MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Spring is here and serves as a time for renewal and activities. As the busy season hits for many of our Divisions, I am glad to know our committed and professional personnel are in the community representing our District in all service areas.
To better connect with all District personnel, I am happy to announce "Low-Key Lunches" with Phil. There will be no formal agendas, just an opportunity to share time with the General Manager as we get
to know each other better over a meal. I'll bring the food and would be happy to discuss my priorities for the District, March Madness, how you arrived to work for the District, or whatever topic is of importance to the group.
Low-Key Lunches kick-off this month and will occur every couple of weeks with a new work unit. The General Manager's Office will be working with Supervisors in Divisions across the District to schedule time over the next several months. I'm looking forward to connecting with each of you.
This spring, Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) will start renovations at Trigg Center, and they will use our Board room to hold their Board of Trustees meetings. From April to November, the School District Board will meet in our building every first and third Tuesday. The District has a Memorandum of Understanding with the School District, and they are a great community partner. We at Cosumnes are happy to accommodate their need and continue to strengthen our relationship.
March 2024
MID-BIENNIAL BUDGET
The recent kick-off of the Mid-Biennial Budget is an opportunity for the District to make key financial adjustments and implement strategic initiatives pivotal for the District’s future. This review will incorporate budget revisions that were not apparent at the time of budget adoption, underscoring the dynamic nature of our fiscal environment.
As we move forward, we focus on ensuring fiscal responsibility, operational excellence, and community engagement. The Mid-Biennial Budget review is not just an exercise in financial oversight but a testament to our commitment to serving our community with integrity and innovation. By addressing these fiscal challenges and opportunities head-on, we are setting the stage for sustained success and positive impact in the years to come.
The review emphasizes the impact of Measure E, a significant effort to enhance infrastructure and services. It also covers the fiscal impact on the class and compensation study to ensure competitive and equitable salaries, alongside negotiations with Local 522, which are crucial for next year's fiscal planning.
We've launched the Information Technology, Fleet Replacement, and Facilities Internal Services Fund, a strategic move to support future capital and infrastructural needs. Additionally, the forthcoming Risk Management Internal Services Fund aims to mitigate rising costs associated with workers' compensation and general liability insurance, aligning with our goal to safeguard our financial health.
STRATEGIC PLAN TRACKING
The District recently renewed the agreement with AchieveIt, to continue providing Strategic Plan Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tracking services. It has been almost 12 months since we started using the software to track our KPIs.
Different departments and divisions are using the valuable tool looking at performance and using the information to make decisions. The software tracks strategic plan tasks showing what tasks are on track, completed, not started, and at risk. This allows leadership to evaluate, reassess, and make decisions.
Cosumnes Community Services District Strategic Plan.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
March 8, 2024, marked the global celebration of International Women's Day, a momentous occasion dedicated to honoring the multifaceted achievements of women worldwide. This day transcends all boundaries, recognizing women's contributions across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres without distinction or division. Today, we are delighted to spotlight the inspiring journey of Nou Vang, our esteemed Finance Director. Nou Vang exemplifies resilience, leadership, and innovation as she spearheads transformative initiatives within our District's Finance team. Her story embodies the essence of International Women's Day, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
"My life story is about resilience. My parents escaped from the Vietnam War in 1980. Arriving in the United States with nothing, my parents sought a better future for their children. Adapting to the way of life in America and blending our cultural normalcy was very complex. My identity—shaped by being a female, a minority, and part of a culture with rigid gender norms—presented many challenges.
Dreaming wasn't just difficult; it was a defiance against cultural and societal constraints. I faced pressures to conform to traditional roles, from rejecting career opportunities that required travel to adhering to familial expectations. Yet, how could I honor my heritage while also breaking barriers for women seeking more than traditional roles?
The journey required perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and a belief in the power of dreams. Like many Hmong women before me, I sought to pave the way for future generations to dream without boundaries. This path wasn't just about confronting challenges; it was about blending respect for my cultural roots with the pursuit of gender equality andindependence.
By navigating these complexities, I found my voice and purpose, striving to create a legacy that empowers those who follow to dream bigger and reach further. My story reflects a journey of transformation, redefining the balance between tradition and progress for womeninmy community." –NouVang
ALBIANI TOT LOT COMPLETION
The new tot lot at the Albiani Recreation Center has been completed and is a long time coming. The project was earmarked for the CIP in 2018 and was unfunded, but through collaboration between the Planning Division and Park Operations, the new space has come to fruition. The new play area will provide a safe, secure area for the preschool students and teachers to enjoy some time outdoors throughout the day. It includes multiple playground amenities, including a toddler treehouse, a puppet show, a tic-tactoe, and a sandbox. The space also includes three raised planter beds for the teachers and participants to do horticulture-based activities in this small garden area. The three outdoor tables allow for other outdoor activities and picnics. The entire space is ADA compliant to allow all participants access to these new amenities and fencing for this recreation to occur in a safe environment.
VETERANS MEMORIAL
The Elk Grove Regional Veterans Memorial, situated in Elk Grove Park, serves to honor veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and freedoms; and those surviving veterans in the Elk Grove region who are proud of their service and sacrifice.
Previous phases of the project have included the construction of a trail, a star monument with a flagpole, concrete paving, benches, and a plaza with engraved dedication pavers. The next phase of construction, which includes a wall with granite plaques, saw a $100,000 boost, successfully secured through Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen's efforts and disbursed by the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Construction of the memorial wall is anticipated to start in 2024, with completion anticipated six months later.
On the morning of February 29th, several families gathered with Cosumnes CSD DirectorAngela Spease and personnel to install more dedication pavers. The pavers were purchased by various donors and were placed randomly in the plaza. If you would like to honor a veteran and purchase a paver or granite tile for future installation, visit https://bit.ly/3fS9Y7q
HEROS COME IN ALL SIZES!
On February 12th, the Sacramento Regional Fire and Emergency Communications Center (SRFECC) and Cosumnes Fire Department honored 8year-old Natalie Nguyen for her courage during a family emergency.
Natalie’s call to 9-1-1 showcased her calm demeanor as she followed the instructions provided by dispatchers while rendering care for her father until first responders arrived.
We are beyond grateful to the dispatcher and our Cosumnes firefighters for their professionalism, compassion, and support given to this brave girl.
NARCAN LEAVE BEHIND PROGRAM
In January, the Fire Department, in cooperation with the Sacramento County Department of Health Services and the Local Emergency Medical ServicesAgency, began participating in the “Narcan Leave Behind Program”.
The goal of this program is to reduce opioid deaths through the provision of free Narcan in a nasal spray dosage.
Due to the current opioid epidemic, combined with the rise in Fentanyl use, Sacramento County continues to have a surge in overdose and poisoning deaths.
All Fire Department emergency response units have Narcan kits that can be left on the scene of an emergency incident where there is a primary impression of overdose or reasonable suspicion of opioid abuse behavior.
Each kit contains multiple doses of Narcan, instructions on how to administer it, and Sacramento County resources for Treatment Providers and Substance Abuse Services.
TEEN PATHWAY (MEASURE E) EVENT
Teen Pathways Late Night Paint Night took place on February 23, with 36 participants who enjoyed art activities, open gym games, music, food, and more.
PATH TO POSITIVITY
Teen Action Academy partnered with the City of Elk Grove’s Youth Commission for the “Path to Positivity” event held at Wackford Community Center on February 24. The event focused on providing vendors, speakers, and general supporting resources around the topic of mental health for teens by teens.
BUTTERFLY BALL
The District hosted the Butterfly Ball on February 2 & 3 at District 56. Participants spent the evening dancing, creating colorful meals and butterfly crafts. This year 374 participants pre-registered for the event.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Magnet FishingSaturday, 3/23 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm at Elk Grove Park Lake. Pre-registration required.
Pumpkin Growers Spring SocialSaturday, 3/23 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Pavilion in Elk Grove Park.
Sammy's Spring SplashSaturday, 3/23 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at WackfordAquatic Complex
Breakfast with the BunnySaturday, 3/30 from 8:00 am - 11:00 am at LagunaTown Hall
FitFestSaturday, 4/20 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at Laguna Community Park
Free Water Fitness Demo DaysSaturday, 4/20 & 4/28 from 1:00 pm - 3:00pm at Elk GroveAquatics Center
CPRS CONFERENCE
During the week of February 26th, several Recreation and Community Services employees attended the California Parks and Recreation Society State Conference in Palm Springs. The conference had over 1,200 participants from all over the state and other states in the Pacific Southwest. It included high-level educational sessions for employees and networking opportunities to connect with other professionals within the field. The sessions ranged from Leadership and Culture to Uncomfortable Conversations within Parks and Recreation, as well as a “Rookie” track for first-time conference attendees. As a part of the pre-conference curriculum, employees attended the Youth Sports Administrator Academy, the Aquatic Intensive, and the Recreation Intensive. These were all offered by specific sections to provide a day of immersive learning particular to that field. We also had several employees receive certifications – like Stephen Menebroker, a Recreation Coordinator who became certified as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA).
Several employees were honored for their service to the industry. During the Opening Session, Recreation Manager Teri deRosier received recognition for her time on the State Board of Directors. After the Aquatics Section Intensive, Recreation Supervisor Colin Smith was installed as the State Aquatic Section Vice President. Recreation Director Mike Dopson, Teri deRosier, and Colin Smith received the Board 100 Award with other members of the California Aquatic Management School (CAMS) for their effort in providing the CAMS 2.023 multi-day, multi-track training this past year. Employees who attended are returning with a renewed sense of purpose, great ideas to expand on our already successful programs, and new contacts within the field, helping to broaden their learning perspective and providing some of the best practices we currently employ.
NEW HIRES
Andrea Serna, Fire Inspector II
Melissa Vink, Fire Inspector II
PROMOTIONS & TRANSFERS
Aela Veerkamp, Assistant Communication Specialist
Eric Sturges, Park and Golf Operation Manager
Isaiah Padilla, Irrigation Manager
Tiffany Leschinsky, HRTechnician
Quinn Nguyen, IT Specialist
Edgardo Castro, Park Maintenance Worker
Daniel Cedeno, Park Maintenance Worker
SEPARATIONS
Blake Babbitt, Firefighter
Casey Griffiths, Fire Recruit
John Morlan, Fire Recruit
STAFF HIGHLIGHT
Our Staff Highlight this month is John Ebner, Program Manager for the Parks and Recreation Department. He has been with the District since June 3, 2005. In his free time, he enjoys biking, sailing, and backpacking. John is also a very talented photographer! He and his wife Barbara have been married for 25 years and have two daughters, Autumn and Ally.
