OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Parks and Community Enrichment Commission Meeting - February 5, 2026

Other — Thursday, February 5, 2026
BodySacramento, California
SessionOther
DateThursday, February 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:54:45
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

All right, good evening.

0:29

and welcome to the February 5th, 2026 Parks and Community Enrichment Commission meeting.

0:36

The meeting is now called to order.

0:38

Clerk, will you please call the roll to establish a quorum?

0:43

Thank you, Chair.

0:44

Commissioner Langer?

0:47

Commissioner Yearby?

0:49

Here.

0:50

Commissioner Robbins?

0:51

Present.

0:52

Commissioner Labor?

0:54

Here.

0:55

Commissioner King?

0:56

Here.

0:57

Chair Gaines?

0:57

Here.

0:59

Commissioner Vasquez? Here. Commissioner Flores? Here. Commissioner Lange? Here. And Commissioner Boone? Absent. Thank you. We have a quorum.

1:12

Thank you. So I would like to remind members of the public in chambers that if you would like to speak on an agenda item to please turn in a speaker slip before the item begins.

1:21

and after the item is called, we will no longer accept speaker slips.

1:25

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

1:29

and we will now proceed with today's agenda.

1:32

So first, we are going to start with a land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:36

So if you will please rise.

1:41

So this opening acknowledgement is in honor of Sacramento's indigenous people and tribal lands.

1:46

So to the original people of this land, the Nisanan people, the Southern Maidu, Valley

1:51

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

1:56

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

2:00

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

2:05

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

2:10

peoples' history, contributions, and lives.

2:13

Miigwech.

2:13

Thank you.

2:14

please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:17

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

2:20

and to the republic for which it stands,

2:24

one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

2:29

You may be seated.

2:38

All right.

2:40

All right, so up next is approval of the consent calendar.

2:46

Clerk, are there any members of the public

2:47

who wish to speak on the consent calendar?

2:50

Thank you, Chair, I have no speakers for this item.

2:53

All right, are there any commissioners

2:55

who would like to speak on this item?

3:01

All right, seeing none, is there a motion

3:06

and a second for the consent calendar?

3:10

I motion.

3:13

All right.

3:14

So we have a motion from Commissioner Robbins and a second from Commissioner Labor.

3:18

All in favor of passing the consent calendar, say aye.

3:21

Aye.

3:22

Opposed?

3:24

Abstain?

3:26

All right.

3:26

The motion passes.

3:28

All right.

3:29

So before we jump into the discussion calendar, we have a new commissioner who I'm excited to introduce.

3:41

So Commissioner Lang is our new mayoral commissioner.

3:48

So I'd love for you to introduce yourself.

3:51

Absolutely.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████████████████████████████69%
Community Engagement█████████████████26%
Procedural███4%
Budget and Finance█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Parks and Community Enrichment Commission Meeting - February 5, 2026

The Parks and Community Enrichment Commission (PCEC) met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included approval of consent calendar items, presentations on the Expanded Learning Program and Volunteer in Parks (VIP) Program, discussion and approval of revisions to the Volunteer Recognition Program, an update on 916 Day, and a staff report noting a $66.2 million projected budget gap for FY 2026-27. Ten commissioners were present (Commissioner Boone arrived late and left early; Commissioner Lang was introduced as a new mayoral appointee). The meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the Parks and Community Enrichment Commission Meeting Minutes from January 15, 2026 (File ID: 2026-00124).
  • Approved the Parks and Community Enrichment Follow Up Log (File ID: 2026-00262).
  • Received and filed the 2026 Planned Commission Presentation Topics (File ID: 2026-00476). All consent items passed unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Robbins, seconded by Commissioner Laver.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Lambert Davis (public speaker) praised the Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment (YPSI) under Director Jackie Beecham, highlighting community programs in Del Paso Heights and noting that his family's cheesecake business was patronized by the department. He also announced that their cheesecakes would be featured at a pre-Super Bowl event and distributed a QR code for his business.
  • Later, Lambert Davis returned during 916 Day discussion to express support for making 916 Day a year-round initiative, calling it "outside-the-box thinking."
  • One public comment was provided during Expanded Learning Program update (same speaker, Lambert Davis, reiterating appreciation for YPSI).
  • No public comments were made on the Volunteer Recognition Program update or VIP Program update.

Discussion Items

4. Expanded Learning Program Annual Update (File ID: 2026-00479)

  • Joyce Winger Johnson, Recreation Superintendent, presented an update on three programs: Sacramento START (30th anniversary), the 4th R program (40th anniversary), and Summer Oasis in the Parks. Sacramento START serves five locations under the ACES grant, all at capacity with waiting lists. The 4th R program operates in 17 locations across three school districts, serving over 2,800 students. Summer Oasis in the Parks operates at William Land Park and North Natomas, with 120 spots each last year and plans to expand to reduce waitlists.
  • Key partnerships include 7-Eleven (backpack drive), SAC PD, Food Literacy, United Way, Playworks, Girl Scouts, Running for Rhett, Sacramento Food Bank, and 4-H.
  • Commissioner Langer asked about participation in statewide expanded learning networks; staff noted membership in Region 3 meetings through CDE.
  • The item was received and filed.

5. Volunteer in Parks (VIP) Program Update (File ID: 2026-00478)

  • Sarah Musser, Park Maintenance Superintendent, reported sustained growth in volunteer engagement. Participation increased across every month compared to the prior year, with February and March showing 122% and 118% increases (peak tree planting times). Over 1,000 volunteer constituents are now in the database. The program transitioned from ActiveNet to Better Impact volunteer management platform to improve engagement and communication. A new volunteer trailer has been acquired to support events. Branding standards are being updated. Staff will continue to streamline processes and expand outreach partnerships.
  • Commissioner Vasquez requested district-level data on volunteer participation; staff explained that address-based breakdowns are difficult but can provide event attendance by district. She also suggested outreach to existing ActiveNet users to migrate to the new system.
  • Commissioner Flores acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work and the unified QR code system.
  • Commissioner Laver asked about partnerships with school districts and nonprofits; staff confirmed a large database of contacts.
  • Commissioner King asked about protecting volunteer data from campaign use; staff confirmed data is not shared for such purposes and noted that the Better Impact system is citywide, allowing cross-departmental volunteer coordination.
  • Chair Gaines requested that future sponsorship opportunities allow donations for specific events (e.g., snacks).
  • The item was reviewed and discussed.

6. Volunteer Recognition Program Update (File ID: 2026-00477)

  • Shannon Brown, Assistant Director, presented a revision to the 2018 Volunteer Recognition Program based on previous commission direction. Proposed changes: (1) Move award ceremony to the beginning of a PCEC meeting (at chair/vice chair discretion). (2) Hold awards in September to align with 916 Day (or other month per commission). (3) Replace previous categories (youth, parks, community enrichment) with a framework based on the department's mission, vision, and values (with sub-values like safety, stewardship, enjoyment, etc.). A sample nomination form was provided.
  • Commissioners debated: Commissioner Vasquez preferred simplification and suggested January for the ceremony (avoiding budget discussions in February and fall busyness). Commissioner Uribe supported the new framework as more inclusive. Commissioner King initially favored September but later agreed to January. Commissioner Langer noted September is busy for families and suggested that the values sub-categories could be clearer. Commissioner Flores recommended calling it "nomination contributions" instead of categories. Chair Gaines suggested adding "citywide" to the council district field on the form.
  • After discussion, a motion by Commissioner Uribe, seconded by Commissioner Laver, passed (9-0-1, with Commissioner Boone absent) to approve the revised Volunteer Recognition Program with edits: use "nomination contributions" instead of categories, add the department's values as a heading under vision, add "citywide" option for district, and hold the ceremony at the beginning of a January meeting (month to be determined by chair/vice chair).

7. 916 Day Updates (File ID: 2026-00480)

  • Deanna (staff) explained that 916 Day will now be a year-round initiative, with events led by council members or commissioners. Events can include tree plantings, park cleanups, painting, etc. Staff will work with commissioners to identify locations, partnerships, and logistics. Two task forces (sponsorships and marketing) will be formed.
  • Commissioner Flores volunteered for marketing; Commissioner Vasquez volunteered for sponsorships. Commissioner King suggested reusable lawn signs with QR codes and a shared calendar of events.
  • Commissioner Vasquez noted the need for consistent communication about community engagement meetings, using the example of an upcoming meeting at Earl Warren Park regarding a playground arson.
  • Commissioner Laver asked about a volunteer event at Southside Park led by an outside group; staff clarified that events led by council members or commissioners qualify as 916 events, while outside-group-led events are regular VIP events.
  • The item was received and filed.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar approved unanimously (Motion: Robbins/Laver).
  • Volunteer Recognition Program approved with edits (Motion: Uribe/Laver; 9-0-1). Staff will revise the nomination form and guidelines accordingly. The ceremony will be placed at the beginning of a meeting, likely in January, subject to chair/vice chair decision.
  • VIP Program discussed; no formal action taken (receive and file). Staff will explore district-level data and sponsorship options.
  • Expanded Learning Program received and filed.
  • 916 Day update received and filed; task forces for marketing and sponsorships will be formed with Commissioner Flores and Commissioner Vasquez volunteering.
  • Staff Report provided: PCEC annual report to City Council on February 24, 2026; park rangers had 859 calls for service in January; a senior woodstock event on April 16; and a projected $66.2 million budget gap for FY 2026-27. The budget director will present to the commission in March.
  • Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Vasquez requested updates on the 28th & B Skate Park; Commissioner King invited commissioners to a pizza party for park maintenance staff on February 13; Commissioner Laver noted a trash dash at McKinley Park on February 22 and a Mardi Gras event at McClatchy Park; Commissioner Langer thanked staff for a successful memorial tree planting.
  • Public Comments: Lambert Davis spoke on matters not on the agenda, promoting his cheesecake business and praising YPSI.
  • The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 PM.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening. and welcome to the February 5th, 2026 Parks and Community Enrichment Commission meeting. The meeting is now called to order. Clerk, will you please call the roll to establish a quorum? Thank you, Chair. Commissioner Langer? Commissioner Yearby? Here. Commissioner Robbins? Present. Commissioner Labor? Here. Commissioner King? Here. Chair Gaines? Here. Commissioner Vasquez? Here. Commissioner Flores? Here. Commissioner Lange? Here. And Commissioner Boone? Absent. Thank you. We have a quorum. Thank you. So I would like to remind members of the public in chambers that if you would like to speak on an agenda item to please turn in a speaker slip before the item begins. and after the item is called, we will no longer accept speaker slips. You will have two minutes to speak once you are called on, and we will now proceed with today's agenda. So first, we are going to start with a land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance. So if you will please rise. So this opening acknowledgement is in honor of Sacramento's indigenous people and tribal lands. So to the original people of this land, the Nisanan 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. Miigwech. 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. You may be seated. All right. All right, so up next is 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 speakers for this item. All right, are there any commissioners who would like to speak on this item? All right, seeing none, is there a motion and a second for the consent calendar? I motion. All right. So we have a motion from Commissioner Robbins and a second from Commissioner Labor. All in favor of passing the consent calendar, say aye.

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