Cosumnes Connect Newsletter - March

March 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER The District is moving forward on several high-visibility projects.

As we return to the pre-pandemic conditions, we are positioning ourselves well to capitalize on opportunities as they come available.

Last quarter, the District secured ARPA funding from the City of Elk Grove, the City of Galt, and the State of California. These funds allow us to move forward on some previously unfunded capital improvement projects, purchase fire apparatus and cardiac monitors, and secure seed funding for an upcoming Fire Academy.

The District also negotiated to purchase the County-owned parcels of Elk Grove Park.

This acquisition will ensure that the 'gem' of our park infrastructure can receive the maintenance and asset replacement that the community deserves.

Recreation personnel are in the process of a full-scale evaluation and reimagining of our recreation programs, focusing on being intentional and innovative with what, where, and when we provide programs to the community.

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We are currently running many recruitments, including seasonal and yearround positions in Parks & Recreation as well as Firefighter/Paramedics and Firefighter/EMTs (see page 6).

We are in the process of soliciting community feedback and establishing the priority needs of residents to support community services in Elk Grove. In support of this effort, you will soon see District leadership host community engagement meetings in collaboration with the City of Elk Grove. For more information and to provide your feedback, visit: www.elkgrovelife.com.

Finally, we recently completed the yearend audit and received a 'clean' report.

However, the auditor made several recommendations that we are implementing across the District.

Thank you for all you do in service to the community.

You help make this community a great place to live and work.

Joshua Green, General Manager

BIRD BOX PROGRAM Did you know that the District has a bird box program? There are currently 13 songbird boxes and one wood duck box along the Laguna Creek Trail.

These boxes were constructed and installed in 2015 and 2016 by the Laguna Creek Watershed Council and have been added to the responsibilities of the District’s Park Ranger Service.

The boxes are regularly cleaned and inspected for repairs. Repairs are performed by Boy Scout Troops through partnership agreements each year.

Additional boxes are scheduled for construction and installation over the course of the next three years.

CPRS AWARDS In February, the District received not one, but two awards from the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS). The CPRS awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of facility design, park planning, marketing and communication, and community improvement and programming.

The first award received was the Award of Excellence for Singh and Kaur Park Videos in the Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence category. Watch the video series here.

The second award received was the CPRS District 2 Agency Showcase Marketing Award for the Sammy’s Great Adventure social media campaign.

Congratulations to our Marketing & Communications Team!

Photo credit: Park Ranger Supervisor Kyle Roberson

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CYBERSECURITY Are you aware of how to spot and prevent messaging attacks?

Phishing scams not only come in the form of emails but can also transmit through text messages, social media, printers, and information system platforms.

Smishing is a term that combines SMS with phishing and represents attacks that occur when cyber criminals use messaging technologies to trick you into taking an action you should not take. Just like an email phishing attack, cyber attackers use scare tactics to create a sense of urgency or curiosity. They might ask you to complete a survey or call another phone number to obtain your private financial and personal information.

To minimize the risk of a cybersecurity attack, follow these safety tips: 1. Lock your device with a PIN or password 2. Only install apps from trusted sources (e.g., Apple AppStore or Google Play).

3. Keep the device’s operating system upto-date.

4. Don’t click on links or attachments from unsolicited emails or texts.

5. Avoid transmitting or storing personal information on the device.

6. Use Apples' Find My Phone or the Android Device Manager tools to help prevent loss or theft.

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In Design:

Under Construction:

Veterans Memorial The Cosumnes Legacy Foundation Board approved the District to move forward with bidding phase 1B.

MacDonald Park Phase 2 Visitors to this completely revitalized 2acre park, located at 8601 Spring Azure Way, will find many new amenities including age-appropriate playgrounds for both 2-to-5 and 5-to-12 age groups with nature themed play elements.

Elk Grove Nature Park The District is currently inviting bids for the construction of the future park adjacent to the Administrative Offices at 8820 Elk Grove Blvd. The projected construction completion is late fall 2022.

In Planning: Station 72 Roof Repair ​ The bid process is expected to be activated in spring of 2022.​ Elk Grove Montessori Repairs ​ Funding has been approved for the project and the project analysis has been received. The next step is to begin the bid process.

Pedersen Park This 5.8-acre park will undergo play area transformations with updated equipment and an energizing zip line. A new picnic area with tables, benches, and a shade shelter will provide areas to rest in the shade, as well as new bike racks and an updated park sign.

Fire Station 77 The District will host a small-scale groundbreaking media event for Fire Station 77 on March 22nd at the project site.

Photo credit: Craig Pattenaude

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2022 Division Map Update On March 2nd, the District Board of Directors voted to authorize the redrawing of division maps based on the 2020 Census. The Board requested that the maps consider the following:

UPCOMING EVENTS Pumpkin Growers Forum Saturday, March 26

• Landscape & Lighting maintenance zo nes

Elk Grove Park

• Retaining, to the extent possible, the current division boundaries

More Info

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Location of fire stations • Balance division population numbers for equal representation

Family Dance Party

The District’s demographers, Redistricting Partners, prepared three draft maps to present to the Board of Directors at the public hearing on March 16th at 6:30 PM.

Friday, April 8 The Center at District 56 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

More Info

If you would like to view the draft maps or submit additional information for consideration in the redrawing of the maps, please submit your comments to the Clerk of the Board via the Public Input form located on our website.

Elk Grove FitFest

Diversity Committee Survey

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

To support the Sacramento Regional Diversity Committee, please complete the Fire Recruitment Survey by April 30th online.

Learn more about the committee at www.myfirecareer.org

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Saturday, April 23 Elk Grove Park More Info Stay tuned on upcoming programs and events Stay tuned on upcoming hosted

by Parks and Recreation!

programs and events

Programs & Events

Fire Department Recruitment

Lateral Firefighter process includes: • 3 years of full-time experience as a Firefighter

For the first time in over 15 years, a Lateral Firefighter Recruitment is taking place in addition to an Entry-Level Firefighter Recruitment to meet the Department’s immediate staffing needs.

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) examination

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Successful completion of the Cosumnes Fire Department’s Physical Ability Test

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Chief Officers’ interview

Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez said, “With current openings and anticipated retirements, we will likely hire between 20 to 25 Firefighter-EMT or Firefighter-Paramedic personnel in 2022. We are working closely with our Human Resources Division for an effective competitive process.”

Entry-Level Firefighter process includes: • Recently completed written test and physical ability test by the State of California Fire Candidate Testing Center (FCTC)

Between 700 to 1,000 candidates are expected to compete for a firefighter position. Potential candidates must have already completed EMT training, and many will have completed Paramedic training as well. Furthermore, those who rise to the top of the competitive process will have completed additional college courses in fire science. Some will have earned a bachelor’s degree and others will have gained experience in the U.S. armed forces. Many will have volunteered in smaller fire departments, worked on a private ambulance, or participated in a fire department internship program. Some will be fluent in other languages. Some will have worked as a Seasonal Firefighter with CalFire or the U.S. Forest Service.

After applications are screened

by Human Resources, the most qualified candidates will advance to compete in the process and will be recommended to receive a conditional job offer, pending a successful background investigation, psychological, and medical examination.

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Internal oral board examination

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) examination

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Chief Officers’ interview

Finally, after successfully completing all steps of the process, the Lateral Firefighter candidates will complete an 8week orientation academy and the EntryLevel Firefighter candidates will complete a 26-week State-accredited fire academy; both at the Cosumnes Fire Training Center.

“The Cosumnes Fire Department is committed to hiring quality candidates who will continue to honorably serve our community as our Firefighters have since 1893 (Elk Grove) and 1921 (Galt),” said Chief Rodriguez.

The reality, he said, is that the top 4% of the applicants will advance through the entire process and be offered a position.

The remaining 96% will continue to gain experience and apply at various fire departments.

Stay tuned on upcoming programs and events

Chief Rodriguez continued, “Our hosted by Parks and Recreation! responsibility, as leaders, is to carry out our mission, implement the values of our Board, and provide the best service Programs & Events to the community in a timely, courteous, and effective manner.”

Staff members are encouraged to seek professional development with assistance from Human Resources and their immediate supervisor. More information can be found within District Policy 3335: Employee Developm ent and Training

Recreation Leadership The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Recreation Leadership Development (RLD) ”mini-conference” to give part-time staff members the opportunity to participate in educational presentations, learn about industry trends, receive leadership advice, network with other District staff, and find connections to possible career paths.

Park & Golf Operations Apprentice Program

Continuous Learning The District recognizes that continuous learning and development of its employees are important factors in the productivity and professionalism of its work force.

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District employees Petrona Diego and Arcelia Tejeda are the first graduates of the Apprentice Program facilitated within Park Operations. They are the brave trailblazers who spent the last two years rotating between sectors and gaining valuable experience in all aspects of Park Operations. Upon completion of their apprenticeship, they are now fulltime Park Maintenance Workers. Job well done!

NEW HIRE February

PROMOTIONS, TRANSFERS, AND RECLASSIFICATIONS: Katie Hamilton, Recreation Supervisor Xavier Basquez, Senior Park Maintenance Worker Nick Lazalier, Building Maintenance Supervisor Heather Shortino, Recreation Coordinator Timory Moritz, Administrative Specialist INTERIM: Sandhya Sami, Executive Assistant Kevin Ly, Administrative Specialist Elizabeth Rhoan, Recreation Supervisor

Arvin San Gabriel GIS Specialist Arvin San Gabriel earned a bachelor’s degree in Forestry majoring in Watershed Management from the University of the Philippines. He is very passionate about setting people up for success and helping make critical decisions using spatial data. Arvin has 5 years of professional GIS experience and looks forward to enhancing the District’s GIS program.

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SEPARATIONS/RETIREMENTS: Joshua Atkinson, Firefighter Alexander Eberle, Firefighter William Gibbs Jr., Park Maintenance Aide Jack Haddon, IT Manager Adriana Orozco, Executive Assistant Austin Spencer, Recreation Specialist Kevin DeFranco, Recreation Coordinator

Ukrainian Crisis Meaningful ways you can help Ukraine

The world was brought to a standstill as news broke that Russian had invaded Ukraine on Thursday. Many of us feel helpless when confronted with events of this scale. And others with friends and family in the affected area are overwhelmed and don’t know what do to. Here are a few ways you can help the people of Ukraine right now.

Ukrainians have compiled a list of organizations where you can donate to help people affected by the crisis. These organizations include: • United Help Ukraine receives and distributes donations, food, and medical supplies to internally displaced Ukrainians, anyone affected by the conflict, and the families of wounded and killed soldiers.

Donate here.

• Nova Ukraine, a Ukraine-based nonprofit, provides citizens with everything from baby food and hygiene products to clothes and household supplies. Donate here.

• The Ukrainian Red Cross does humanitarian work, from aiding refugees to training doctors. Donate here.

• UNICEF Ukraine is repairing schools damaged by the bombings and providing an emergency response to children affected by the conflict. Donate here.

• People in Need is providing humanitarian aid to over 200,000 people on the ground.

For those most in need, they provide food packages, emergency shelter, safe access to drinking water, hygiene items, and coal for heating. Donate here.

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Take Care of Yourself Focus on what you can control. If following the news, monitoring updates, or scrolling through social media is causing you stress, control your media exposure. Take measures to log off when you can, and set a time once a day to check the news.

Make self-care a priority. Much of what is going on is out of your control. But you can control how you take care of yourself. Get active, pay attention to your diet, get good sleep. Try having some quiet time every day.

Stay socially connected. Spend time with friends and family. Get emotional support by sharing your concerns with people you trust.

Gain perspective. It’s natural to worry about “what ifs” and your mind can easily go to worsecase scenarios. Sometimes practicing mindful self-awareness can help you stay focused in the moment and look at life from a more positive point of view.

Allow your feelings. If you notice that you are having strong feelings, acknowledge them. Don’t try to ignore or deny them.

Get help. If stress is interfering with your everyday life, Concern can help. For information about selfhelp resources or consulting with a counselor, call 800-344-4222 or visit our website at employees.concernhealth.com Source: Global Citizen. For more ideas about how you might help, please check out this site.