Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program
Participants Bio
Andrea Adkins
Economic Development Director
City of Leavenworth
Andrea Adkins is the Economic Development Director for the City of Leavenworth. Andrea received her
undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Iowa University and her MBA from Webster
University. Andrea has more than a decade of experience in the communications industry with areas of expertise
that include publishing, marketing, communications, public relations and advertising. While building a noteworthy
portfolio in communications, her tenure included work at every level from sales and business development to
executive leadership. Her leadership proved successful in breaking into emerging markets and pioneering an
innovative start-up business venture, giving her an adept knowledge of effective marketing and promotion
practices, as well as a solid grasp of corporate viability. In a testament to her professional accomplishments and
personal involvement, Andrea has received a number of awards including the Athena Businesswoman of the Year
Award in 2003, an accolade that can be attributed to her strong spirit, progressive nature and dedication to her
career and community.
A strong advocate of philanthropic work, she has dedicated countless hours of sweat equity to assisting numerous
charitable efforts from strategic planning expertise to event planning. Andrea has served in leadership roles in
many local, state and national organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, in which she served as president
of both the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Division of the Chamber of
Commerce; the Leavenworth County Development Corporation; Leavenworth County CASA Program; the Lions
Club; Operation International; and the Leavenworth-Lansing Leadership Program, among others.
Robert Bauer
Owner
Checkmark
A long-time Merced County farmer, Mr. Bauer has operated a ranch in the Snelling area for over 30 years. In 1998,
he was appointed District Research Analyst for Merced Community College and was responsible for the analysis
and reporting of student enrollment data; the college’s student assessment system; and curriculum research
management. He served as a member of numerous California state assessment taskforce and working group
activities and was co-author of an extensive review and recommendation for statewide ESL assessments in 2008.
Having served the Merced-based non-profit Healthy House in areas of the budget, grant and program evaluation
and grant writing, Mr. Bauer was appointed Executive Director of Healthy House in Oct. 2008. Leaving Healthy
House in 2010, he started a consultancy named Checkmark to provide evaluation, data collection and grant-writing
services for non-profits and community organizations. Mr. Bauer holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
at California State University.
Ron Baza
Adjunct Professor
South Western College
Dr. Ron Baza is the President of Ron Baza & Associates, Inc., an independent consulting firm specializing in human
resources management, organizational development & change management, strategic planning & decision
making, board/staff development & succession planning programs, executive coaching & mentorship programs,
economic development/workforce training & diversity programs, community & organizational leadership
development and program, operations and facilities management initiatives. Since 2000, Dr. Baza & his associates
have worked with the boards of directors and executive management staff within a broad spectrum of
1
organizations from the nonprofit, for profit, academic and government sectors. He and his associates’ work
focuses on performance improvement, organizational effectiveness and change efforts, as well as new program
development.
Dr. Baza is also an Adjunct Professor/Lecturer at the University of San Diego and Southwestern College. He has
taught undergraduate courses (Leadership in Organizations, Leadership & Diversity in Organizations, and
Leadership in Youth & Human Services Programs/Nonprofits) & a graduate course (The Learning Organization) at
the School of Leadership & Education Sciences and the School of Business respectively at the University of San
Diego. He also teaches Operations Management, Human Resources & Labor Relations, Community, Economic &
Urban Planning, and Community & Collaborative Leadership courses at Southwestern College’s School of Business
in Chula Vista, California and Otay Mesa Higher Education Center. Ron has a B.A. in Social Science (San Diego State
University), an M.A. in Human Behavior with an emphasis on Urban Studies and Community Development (United
States International University), and an Ed.D. in Leadership Studies (University of San Diego).
Prior to establishing his own firm, Ron previously worked for thirteen years with Hughes Electronics Corporation as
a Human Resources Executive, nine years with the State of California in various leadership positions with the
Department of Fair Employment & Housing, the State Labor Commissioner’s Office, and the California
Conservation Corps (a young adult training & employment program), and three years with the County of San
Diego’s Housing Authority and Human Relations Commission.
David Brletic
City Planner
City of Reedley
David Brletic is the City Planner for the City of Reedley. He has been employed with the City of Reedley for fifteen
years (15). He is responsible for long range planning, land use entitlement processing, affordable housing
development, redevelopment, and the Building Division.
David serves as staff to the Redevelopment Agency, working in the areas of property acquisition and sales. He also
works on business retention and attraction and administers the City of Reedley Downtown Streetscape District
(small business assessment district). This year he attended the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Global Retail Real Estate Convention and also the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Western
Division Conference.
Some of the development projects he has worked on during his service with the City of Reedley include:
Walgreens, Rite Aid, Fresh & Easy, Market, new industrial facilities, new public parks, large public infrastructure,
and numerous residential subdivisions.
He is a Member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the California Chapter of APA and a member of
the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP).
He was born in Reedley and attended Reedley College. He attended California State University Fresno and
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.
He is married to Jeannie and they have three children; India (18), Samuel (15), and Hannah (13). The oldest started
her first semester at Fresno State.
Dan Buffalo
Economic Development Manager
City of Lakeport
Dan is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Lakeport, a newly created position he was appointed to
on July 1, 2010. Lakeport is a community of over 5,100 residents, but as the county seat, it enjoys a population of
over 15,000 during normal business hours. During summer months, that number can well exceed 20,000
daily. The City borders beautiful Clear Lake in Lake County, the northern border county to Napa and the largest
contiguous natural lake in the state with abundant natural features, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. The
lake is best known for its fishing – ESPN Bass Masters includes Clear Lake on its annual tournament circuit, and it is
ranked as one of the top bass fishing lakes in the nation. The City is a rural community. It’s primary industry is
2
government (education and local), professional services, and tourism (vacation, recreation, etc.), though the wine
industry has moved into the region aggressively over the last 10 years. There are over 20 wine makers located in
Lake County as well as numerous small “mom and pop” grape growers and wine makers scattered throughout the
region.
Dan has over 10 years of experience in government, ranging from the state down to the local level. He has a
background in environmental regulatory management (he was hired by the City originally to manage its
environmental regulatory requirements for water, wastewater, and storm water) and local government
administration, budgeting, and finance. Dan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of
California, Davis and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California – Fight
On, Trojans!. He is a member of MMANC and is studying to earn the designation as a Certified Government
Finance Manager through the AGA. Dan is married and has two young children.
Renee Chapman
Consultant
Amador Economic Development Corporation
Community Development, Grant Proposals, Project Development: including project scoping, strategic and business
planning, data collection, funding research and other related services,
ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Amador Community College Foundation, Board Member
Amador Regional Planning Committee, Public Member-At-Large
Amador County Historical Society, Member
PERSONAL INTERESTS/HOBBIES
Hiking/running, grandkids, gardening, writing, flying
Reason for attending the workshop:
Being new to the field of economic development, I would like to learn more about how my services can be an
asset to my community in the areas of economic and community development.
Paula Chiarmonte
Senior Research Analyst
Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance, Inc.
Trained as an academic research librarian, Paula is Senior Research Analyst at the Stanislaus County Alliance for
Economic Development and Workforce Training. Prior to her current position, Paula served as Fund Development
Director at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Formerly, she was a management and fundraising consultant to nonprofit
and public sector organizations, both with her own firm in Sacramento, and with several national firms. She has
been a librarian, fundraiser, and research analyst in New York, North Carolina, and California.
Paula began her academic librarian career at Cornell University where she was an architecture librarian.
Subsequently, she was an art librarian at the State University of New York. Her publication record includes a
definitive bibliography in art history, a book on Volunteer Management, and numerous articles on fundraising.
Obtaining her certification in Planned Giving at Long Beach State, Paula has conducted trainings throughout
California on charitable estate planning. She specialized in fundraising for libraries, through public-private
partnerships.
Having recently completed a Health Care Report on Stanislaus County, she is currently pursuing her interest in
public health; focusing on the social and economic determinants of health care. She reads extensively, swims
competitively, and practices yoga.
3
Larry Cope
Director of Economic Development
Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority
Larry Cope is the Director of Economic Development for the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority
(TCEDA) in Sonora, California. The TCEDA is a joint partnership between Tuolumne County and the City of Sonora.
He is responsible for the retention and recruitment of businesses for Tuolumne County. He is currently the
Chairman of the Central Sierra Economic Partnership, a regional Economic Development group. He currently serves
on the Tuolumne County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Board as well as the new (Tuolumne County) Business Alliance
Advisory Board.
Mr. Cope also serves on a board member of TEAM California, the California Downtown Association and serves as a
board member of the California Association of Local Economic Development (CALED), Prior to his position in
Sonora, he served as Executive Director of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation in Gilroy, California and
the Chairman of the Board for both the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance and the Central Coast
Marketing Team.
He is a 2007 Graduate of the California Downtown Association Institute, 2003 graduate of the Community
Development Institute, 2001 graduate of the Economic Development Institute, and a 2001 graduate of the
National Development Council’s Economic Development Finance Professional Institute. He holds National
Certifications of PCED, (Professional Community and Economic Developer), EDFP (Economic Development Finance
Professional) and a (CDP) Certified Downtown Professional.
Currently, Mr. Cope teaches technology and e-marketing at various conferences in California. He has taught
marketing at the Economic Development Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and advanced year community and
economic development studies at the Community Development Institute in Conway, Arkansas. He was a guest
speaker at Kansas State University on economic development from 2002-2005.
He is married to Kimberly Teter-Cope who is a transportation planner.
Vittorio DiCarlo
Economic Development Liaison
Irvine Chamber of Commerce
My title is Business & Economic Liaison for the Irvine Chamber of Commerce in Irvine, CA. I’m a Communications
graduate from CSU Fullerton and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Veteran Student Association,
and Titan Rugby team. I am a veteran of the armed forces, and have a background in public relations and corporate
communications. In my spare time I enjoy surfing, mtn. biking, and traveling.
Claudia Dunn
Administrative/Special Events Manager
Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation
Claudia Dunn works with the newly created Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) in a
professional capacity, responsible for the development and implementation of special events as well as general
administrative services related to the organization’s infrastructure evolution and development. She works directly
with the SCVEDC Executive Director, Board of Directors and partner organizations in the accomplishment of their
strategic focus, which includes business retention/development and the recruitment of Aerospace, Biomedical,
Homeland Security, Green Technologies, Construction, Professional Services, Automotive Technologies and
Entertainment companies to the Santa Clarita Valley.
Claudia began her employment with the SCVEDC only one month ago, after electing to take an early retirement from
the City of Los Angeles. A 29-year Los Angeles City Employee whose background spanned a variety of legislative, policy,
administrative and community engagement arenas, Claudia worked in Executive Management positions throughout the
Department of Neighborhood Empowerment, Office of the City Clerk, Los Angeles Police Department, Community
Development and Housing Departments, to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from
UCLA, a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Long Beach, and is
4
a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha Public Administration Society. A great deal of Claudia’s “free” time is spent volunteering
with competitive youth soccer organizations in the capacity of team management, budgeting, special events
and fundraising. Claudia’s two adult children attend universities in San Francisco and she currently resides with
her husband in Valencia, California.
Jaime Fall
Deputy Secretary
Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Jaime Fall was appointed Deputy Secretary, Employment and Workforce Development, for the California Labor and
Workforce Development Agency by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and confirmed unanimously by the
California Senate to provide policy and guidance to California’s $11 billion workforce system and the nearly 9,000
employees that make up the California Workforce Investment Board, the Employment Development Department,
and the Employment Training Panel. Jaime also has served as the agency’s economic development and
international trade liaison, with oversight of the California Business Investment Services Office charged with
helping businesses maintain, expand, or locate their operations in California.
In addition to these duties, Governor Schwarzenegger recently appointed Jaime to serve on the Governor’s
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Task Force. The Task force is charged with tracking the ARRA funding
coming into the state; working with President Barack Obama’s administration; helping cities, counties, non-profits,
and others access the available funding; ensuring that the funding funneled through the state is spent efficiently
and effectively; and maintaining a Web site (www.recovery.ca.gov) that is frequently and thoroughly updated for
Californians to be able to track the stimulus dollars.
Previously, Jaime spent more than a decade in Washington DC where his employers included the U.S. Department
of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, Fall Communications, a marketing and public relations
company founded by he and his wife, devoted to providing subject matter expertise on workforce development
projects, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, and a member of Congress.
Jaime was born and raised in Kansas. He worked his way through college as a journalist and broadcaster before
earning his bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News from the University of Kansas.
Bret Harmon
Information Services Manager
MuniServices, LLC
Bio not Available.
Jill Harris
Project Manager
Siskiyou County Economic Development Council
I am a new Program Manager for the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council. Really new as this is my
first week on the job! I have been the Executive Director of the Yreka Chamber of Commerce for the past year and
half. I am looking forward to the new opportunities for education in economic development for myself and for the
opportunity to play a role in economic development for Siskiyou County.
I have lived in Yreka for 10 years. I am married and have two daughters ages 5 & 8. When I’m not engaged in my
daughters’ activities I enjoy outdoor recreation, travel and shopping. I serve on the board of directors for the
Siskiyou Family YMCA and am a member of Yreka Rotary.
5
Devon Lendsey
Consultant
Lendsey Consulting Services
Devon Lendsey is a non-profit and small business consultant with over 10 years of experience designing strategic
business systems and proprietary operational models. He has worked with many small and medium sized
companies; assisting strategic plans, maximizing critical path performance, and generating fund development
strategies.
Devon has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix, Southern California
Campus. He is currently earning his Masters Degree in Public Administration from California State University,
Bakersfield. Devon is presently conducting research in public policy and developing a sustainable economic
development model designed to stabilize and grow small business, and stimulate job creation.
Devon’s passion for business and economic development began in 1993 with his successful completion of Southern
California Edison’s, in association with the University of Southern California, Academy of Business Leadership.
Devon furthered his interest in business by successfully completing the General Motors Corporation’s Leaning
Applied Business Program in 1996.
In 2001, Devon completed the Eastside Business Assistance Center’s Entrepreneurial Development program. In
2004, he was asked to return as an instructor and received recognition for “Outstanding Contribution to
Entrepreneurship in the City of Los Angeles.” In 2001 he received a certificate of completion in Leadership in Public
Affairs from CORO, Los Angeles. During that time he worked closely with the Department of Neighborhood
Empowerment, civic leaders, and other community members to form one of the first Neighborhood Councils in the
City of Los Angeles.
As a business owner Devon proved a commitment to professional development and completed extensive training
in real estate, management, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, human resource management, taxation, credit,
and sales. In addition to professional development, he also proved his commitment to community leadership. As
an entrepreneur he served as a Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, welcoming and assisting new
business within the city.
Julie Meadows
Executive Assistant
Siskiyou County Economic Development Council
I work for the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council. I have been with this organization for the past 5
years as the Administrative Assistant and have recently been promoted to Executive Assistant. The SCEDC
manages the Siskiyou Enterprise Zone which serves 9 cities and the county. I manage the voucher program for the
Enterprise Zone and year to date have processed 400 tax credit vouchers for employers in Siskiyou County.
I am a lifetime resident of Siskiyou County. I am married and live with my husband in the community of Lake
Shastina. In addition to my job, I am taking classes to get my degree in Business Administration. I enjoy spending
time with my two grown daughters and grandson. My hobbies include hiking, biking and listening to Elvis.
Marlene Murphey
Executive Director
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Fresno
Marlene Murphey, Executive Director for the Redevelopment Agency, has been involved in community and
redevelopment in Fresno for over 30 years. Under her leadership the Fresno Redevelopment Agency has been
instrumental in bringing over 300 new residential units to Downtown, along with the development of Downtown’s
first new grocery store in over 20 years.
Ms. Murphey played a key role in development of the West Fresno Regional Center- the largest commercial project
in West Fresno in over a decade that includes health and human services along with the area’s first library.
6
In March 2010, the Fresno Redevelopment Agency, in partnership with the Regional Medical Center, was honored
with a state-wide “California Redevelopment Association Award of Excellence” for its role in the expansion of the
58-acre, $350 million Community Regional Medical Center Campus.
Traci Myers
Economic Development Manager
City of Tulare
Traci has over fifteen years of economic development experience, inclusive of non-profit, private and public sector
organizations. She began her economic development career with the City of Visalia and is currently working in the
capacity of Economic Development Manager for the City of Tulare.
Career highlights: Participation on High Speed Rail Committee and lobbying activities for recognition of a stop in
Tulare County; Participation in Sacramento Hearings on Targeted Tax Area Expansion; Contribution to over 3
million sf of new industrial buildings in City of Visalia; Contribution to creation of over 2000 new jobs in Tulare
County; Guest Speaker at Cal Poly University on topic of Economic Development.
Organizational affiliations: Currently serving on the Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Downtown
Tulare Vision 2040 Committee and Tulare County Business Response Team.
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree, Organizational Leadership  Fresno Pacific University, Visalia, CA
Associate of Science & Arts Degree, English/Political Science Emphasis  College of the Sequoias, Visalia, CA
ABA Accredited Paralegal Certification  College of the Sequoias, Visalia, CA
Hobbies: Enjoys family time camping and traveling, scuba diving and free-lance writing for local publications.
Traci is married to Lewis and has two children, Emily age 14 and Ethan age 11.
Cecelia Nichols-Fritzler
Assistant of the City Manager
City of Oakley
Cecelia Nichols-Fritzler joined the City of Oakley in 2003. As the Assistant to the City Manager, she performs a
wide variety of complex administrative, program and analysis work in support of activities and functions in the City
Manager’s Office. Additionally, Cecelia manages several departmental budgets and is also responsible for the
design, implementation, administration, monitoring and evaluation of various City programs in the areas of
organization development, policy and budget development, public information programs as well as manages the
City’s Human Resources Division.
Cecelia is a lifelong resident of East Contra Costa County and is very familiar with the region’s history. She is
completing her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the California State University East Bay and
resides locally with her husband and two daughters. Outside of work, she enjoys scrapbooking, camping, and is an
avid San Francisco Giants fan.
Jason Rancadore
Project Manager
Governor's Office of Economic Development
Jason Rancadore is project manager for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GoED). GoED is the
primary economic development office for the State of California. He consults regularly with companies who are
looking to relocate or expand their business in the State of California. Prior to joining the State of California, Mr.
Rancadore did business development and grants administration for various private sector companies.
Mr. Rancadore graduated for New England College with a master’s degree in Public Policy and he has a bachelor’s
degree in Government from California State University – Sacramento.
7
Maryann Reyes
Manager
Southern California Edison
No Bio Available.
Sonia Rivas
Redevelopment Analyst
City of San Pablo
No Bio Available.
Isabel Rivero
Development Control Manager
Community Redevelopment Agency, City of L.A
Ms. Rivero has over 20 years of redevelopment experience in the management and entitlement of mixed use,
commercial, industrial and residential projects. She was the project manager for the recently completed
Hollywood and Vine Project, featuring the W hotel.
Most recently Ms. Rivero was the Director of the Business Team in Mayor’s Office of Economic Development,
where the focus was job creation through business retention, expansion and attraction.
Ms. Rivero has a BS in Architecture from USC. She enjoys photography, foreign films, travelling and jazz music.
Heather Ross
Economic Development Coordinator
City of Elk Grove
No Bio Available.
Gurbax Sahota
COO
CALED
NO Bio Available.
Dan Spears
Manager
City of Sanger
Current Employment: City of Sanger
Position: Economic Development and Redevelopment Manager, City Manager's Office
Position 2: Deputy Director of Public Works overseeing Engineering, Planning, Building and Housing Divisions.
Organizations: International City & County Management Association; Municipal Management Association of
Northern California; California Association of Local Economic Development; California Redevelopment Association.
Personal: Married, two grown children and one grand child. Resident of California since 1975.
8
Shane Starr
Assistant Director
Employment Training Panel
Shane Starr is the Assistant Director of External Affairs and Small Business Liaison for California’s Employment
Training Panel. Shane is responsible for coordinating with ETP’s partners in the economic and workforce
development communities, with special emphasis on the small business community. Through his efforts, Shane
ensures that ETP services are effectively available to California employers of all size. Shane has served as an
appointee of Governor Schwarzenegger since 2006, previously serving as Special Assistant to the Chief of
Staff. Before Joining the Administration, Shane founded Starr Consulting, a small firm hired by associations to
administer large projects from membership drives to annual conferences. Shane is from West Sacramento and
graduated from CSU, Chico.
Justin Wehner
Research Specialist
Governor's Office of Economic Development
Justin J. Wehner is a research analyst for the Policy and Research Planning Unit of the Governor’s Office of
Economic Development (GoED), where he:
-Works closely with senior leadership and the Communications unit to ensure GoED initiatives are coordinated
with a focus on a greater economic development strategy.
-Provides labor market and industry employment analysis to help identify workforce and economic development
opportunities.
-Provides customized research to GoED staff and members of cabinet.
-Develops collateral materials for GoED initiatives and events.
-Helps maintain regular tracking of relevant policy issues, news and state/federal legislation that impacts GoED and
the state’s economic development efforts.
Prior to working for GoED, Wehner worked for the Labor Market Information Division (LMID) of the Employment
Development Department (EDD), where he:
-Provided consultative services to customers on using labor market information.
-Analyzed and interpreted a variety of labor market and industry employment statistical data and narrative
information.
-Prepared and disseminated labor market information products and reports to workforce development partners.
-Promoted and delivered labor market information services and products to a variety of customers, including
workforce development, economic development, and private business entities.
-Reviewed, analyzed, and developed methods to prepare, format, and present existing labor force data, industry
and occupational employment data, and related social and economic data.
-Participated in work groups and self-directed work teams to complete special projects and various other research
activities.
-Provided technical support and training to educators, employers, local economic developers and workforce
development entities on the availability, access, and use of labor market information.
Wehner is attending the Economic Development Dertificate program to round out his expertise in labor market
analysis and workforce development, adding the understanding of eocnomic development necessary to help
create a statewide economic development strategy.
Tracy Weirick
Office Adminisrator
Malibu Chamber of Commerce
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and have been living in Malibu, CA for the past 10 years. I attended
the University of Southern California and received my bachelor’s degree in Political Science. I also received my
paralegal certificate in civil litigation and worked in the legal field for 6 years.
9
I’m a mother of a 12 year old boy and was the PTA President at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School for 2 years. I
also managed many different fundraising events for the community. Some of the major organizations with which I
was affiliated include Doctors without Borders and the Dolphin Ball which benefited the Multiple Sclerosis
Foundation.
I’m currently working at the Malibu Chamber of Commerce where I assist with the governmental and economic
departments and event planning. I’m a member of the RAND Policy Circle. I’m also a Board Member of the
Cornucopia Foundation and serve as their Treasurer. The Cornucopia Foundation is a non-profit organization that
is running the weekly Malibu Farmer’s Market. All of the proceeds from the Market go directly to help fund the
Environmental Learning Center which offers daily environmental classes to elementary, middle school and high
school children.
Larry Westerlund
Council President
City of Fresno
Born and raised in Fresno, 42-year-old Larry Westerlund represents the third generation of a Central Valley family that
established a box manufacturing company to serve local agriculture. Larry earned his bachelor’s degree in political science
at California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Larry then was accepted into the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate
School, graduating with a commission as an Ensign in November 1988. Larry subsequently served two years aboard the
destroyer U.S.S. Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27) as a First Division Officer, supervising shipboard aviation operations and a
division of 30 personnel. A move to Sacramento followed as Larry enrolled in the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of
Law. He earned his Juris Doctorate in May 1994; his law school studies were supplemented with post-graduate work in
international law at Cambridge University in England. Larry’s legal career began in 1995 with the Tulare County District
Attorney’s office where he prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony cases. In April 1998, Larry was recalled to serve as a
Lieutenant in the Navy in Bosnia-Herzegovina, conducting a major study of force structure in support of Operation Joint
Guard/Forge. Larry resumed his legal career in private practice, working for the Fresno Firm of Emerich, Pedreira & Fike as
an associate attorney who represented individual and corporate clients in a variety of litigation matters.
In March 2004, Larry was elected as Council Member for District Four for the City of Fresno. After his election to
City Council, but before taking office, Larry returned to active duty for six months serving on staff with the
Commander of the Pacific Fleet.
Larry was sworn in as Councilmember for District Four on January 4, 2005. He has also served on the board and
chaired the Fresno Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA).
Larry married Dora Rivera in December, 2007. Shortly thereafter, in January 2008, Larry was ordered back to active
duty with the U.S. Navy. From May 2008 to April 2009, he served as the Chief of the Counter Terrorism Train and
Equipment program for the Joint Special Operations Task Force for the Trans Sahara. While deployed over-seas
Larry was re-elected to his second term as Council Member for District Four on June 2, 2008. Larry was sworn into
office on April 7, 2009 after his return from active duty with the United States Navy. He remains active with the
U.S. Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander. On January 28, 2009
Larry’s wife Dora gave birth to their beautiful baby girl, Zoe Westerlund.
Larry is a member of the Marine Corps Memorial Association, American Legion, and the Fresno Rotary Club.
Hazel Wetherford
Economic Develoment Coordinator
City of Brentwood
My name is Hazel Wetherford and I currently work for the City of Brentwood in the Economic Development
Division as an Economic Development Coordinator. I have been working with the City of Brentwood for the past
six and a half years. For the past four years, I have been a member of the Municipal Management Association of
Northern California (MMANC) and this year I am serving on the Board. I am also civically involved in my
community and currently chair the Contra Costa County Women’s Commission. I am also affiliated with the East
10
Bay Economic Development Alliance, Conference of Minority Public Administrators, and East Contra Costa County
Leadership Academy.
I enjoy traveling, history, movies, and community advocacy work. I have also enjoyed my own educational
development, and hope to teach at the university level in my career field of local government and economic
development.
Joseph Wood
Neighborhood Services Manager
City of Lodi Development Deptpartment
My name is Joseph Wood, and I am the Neighborhood Services Manager for the City of Lodi Community
Development Department. I've been with the City of Lodi for over 14 years and have been managing the
CDBG/HOME Program during that time. In 2006, we established a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for Economic
Development/Job Creation using $150,000 of CDBG funding. Those funds were depleted in one loan and we have
now allocated an additional $80,000 to the program in 2010. The Economic Development function is handled now
in somewhat of a committee format, as we have not had a full-time ED Coordinator for at least the past 8 years, so
I see this as an opportunity to take on a lead role in that function.
A great deal of my private time is spent as a taxi driver to my two teenage daughters, shuttling them to and from
various events, rehearsals, practices, etc. I've been getting into competitive handgun shooting for recreation,
personal protection and most importantly, intimidation of any potential boyfriends my daughters may
have. My home away from home is on 2nd and King Streets in San Francisco... Go Giants!
Francisco Zamora
Business Owner
Aztlan Auto Sales LLC
No Bio Available.
Renee Zeimer
Assistant to the City Manager
City of Walnut Creek
Renée Zeimer worked for the City of Walnut Creek for more than twelve years. In her roles as Assistant to the City
Manager and Special Projects Manager, she served as a lead strategist and “go to” person, applying her technical
skills in writing, budgeting, policy analysis and project planning. Among her accomplishments, Ms. Zeimer:






Successfully promoted Walnut Creek as a “Healthy City,” receiving a Helen Putman Award in Community
Wellness
Created the online teen magazine, RealWC.org, a popular marketing project targeting youth and families.
The site averaged 100,000 hits per month. RealWC.org received national and local media attention and
won a 2003 Helen Putnam Award for Community Outreach
Served as project lead on biotechnology education symposium, "Cutting Edge Science-Cutting Edge
Curriculum" in partnership with the Department of Energy - Joint Genome Institute, Contra Costa
Community Colleges, Contra Costa County Office of Education and the City of Walnut Creek
Developed partnerships with hospitals, universities, childcare referral agencies, and businesses to
leverage resources and expand services for dual working families, new immigrant families and children
with special needs
Produced the video, Smart Growth and Health: An Unexpected Link, based on the Local Government
Commission’s presentation highlighting the link between health and land use
Provided assistance to jump-start a stalled Senior Adult Needs Assessment; findings were incorporated
into the General Plan
11
Ms. Zeimer was appointed to the League of California Cities’ Infrastructure Task Force and Environmental Quality
Policy Committee. She served as President of the Community Services Policy Committee in 2006 and on the League
of California Cities’ Board of Directors for two terms.
Ms. Zeimer is a credentialed science teacher and has advocated for career technical education and civics programs
that teach about local government. In the mid-80’s, she co-owned a 1-hour photo finishing store in San Francisco.
Ms. Zeimer is married and has two grown daughters. She likes to travel, entertain, read, and challenge herself.
12