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Jack & Susan Simpson, 16707 Gerritt Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703 O | 562/926-0800 M | 562/896-5424 M | 310/418-1035
www.trackdownmanagement.net | [email protected] | [email protected]
City Manager Newsletter By
TRACKDOWN MANAGEMENT
"Providing thread to help stitch together the fabric of the City Management Community"
February, 2017 Page | 1 Volume No. 11: Issue No. 02
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
On to Part II of the cities listed as part of the
Desert Mountain Division of the League of
California Cities. Alphabetically, Part I covered
seven cities from Adelanto through Hesperia,
leaving the Part II cities of: Lancaster, Mammoth
Lakes, Needles, Palmdale, Ridgecrest,
Twentynine Palms, Victorville and Yucca Valley.
When we miss someone, it is not on purpose. We
collect information that is readily available.
However, being human and a computer cripple
will sometimes have us miss information. For that
we apologize.
“I’ve always been crazy but it’s kept me from going
insane.” ---Waylon Jennings
Azusa City Manager Troy L. Butzlaff during his visit to
Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the
World [Machu Picchu not Troy] where Troy
celebrated his 51st birthday. Troy previously served
as the City Administrator in Placentia. He is a past
participant in the ICMA management exchange
program to New Zealand.
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City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 2 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
We are starting this list by picking up a straggler
who we missed in Part I. Richard C. Oakley
served as the Adelanto City Manager from 2001
until 2004. Though Rick is listed in the ICMA Who’s
Who Directory, it does not include a career
profile. Rick began hi public service career in
1967 as an Administrative Intern in Pasadena. In
1968 he took an Administrative Analyst job with
the City of Los Angeles, and in 1969 he was hired
to be the Assistant to the City Manager in West
Covina. In 1972 Rick headed for San Diego
County where he became the Assistant City
Manager in Coronado. In 1976 Rick was
selected to serve as the City Manager in
Placerville where he worked until 1981 when he
shifted gears to become a legislative advocate
in Sacramento. He was a lobbyist until 1986
when he began serving as a financial advisor
and bond underwriter working with a number of
municipal clients and various financial
consultant firms. In 2001 Rick stepped back into
local government when he was appointed City
Manager in Adelanto. In 2005-2006 Rick worked
as the Interim Finance Director and Acting City
Manager in Barstow. He earned a BA from
California State University, Los Angeles, and an
MPA from the University of Southern California
(USC).
Bellflower “Simpson Era Staff Reunion” in November,
2016 at Johnny Reb’s in Bellflower.
Trackdown Posse Roster:
Gregory Korduner, Retired City Manager Howard Chambers, Lakewood
Lyle Defenbaugh, CalTrust Ernie Garcia, Retired Norwalk City Manager
Joe Tanner, Retired City Manager Dave Carmany, La Puente City Manager
Ken Bayless, Retired, Greater L.A. Vector Control District Kevin O’Rourke, KOLGS/PARS
Richard Ramirez, Retired City Manager, American Canyon Vern Lawson, Lancaster
Don Penman, Retired City Manager, Arcadia Anthony Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son Ernesto Marquez, City Manager In Transition
Gary K. & Mary Jo Sloan, Retired La Mirada City Manager Marcia Raines, Millbrae
Anthony R. Ybarra, Retired South El Monte Wade McKinney, Indian Wells CM & President of CCMF
Sam Olivito, California Contract Cities Association Jack Lam, Retired Rancho Cucamonga City Manager
Larry F. Pennell, Retired Wasco City Manager Gary Chicots, Retired City Manager
Anthony Lopez, Retired City Manager Dr. Bill Mathis, Mathis Group
Roy Pederson, ICMA Past-President Troy Butzlaff, City Manager, Azusa Dale Geldert, Retired CDF Director
Rita Geldert, Retired Vista City Manager Gary Milliman, Brookings, Oregon
Doug Dunlap, Retired City Manager, Pomona Robert Dickey, Former CM & retired DPW, South Gate
Clay Curtin, Menlo Park Jim Lewis, Pismo Beach City Manager
Kevin Duggan, ICMA & retired City Manager Charles G. "Guy" Huffaker, Retired City Manager
Rod B. Butler, Port Hueneme City Manager Ray Harris, Retired Public Official
Jason Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son Paul Gonsalves, Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
John C. Bolan, Cheyenne River Ranch John F. Shirey, Sacramento City Manager
Glenn Southard, Retired City Manager, Indio & Claremont Paul Philips, City Manager, City of Industry
Ray B. Taylor, City Manager, Westlake Village Chris Freeland, City Manager, West Covina
Lee C. McDougal, Retired Montclair City Manager Douglas N. La Belle, Retired Chino Hills City Manager
Ramon Silver, Retired City Manager, Past Pres. CM/LCC John P. Thompson, Retired City Manager, Vacaville
Denise Ovrom, HdL Companies Richard D. Rowe, Retired City Manager
“…you say it best when you say nothing at all.” --Paul Overstreet & Don Schlitz, Sung by Keith Whitley and
Alison Krauss.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 3 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Mark V. Bozigian worked in the private sector
from 1985 and 1990, beginning his professional
career at Hughes Aircraft Company. In 1992 He
went to work as a Program Manager for the MTA
in Los Angeles County. In 1994 Mark was
promoted to Director of Financial Planning for
the MTA. In 1995 Mark joined the city staff in the
City of Lancaster in the Antelope Valley as a
Transportation Program Assistant. In 1999 he was
tap to serve as the Assistant to the City
Manager, and in 2003 he took on the Lancaster
Redevelopment Director post. Mark was
selected to serve as the Assistant City Manager
in 2005. He became City Manager about five
years ago following the resignation of City
Manager Bob LaSala. Mark earned a BA and
MA in business administration from Loyola
Marymount University. In 2010 he received a 10-
year ICMA Service Award.
Lancaster Deputy City Manager
Jason D. Caudle began his current
assignment in November, 2008.
Jason previously served as a Vice
President of Public Finance for
Kinsell, Newcomb & De Dios, and
investment banking firm that is now Newcomb
Williams & Associates. Previous to that Jason
served as the City Manager in the City of
Tehachapi, as one of the youngest City
Managers in the State of California. Jason
earned a BA and a Master’s in Public Policy and
Administration from California State University,
Bakersfield. He has served as an Adjunct Faculty
member of the Political Science Department at
Bakersfield Community College. He currently
serves as a member of the CSUB Public Policy
Department Advisory Committee. Jason enjoys
fishing and coaching both Little League
baseball and youth football.
www.keenan.com
Keenan is an industry leader in insurance, employee
benefits and financial solutions for public agencies.
Executive Vice President Steve Gedestad is a
Member of the California City Management
Foundation (CCMF) Board of Trustees.
Corporate Office Telephone No. 310-212-3344
KeenanDirect knows about affordable health
insurance plans. Keenan associates are certified
insurance agents who understand health insurance
coverage options for individuals, families and small
businesses. KeenanDirect provides sound guidance
and direction
www.Psomas.com
Ranked by ENR as one of the top engineering firms
in the United States, Psomas serves public and
private sector clients in transportation, water, site
development and energy. Founded in 1946, Psomas
is a full-service consulting firm with offices in
California, Arizona and Utah. Ryan McLean
is the Chief Executive Officer/President.
Pictured here is Anne Samuelson Williams
of the Psomas Entitlements Team.
Please call telephone No. 213-223-1400
www.brandywinedev.com
Former City Manager Jim Barisic founded
Brandywine in 1994. Jim and his three sons
Brett Whitehead, Mark Whitehead and David Barisic
direct Brandywine Homes. Projects are now selling in
Anaheim, Arcadia, Monrovia, Norwalk, Torrance,
Yorba Linda, coming soon are projects in Yorba
Linda, and Whittier. Call Brandywine at 949-296-2400
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 4 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
http://www.hdlcompanies.com/
Telephone No. 909-861-4335.
HdL was founded in 1983 by former City Manager
Robert "Bob" Hinderliter, who successfully
championed legislation allowing independent
verification of State Board of Equalization records.
HdL expanded and improved with the help of a
partnership with former City Manager
Lloyd de Llamas. Currently Andy Nickerson is the
President of the firm. HdL Companies offers diverse
services that include: allocation audits, economic
analysis and program software regarding Sales Tax,
and Property Tax, Economics.
http://www.pars.org/
PARS provides retirement services designed
specifically for each public agency's unique needs
aiming to provide superior employee benefits while
improving management effectiveness, reducing
costs, and simplifying administration. Call Executive
Vice President Mitch Barker and the PARS staff at
telephone No. 800-540-6369
http://muniservices.com/
MuniServices, LLC, services including
revenue discovery, audit, collections, and
information services to protect public agency
revenues. Doug Jensen, Senior Vice President,
Client Services, is the West contact at 559-271-
6800. Fran Mancia, Vice President of Government
Relations, can be reached at 559-288-7296. Fran serves on
the Board of Trustees of the California City Management
Foundation (CCMF). Fran is also a member of the
University of California Board of Regents as one of four
Alumni Regents. Fran will also serve as the President of the
UC Alumni Association for 2017.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
James C. Gilley began his public service career
in January, 1972 as an Administrative Intern in
Concord. He joined the Simi Valley city staff in
August, 1973 as an Administrative Assistant. He
became a Senior Administrative Assistant in
December, 1974, and then was appointed
Director of Human Resources in August, 1978.
Jim became the Simi Valley Deputy City
Manager in October, 1979. He was appointed
to the Lancaster City Manager position in July,
1981. He was ousted following the 1988
municipal election, but was brought back in
1991. Jim earned a reputation as an excellent
City Manager and was admired statewide. He
retired in July, 2004, after 20-years as the
Lancaster City Manager. Following retirement
Jim founded The Gilley Group, LLC. He earned a
BA from the University of California and an MPA
from California State University.
Heather Swan is a Senior Project
Coordinator for the City of
Lancaster. She joined the
Lancaster city staff in June, 2006 as
an Account Clerk in the Finance
Department. She previously worked for Islands
Restaurant for 3-years. Heather earned an AS
degree from Antelope Valley College, a BS from
California State University, Northridge, and an
MBA from California State University, Dominguez
Hills.
Cal-ICMA Encore
Committee to Host Round-Table Discussion on Encore
Opportunities at City Managers Conference
Friday, February 10, at 11:30 a.m. at the
Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey.
For Information contact:
Kevin O’Rourke at [email protected] Mike Garvey at [email protected]
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 5 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
http://www.tripepismith.com/
Tripepi Smith & Associates fields a professional team
that brings a strong background in pursuit of new
and innovative approaches and skills in marketing,
technology and public affairs. The firm also offers
workshops in communications training. Contact
Ryder Smith or one of his colleagues at 626-536-2173
Ryder Todd Smith, Founder and
President of Tripepi Smith &
Associates
Fun Fact: Ryder is the son of a
commercial fisherman and spent
several summers fishing Alaskan
waters for halibut.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Lancaster’s current Economic Development
Director is Vern Lawson, a former Lancaster City
Manager who served as the Executive Director
of the Lancaster Economic Development
Corporation for 17-years before returning to the
city staff. He has served as the Director of
Economic Development since 2006. He is a
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
alumnus where he earned a BA in political
science. Prior to becoming the Lancaster City
Manager Vern served as the City Manager in
Walnut. In addition to his city position, Vern
currently serves as a member of the Antelope
Valley Air Quality Management District Board.
Vern is a family man who has become an expert
bass fisherman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Jgeg4RcerH 8
Anthony and Evelyn, Jamie and Paul Gonsalves.
http://www.civicbusinessjournal.com/company/joe-
a-gonsalves-son/
The firm was founded by the late former California
State Assembly Member Joe A. Gonsalves.
Anthony D. Gonsalves serves as a member of the
CCMF Board of Directors. Anthony, Jason Gonsalves
and Paul Gonsalves are expert municipal lobbyists.
The firm represents about 50-cities, and has become
a key player in legislation about city government.
Joe Gonsalves said, "Lobbyist are like parachutes;
you don't need them often but when you do they
had better work."
Call the Joe A. Gonsalves & Son at: 916-441-0597
Please Visit EKA at www.ekapr.com
or call at 213-741-1500.
Englander Knabe & Allen is the fastest growing public
affairs firm in Southern California. EKA’s partners Harvey
Englander, Matt Knabe, Marcus Allen, Eric Rose and Jeff
McConnell provide strategic counsel. They are expert in
local government issues, from land use to public safety,
and they help build public/private partnerships.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 6 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
In 1988 Daniel C. Holler went to work in the City
of Glendora as an Administrative Assistant. In
1989 Dan took an Administrative Analyst II post
in the City of West Covina where he worked for
about 5-years. In 1994 Dan joined the staff of
Douglas County, Nevada as the Budget & Fiscal
Officer. Minden, Nevada is the Douglas County
county seat. In 1996 Dan was selected to serve
as the County Manager in Douglas County. He
worked in that position until 2008 when he
became the City Administrator in Grass Valley,
California. He left there in 2013, served for a time
as the Interim Town Manager (October, 2014-
February, 2014) in Mammoth Lakes prior to being
appointed Town Manager in 2014. He continues
to serve as the Mammoth Lakes Town Manager.
In 2013 he received a 25-year ICMA Service
Award. In 2004-2006 Dan served as the President
of the Local Government Managers Association
of Nevada. Dan earned a BA and MPA from
Montana State University.
http://www.willdan.com/financial/
Mark Risco, President & CEO
Robert "Chris" Fisher, Financial Consulting Vice President
Anne Pelej, Arbitrage Rebate
Gladys Medina, Assessment and CFD Districts
Willdan Financial & Economic Consulting Services
can enhance city efficiency, effectiveness, and
credibility by helping to generate revenue and
optimize its administration. President & CEO Mark
Risco is a member of the California City
Management Foundation (CCMF) Board of Trustees.
Contact Willdan Financial:
Telephone No. 800-755-6864.
Lydia Muñoz-Clark of Bellflower City Manager Jeff
Stewart’s office at the 2017 Pasadena Half Marathon
held at the Rose Bowl.
www.chwlaw.us
Expert Public Agency Legal Services. Committed to
counsel that is helpful, understandable, and fairly
priced. With offices in Los Angeles and Grass Valley
in the Sierra Foothills, CH&W represents public and
private clients throughout California in municipal
law. Michael Colantuono is Managing Shareholder.
Call telephone No. 530-432-7357 or 213-542-5700.
“I’m still alive but I’m barely breathing…”
---Sung by The Script
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 7 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Richard A. Daniels is the current City Manager in
the City of Needles. Rick began his public
management career as the Director of Land Use
and Transportation in Washington County,
Oregon. He served there from 1981 to 1987.
[Former Paramount Assistant to the City
Manager Charles D. Cameron, was appointed
County Manager in Washington County in 1986.]
Between 1991 and 2004 Rick worked in the
private sector. In 2004 he was appointed
President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Coachella Valley Economic Partnership. In 2006
he also took on the Executive Director position
for the Salton Sea Authority. In 2007 Rick
became the City Manager in the City of Desert
Hot Springs, and he served there until 2013, the
year he joined the Needles city staff. Rick
earned a BA from the University of Oregon. In
2013 he received a 10-year ICMA Service
Award.
http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com
In June 2013, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. joined forces
with Norton Rose as Norton Rose Fulbright. It is a full-
service legal firm with experts in banking and
finance, public finance and environmental service.
Daniel Kim and
Donald L. Hunt are
among those
available in the firm's
Los Angeles office.
Both are Partners, and Don is the head of the Los
Angeles Public Law and Administration Group. Don
earned his J.D. at the University of Chicago Law
School, and Danny earned his J. D. at McGeorge
School of Law at the University of the Pacific
Call them at 213-892-9200.
Retired City Manager Dr. Carlos A. Urrutia has
traveled extensively in South America. Carlos
worked in Rolling Hills, Hawaiian Gardens and
Sunnyvale prior to serving as City Manager in
Soledad and Rocklin. He served in Rocklin for 26-
years before retiring in 2010.
Longtime City Manager Richard D. Rowe began
his public service career as an Anaheim Police
Officer in 1965. In 1968 Richard took an
Administrative Intern position in Anaheim, which
led to a Staff Aide job in 1969. He left Anaheim
that year (1969) to become an Administrative
Assistant in Bakersfield. He was promoted to
Senior Administrative Assistant in 1972. In 1973
Richard relocated his office from Bakersfield city
hall to El Monte, where he was hired as Assistant
City Administrator. In 1981he was appointed City
Manager in La Palma. He left there in 1986 to
serve as City Manager in the City of Chino where
he worked until 1996. After working as Interim
County Library Director in Ventura (1997-1999)
and then Interim Community Development
Director in Hemet (1999-2000). Richard went on
to serve as the Needles City Manager from 2000
until 2008, the first two as “Interim.” Then in 2008
he became “Interim” in Barstow for 2008 and
then City Manager until 2011. Since retiring,
Richard served as the Interim City Manager in
Canyon Lake (2012-2013). In 2007 Richard
received a rare 40-year ICMA Service Award.
He earned his pilot’s license at age 60, and is a
model train aficionado. He earned a BA and
MPA at CSU.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 8 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
La Puente City Manager David Carmany, Teri Persico, and
San Bernardino Community Development Director Mark
Persico are on hand at The Gallen Center to watch the
USC basketball team play their crosstown rival UCLA
Bruins. The score was USC ahead 50-38 at halftime. The
Trojans won the game 84-76.
http://www.wolfhousing.com/
Former City Administrator Wesley Wolf, Founder
Telephone No. 213-744-0437
Wolf & Company Inc.,
founded in 1993, is a
municipal consulting/financial advisory firm
that provides services to State and local
governments and not-for-profit corporations
in the areas of municipal finance. Veteran
investment banker and municipal
finance consultant Manny De Dios
has joined Wolf & Company Inc.
http://www.nwfg.com/
Newcomb Williams
Financial Group (NWFG)
is a woman-owned
investment banking firm
providing underwriting
and financial advisory services to public agencies,
and non-profit corporations. Pam Newcomb, Janees
Williams and William D'Allaird are among the firm's
professionals. Please call them at: 760-860-0222
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
James Purtee became the City Manager in
Palmdale on October 5, 2015. Jim began his
public service career as a Housing Planner in the
City of Simi Valley in 1988. He became a Simi
Valley Deputy City Manager in 1999. Jim took
the Director of Administrative Services
assignment in 2006, and he was appointed
Assistant City Manager in July, 2012. Jim earned
a BA and MPA from California State University,
Northridge. In his spare time, Jim serves as an
Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 549 in Granada
Hills. He also enjoys classic cars. He has restored
a 1954 Chevy and a 1957 British motorcycle.
Palmdale has an impressive list of professionals
who have served there as City Manager,
including a past President of the International
City/County Management Association (ICMA)
David Childs. We may have missed someone
but here is who we discovered: Chris Rope
(1968-1981); Pat Rossall (1981-1982); James G.
Magner (1982-1986); Robert W. Toone Jr. (1986-
2006); Steve Williams (2006-2012); and Dave
Childs (2012-2015). We also salute longtime
Director of Administrative Services Anne V.
Ambrose.
Here is
Pam Newcomb at the
foot of one of the
spires at Angkor Wat,
Cambodia this past
year. Originally built as
a Hindu temple, it was
transformed into a
Buddhist temple at the
end of the 12th
century. Largest
religious monument in
the world; on 402
acres. It is the prime
visitor’s destination in
Cambodia.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 9 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Larry Chimbole is a longtime Mayor of Palmdale and
a former California State Assembly Member. Larry is
also a past President of the California Contract Cities
Association. Larry is one of the leaders who
successfully incorporated the City of Palmdale in
1962. He passed away at the age of 96 on November
10, 2015. Larry was the first State Assembly Member
from the Antelope Valley. He was a World War II
veteran. Born in New Haven, Connecticut on May 22,
1919. He served as a B-29 radio operator in the Army
Air Corps on the Pacific Island of Tinian. Larry moved
to Palmdale in 1957 and opened a hardware store.
He was President of the Kiwanis Club and then
President of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce.
A life-sized bronze statue of Larry Chimbole was
unveiled at the Chimbole Cultural Center in October,
2015 at the Palmdale Civic Center, and was later
moved indoors inside of the Cultural Center.
Larry Chimbole Statue unveiled on October 8, 2015
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Ridgecrest City Manager Dennis Speer
previously worked as the Ridgecrest Public
Works Director. Dennis took the City Manager
job when City Manager Kurt Wilson left after
2012 to become a Deputy City Manager in
Stockton; Dennis continues to serve as both City
Manager and Public Works Director.
Former Ridgecrest City Manager Harvey M. Rose
(2001-2010) passed away in 2011. He worked in
public service for some 40-years. Harvey
graduated from California State University, Long
Beach.
Thank you Lou Shepard!
We included the above invitation in the January,
2017 issue of the City Manager Newsletter by
Trackdown. Retired City Manager Lou Shepard
apparently thought we are looking for pictures of
cats to include in the newsletter. Lou is a Life Member
of ICMA. Among other high level positions Lou served
as City Manager in Delano (1964-1967); San Pablo
(1967-1977); Signal Hill (1985-1987); and as the City
Administrator in Commerce (1987-1994). Lou
submitted this picture of a cheetah he said he took
while on a South Africa safari in 2011. Lou currently
lives in San Clemente. He is currently on a 92-day
world cruise on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. We are
hopeful that future pictures will include Lou with the
big cats. We hope you will submit people pictures for
inclusion in the newsletter, but this is a magnificent
cheetah.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 10 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Cerritos Cyclepaths on a beautiful January, 2017
ride to Redondo Beach, with a coffee and snack
stop at the Catalina Coffeehouse. This is Jerry
Simpson of the Cyclepaths, a retired Cerritos Parks
and Recreation executive, enjoying a mid-ride
snack. Riding is an awesome way to stay in shape.
https://www.munienvironmental.com/about-us/
MuniEnvironmental, LLC (Muni Environmental) is a
team of educated and experienced professionals
providing consulting expertise in the Solid Waste,
Recycling and Stormwater Industries.
Jeff Duhamel, CEO/Principal Consultant
3730 East Broadway, Suite EF
Long Beach, California 90803
Telephone No. 562-432-3700
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Frank J. Luckino is the current City Manager and
Finance Director in Twentynine Palms. He began
his working career in 1992 as an Assistant
Controller in an Arizona firm. After working four
or so different private section positions, Frank
went to work as the Director of Finance for the
Copper Mountain College District in Joshua
Tree, California. Frank served on the Yucca
Valley City Council between 2004 and 2011. He
served with a mortgage company and then was
hired by the Hi-Desert Water District as an
Assistant General Manager/CFO. In 2013 Frank
was appointed City Manager in Blythe. He was
appointed to the Twentynine Palms City
Manager job in 2015 to take over for Acting City
Manager Larry Bowden. Frank previously worked
as the Blythe Finance Director and then Interim
City Manager following the retirement of City
Manager David Lane. Frank earned a BS in
Accounting from West Liberty University.
Offices in Los Angeles, Orange County,
San Francisco and Temecula.
RW&G is committed to excellence in the legal
profession. Roxanne Diaz, Steven L. Dorsey, Kevin
Ennis, Gregory W. Stepanicich, Patrick “Kit”Bobko,
Serita Young and Craig Steele are among the City
Attorneys on the RW&G staff.
Call telephone No. 213-626-8484.
“Little League Baseball is a very good thing because
it keeps the parents off the streets.” –Yogi Berra
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 11 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
http://www.hrgreen.com/index.aspx
For top quality engineering and planning services
contact HR Green's George Wentz or
Roy Stephenson, Manager - Local Government
Services at: 951-212-6927.
California office Telephone: 855-900-4742
HR Green combines engineering and technical
services with business and management expertise
to deliver sustainable success.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Douglas B. Robertson became the City
Manager of Victorville in July, 2011. Doug has
worked for the City for approximately 14-years.
He previously worked for California State
University, San Bernardino, and the City of San
Bernardino. Doug has been active with
Opportunity High Desert, a regional group of five
(5) cities: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow,
Hesperia and Victorville. With a combined
population of almost 450,000 residents the
region would be the 8th largest city in California.
By joining forces, the group offers a regional
consumer market of $5.3 billion, and helps bring
better retail choices to the area.
Kelli Lofing and
Cristina Shore of the
California Contract Cities
Association staff in
Sacramento.
http://www.stifel.com/
Stifel is ready to serve public agency financial
needs. Stifel's Stephen Heaney, Managing Director,
Public Finance is a former member of
the CCMF Board, and serves on the
Board of Advisors for the USC Sol Price
School of Public Policy. Jose Vera is
active in Southern California city
organizations. Among the professionals
on the Northern California Stifel team are
Ralph Holmes, Eric McKean, Roberto Ruiz and
James Cervantes.
http://www.kosmont.com/
Former City Manager Larry J. Kosmont
Kosmont Companies is a nationally recognized real
estate, financial advisory and economic
development services firm. Larry was featured in a
Bond Buyer article regarding the subject of
redevelopment dissolution and bond disputes
associated with the wind-down.
Mailing Address: 1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #382,
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Telephone: 424-456-3088 Fax 424-456-3087
www.contractcities.org
58th Annual Municipal Seminar, May 11-14, 2017 Indian Wells
Call No. 562-622-5533
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 12 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
James L. Cox served two stints as the Victorville
City Manager spanning some 32-years. Jim
began his public service career as an
Administrative Assistant in Indio in February,
1966. He joined the city staff in Victorville as an
Administrative Assistant in October, 1967. In
June, 1968 Jim was appointed Assistant City
Manager. In December, 1969 Jim was selected
to serve as the Victorville City Manager. Jim
served in that position for the next 30-years,
retiring in 1999. In December, 2007 Jim became
the Interim Town Manager in Apple Valley for
about ten month. He came out of retirement the
next year to return to Victorville for a couple of
years. Jim was an unsuccessful candidate for
State Assembly, and since has been elected to
the Victorville City Council in November, 2012
and re-elected in 2016. Jim has served two-
terms as the Victorville Mayor. Jim earned a BA
from San Diego State University, and an MPA
from the University of Southern California (USC).
He is a United States Navy veteran.
In 2013 the Victorville population was nearly 122,000
people located on either side of the I-15 as it flows
easterly toward Las Vegas, Nevada. Along the
National Old Trails Highway, old Route 66 continues
on from some thirty miles from Barstow to Victorville.
Along this road are Lenwood, Helendale and Oro
Grande.
This is across the street from
the Staples Center
in Los Angeles
The Staples Center is the
home of the Los Angeles
Lakers, Los Angeles
Clippers, Los Angeles
Sparks, and the
Los Angeles Kings.
Wfis.wellsfargo.com
Wells Fargo has developed sophisticated employee
benefit insurance programs for public entities for
more than 30-years. Wells Fargo Insurance helps
agencies design innovative benefits solutions and
navigate the complex healthcare reforms.
For more information contact Gary Delaney or
Kristin Yokoyama at 310-543-9995
http://caltrust.org/
Any California local agency; may participate in
CALTRUST. Maximize market interest return and
maintain maximum liquidity and security. Your
agency's funds are safe. These investments are not
with the State Treasurer. CALTRUST makes
participation easy. CALTRUST is governed by local
government treasurers and investment officers.
CALTRUST offers account options to participating
local government agencies. CSAC Finance
Corporation and the League of California Cities
created CALTRUST.
Contact Lyle Defenbaugh or Erin Carthen
916-440-4890 (Lyle) & 916-440-4888 (Erin)
“I think the thing about that was I was
always willing to work; I was not the
fastest or biggest player but I was
determined to be the best football player
I could be on the football field and I think
I was able to accomplish that through
hard work.” --Jerry Rice
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 13 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Part II: City Managers in the
Desert Mountain Division
of the League of California Cities
Since July, 2014, Yucca Valley Director of
Administrative Services Curtis Yakimow has
been the Town Manager in the Town of Yucca
Valley. Curtis joined the Yucca Valley staff in
2005 after working for the Inland Empire Utilities
Agency and the Monte Vista Water District.
Yucca Valley is in the Morongo Basin at a base
elevation of 3,300 feet. Joshua Tree National Park is
located adjacent to the town. Yucca Valley
incorporated on November 27, 1991. The estimated
population of Yucca Valley is a little more than 21,000
people.
We apologize to all those who should have
been acknowledged but were omitted from this
issue. We salute all those you serve in city
management. We look forward to receiving
your comments and suggestions for future issues.
“Baseball's future? Bigger and
bigger, better and better! No
question about it, it's the
greatest game there is!”
--Ted Williams
http://www.ka-mg.com/
Retired Arcadia City Manager William "Bill" Kelly is
the Founder and President of
Kelly Associates Management Group 1440 North Harbor Boulevard, Suite 900
Fullerton, California 91835
KAMG's staff are all successful former local
government management professionals with proven
track records. Call telephone No. 714-449-8432
Retired City Manager
John P. Thompson, a past President of
the City Managers Department of
the League of California Cities, who is
a Trackdown Posse Member, has
authored a novel featuring a city
manager. Please go to his web page to order a
copy. http://jpthompson1.com
Laura Morales if the Regional Public Affairs Manager
for the Inland Empire and Desert Mountain Division
for the League of California Cities. She previously
served as the Executive Director of the Colton
Chamber of Commerce (2008-2013), and as a
Trustee for the Colton Joint Unified School District
(2011-2013).
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 14 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Kelly Associates Management Group
1440 North Harbor Boulevard, Suite 900
Fullerton, California 92835
http://ka-mg.com/
Telephone: Office (714) 449-8432
Bill Kelly, President & CEO
Christine E. Kelly, Executive Vice President
Alice Angus, A.I.C.P., R.P.C.V.
Kris Head
Jim Pickel
Angela Reynolds
Paul Talbot
Robert M. Zur Schmiede
David A. Gruchow:
Bridget Healy
David H. Hinig
Susan Jones
William R. Kelly
Email: [email protected]
Kelly Associates Management Group was
founded by veteran retired City Manager
William R. Kelly in 2011 to give public sector
professionals the help they need to craft unique,
creative solutions to address the issues and
problems confronting their communities. The
KAMG team has proven its effectiveness in
helping clients size up the environment,
determine stakeholders, identify the landmines,
figure out the best courses of action, and
develop sound implementation strategies.
KAMG is a California Limited Liability Company
which operates out of its corporate office in
Fullerton, California and services local
government and non-profit clients throughout
the State of California.
What makes KAMG a particularly good partner is
the breadth of experience its professional staff
brings to every assignment. KAMG has the resources
to pull together the right team to deliver nearly any
service a client may require, whether it's for a
specific issue or project, or to provide general, on-
going staff assistance. The KAMG team has
experience helping public sector clients in the
following specialty areas:
1. Economic Development
2. Organizational Development and
Improvement
3. Team Building
4. Law Enforcement Management
5. Park Planning and Leisure Service
Management
6. Finance and Budgeting
7. Human Resources
8. Community Development and City
Planning
9. Public Information/Community Outreach
10. Interim Staffing
William R. Kelly has a long history of professional
service to California cities, and local governments in
general. In addition to holding positions with various
jurisdictions, Bill has been active in the training and
educational process for public managers and
leaders of the future. He is a participant in the Cal-
ICMA coaching program, and he has worked with
the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, Planning
and Development. He is a member of the USC
Athenian Society, the school's premiere donor group.
Christine E. "Chris" Kelly, Executive Vice President,
specializes in the areas of project oversight, permit
streamlining, economic development, and city
planning. She recently served as the Land Use
Services Director for the County of San Bernardino.
Prior to that she was the Community Development
Director for the Cities of Chino Hills, Pomona, Brea
and Cypress. She also worked as a Planning Assistant
and in the City Administrator's office in Bellflower. She
earned a BA, MPA, and a Certificate in Urban Studies
from California State University, Long Beach.
Bill Kelly is an Adjunct Associate
Professor at the University of Southern
California, Price School of Public
Policy, and he is also a POST certified
instructor for statewide Police Team
Building.
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 15 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Picking Up the Pieces: Hawaiian
Gardens has selected a new City
Manager to replace City Manager
Ernesto Marquez. Norwalk Assistant City
Manager and Human Resources
Director Ernie Hernandez will be the new
Hawaiian Gardens City Manager. Longtime City
Manager Larry Pennell is the Interim City Manager in
St. Helena in the beautiful Napa Valley. Larry started
his long-storied career in 1969 as an Administrative
Assistant in Fairfield. He served as City Manager in
Benicia (1973-1979) and Wasco (1994-2007). Larry
earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from San
Jose State College. Larry currently lives in Bakersfield.
Longtime Fowler City Manager David Elias has retired
after 29-years of service. Fowler City Clerk Jeannie
Davis will serve as the Interim City Manager while
Fowler recruits a permanent City Manager. David
served as the Fowler City Manager for the past 17-
years. Arcata City Council Member Mark Wheetley
has been selected to serve as the City Manager in
Fortuna. Mark was first elected in Arcata in 2005. He
serves as a biologist for the California Fish and Wildlife
Service. Mark replaces Fortuna City Manager Randy
Mendosa, who previously worked as the Arcata Chief
of Police. Mark is a graduate of Humboldt State
University. Redding City Manager Kurt Starman, 52,
has announced his plans to resign effective May 19,
2017. Kurt has served in the position since May, 2006
following service in Redding as Director of
Administrative Services, Deputy City Manager and
Assistant City Manager. He joined the Redding city
staff in November, 1991 as a Budget Services Officer.
Adelanto City Manager Cindy Herrera has
announced that she will step down as City Manager,
though she plans to retain her City Clerk position.
Cindy said that she always looked at her City
Manager service as “interim,” allowing the City to
find a new City Manager following Tom Thornton’s
resignation after only six weeks on the job. Tom was
appointed following City Manager Jim Hart’s
resignation. Retired Camarillo City Manager J. W.
Little began his public service career as an
Administrative Analyst in Wichita, Kansas. Bill came to
California in 1984 to become the City Manager in
Orange. He was hired as the Camarillo City Manager
in 1988 and served there until 2000. Bill served as an
ICMA Regional Vice President on the ICMA Executive
Board in 1978-1980. Bill is currently a member of the
Camarillo City Council. Recent storm surf has
damaged the S.S. Palo Alto, known as the Concrete
Boat, a World War I tanker that has sat at the end of
the Seacliff Beach pier at Rio Del Mar in Aptos in the
Monterey Bay since 1930. According to the National
Weather Service buoy in the bay, surf reached a
record height of 34-feet. The ship was built in the
Naval Shipyard in Oakland, but not before the end of
WW I. On its first voyage, it was towed to the Sea Cliff
beach and scuttled. The pier was constructed in 1930
linking the boat to the beach, creating a tourist
attraction. Retired City Manager Allan L. Roeder is
the Interim City Manager in Fullerton. Allan served as
the Costa Mesa City Manager from 1985 to 2011.
Since retiring he served as the Interim City Manager
in Garden Grove (January to September, 2015). Allan
was originally hired in Costa Mesa in 1975 as an
Administrative Assistant in the Public Works
Department. Jackson City Manager Mike Daly will
retire effective April 1, 2017. He was appointed City
Manager in Jackson in January, 1999. City Planner
Susan Peters will serve as the Acting City Manager
until a full-time replacement is appointed. Prior to
joining the Jackson staff Mike served as the City
Manager in Rio Dell from September, 1995 to
January, 1999. He was an Administrative Services
Director in the City of Manhattan Beach prior to that
(1982-1995). Mike earned a BA from San Jose State
University and an MPA from the University of Southern
California (USC). Jon Barilone serves as a Senior
Business Analyst for Tripepi Smith & Associates. Jon is
a graduate with a BA in Literature from Claremont
McKenna College. Jon is a Hootsuite certified Social
Marketing Professional. Carson Assistant City
Manager Cecil Rhambo has been selected to serve
as the new City Manager in the City of Compton.
Cecil is replacing Interim City Manager Jerry
Groomes, who is a former Carson City Manager.
Cecil retired as the Assistant Sheriff in the Los Angeles
County Sheriff’s Department after a 31-year law
enforcement career. He took the Carson ACM post
in 2014. City Manager Bob Richardson of Grass
Valley, the largest City in the western region of
California’s Nevada County, has been selected to
be the next City Manager in the City of Auburn. Bob
is returning to Auburn, where he served as City
Manager from 2003 to 2014. Bob replaced City
Manager Dan Holler when he left Grass Valley for
Mammoth Lakes.
“There are many ways of going forward, but only
one way of standing still.” ---Franklin d. Roosevelt
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 16 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
More Pierces Picked Up: Santa Ana
City Manager David Cavazos and the
city have decided on a “separation on
amicable terms,” according to City
Attorney Sonia Carvalho. Just a few weeks after
being placed on administrative leave, the City
Manager has been relieved of his duties, and will
receive a severance payment of $315,000. Prior to
joining the Santa Ana city staff David worked his
entire public service career for the City of Phoenix,
Arizona starting in 1987 as a Management Intern. He
served as the Phoenix City Manager from 2009 to
2013. Last June, David was publicly censured by the
International City/County Management Association
(ICMA) for having a personal relationship with a
subordinate Santa Ana employee. In his absence,
the Acting City Manager is Gerardo Mouet. Cerritos
resident and former Assembly Member
Phillip Hawkins is serving his fifth term as
a member of the Central Basin
Municipal Water District Board of
Directors. Phil represents the Cities of
Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian
Gardens, Lakewood, Paramount and Signal Hills on
the Board. Phil served as a member of the Bellflower
Redevelopment Agency Project Area Committee at
its inception. He is a member of the Los Angeles
County Assessment Appeals Board. Former City
Manager Ross G. Hubbard, who worked in Banning
(1971-1973); Riverside (1973-1074); and Rialto (1975)
prior to serving as City Manager in Livingston (1975-
1979), currently lives in Greensboro, Georgia. Ross
was born in June,1946. He earned his MPA from the
University of San Francisco. Before leaving California
in 2005, Ross worked as City Manager in Atherton
(1979-1989); as Town Manager in Moraga (1989-
2000); and as City Manager in Pacific Grove (2000-
2005). West Sacramento city officials cut about a
fourth of its more than 400 employees during the
recession of the last decade. Increases in city staff
pension costs has prevented West Sacramento from
refilling those vacated positions as the economy has
improved, according to Assistant City Manager Phil
Wright. Former Thousand Oaks City Manager Scott
Mitnick, 52, a past President of Cal-ICMA, is the new
Chief Administrative Officer for Sutter County. Since
October, Scott has worked as a Managing Director
for the investment banking firm of Stifel, Nicolaus &
Company. Scott began his public service career in
1987 as a Budget Analyst in the City of Brea. He
worked in Burbank and Yuba City before joining the
Thousand Oaks staff as a Deputy City Manager in
2000. He was appointed City Manager in 2005 and
served in that post until last year (2016).
Lemoore City Manager Andi Welsh is on
Administrative Leave. Chief of Police Darrell Smith is
the Acting City Manager. Andi was hired as City
Manager in June, 2015 to replace City Manager Jeff
Laws, who retired. Andi previously served as the
Assistant to the Town Manager in Gilbert, Arizona. In
October, 1990 then-Seal Beach City Manager Robert
A. Nelson submitted his resignation while admitting
that he did not have another job lined up or any
other position to go to. He explained that at that
point in time the job in Seal Beach did not meet his
personal needs. He said that he would improve his
opportunity to find a position that met his needs if he
devoted his time to the search. Bob was 51-years old
at the time, and had served as the Seal Beach City
Manager for about 4-years. He previously served as
the City Manager in Del Mar (1979-1986). Employers
sometimes forget that as they judge the
performance of employees, employees are judging
them too! Former Menifee City Manager Rob
Johnson has been appointed City Manager in the
City of San Jacinto replacing the retiring City
Manager Tim Hults, 54. Tim has worked for San
Jacinto for the past 25-years; serving as City Manager
for the past 6-years. Rob worked as a Principal
Analyst for Corona starting in 2005, and was
promoted to Business Manager in 2007. He joined the
Menifee city staff in 2009; was appointed Interim City
Manager in 2012; and took the City Manager position
in 2014. Andrew Powers has been elevated to City
Manager of Thousand Oaks. He was appointed
Interim City Manager when his boss City Manager
Scott Mitnick was dismissed last July. Drew has been
with Thousand Oaks for about 10-years starting as the
Public Information Officer and rising to Assistant City
Manager. He previously worked as a Marketing and
Public Affairs Specialist for the City of Ventura.
“History will be kind to me for I intend to write
it.” –Winston Churchill
City Manager Newsletter By Trackdown Management Page 17 February, 2017
borah Collins began her working career in Sausalito as an Administrative Assistant
with an information technology and services firm in 1983. In 1984 she went to work
as a software support technician for an on-line software systems company in Chico.
She joined the Chico city staff in 1994 as Community Services Officer (CSO), and in
2001 she took a Management Analyst with the Chico Police Department. In 2009
she moved to the City Manager's Office in a Management Analyst post. Deborah
earned a BA in social work from California State University, Chico, and an MS in law
from Champlain College.
Still More Pieces Picked Up: In our last
newsletter issue we missed a very
worthy City Manager who we should
have, at least, mentioned. This is our
greatest fear in pulling this material together
expeditiously. Russell A. Carlsen served as the City
Manager in Big Bear Lake from 1995 to 2001. Russ
currently lives and works as a consultant in
Bellingham, Washington. Over the years, Russ has
served as the Interim City Manager in Fontana,
Hidden Hills, San Juan Bautista, Avenal, Soledad, and
Coalinga. Del Rey Oaks City Manager Dan Dawson,
55, has resigned from his job but will continue to work
for the city until mid-2017. Dan has served as the Del
Rey Oaks City Manager since 2009. In August, 2001
Wayne E. Thompson died of a stroke at his Sonoma
County home in Kenwood at the age of 85. He was
appointed City Manager of Richmond, Contra
Costa’s largest city at the age of 27 in 1944 to
become the youngest City Manager in the nation at
the time. In 1955 Wayne was hired for the top post in
the City of Oakland where he served for the next 10-
years. He was an early advocate for the creation of
BART, approved by the voters in 1962.
In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder will serve as
the keynote speaker at the 3rd Annual Hall of Fame
program sponsored by the California State
University, Fullerton Center for Family Business on
March 21. Lynsi is the third generation of her family
to head the popular restaurant chain. This Hall of
Fame awards banquet will honor Southern
California-based, family-owned businesses.
Reservations and tickets are required and are
available online at: www.business.fullerton.edu/
Jeffry Gardner was appointed City Manager in the
City of Plymouth, California on January 1, 2011. He
has worked for the city for the past 23-years. Jeff
earned a BA jin natural resources planning from
Humboldt State University. He is also a licensed
Certified Public Accountant. Richards Watson &
Gershon attorney Roxanne Margarita Diaz
completed her undergraduate studies earning a BA
at California State University, Fullerton and she
earned her J.D. at the University of California,
Hastings College of Law. She was admitted to the
State Bar of California in 1995. Roxanne is the City
Attorney for the Cities of Hidden Hills, Indio and
Norwalk. She has previously served as City Attorney
in Manhattan Beach. While in law school Roxanne
served on the staff of the Hastings Women’s Law
Journal. She also served as an “extern” to the
Honorable Thomas E. Carlson, Chief Justice of the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern
District of California. University of Phoenix Adjunct
Faculty Instructor Ronald Stock has also been serving
as the City Administrator in the City of Weed since
March, 2012. Ron previously worked as a City
Attorney in Steamboat Springs, Colorado (1989-
1995); and City Manager in Craig, Colorado (1995-
1997). He was also the County Administrator in
Wabasha County, Minnesota (1998-2001), and he
was the City Manager in Leesburg, Florida (2001-
2007). In 2007 to 2011 Ron was the City Administrator
in Lamar, Colorado. Former Blue Lake City Manager
John Berchtold, who left the state to be near family,
has been retained by the City of Jackson to help
recruit a new City Manager to replace retiring City
Manager Mike Daly. Susan Peters is serving as the
Interim City Manager. John retired from Blue Lake at
the beginning of 2016. He took the City Manager post
in Blue Lake in July, 2010. Before coming to California
John served in cities in Pennsylvania, Michigan and
Illinois. John earned a MA from Central Michigan
University. Fresno native John Moreno is the City
Manager in the City of
Paramount. John earned a
BA from the University of
California, Los Angeles
(UCLA), and an MPA from
the University of Southern California (USC). John
replaced retired City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal
in October, 2015. John moved up from the Assistant
City Manager position. He has worked for the city
since 1993. John appointed Kevin Chun to replace
himself as Paramount Assistant City Manager. Kevin
had been working as the ACM in the City of La
Cañada Flintridge. He previously worked in
increasingly responsible management positions in
Irvine, Culver City and Bellflower. Tehachapi City
Manager Greg Garrett received a presentation from
the Rotary Club of Tehachapi acknowledging his
presentation of the City’s Annual Report for 2016. @
Tulare Interim City Manager Paul Melikian has
resigned to become the Assistant City Manager in
Reedley. Tulare Public Works Director Joe Carlini has
been appointed the new Interim City Manager. @
Fountain Valley City Manager Bob Hall resigned to
become the Manager of the Rancho Santa Fe
Association in San Diego County. @ San Bernardino
City Manager Mark Scott is a candidate for the Reno,
Nevada City Manager post.
We tip our cap and salute
Melanie Corona, who was presented the
Nob Hill Award for community service by
the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.
Melanie was responsible for planning the
first few CCMF membership dinners.