMER
Kids these days. Always on their devices, doing nothing productive!
Well, not our kids. In July, Cosumnes CSD enlisted thirteen interns from the Elk Grove Civic Summer program hosted by the Elk Grove Unified School District.
This program, organized annually every summer, gives high school students experience working in various public agencies. The interns at Cosumnes CSD worked for a wide variety of departments, including Parks and Recreation, Fire, and Administrative Services.
On their first week in the program, leaders from all four of our departments presented to the interns, giving them a glimpse into the District's core mission, vision, and values. Furthermore, the interns took the CliftonStrengths assessment (which we call "Strength Finders"), which identified their individual top five strengths. Parks and Rec Administrator Mike Dopson taught them how knowing one's strengths can empower an individual and emphasized the importance of having various strengths within a workplace (which he called "cognitive diversity").
We're proud of our partnership with the Elk Grove Civic Summer program. Look out, world; these interns are our future leaders.
Written by intern Rafael Basas.
BRAVERY BEYOND BORDERS
Firefighter-Paramedics Ania Langiewicz and Oleg Klepach were recently honored with the prestigious lifesaving medals by California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), recognizing them for their remarkable efforts in Ukraine.
The Lifesaving Medal recognizes EMS providers who, while in an off-duty or volunteer capacity, make an extremely noteworthy contribution to efforts that save lives.
Ania and Oleg embarked on a mission with Project Guardian, traveling to Ukraine twice, to train and support the courageous firefighters serving on the frontlines of the Ukraine War. During their first mission, they recognized an urgent need for enhanced training and equipment for the Ukrainian firefighters. They distributed first-aid trauma kits and conducted intensive training sessions on
Little did they know their efforts would be put to the ultimate test. This newly acquired training was utilized a short time later by Ukrainian firefighters, resulting in civilian survivors after a devastating missile attack. Langiewicz and Klepach returned for a second mission, expanding their focus to encompass search and rescue operations. They tirelessly worked alongside their Ukrainian counterparts, bringing closure to grieving families who had lost their loved ones.
Their mission continued. Ania and Oleg worked to rebuild a fire station and a playground, creating a safe space for children. They also organized donations to gather essential supplies and served hot meals to the frontline responders. Ania and Oleg risked their own lives to uplift and empower their fellow firefighters in Ukraine. Their acts of compassion exemplify the true spirit of firefighting. This recognition is a testament to their bravery, exceptional contributions, lifesaving efforts, and lasting impact on the Ukrainian community.
Join us in congratulating them on this honorable recognition.
DISTRICT COMMITTEES
District-wide committees are structured to align with District values and encourage employees to collaborate on short and long-term goals to increase communication, spark innovation, and promote transparency.
Cross-functional team collaboration is highly encouraged as a method for engaging employees from multiple classifications, divisions, and expertise to produce innovative ideas through human-centered design thinking. A collaborative workforce develops leadership and management skills, breaks silos, increases diversity awareness, and builds team spirit.
Committees provide a space for cross-functional District perspectives and include opportunities for professional development at various levels of the District. Those who volunteer to be a District committee member will gain valuable personal and professional experience, which will be considered during future promotional processes. Committees are championed by members of the Senior Leadership Team and chaired by members of the Leadership Team.
Those that volunteer to serve on a District committee are asked to serve for at least two years, with the exception of select positions serving one year to ensure the entire committee does not rotate off simultaneously. To be fiscally responsible, it is expected that committee participation is during regular work hours and does not incur overtime.
If you are interested in joining a District Committee, check in with your supervisor, then reach out to one of the committee chairs listed below. If there are any questions, contact Molly Lebed at MollyLebed@CosumnesCSD.gov.
Contact Information Community Engagement Teri deRosier TerideRosier@cosumnescsd.gov Inclusion Diversity, Equity, & Access (IDEA) Becky Herz BeckyHerz@cosumnescsd.gov Innovation & Efficiency Matt Wooden MattWooden@cosumnescsd.gov Professional Development Jeffrey Alvarez JeffreyAlvarez@cosumnescsd.gov Safety & Risk Management Tiffany Piper TiffanyAgrusa@cosumnescsd.gov
District Committee Committee Chair
JUNETEENTH
The Cosumnes CSD IDEA Committee participated in the Elk Grove Juneteeth Holiday Freedom Month Festival which was held on June 10th at District 56. The event included music, dance groups, a fashion show, a pageant, and lots of delicious food. Director Orlando Fuentes, Director Angela Spease, General Manager Philip Lewis, and Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez joined additional staff members to support the event. Directors Fuentes and Spease presented the Juneteenth Cosumnes CSD Resolution.
In addition, District staff hosted a booth, provided swim lesson information, and distributed free swimming passes sponsored by Director Fuentes to promote swimming and water safety. Cosumnes CSD recognizes that Black/African American children are 3.2 times more likely to be victims of fatal drowning than white children. The outreach at this event is one of the many ways Cosumnes CSD embraces our value of equity, inclusion, and access through action within our community.
PRIDE
The second annual Elk Grove PRIDE Teen event was a success, surpassing all expectations. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with the energy of enthusiastic teenagers and their supporters, coming together to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion.
The event featured an impressive array of vendors, offering a wide range of LGBTQ+ products, services, and resources. From rainbow-themed merchandise to educational materials, attendees had many options to explore. Moreover, the event boasted an exceptional lineup of speakers who shared their inspiring stories and valuable insights with the audience. Their presence and empowering words resonated, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees. The second annual Elk Grove PRIDE Teen event truly showcased the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, creating a safe and joyous space for young individuals to express themselves freely. And…they had cool swag!
In addition, several District staff participated in the Sacramento PRIDE Parade. It was a vibrant celebration filled with excitement and an excellent turnout from the community. Colorful floats, lively music, and exuberant marchers paraded through the streets, showcasing their pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere was electric as attendees cheered, danced, and waved rainbow flags in solidarity. The overwhelming enthusiasm and participation from the community made the Sacramento PRIDE Parade a resounding success, reminding everyone of the importance of love, acceptance, and equality.
COMEDY UNDER THE STARS
On June 16th, over 170 people gathered at Laguna Town Hall to enjoy the year's first Comedy Under the Stars event.
SUMMER CAMP
On June 9th, the District’s youth Summer Camp held a carnival theme event for campers, including carnival games, ticket prizes, and a dunk tank.
SUMMER KICK OFF
On June 3rd, the District held a Summer Staff Kick-Off event for part-time personnel. Over 250 personnel attended the event and participated in swimming, lawn games, team building, and relationship building. Guests enjoyed dinner and dessert by local food trucks in partnership with Food in the Hood.
EMERALDLAKES OPERATION 36
Emerald Lakes Golf Course ranked #2 globally out of 686 golf courses for the Operation 36 Program. Operation 36 is a developmental golf program designed to guide a beginner from playing their first round to shooting par or better for 9 holes.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oasis Recreation Center/Park Grand Opening Celebration
July 27th, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Adreani Park Grand Opening Celebration
August 3rd, 6:00pm–7:30pm
Comedy Under the Stars
July 28 at Laguna Town Hall
September 9 & 22 at Elk Grove Park
Hot Summer Nights Free Concert Series
Fridays in August from 6:30pm-9:00pm at Laguna Town Hall
Community Camp Out
August 5 – 6 from 12:00pm-12:pm at Elk Grove Park
OASIS RECREATION CENTER
Construction is in its final stages on the new recreation center located in Oasis Community Park. The 4,000-square-foot building includes two large meeting rooms. The building will feature a state-of-the-art kitchen and modern furniture. This multifunctional facility will offer daytime preschool programming through Cosumnes CSD’s Tiny Tots program. The center will provide an outstanding recreational amenity for
Christopher Ruiz Martinez Communications Specialist
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Carol Reyes from our Communications Team is our Staff Highlight of the Week!
Shannon Reyes Claims Specialist
PROMOTIONS:
Gloria Seguisabal – Administrative Assistant
Mike Dopson – Acting Parks and Rec Administrator
Traci Farris – Acting Recreation and Community Services Director
SEPARATIONS:
Nancy Oh San – Finance Manager
Craig Pattemaude – Communications Specialist
Carol likes to travel and take photos of the places she has visited. She has a love for photography but does not like getting her own photo taken. She enjoys long walks, visiting old towns, trying local food to savor, and artisan crafts to collect. She loves storytelling and so she seeks out good movies or series to binge-watch on TV. Carol likes to work with her hands and someday hopes to learn how to make furniture. Once she masters woodworking, she plans to build a house for herself and her husband to enjoy for the rest of their years. Carol loves dogs and says they can always make her smile, even on bad days.
