Trackdown Management Newslettertrackdownmanagement.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Newsletter-No...Ernie Garcia, Retired Norwalk City Manager ... Manager, and in 2003 he took on the

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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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http://www.keenan.com/

http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/us/about-us/

http://www.gonsalvi.com/

http://www.hdlcompanies.com/

http://www.kosmont.com/

http://www.parsinfo.org/

http://www.brandywinedev.com/

http://www.trackdownmanagement.net/index.php

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.



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.













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

http://www.keenan.com/

http://www.psomas.com/

http://www.brandywinedev.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.




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]


http://www.pars.org/

http://muniservices.com/

mailto:[email protected]












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

[email protected]

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.




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.

http://www.tripepismith.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgeg4RcerH8

http://www.civicbusinessjournal.com/company/joe-a-gonsalves-son/

http://www.civicbusinessjournal.com/company/joe-a-gonsalves-son/

tel:213-741-1500













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

http://www.willdan.com/financial/













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.












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




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.

http://www.wolfhousing.com/

http://www.nwfg.com/










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




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.










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




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

https://www.munienvironmental.com/about-us/










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.




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.


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

http://www.hrgreen.com/index.aspx

http://www.stifel.com/


http://www.contractcities.org/













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)

[email protected]

[email protected]

“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

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http://caltrust.org/














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).

http://www.ka-mg.com/

http://jpthompson1.com/










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.

http://ka-mg.com/

http://icma.org/en/icma/knowledge_network/profile/kn/contact/162895











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










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










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.

www.business.fullerton.edu/

Trackdown Management Newslettertrackdownmanagement.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Newsletter-No...Ernie Garcia, Retired Norwalk City Manager ... Manager, and in 2003 he took on the

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