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All right.

Good evening everyone and welcome to the Thursday December 4th, 2025 Parks and Community Enrichment Commission meeting.

This meeting is now called to order.

Will the clerk please call the roll to establish a quorum?

Thank you, Chair.

Member Langer?

Is Member Langer present?

Thank you.

Member Uribe?

Present.

Member Robbins?

Present.

Member Laver.

Here.

Present.

Member King is absent.

Member Vasquez.

Present.

Member Flores.

Here.

Member Boone.

Here.

And Chair Gaines.

Here.

Thank you.

We have quorum.

Thank you.

I would like to remind members of the public and chambers who wish to speak on any item

on today's agenda to please turn in a speaker slip before the item begins.

You will have two minutes to speak once you are called on.

After the first speaker, we will no longer accept speaker slips.

please stand with me now for the land acknowledgement followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

To the original people of this land, the Nisenan people, the Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains

Miwok, Patwin-Wintun peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only

federally recognized tribe, may we acknowledge and honor the native people who came before us

and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather together today

in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's indigenous peoples,

history, contributions, and lives. Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which

it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may be seated.

All right, so we have a couple things to do before we get to the consent calendar.

So first we have a new commissioner.

So not to put you on the spot, but we just want to welcome you and thank you for being

a part of the Parks and Community Enrichment Commission.

And if you'd like to say a few words, I didn't tell you ahead of time.

I'm so sorry.

There we go.

Thank you so much.

Hi, my name is Monique Langer.

just very happy to join the group.

It's a pleasure to be and an honor to be able to serve.

I was born and raised in Sacramento,

spent much of my life in the county,

so don't hold it against me,

but very excited to be here

and to advance parks and enrichment for the city.

Thank you so much.

Awesome, thank you so much.

And then we would also,

every year we have new commissioners join us,

we have commissioners who leave.

And one thing that I love so much about this,

commission is that we are able even though we only see each other once a

month because of the activities that we do we're able to get to know people

better we're able to create friendships and so we did want to honor one of our

outgoing commissioners past commissioner Odette Ford who is here with us and so

come on up yes because you know I'm gonna ask you to say a few words yes so Odette

We're so glad that you were able to join us here today so we could honor you.

We really appreciate all of the time and energy that you put into the commission.

I know I personally just appreciated your spunk and your spark and your passion because we always need that.

And so we're so grateful for your service.

And we do have a little something for you, but if you would like to say a few words before you come up.

Of course. Yes. Is the microphone on?

Well, first of all, just want to say how grateful I am to have been part of this commission and thankful for the commissioners that are sitting here today.

All of you bring a different gift, a different strategy, a different thought process, and a different level of representation and voice from community.

So I've learned so much through you and by you, and I'm just so excited to see this continue.

I'm super excited that Monique has been selected as the Commissioner for District 1.

She's going to do phenomenal.

I know Monique through PTA, through, you know, volunteer in the community.

And so you have a great Commissioner that's coming on board.

I'm sure you're going to really enjoy her.

And I also want to thank Park, the admin Park team, definitely the Park staff, the Rangers,

all of the team members that run all the community centers.

without you, you know, the city cannot operate without you.

And I know there's some budget, you know, hard times coming.

And sometimes the work that you do is not always elevated or you're thankful for.

And so I just want you to know that I appreciate you and I know that community appreciates you as well.

And then lastly, of course, I want to say thank you to all the volunteers and all the community members

that are part of coming and raising issues to this commission and volunteering like city,

county and the state cannot do this alone. And so we're just so appreciative of the volunteers

and also the community based organizations that support this very important work. I'm

going to miss you all but I'm not too far away. I'm in full some now but I'll be around

and I'm happy to stay connected. Thank you so much.

So if you'd like to jump past the barricade, we're going to let you in.

Yes, we'll definitely, if everyone wants to come around.

Thank you.

Thank you. So the first official agenda item today is the approval of the consent calendar.

Clerk, are there any members of the public who wish to speak on the consent calendar?

Thank you, Chair. I have no speaker slips.

Thank you. Are there any commissioners who would like to speak on the consent calendar?

Commissioner Vasquez?

Things from the follow-up log that didn't get added from last time,

which was standardizing community engagement when we're talking about park amenities as well as the park bond.

Could you clarify just the first item?

What was that?

Sorry.

Yeah, discussing how we're going to standardize when we're doing community engagement, when we're designing parks and having community meetings.

That's on our work plan for next year.

Oh, I believe that's in the work plan.

But, yeah, I can add that on to the work plan.

But it will be part of the annual report.

So we will make sure to follow up with that

Okay, yeah, and I think what I'm asking is to put it on the follow-up logs we can agenda it and discuss it. Okay, thanks

All right, so with that addition are there any is there a motion and second to approve the consent calendar

Second perfect. We have a motion from vice-chair boone in a second from Commissioner Robbins

so all those in favor of the motion please say aye aye opposed abstentions

thank you the motion passes so we will now proceed to our discussion calendar

so item number four is the aquatics annual updates is there a staff presentation yes

Good evening, commissioners.

Sean Swanson, recreation manager.

I'm joined by the aquatic supervisors for the city, Anna Koch,

and Patrick Maradon for the aquatics annual update.

A couple key milestones I would like to highlight from this

is the grand reopening of the Southside Pool this summer

and also the opening of Mama Mark's splash pad,

particularly because both of these do align with the key directives of the park's plan.

Of course, quality programs are also an important part of an aquatics program.

And for that, I'm going to turn it over to Anna to give a brief synopsis of the report for this review and discuss item.

Hi, commissioners. I'm Anna Cook, and I'm joined by Patrick Maradon.

We're both aquatics recreation supervisors with the city.

This summer, recreational swimming opportunities were offered at 17 aquatic facilities with over 98,000 patrons attending recreational swim hours.

Over 62,000 of those visits were made by youth.

Highlights of our summer season included the grand reopening of Southside Pool that Sean just mentioned,

Council District Sponsored Days at Six Pools, and a movie night at the North Atomos Aquatics Complex.

In addition, our aquatics division hosted several community events, including aquatic egg hunts,

water safety day down at Pinnell Meadowview, and a floating pumpkin patch this year at the North Atomos Aquatics Complex.

Learn to swim in water safety programs were offered at all 13 pools this summer and programming was offered in the spring and fall at Clooney pool and NNAC.

Over 2,800 registrants attended these programs this year.

Additionally, our team certified 145 American Red Cross lifeguards in water rescue skills and life-saving skills.

over $102,000 in scholarships and reimbursements

were awarded to help registrants pursue

safe recreational swimming opportunities

and water safety skill development

through programs such as the Youth Program Scholarship Funds,

LifeGuard Scholarships, and the Summer Reading Program Partnership

with the Sacramento Public Libraries.

The Aquatics Division, we also operate the North Natomas Community Center,

which hosted 109 facility rentals this year.

Through the YPCE Center's fee waiver and reduction program, fee reduction program and nonprofit rental rates that were approved through council two years ago, almost $90,000 in facility fees were discounted or waived, which enabled qualified organizations to host community events at reduced rates this year.

Thanks for your time this evening, and we're happy to answer any questions.

Thank you. Are there any members of the public who would like to speak on this item?

Thank you, Chair. I have no speaker slips.

All right. And any commissioners would like to speak on this item?

Are there any commissioners would like to speak on this item?

Commissioner Flores.

Thank you, Chair. And I'll be quick. I know we have a long night for us.

Thank you, Aquatics Team.

This year, I really took advantage with my son, and we swam at a D8 pool.

We were at Commissioner Laver.

We were there for the Southside Pool Grand Reopening.

And then during the summertime, the North Natomas Aquatic Center.

And we both loved the tubes.

And we did that maybe 400 times that day.

I don't have to.

We have a lot of community members in here.

And I see one from Megan Park.

And we just know how essential a pool is to a community.

And the service at each of the pool sites that I visited,

You could just tell customer service is always number one, no matter where the location is.

And just shout out to the teams that are really making an emphasis of making sure that everyone feels valued and welcome to a parkside pool.

It's one of the assets that we have at the city where the public actually interacts with the city via a pool.

So just, you know, shout out to the team.

Shout out to the spinning twos.

I'm going to do it again a lot next year.

So thank you very much.

Thank you.

That's awesome.

Yeah.

Commissioner Robbins.

Yes, I was just going to say since I have the honor of having the president of Twin

Rivers in here, is there a way to start working on the grants pool to be open this year in

the summer for District 2?

If not, we could get that ball rolling right now.

Open to the public.

Currently, we are funded in our budget to operate the city's pools and our focus is

on operating just the city facilities at the moment.

No worries.

It can be, since we're talking aquatics,

and I know it's a long way from summer,

I know everyone's looking forward to it,

how freezing it is tonight,

but just probably in the follow-up log,

I guess we could get this in and then move forward.

This is my question, so thank you.

All right, any other commissioners

wish to speak on this item?

All right, well, I will just say,

I love seeing the $102,619 in scholarships and reimbursements.

That's really important.

A lot of families depend on these pools for summer play.

Not a lot of people have pools in their backyard,

so I really appreciate all the work that the city's done

to make sure that it's accessible to the community.

So thank you guys so much for your presentation.

And that item is receive and discuss only,

so no vote is required.

So we will be moving on to the next item, which is item number five, the youth workforce development annual updates.

Is there a staff presentation?

Hello again, commissioners.

I'm John Swanson, recreation manager.

I'm joined this time by recreation superintendent Chris Wimberly for the youth workforce development annual updates.

The Uke workforce development unit provides a range of enrichment programs,

workforce development trainings, and much more to the community.

I'll turn this over to Chris to provide a brief overview of the report for this review and discuss item.

Good evening, commissioners and city staff.

I would like to share a quote from one of our program participants.

Something I enjoyed the most about the Young Leaders of Tomorrow program is getting to know everybody and sharing my ideas.

The Youth Workforce Development Unit offers a range of youth vocational training and employment programs providing young people 10 to 12 years of age with safe experiences,

fostering their development into healthy, engaged, and productive adults.

goals of the program programs include improvements in early adult outcomes such as education

economic self-sufficiency healthy family and social relationships as well as positive

contributions to the community during fiscal year 25 stipend-based programming was offered in all

eight of the council districts at the various community centers operated by YPSI over 750

150 young people completed the stipend based programming that includes Young Leaders of

Tomorrow, Primetime Teen, Junior Rec Aid and the North Natomas Workforce Development Program.

Youth were able to learn a variety of life skills that are transferable into the day

to day challenges of life.

In Primetime Teen I learned how to organize and keep the community service project team

motivated and working.

I like meeting new people and being in a new safe space.

That's another quote from a program participant.

At the conclusion of the fiscal year,

35 program cohorts tallied 8,900 hours

where participants were in a safe space

engaging in development of positive relationships

with caring adults and their peers.

The Landscape and Learning and WIOA programs

are employment opportunities for young people

where many are having their very first job experience.

L&L crews are seen out at the various parks

throughout the city during the summer, fall,

and spring seasons supporting park maintenance services.

You had firsthand experience with these amazing young people

during the annual 916 Day and Earth Day projects.

Our WIOA, or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

youth aides, would have also been seen

at a variety of community centers

as youth camp assistance or building monitors or even at local businesses.

Fiscal year 25 showcased 43,284 hours of combined work through these employment opportunities

with a total of over $714,000 in youth investment in wages.

One aspect of the WIOA experience that stood out to me was the availability of career advice and resume workshops.

These were useful for understanding the current job market and setting my goals.

Again, a quote from a program participant.

I am proud to share that many of the youth that participate in our programs don't just stop at one program,

but they progress through the programming throughout their tween and teenage years and into adulthood.

We are now witnessing youth aides from L&L coming back as crew leaders because they want to give back to the program and the community that helped mold them into positive and caring adults.

The demand and diversity of youth workforce development programming continues to increase and be reflective of the communities in which we serve.

The data that you see on this slide is collected at the conclusion of each program through the program quality assessment tool we call Tell It Like It Is survey.

where young people can provide their feedback on their experience and express their personal views of themselves.

Based on the PQA survey results, 86% of the youth surveyed strongly agree or agree that they are confident that they can secure employment on their own and successfully get a job.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask the team members that are here in attendance if you can stand because this work is your calling.

and these results could not been achieved without you.

So please stand.

Thank you for this opportunity to highlight

the Youth Workforce Development Unit

and Sean and I are here to answer any questions you may have.

Yeah, you can sit down.

Thank you.

Are there any members of the public

who would like to speak on this item?

Thank you, Chair.

I have no speaker slips.

All right. Do we have any commissioners who would like to speak on this item?

Commissioner Uribe. Yes. Hello. I want to say as a past crew leader of the learning and landscape program, what an amazing program.

Love that youth are able to want to get a job, but clean up our parks.

I think it's really important when we get not only just those type of crew leaders, but our youth out there to pick up the trash at our parks.

It really, you start to get ownership and say, hey, I'm going to start cleaning up my park, even if I'm not a crew leader.

so you'll never see me dumping out of the park,

and neither will you guys here keeping our parks clean.

But I want to say thank you so much for the great job you guys do.

Commissioner Vasquez.

Yes, thank you, Chair.

Thank you for the presentation.

It was amazing.

Thank you for always being there to answer my questions when I have them.

And I want to ask, how did it go?

I know we were doing like a new primetime team like after school

as opposed to just the full-time program.

Has that started yet?

So we've continued our primetime teen throughout all of the city.

We, our goal is to have the program at a minimum one time in each council district.

So during the school year, we have it twice a week for the program cycle.

During the summer, we actually have a intensive session to where it's actually four weeks straight,

and we combine it all into four.

So we have not stopped any of our program cohorts within primetime teams.

So we've continued it on.

Wonderful.

I love it.

Also, my local high school is always asking me how can they get information on when do applications open.

So I'm wondering, is there like a process that you have in place to reach out to the high schools?

Or is there some way that we can help you with that?

So just recently, our recruitment for L&L Landscape and Learning Youth Aids opened on December 1st.

And I do have a database which includes community contacts from all of our school districts.

And I am seeing a very great uptick of inquiries on our Landscape and Learning email address.

So the connections that we've made to those schools has gone out to kids because I fielded a dozen emails just today in regards to where's the link?

How do I apply?

So the connection that we have with the school districts, it is happening right now.

I will be forwarding to Shannon this email to make sure that you also all get it.

And some of you may be on my email already.

So I think, Joe, you may be.

So I will make sure that it gets out there.

Wonderful. Thank you so much for what you do.

Commissioner Flores.

Hi, Chris.

You know, every year I hear this report is one of my favorite reports of the year.

And today I was trying to listen for the one number that's always the most important number in this report.

And I think you said over 700K in direct youth reinvestment.

And I think every year when we hear those numbers, it's always, it's not just the dollar-to-dollar investment in the youth.

It's the investment in the youth that exponentially grows.

like we have a prime example of a commissioner who used to be an L&L, right?

Like just the dollars back then to see where it's at now

and what community leader he has done in his community,

it just that number always gets underplayed in a sense.

And it's like our job to amplify it because it's not just a straight one-to-one 700K.

No, it's an investment that just exponentially grows throughout the years

that we'll never ever get to accurately measure.

but just the fact that we are still investing in youth, even in resources that are, you know, tight.

And it's just that's always the one thing I look forward to in your report.

So thank you for that.

And to see where the seeds blossom in the future is always exciting.

So thank you.

And it's always we utilize, like, landscape and learning, learning of the park maintenance, the tools and those things.

That's a component of the programming.

but we also are doing they have themes they are learning just simple life skills we have kids that

aren't on time and we have to teach something like that you know and we have very serious talks

learning to listen and follow direction not always the easiest thing for people you know

to do and especially 14 to 17 year olds you're just finding yourself I want to do it my way

but we teach teamwork.

Commissioner Uribe, you're shaking your head.

I mean, we're utilizing youth development for young people

to go beyond just the dollars.

It is providing you a positive experience

to where these are transferable skills to home,

to school, and just life in general.

No, thank you for you and the team

for being that spark, that catalyst

to guide the youth and help out our city.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And I would just like to say, along with Commissioner Flores,

this is also one of my favorite programs that the city offers.

Specifically, I know it's not about the dollars,

that there's more to that, but to have over $700,000 go right

back into the hands of youth and families in our community.

And the fact that with the programs starting as young as 10,

with the Young Leaders of Tomorrow,

and then all the different workforce,

we, all of us adults know that the job market

is wild right now, and so even more so for minors,

because there's just not as many opportunities

as there used to be, so to be able to have this

for our young people is so important.

So I just really appreciate all of the work that you do,

the team, and we would not be able to have 916-8

if it wasn't for L&L, so we really appreciate

all that you guys do.

Thank you very much.

No problem, Director Beecham.

Thank you. Thank you, Chris. Thank you, Sean.

Before we let this team go, we do have somebody very special with us tonight

and bittersweet for us, probably very sweet for him.

I want to invite Ken McCullough, program supervisor from Workforce Development.

Come on up, Ken.

So as of December 31st, Ken will be retiring after 31 years

of working for the city.

He's worked in multiple program areas for the city,

had a profound impact on young people across the city.

And all of us have had an opportunity to work with him.

When I first started here with the city,

he was one of the first people

that I had a chance to work with

and still comes by my office all the time to say hello.

So we will miss you greatly.

I do want to let Chris Bemberley,

his current supervisor,

come up and share a few words for Ken.

So I don't know if people really recognize and realize the volume of work and I don't even know if Ken recognizes the volume of work that he undertakes within our operations.

He's the go-to guy.

He manages a variety of programs within youth workforce development that we're talking about tonight.

He has all of our stipend based programs and he's the guy that is managing the staff.

He's the guy that's dropping off snack and picking up snack and making sure the kids are taken care of if there's parent complaints.

So Ken is that unsung hero in a way because that is not what everybody wants to be doing.

He's always going.

He doesn't want to sit still and take a breath.

So I am truly thankful for the work that Ken has provided for the youth workforce development operations

and also the guidance that he has provided the staff that we have within our programming.

and the young people throughout Sacramento.

He's an amazing worker, and he will truly be missed within YPSI.

But if you go out to Rivercats, if you go to an A's game,

from what Ken has said, that's what he's going to be looking forward to do next spring.

So check him out.

So thanks, Ken.

Ken, do you want to share a few words?

Would you like to share a few words?

Thanks. Thanks, Chris. Thanks, Jackie. I wouldn't do what I do without the leadership of Chris, Sean, the commission. I have ideas. I run it by them. They give me the go. They get to go for it.

So it's the leadership I'm also looking for.

But like Chris said, I'm behind the scenes.

The programs won't be a success without the staff.

Landscape and learning.

I don't have any of my staff here tonight,

but they're out there facing the kids on the ground running.

I'm out there supporting them.

They're the ones that make this program success.

I'm just behind the scenes making sure they're doing what they get done.

But again, I think the leadership of the PCEC, the department,

Jackie, Chris, John. Without that leadership, I would not be successful with what I've done.

So thank you all. I appreciate it. Thank you.

All right. Yes, thank you so much, Ken. We are just so grateful for your service.

And I've had the pleasure of doing a couple things with you guys. And so you were always just so

welcoming and like I said you will be missed but I know what a mentor you are

to staff so I'm sure all the staff will be carrying forth your legacy that you

have left with the city.

All right so that item is also received and discussed only and no vote is

required so we are going to now move on to our next item which that is item

Number six are volunteer recognition awards.

So I know that's what most of you guys are here for.

So thank you guys for joining us tonight.

My fellow commissioners and I are so excited to recognize

some of our outstanding community volunteers.

Youth parks and community enrichment would not be as fruitful

without the dedication of all of you guys who are here tonight.

You represent hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly to support our city.

Before we officially start tonight's ceremony,

I would like to honor the subcommittee from the 2018 commission who actually created this program because it was created by this commission

so

Commissioner Flores and former commissioners Chinua Rhodes Rita Giardo good and David Guerrero

So I just wanted to give you guys a little shout out for creating this program

All right, so we're gonna be doing things a little bit differently tonight

So my commissioners and my award recipients here's how it's going to work

When we call your name you can come forward to the podium.

The commissioner who nominated you or someone who they've chosen to speak on their behalf you will say whatever you would like to say.

And then we would like the opportunity for you to say a few words if you want to.

It's not mandatory but if you would like to say a few words you're more than welcome.

And then after that you can come forward and get your certificate.

What I'm going to do to save time we're going to save photos until the end.

So don't leave after you get your certificate.

You can go ahead and be seated.

Then we will do one group photo

after the completion of the meeting.

The commissioners will stick around

if you want individual photos,

but we're not gonna do individual photos yet.

Perfect.

All right, so we are going to get started with district two.

I'll kick it off.

Um, congratulations to Greg and Christina Jefferson. So they're part of the Del Paso Heights

Community Association. I'm gonna be really honest with everybody in the crowd today. This is the

first time I've met them in person, but this isn't the first time I've heard their name in the

community. Uh, the things that they do in the community, which is one of my favorite things

of learning about them is that they're not asking for permission. They're out there doing like the

best thing about a community or looking for support in a community is just going out there

and filling that.

So while they don't need this permission,

they need their continued support.

So we're going to support them,

not just by celebrating them today,

but by continuing to go to their toy drives,

everything they're doing in Del Paso Heights

from Easter holidays.

And I know there's everything in between.

So again, congratulations.

And it's an honor to be here with you guys.

Thank you so much.

I don't think Chris remembers.

Chris, do you remember?

And before I give you guys the mic.

Chris helped us set up our community association.

She was working in that office, and we never forgot you.

You were a big help to us when we were getting started.

But we started a community association, and we don't get a lot of money.

But I have to say this.

God always provides for us every event.

Great kind of worries a little bit.

but my faith is that if God has something for you,

he's going to give you the funds for it.

Right now we're working on a toy drive for kids,

not only in Del Paso Heights, but whoever wants to come.

And I figure whoever gets in that line and wants to wait is going to be held on

Christmas Eve.

And we got people donating monies to us for toys.

And we got people actually donating toys.

And so we did it last year.

We had over 2,000 cars come through.

in about three hours to our house.

And I am the president of the Twin Rivers School Board.

So I heard somebody say they needed some help

with getting a contact.

I can give you a contact for those youth programs.

And then we do have a portal for students.

So if you guys would like to put that on our portal,

I'd be glad to help you get that done.

and we have our volunteers are from the Criminal Justice Academy at Grant High School

and they come to all of our events and they help us.

We have a lot of grown-up volunteers that they're just community people

and they come and they help us.

Robbie is one of our volunteers.

He comes and helps us and it's just something we do

and we're just led to do stuff for people in our community.

this year more than ever, especially for toys.

With people just not even being food deficient this year,

I know toys are not going to be on the top of their list.

So that's why we're doing that.

Well, not really why we're doing it, but we do it every year.

But just want to say thank you so much for this opportunity.

I always tell my husband, my award will be in heaven.

When we get to heaven, that's when I'm going to get my big reward

for doing what I do.

But thank you.

It's nice to get him here on Earth, too, so thank you so much.

Greg and Chris, you guys are a blessing.

I don't know if anyone really realized how hard you guys work.

You always see movie nights in other neighborhoods,

and you're like, you know what?

We're going to do it ourselves.

You buy those big old Jumbotron.

Just go ahead and do it.

Easter egg concept at Robinson Center.

Toy drives, of course.

It's all kinds of stuff.

You guys are two superheroes, and that's why we're here tonight.

Thank you so much.

So we don't have to wait for that.

We're going to tell you that tonight, how amazing you two are.

So we need more of you.

So keep on doing what you're doing.

Thank you.

Thank you, Robbie.

I would just like to say real quick, thank you to the city of Sacramento.

Thank you to all you guys, because without you,

we would not have even some of the events we have.

For example, the bike, the bike fest we have,

for all the city workers that make sure the bike trail is clean.

When we do the neighborhood cleanups on our bimonthly basis,

the helpers from the city, the city staff that comes there,

they're so friendly.

They bring all the shovels and the bags and supplies.

And not only that, but their attitude.

The city, those folks that help with the Mama Mark splash pad,

I can see Mama Marks from my house, my backyard.

So it's all of us together.

We were intentional about having our monthly meetings at the police station

because we wanted the community association to be a bridge between the community and the people.

The police and the residents.

But in a nutshell, it's all of us, your side, our side, everybody, doing what we need to do to make Sacramento a better place.

Born and raised, CV Circle on my birth certificate.

Both of us are former City of Sacramento parking rec people.

That was our former jobs.

And I can't say this enough when I'm going to sit down.

In 2011, when we first started, the most instrumental person I got on a first-name basis with,

back and forth with the city, making sure I got everything I needed in every event.

And I have not seen her in years.

Until tonight, y'all said her name.

That is truly an angel on earth, Chris Wimberly.

So shout out to Chris Wimberly.

Thank you guys so much.

Commissioner Uribe has your certificate.

All right, we're going to move on to District 4.

Thank you.

So I had the honor of picking a park volunteer for District 4, and it's Marnie Leisure.

So I'll read a quick, some comments here.

Marnie Leisure is a true parks leader.

For the last 15 years, she has advocated extremely well for all things related to Southside Community Park.

She's a great neighbor in the community.

And her wisdom, passion, intellect, dedication, and strong sense of community pride is well known.

I've worked with her on many projects and believe the City of Sacramento has benefited immensely,

as well as all our residents, due to her commitment to this special and historic park.

for years she has led tree plantings throughout the park help with design planting water and

caring for them making sure they thrive for generations ahead two weeks ago she led an effort

on the east side of the park i didn't make it but i heard it was successful i think 30 people

showed up to help and she wrapped all the trees to be safe against vandalism and she just there's

a lot of things that she does that I think go unrecognized.

She's been a leader in creating a pickleball group, bringing hundreds of players to this

park.

She helped lead an effort to resurface the courts with city help, and we're grateful

for that.

And she keeps the courts maintained in proper condition.

Marnie was a big advocate for promoting the reopening of the pool, Southside Park Pool,

and kept neighbors informed of its progress.

until its completion.

She has been a leader and president

of the Southside Park Neighborhood Association.

For many years, she has served on the board

and has been a tireless advocate

for securing extra funds for the park and its amenities.

And we can see the many positive results

from her involvement.

Marnie helps every month with the volunteer service day

at the park and playground.

And she comes out with this blower,

a small blower with like eight batteries to it,

and she spends a few hours helping maintain this great playground.

Marnie can be seen pulling several hoses out

so the trees get extra water during the summer months.

I've helped her many times on that too.

We're using an electric blower.

I have seen her add hundreds of books to the community library

and make sure they are properly distributed.

She's an advocate for the SHRA community nearby,

and they are lucky to have Marnie as an ally.

So she deserves to be the nominee for Parks Recognition Award.

Thank you, Marnie.

Thank you all very much, Mark.

I didn't want you to do it.

I appreciate living close to Southside Park and being able to work in the park.

And I see the incredible dedication of park maintenance workers.

Every morning I'm having my coffee.

I can see the workers coming, because I live right by the park.

I see them coming around, cleaning the bathrooms, picking up trash, maintaining the leaves and the park.

I especially want to thank Dennis Harris, the volunteer coordinator.

He has just been awesome in helping us with tree planting.

I think we've planted five rounds of trees now.

We're up close to 100 trees in the park.

And Dennis has just been awesome in helping us get volunteers and helping with that work.

And Mark, too, every month, he's there.

We have a park cleanup.

So it's just a pleasure to be so close to such a wonderful park

and to be able to participate in making it great.

So thank you all.

Thank you.

All right.

We will be moving on to District 5, which I will kick off.

Unfortunately, Commissioner King was not able to be here,

but we are excited to honor the nominees from District 5,

which I actually lived in District 5 for a really long time,

so I'm very excited to be able to share tonight.

So our first honoree is Jennifer Holden.

So for many years, Jennifer Holden has been a driving force

behind the growth and improvement

of the Mangan Park neighborhood.

Her unwavering dedication to the community is evident

through her active participation in countless meetings,

her advocacy for a safer park and neighborhood,

and her initiative in founding

the Mangan Park Neighborhood Association.

Jennifer has truly been a pillar of this community

and throughout District Five.

Her diligence and analytical skills

have made her indispensable,

whether it's reviewing documents,

submitting information requests,

or navigating the logistics needed

to make real change happen.

Jennifer gets things done.

She's hosted numerous events at Mangan Park

and led the charge to have the swimming pool resurfaced

and reopened, giving children in the neighborhood

a much needed space to play and thrive during summer.

Her advocacy also extended to preserving

and promoting the archery range,

one of the only park archery ranges in Sacramento.

Jennifer Holden exemplifies community leadership

and it is with great pride that I nominate her

for this award.

She has earned it through years of tireless service

and heartfelt commitment.

Good evening, and thank you for this honor.

I am touched.

I am honored, and I am very happy to serve.

It's been a great five years in District 5, and if you don't know it already, I'm a fan

of city parks across the city.

Some of you, if I have your cell phone number,

you get texts when I'm in the parks in your district

showing you how beautiful the sunset is in that park that night.

So our parks kind of exemplify the best of our communities.

What brings us together, a place for us all to be

and a place to celebrate,

what you are doing as volunteers to support that

is magnificent and wonderful.

I am happy to work and serve with you.

And I have, I have ideas for 2026.

The last five years have been great.

We there's more we could do and I will be talking to you about it.

And it won't be just be for district five.

It'll be for citywide because I want to continue working with you and all of the

communities and all of the neighborhood associations to raise our parks higher

in the public awareness.

They don't get enough praise.

They're hardworking.

the people who support them and the land itself,

provides so much to our communities that I want to help elevate that.

And I have ideas, and we'll talk in January and February.

And thank you very much.

Happy holidays.

All right.

I'll be covering two more of Commissioner King's,

as she is not here with us today.

So the next awardees are going to be Josh and Modesto from the Sacramento Disc Golf Association.

Are they here tonight?

So Commissioner King submitted remarks, and I'll read them.

I am thrilled to share a story of remarkable community leadership and dedication that has had a long-lasting impact on the local park in District 5.

Several years ago, when William Chorley Park was at risk, Josh and Modesto and a passionate group of disc golf enthusiasts stepped forward with a mission to save it.

Through community meetings and grassroots organizing, they founded their own nonprofit, the Sacramento Disc Golf Association.

crowdfunded the necessary resources and personally completed over 95% of the

labor required to install an 18-hole disc golf course at Trilley Park. Since

opening day of the disc golf course at Trilley Park, crime, vandalism, and city

services calls have been reduced by more than 50%, creating a safer, more

welcoming environment at the park and in surrounding areas. To this day, Josh and

his team continue to enhance the space, upgrading facilities, redesigning course

layouts and fostering a deep sense of stewardship. Thanks to their tireless efforts, Chorley Park

has undergone complete transformation and now serves as a vibrant hub for thousands of disc

golf players and visitors. In recognition of their extraordinary contributions and for making the

Chorley Park disc golf course a reality and a cherished part of our community, I am proud to

nominate them for this year's award.

I just want to say thank you.

Thank you to parks and recreation.

Thank you to city council,

ex city councilman,

Jay Chenier and the city of Sacramento for giving us the opportunity to

install something that like people,

they have an idea of disc golf for me.

It's like hiking with a purpose.

and it also provides a very low cost entry to really fun recreation.

And the fact that it's in District 5 in Shoreley Park means that people that typically wouldn't have access to this form of recreation

now have free access to it, which is really important to us.

It also, just to speak on some stats from September,

because fitness is really important to me,

over 4 million steps were taken playing disc golf at Chorley.

It was the 16th most popular disc golf course in California.

And countrywide, out of 11,000 disc golf courses,

it was 171st most popular course in the country.

It's pretty awesome to see what it's done.

And every time we go there, people just having a great time.

So really appreciative of everybody.

I'm not gonna name all the names, but you know,

everybody in the parks just huge support and yeah,

we appreciate the recognition.

Oh, and I do want to thank some volunteers,

Modesto's son, Tony, Scott, Tristan, Anna.

I mean, so many people who work so hard all the time

that actually came out to put in more hard work.

Cause this isn't easy work.

this is hard labor and a lot of the times.

And so it's just a really cool to see everybody come together and make something

amazing.

So I think the, you know,

the city for all their efforts on their part for helping us do our thing and for

the opportunity to bring this to, like he said,

to a part of Sacramento that I would never see it. So thank you again.

And yeah, thanks.

I'm going to jump out of order just to conclude Commissioner King's nominations before I proceed to mine and then Kangas's.

So next up we have community member from District 5, Ulysses Villegas Jr.

And these are Lindsay's remarks.

Ulysses is a true example of what it means to care for one's community.

Through his simple yet impactful acts, he demonstrates that meaningful change begins with everyday actions.

His commitment to keeping his neighborhood clean is more than just a personal habit.

It is a visible reminder to all of us that pride in our community is built step by step

and that each of us has the power to contribute to a healthier, more welcoming environment.

Beyond his daily efforts, Ulysses is a familiar face at Sacramento Parks Department-sponsored

events, including 9-1-6 Day, where he actively participates, lending his energy and spirit

to initiatives that bring people together.

His dedication to spending his free time in service of the City of Sacramento reflects

a deep love for his community and a vision of what it can be when we all work together.

Ulysses embodies the values of stewardship, unity, and perseverance, and we celebrate

his unwavering commitment to make Oak Park a better place for everyone.

Lindsey King.

Okay, good evening, youth parks and community enrichment.

I just want to echo what's already been said.

Thank you and to the staff.

I'm a volunteer some days, but y'all are working tirelessly every day for years, just like Ken had, how we recognized him.

So really thankful and grateful that y'all are doing the work that way we can also give back.

I just want to say my favorite part about waking up every day, besides counting my blessings and waking up next to my beautiful wife,

Uh, the, my next favorite thing is, uh, taking my dogs on a walk to McClatchy park.

And I just want to say the piece that I find and doing that every day is like so much.

It means, uh, so much to really take in and just truly grateful for.

So I just want to say thank you.

and for whatever work I can do,

it's so much more means to me the work that y'all do.

So thank you.

And if I may add,

because those were Lindsay's remarks, my own,

I want to say thank you.

I think without my husband's support as a commissioner,

it wouldn't be possible.

In the last three years that I've served,

He's attended every event that I've gone to and supported me.

And especially this year as I'm pregnant,

he's been the one shoveling and picking up the trash,

doing twice as much work to carry my own weight.

And so I really appreciate him.

And he's actually the reason that I'll be continuing to serve

because I really did contemplate stepping down,

stepping into motherhood.

I thought there's no way possible.

And he actually told me we can totally do this.

And so I want to say thank you.

And that he reminds me so much of the person who inspired me

to become a parks commissioner,

which is my grandma Peggy.

She lived a block over from her park

and every day, same as my husband,

maybe it's the Marine and them,

woke up and picked up trash and took care of her park

and she just considered it her responsibility

and obligation so I feel proud and honored

to have married someone who embodies

that same nature in essence.

All right, so next up is my personal nomination.

It's also District 5, but this is an at-large nomination,

and this is going to the Gulf Terrace Estates

Neighborhood Association.

Is Pearlene here?

Oh, come on up.

Hello, commissioners. My name is Matthew Mendoza. I am the chair of the golf course,

Terrace Estates Neighborhood Association. And I know that is a long, long statement right there.

Golf course, Terrace Estates is a neighborhood that's bordered by Florin, Freeport, 24th,

Chorley Park, the executive airport, and also Bing Maloney Golf Course. So we are a community

that a lot of people don't know of, but we're actually just right by next to everybody here

in Sacramento. I'm here with my fellow board members over here. If they could stand for a second.

Our board is all volunteers and we're all members of our neighborhood association and we all live

within golf course terraces states. Our association has been around since the 1990s and I was in

diapers in 1990 when it was founded.

But since 1990, our mission has been to help our neighborhood, to make neighbors connected,

to inform our neighbors about what's going on in our neighborhood, to keep us lively

and active with our neighbors, and as well as to make sure that we're secure and safe.

Over the past several years, since being a part of the Neighborhood Association, we have

worked on several different initiatives.

One in particular has been mentioned, Troy Park.

It has been a troubled park for some years, especially during the recession in 2020,

sorry, pandemic in 2020.

We were going out there, meeting with some of the homeless individuals,

getting them social services, speaking with them.

It has been a community effort to work on that park,

and we are glad to see how it has been transformed since then

and has come a long way in part also to disc golf,

so shout out to them as well, and thank you.

In addition to working on trolley park, we also work with our neighbors.

We try to keep them informed about the crime that may be going around in our

neighborhoods in our city.

We have police come and speak to them.

We hold a national night out at elementary school within our neighborhood

called Harkness Elementary School, where you get to meet our neighbors,

get to speak with law enforcement and to keep our community active and vital and alive.

We also hold an ice cream social in trolley park where we get to meet with

with their neighbors, their council members,

such as Katie Maple are able to come out

and speak to community members

and get our neighborhood active and involved

in what's going on with our community.

Additionally, we also raise a scholarship every year.

It's about $500 for somebody with their neighborhood

to who's going on to college.

And so that's something we've been doing

for quite some time now.

And we're very proud of what we do with that.

We also have a secret Santa

where we work with Hartness Elementary School

to inform people about their social services,

but also to get a lucky family or two,

some food for the holidays that is much needed.

So with that, I'd like to thank you for recognizing our work

and also to everybody else here who is also working

to improve our communities and our city.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You made my role so easy by sharing all your accolades.

So thank you.

I do wanna highlight similar as my colleague,

Commissioner Uribe, that your reputation precedes you.

Although we haven't personally met,

I reached out to the council office for D5

and they personally had selected,

and it was Ryan Brown who said,

I really think that their work should be honored

and recognized because they're a phenomenal partner

in community.

So I just wanna say thank you on behalf of

not only the commission,

but on behalf of the city council district five.

Thank you.

And now I'll read remarks from Commissioner Kangas, who could not be in attendance tonight

but wants to recognize Community Group Black Children Legacy Campaign, Her Health First.

Do we have Angeline Baker here tonight?

So I am new to all of this, so I didn't have, like, an official speech or anything.

I have remarks.

You have remarks.

Okay, great.

Yes.

One moment.

Thanks.

Don't feel bad.

I'm very new.

Okay.

Okay.

So Angeline A. Baker, Jr., was nominated for recognition tonight because he embodies servant leadership in all he does.

Angeline is the community incubator lead manager for the Black Children Legacy Campaign in Fruit Ridge Stockton area,

a nonprofit organization that unites the community in support of black children.

But his service to youth doesn't stop from the 9 to 5.

He frequently volunteers for youth-focused organizations,

spending time on his nights and weekends to show up for local students and community members,

or going to school board meetings to advocate for black youth and children with disabilities.

This week alone, Angeline will be at the Community Dialogue on Local Efforts to Improve Black Women, an event for maternal health equity hosted by UC Davis Health, as well as a panel discussion at UC Davis on partnering with community organizations to advance health equity.

He recently completed the City Management Academy through the City of Sacramento and a feminist at heart.

He recently obtained his master's degree in gender equity and education.

Beyond all this, Angeline is the kind of person who will drop off food

or keep someone company who is struggling in any neighborhood in need.

Angeline, Nikki Kangas, who could not be here tonight,

wishes to thank you with a big heart that makes our community brighter.

Got all this on TV.

It makes me cry up here.

It's crazy.

But I don't know.

like Nikki is a dear friend of mine, and I know she's, hopefully she's probably going to be watching this eventually,

so I want to make sure that I honor her in nominating me because she's somebody that's opened up kind of like my heart and my life a little bit.

I'm a very stoic person, and at most I'm kind of like a heat-seeking missile when it comes to things.

I don't expect anything in return.

I just know if something needs to get done, I just do it.

And so that's been my charge of my call, you know, growing up, you know, with loving parents, but still they worked.

And having to kind of take care of yourself in a sense, you know, have the key around your neck and being able to be self-sufficient and have the opportunity to cook your food on your own and do those sorts of things.

So if it wasn't for like youth centers and spaces that kind of wrap their arms around me and whatnot, who knows what my life would have turned into.

So as an adult, I just found it necessary to be able to give back in any way possible and be able to just take that charge on.

And just thankful for the community partners, the organization I work for, Black Child Legacy Campaign and the wonderful people at Her Health First and Black Mothers United,

Sacramento BHC, or also known as the Hub, my wonderful boss.

I think one of my counterparts, Alberto, is here well, so I want to make sure I honor him,

my mother, and my bonus dad, Max, who have always been there with me, and the countless

volunteers and people that I've been able to interact with throughout.

There's a gentleman that we know in the neighborhood, Mr. King.

He calls me Dr. Wings because I'm always like doing something or always on the go.

And, and, and as mentioned, like delivering things or, or, or doing something.

So, um, I guess, uh, all that to say that, you know, the, the, the recognition isn't

something that I expect or is required of me.

Please.

And thank yous are all, are all I need.

But, uh, sometimes it's nice to kind of get a, you know, get a handshake in front of some,

front of some people, some strangers and whatnot every once in a while.

So I'm humbled and just to my heart, just thank all of you for the work that the commission does and being part of the city management class and seeing all the inner workings of the city.

So hopefully in this next iteration of me, I'll be able to step it up a little bit more and contribute in a different fashion.

So thank you and God bless all of you.

All right, we are now going to head to District 6.

Thank you, Chair.

I would like to start with a shout out for Commissioner Kangas who has left their seat

but did not hesitate to sit down and meet with me and continue to recognize volunteers

after leaving their seats.

So thank you, Commissioner Kangas.

There are several categories to this award.

One of them is community enrichment, one of them is youth.

And when we discussed who should we nominate for youth award, Chanel Figueroa instantly

came to mind before the sentence was even completed.

Is someone here tonight with Chanel Figueroa?

Okay.

What I'd like to do is read these remarks from Commissioner Kingas to honor Chanel's

volunteerism, which I understand is quite significant in the Sacramento City Unified

school district. As an SUSD parent, I'm definitely a direct beneficiary of their work that they've

done on the school's website this summer. These remarks come from Commissioner Kingas.

Chanel Figueroa is a high school senior at the Met, which is an internship-based program,

and for her internships, Chanel has gravitated towards community service organizations

like Wellspring Women's Health, the office of former council member Katie Valenzuela,

the community outreach arm of the SUSD, and Mercy Housing.

She aspires to be a community organizer and immigration rights attorney.

For her junior year exhibition, Chanel's project was organizing a day of service

where high school volunteers could help organize the Homeless Education Services Resource Center,

which provides food, clothing, hygiene items, and more to unhoused youth and their families.

This year, Chanel is organizing volunteer days at three elementary school community gardens,

working with local businesses and CBOs to gather donations of materials while performing outreach

to the community to drive volunteer signups. Our volunteers are recruiting volunteers. That's what

I like to see. She's also created a youth conference called the Chicanx Conference,

Passions and Pathways, and is in the midst of developing another similar event this year

while working with SUSD's college and career readiness team

to try to get it sanctioned as an approved field trip

for students across the district.

Chanel's care and compassion shine through

in everything that she does,

and she's an inspiration to her peers

as well as the entire community.

Thank you, Chanel Figueroa.

And the next category that I am presenting tonight

would be community enrichment.

and when we discussed NorCal Resist,

if you are here, if you could please come up to the podium.

Community Enrichment, Nourishment, Nurturing, Community Care.

Maybe that's a good name for this award since you're receiving it.

These are also words that Commissioner Kangas has asked for me to read tonight.

NorCal Resist has become a lifeline for the Sacramento region

as a mutual aid and volunteer-based organization

that serves immigrant families and the whole community.

They provide mutual aid ICE bail funds, legal support, ICE-related legal accompaniment, day labor outreach, and have developed Meagre Watch to provide a mechanism for community members to report ICE sightings and keep an eye on their activities.

These supports are crucial for too many of our neighbors, especially in a time of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric, digital misinformation, racial profiling, and targeted legal violence.

In addition, NorCal Resist hosts food and diaper distributions, break light repair clinics,

know your rights information sessions, prisoner letter writing events, and so much more in

the spirit of We Protect Us.

They even have a community farm, Seeds of Solidarity, where any community member may

volunteer to help grow each other food.

Visit NorCalResist.org to learn more about their many programs that are keeping Sacramento

safer through volunteerism and community donations.

Thank you so much for all that you do for our community, NorCal Resist.

Thank you all.

My name is Yolanda Nelponoceno.

I'm here in representation with NorCal Resist.

My supervisor actually had to run out because we have another Know Your Rights presentation

at this moment.

I am a current pre-law student at Sacramento State.

I recently just transferred over here.

I actually did work for the Recreation Department back at home.

So it's been a quiet transition.

And I just have to say that it's been amazing being part of NorCal Resist as an intern.

I have a lot to learn and still like you know with the pre-law the program that I'm in it's

been a very quiet learning experience a whole new demographic we work with.

And yeah thank you all for this recognition to our organization and thank you for your

support.

All right, we're going to head to D7.

All right, thank you, Chair.

And before I call up my group for District 7,

I do want to take a little bit of point of privilege

and say thank you to the Chair.

Being called out a little bit earlier

and recognizing the former commissioners in 2018

when we started this

because we thought way back when

it's the power of saying thank you to everybody.

And as our first guest spoke about, you know, she's going to receive her flowers after, right?

But we felt like we should be giving the flowers today, right?

We said goodbye to one of our commissioners who served for about three to four years, right?

And it's important to physically do that gesture, right?

And it's also a cheat code in a sense, right?

We also recognized back then to have folks come to City Hall, it's being recorded.

So it's codified basically forever.

and just saying that thank you.

I know a lot of us do come to City Hall

to do the two-minute public speaking,

but this is in a different forum

where you get a little bit more time,

and we just want to give that space to say thank you.

So thank you, Chair,

recognizing those former commissioners from 2018,

and Ken, I know you said you're behind-the-scenes guys,

and you're in a room full of behind-the-scenes folks,

and just saying thank you sometimes.

We don't do things.

I'm a behind-the-scenes guy, too, myself in public service.

We don't do it for the thank you, but it's nice to be recognized.

And that just gives us that much more energy to do more service.

And because we do live next to parks, right, where one of the recipients say, hey, I'm going to go walk my dogs.

Hey, I'm going to go pick up some trash, right, because parks is part of our communities.

I know I worked with Megan Park way back when in my former District 5 commissionership, working with Charlie Park way back when.

And to hear the stories now, I mean, I've been sitting up here for a long time.

But to see it back then and to see it where it is now and saying the power of thank you is very heartwarming.

I'm crying.

We're supposed to cry.

This is the forum to cry on camera.

So that was the other achievable.

So I just wanted to take a point of privilege in that, recognizing former commissioners.

With that, on behalf of District 7, I'd like to call up my group, the Pocket Area Churches Together.

And this wasn't scripted or anything like that, but just being in this room full of volunteers,

this is a group that represents various churches within the District 7 Pocket Greenhaven area

where service is number one, right?

Via the church, via parks.

This year, myself and the District 7 Council Office, we partnered with Pocket Area Churches

together to do two enhancement projects in District 7.

We did one back in March at Zburg Park where it was a twofer there.

It was a tree planting at Zburg Park and a Del Rio trail, that segment of the trail cleanup.

It was a nice, beautiful day.

We had over 75 volunteers, and one of the best parts of that day was when one of the members from PAC, P-A-C-T,

uh she's you know in this 2025 the world has been a little uh crazy right and just being outside

being in community being in space with others just giving back giving that sweat equity uh to

fulfill that calling of service right within uh public service within church within community

and giving back to a tangible asset item like a trail uh and seeing the tears and just being

outside and being with other like-minded folks was she said it was rejuvenating the soul that

particular day um so when when the the event was over in march i got an email from carol and she

says hey we love this event so much just giving back that sweat equity can we do it again and so

i called up council member jennings and it's like hey they want to do something again and i called

up he's been mentioned already one uh again um dennis harris and and the volunteer team is like

hey, is there another opportunity for an enhancement event?

So we did one just a few weeks ago at Renfri Park,

where we planted another 15 trees at the park

with now over 60 volunteers just for the tree planting alone.

And again, one of the cheat codes in planting trees

that we all like to do is once you put that sweat equity in,

once you put in that tree in the ground,

we tell the folks, hey, name that tree,

because it'll be your forever tree.

If you took the time and effort to plant that tree, you get to name it, and then you can come back and see over the years that tree will grow because you did that.

There was a couple of neighbors who live adjacent to the park, got to plant a tree next to their own park.

And so it's just these thank yous and blessings that we do these efforts.

And just to see the thank yous, to see the power of just being in partnership, in spaces with each other, and having similar North Star goals.

We're just doing this in service, whether it's for receiving our blessings at the end, right, or we do the blessings today.

And so it is my honor to thank the pocket area churches together for their volunteerism in District 7 for their service giving back to our community.

Thank you so very much.

And a special shout out to Joe Flores, our commissioner, who made it all happen and made it so easy.

We have five different churches that get together.

We advertise, and it's a very special event because we're lifting up the message of care for creation,

which is part of our teachings of the church, getting to build community.

And what was so special was that we had such a good turnout of all age groups at every event.

From young to old, this last one at Ren Free Park, we had so many high school students.

the Girl Scouts we had

Ann here Lightstone who had done that

and it just builds great

communities so we want to thank all

of you for continuing your great work

with uplifting the parks because

it is a community space that we all

love and that we all need to

maintain so that we can

enjoy it for future

generations so thank you so much

from all of us from the FACT community

applause

applause

applause

My name is Rich Fowler, and I just want to say thank you to you all.

When we go to the park, the holes are already dug.

The trees are sitting there.

There are shovels.

There's everything that we need to do the work has already been done, and that's the job that you all do, and so we're really grateful for that.

The other thing that I want to just say thank you for doing this because we've just heard from a whole bunch of people who are also working in other parks.

So I want to just say thank you to all those people who you have honored because they're our brothers and sisters doing the work that needs to be done in this city.

So thank you all very much.

Thank you.

And all right, now we will head to last but not least,

District 8, which just happens to be my district.

And so I have two people that we are honoring tonight.

So the first person I would like to honor

is Marguerita Chavez from the Detroit neighborhood

and what's so funny about this one is when I when I reached out to the council district to say like

okay you know who should we who should we honor this year I was like you know I'm thinking Margarita

but I don't know anything about her except she's everywhere all the time doing everything for d8

so I was very excited that the council office stepped forward to help me write this because

I felt like just saying that you do everything all the time for everyone wouldn't be enough.

So I want to read this from Council Member Vang's office.

A fierce advocate and tireless volunteer, Margarita Chavez is the heart of the Detroit

neighborhood and the eyes and ears on the ground for the District 8 office in the City

of Sacramento.

Her deep understanding of city processes and reporting not only keeps her informed but

enables her to serve her community with intention, knowledge, and heart.

You'll find Margarita picking up trash on her block leading park cleanups and showing up day after day without ever seeking recognition

A past recipient of the mayor's woman of the year award and a 2025 state of district 8 volunteer of the year. She remind

Yes, she reminds us that leadership isn't about titles. It's about presence consistency and deep care

So thank you so much for all you do for district 8. Thank you. Thank you

First of all, I'm very grateful and humbled to be here and being recognized,

and also for the gentleman that just said from the church,

to thank every other district and everybody that has gotten an award,

and that you let them speak and tell their little story.

I came to this area 28 years ago on District 8,

and I was just going for a walk for half weeks, and I started noticing things.

started calling 311.

So I'm kind of one of the persons that they know me so well.

And I do log it into my journal.

Every time I call, every incident is logged in.

Anyway, so, but then in 2015 at the end,

I got a notification or a letter to come to the school.

They were going to try to get the association started again

because it kind of not existed anymore.

But thanks to Larry Carr and Councilman Larry Carr and Councilman Rick Jennings, because our community was split into two districts.

And I never seen two men believe in me so much.

I don't know where they knew me, but they seem like believing me.

And I believe in myself, but just having that extra, you know, belief that just got me started and just wanted to do more.

And then we had grants for the school and grants for the park because the park is for the school.

But because now we could share it on the weekends and on the summertime for the community.

And that made such a big difference.

And then we had a mural and so many things, other things that, you know.

And also I want to, if I can say, that my chosen family is here with me today.

These are my what River City Waterway Alliance volunteers team right here and

We're actually what is the name of the part that we're clean over there?

Way to Parkway see we're cleaning

Yes, we're cleaning that area and still head Creek and

Just like what a week ago. We saw three or two

Salmon going up because we have continued to be cleaning it that so much thousands and thousands

and David, our leader, knows exactly.

He knows all the data, but to this day,

from almost three years ago,

it'll be three years ago, on January 13th,

we're almost hitting 3. million pounds of trash picked up.

We hit it yesterday.

Oh, we did?

Woo-hoo!

And like I said, we have family, right?

But when you choose those people, you know,

We work together.

We sweat together.

We laugh together.

And later we eat together and we go to eat.

You know, that's one of our things.

We don't get paid, but we get to eat together.

And it's just like that's our chosen family.

And that's what I just like to leave you with you all,

that also this is like another chosen family, you know.

We're in it together for the betterment of Sacramento City,

the parks, family, you know.

That's what it's all about.

Thank you.

How many 3-1-1s have you done?

I just want to say a quick word to Margarita.

Thank you for your effort.

I've seen you for years and I follow you on Facebook and I see Mark's here.

And, you know, I've been to a couple of your cleanups over the years and just admirable what you guys do.

I'm grateful for your efforts.

All right.

And our next volunteer recognition.

So this falls under D8 because I was the person who nominated, but this is one for the entire city.

So an at-large one.

and it's for community enrichment for Jennifer Kidwell of Good Vibes and Strides.

So it is my honor and privilege to nominate Jennifer Kidwell, founder of Good Vibes and Strides,

for this Volunteer Recognition Award.

Good Vibes and Strides is the largest all-girl walking club in the Sacramento area.

Each month, Good Vibes and Strides offers a free walk in local parks, neighborhoods,

and other scenic areas with one goal that no girl walks alone even with

hundreds of walkers Jenny and her team ensure that every girl feels seen and

part of the community where everyone belongs and I go to all those walks I

can attest that that is true no girl walks alone we have people from mothers

with little teen tiny babies who come all the way to seniors and there's

always community there a few years ago Jenny was diagnosed with rheumatoid

arthritis and walking became one of her go-to workouts to help manage her

disease. As she walked around Sacramento the idea for Good Vibes and Strides was

born. Even though Jenny has her hands full as a wife, mother, business owner, and

founder of a nonprofit organization supporting girls in foster care, she

still found space to ensure women and girls of all ages have a chance to meet

and build community. So thank you so much for all that you do.

How cool is God?

Honestly, I have to give all glory to him because this,

only he could turn a autoimmune disease and give it purpose and beauty.

So I want to first of all thank him.

This is something so cool.

Thank you so much, Janine, for seeing the purpose behind this

and the mission behind Good Vibes and Strides and being there and nominating us,

but also volunteering your time.

I also have, I was so surprised I saw two of my friends, but also volunteers that have helped with Good Vibes and Strides in the back.

And so I want them to stand up, too, because they are there at each event.

So Sonia and Allison, if they could stand up.

They're taping me.

I didn't know they were going to be here.

So thanks.

But there are so many women that have come alongside and seen the vision behind this.

One woman that I have to honor, I could not stand up here today without honoring, is my mother.

My mother, for 30 years, has dedicated her time to a nonprofit.

She was actually the founder of Glass Slipper, which I have seen her start when I was in seventh grade.

So I'm really dating myself by telling you it's been almost 30 years.

But she instilled in me that you go above and beyond.

This has been a volunteer-driven organization the entire time.

And so I saw her work full time and then spend her time dedicating it to women in our community and girls.

And she really gave girls, it was mostly women that were transitioning out of an escaping a violent environment or getting back on their feet.

And then we started working in 2002 with girls in foster care.

And so she instilled in me to give a voice to the voiceless and to not let any woman not feel seen or valued.

And so honestly, that's what's transpired into what it is that I'm doing.

So honestly, I feel like she should be getting this award because she's been the backbone for me all these years.

And she's also been the supporter of me starting Good Vibes and Strides.

So I want to thank her.

I also want to thank my husband because he's the man behind the scenes doing all of the hard work.

And yes, we are women power and girl power, but like it's so nice to have some strong men behind us supporting us.

So I want to thank him and honor him.

I want to also honor my stepdad and my father for also helping with that.

But honestly, thank you so much.

We are so excited for 2026.

I had no idea that it was going to grow to what it is, but I'm excited to be able to give back to what is most important to me, which is foster care.

so keep a lookout to see what we will be doing for in 2026 how we'll be raising money for kids

in foster care but I'm super excited so thank you so much all right so that was our last

recognition so what we're going to do is if all of our awardees would like to come forward get

your certificate we're going to take a group photo we do still have like business as a commission

that we have to take care of.

So after that photo, we will continue the meeting,

but we will stick around if people want

to take individual photos with us.

That sounds weird, like we're celebrities,

but if you guys want to take individual photos with us,

we will make sure that we stay put

at the conclusion of the meeting.

So at this point, though, if all of our honorees

want to come forward for a group photo

and to get your certificates.

Thank you.

She's like, I'm here.

All right.

Squeeze in there and photo time.

One large group photo right now.

Margarita, where's the banner?

Oh, wait.

Oh, it's a white.

Oh, my goodness.

I don't know if we can get everybody.

if you could scoot in it would be a lot it would be helpful if you guys could

all of them

What's the birdie?

All right, commissioners, we still have a meeting.

So.

And everyone, before you head out, just so you guys know,

there is a reception after in the lobby.

So.

Yes, so feel free to stick around because there is a reception in the lobby after.

You don't have to leave.

You do get to hang out with us.

All right, thank you clerk. Are there any members of the public who wish to speak on this item?

I have no speaker slips on this item. Thank you. Are there any commissioners who wish to speak on

this item? I think we all spoke. Excellent. So this item is to present the awards only. No vote

is required and we will now move on to the next item which is commissioner comments, ideas,

and questions. Are there any commissioners who would like to speak on this item?

All right.

I think everyone wants to party.

So the next item is public comments.

Matters not on the agenda.

Clerk, are there any members of the public who wish to speak on public comments?

I have no speaker slips.

All right.

Well, then that concludes today's agenda.

Thank you, everyone, for your participation.

And this meeting is officially adjourned.

And folks, we do have parking passes up front here.

We'll make another announcement out there for the folks who already stepped outside.

Yes, and then my commissioners, we're going to stick around for a second.