In serving as City Manager, it is very important for me to connect with the community. I am in the process of touring the City with individual City Councilmembers which includes visiting citywide areas of interest and their individual districts.  These tours afford me an opportunity to spend time with the City Council and to gain a better understanding of the community.  The objective of the tours is to identify common themes that can be put into work plans to execute the collective City Council vision for community betterment by nurturing important community roots and fostering new growth for the City.

Each City Council tour has also helped me in meeting members of the community. I have visited the Veteran’s Community Center in the historic Sylvan Schoolhouse, several community parks, small businesses, commercial corridors, and various neighborhoods. In my first two weeks, I have also enjoyed seeing the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band practice, met members of the Chamber of Commerce, and many community members at the Rotary Crab Feed. I have reached out to our neighborhood associations, service clubs, business associations, local schools and other community organizations with requests to meet. I appreciate the response I have received and look forward to these meetings.

Though I have lived in the greater Citrus Heights area for over a decade, I am finding that there is so much history to learn. I am enjoying getting to know the community members and appreciate them being so generous with their time. The passion that residents, business owners, City Council, City Hall staff and the Citrus Heights Police Department have for the community is really something special. I am filled with a great sense of optimism and excitement for the tremendous opportunities that Citrus Heights has ahead.

The City Council has established an exciting vision for the City. I will be working closely with our dedicated City staff team to implement their vision.  The City Council, City Manager, and executive staff members participate in a goal and objective-setting process as part of strategic planning.  The Council and City staff tours, and community member meetings will be very helpful in preparing me for the next Strategic Planning Retreat which is scheduled for May 10, 2022.