Meet David Verza, IT Specialist I in the City Manager’s Office Information Technology Division.  David works in the Help desk ”with three other awesome co-workers and fix all those random IT issues so everyone can do their jobs!

I got into IT because I like helping people. Computers sure can be frustrating sometimes, but I do my best to keep that frustration to a minimum. What I love most about the job is seeing the relief on people's faces when they can finally get back to work.

Speaking of work, I chose to work in Vacaville because it's always been my home, and I love it here! The way the hills change colors to remind us of the changing seasons, the trickling creeks and hidden trails, the friendly neighborhoods and unique shops. It's all so wonderful and I'm looking forward to helping this community continue to grow and thrive.

A fun fact about me is that I write children's books in my spare time and I just recently got one published!”

Thank you, David, for being our help desk hero.

Introducing Maria Vidal Office Assistant II with Housing and Community Services. Maria provides clerical support to the Department which includes receptionist duties, typing and data entry, record keeping, use of accounting applications, and other related duties.

"Our department makes a positive difference for those in our community who need it the most, such as providing safety nets for those with housing insecurity via various programs and offering resources to improve standards of living.  I enjoy helping people in our community alongside my kind and motivated team of coworkers. Every day’s work is different and it’s great to continuously be learning new skills and finding new resources that can help our clients.  

I chose to work in public service and for the City of Vacaville because I enjoy working in and giving back to the city where I live.  Vacaville is a great place to raise a family; having access to some of the busier hotspots of the state while still being able to retreat to our tight-knit community offers the perfect balance.  

I enjoy gardening, especially roses, and traveling, when possible, but at the end of the journey it always feels great to come back home to Vacaville." 

Thank you, Maria, for providing extra care to our community members in need.

Meet Cecilia Jungkeit Mullaney, Customer Service Representative II with the Parks & Recreation Department. Cecilia primarily helps customers register and pay for events, classes, programs and day trips for themselves or their families.

"I am very happy to be located at the McBride Senior Center in Downtown Vacaville. In addition to registrations, I also rent out some of our beautiful parks for wonderful private events from  baby showers and graduations to weddings and celebration of life events.

I especially enjoy my job at the McBride Senior Center because as a senior myself, I realize not everyone is lucky enough to become a senior and I find it very rewarding to serve our older population here on a daily basis. It is fun encouraging them to come in to join our new Active Aging Membership Program.  We have many offerings including AM Coffee Social, pool, painting, yoga, and AARP driving classes, seasonal events, Meals on Wheels, Tuesday Bingo, day trips and so many more. 

The Center also offers Ballet classes for youngsters in the evening along with monthly first aid and CPR classes. TGIF After-School Program office is located here too. I am very lucky to work with many wonderful Parks and Recreation co-workers who share my dedication to this community!

Vacaville still offers a unique “small town feel” in a rapidly growing, bay area city. This City is skillfully managed where its citizens and community can take pride in its beautiful parks and three wonderfully maintained community centers, public safety, vibrant downtown businesses and restaurants, and many family friendly programs and attractions. It is a civic minded atmosphere that offers great activities for all ages throughout the year."

Thank you, Cecilia, for sharing your passion for the City of Vacaville!

Introducing Cari Johnson, Police Records Specialist I in the Police Department. Cari assists people with obtaining copies of reports and advises them on how to file reports.

“We are the face of the police department.  When people visit, they see us first. In addition to reports, we also process all the paperwork that comes in from the police officers and ensure everything is routed to the District Attorney for proper processing.

I enjoy the community feel of working for the City.  The police department feels like a family. I chose to work here because we live in Vacaville, my daughter goes to school here, and I wanted to be involved in our community. I am a military spouse and have lived in four different states in my lifetime…so far.”

Thank you, Cari, for being a friendly face for our community and keeping the police records organized.

Meet Will Edwards, Environmental Compliance Inspector in the Utilities Department.  Will helps protect Vacaville's creeks from pollution, sewer pipes from obstruction, and treatment plant from receiving harmful material. 
 
"Achieving the goal of protecting these resources takes multiple approaches, from inspecting industries to ensure compliance with sewer discharge limitations, to responding to illicit discharges such as engine oil spills, to educating the public on what they can do to protect our creeks. As inspectors, we watch out for sewer lines that may become obstructed by FOG (Fat, Oil and Grease), and proactively work with our collections staff to remove these blockages before they overflow onto the street and into our creeks. If a sewer overflow does make it to the creek, we will be there to document and investigate the event and hold those responsible for their actions.
 
This is one of the best roles one could possibly want. It is a great mix of office and field work, and one that offers a great variety of challenges and goals. It is a job that can be simple, such as cleaning an oil spill, or complicated, such as inspecting a pharmaceutical manufacturer or implementing Senate Bills. My coworkers are my constant source of motivation and dedication, as I never want to let them down.
 
I enjoy my job because I am making a significant difference to the environment and protecting the community in which my family and I live.  I chose Vacaville because it is a City that empowers its employees to make impactful decisions and has leaders that encourage an environment of growth. My favorite part of this job is how many different people you meet, and that each person you talk to has their own reason for why they want to protect the environment.
 
I am, perhaps unsurprisingly, an avid gardener. I have over 20 different potted plants including heavenly bamboo, chrysanthemums, daisies, roses, petunias, bougainvillea, succulents, and more."
 
Thank you, Will for taking direct action to ensure future generations have access to our natural resources.

Allow us to introduce Rob King, IT System Administrator (SA) in the City Manager’s Office, Information Technology Division. Rob is responsible for knowing about all related technology and is a subject matter expert in specific areas.

"As a department and a SA we proactively maintain and upgrade systems and processes to ensure high availability of all technology related software, hardware and infrastructure all over the City. We are responsible for technology in all facets of daily City business. My key areas of responsibility span from mobile device management and Mitel phone system, which is near future complete system replacement to remote worker access and the city wide door security system, to integrated software systems for business licensing, permitting and utility billing systems and the SCADA IOS interface, and everything in between.  I am also part of the Vacaville Communication Committee and Administrative Liaison teams.

I started working in Vacaville after 22 years in the military, where I worked as a Flying Crew Chief, and later a Flight Engineer on both the C-141 Starlifter and the C-5 Galaxy. During that time, I got a taste of service, as the aircraft I operated and maintained performed not only war time duties, but also humanitarian evacuation and supply missions all over the globe. Being able to transition into civilian life, into another job that serves, although not on the front lines, was and is very fulfilling to me. When I take a drink of water, enjoy a concert at the park, sit at a traffic light, pay my utility bill,  and see public safety respond to calls, it gives me great satisfaction to know that I am a small but integral part of making those things happen.

One fun fact about me is that my daughter’s think I can fix anything. I love to tinker, modify, customize, and make things from scratch. I may open a small handyman service when I retire from Vacaville in a few years, just to keep myself busy and take on the small jobs no one else wants."

Thank you, Rob, for your service to our country and our community.

Meet Tateyana Hendricks, an Administrative Technician II in the Public Works Department Transit Division. Tateyana is responsible for helping oversee City Coach services by performing various administrative and financial duties. 

"Currently, I am leading several projects that will enhance our customer's experience riding City Coach in the future. I enjoy my job because I have an awesome team and we work together to help Vacaville residents and visitors experience an affordable, clean, safe, and reliable public transportation service. 

I love public transit and try to use it instead of driving my car whenever I can. I work in public service because it puts me in a unique position to advocate for and make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Vacaville. 

A little about me, I love escape rooms. I have done at least 20 since 2016. The last escape room I did I escaped without using any hints." 

Thank you, Tateyana, for ensuring our public transit exceeds all expectations.

Introducing Christine Storbo, Administrative Technician in Housing and Community Services. Christine works closely with the Finance Department for fund allocation and monthly processing.  

"I complete the check run process monthly for Section 8 payments to landlords, assist with CAP Solano and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, and process grant drawdowns. I like taking on new tasks and assisting my team to help with overwhelming workloads and deadlines. I enjoy the people I work with as well as the challenges I face daily. I get to problem-solve and ensure the numbers make sense. 

I chose to work for the City of Vacaville because I love our close-knit community and being able to serve the community that I live in. Having previously worked for a different City, it is a great feeling being able to make a difference in YOUR own community and I am so happy that I get that opportunity! I love living in Vacaville because even though it has grown, it continues to maintain the small-town feel. There are many downtown local events that bring the community together."

Thank you, Christine, for supporting your community!

Meet Eric Kuban, Water Service Coordinator with the Finance Department. Eric provides customer service for the City's utility, meter connections, and works to bring new subdivisions online. "I enjoy what I do because I get to work with the public out in the field. Whether it be just to listen to what they have to say, help with any issues related to potential leaks between their water meter and home, water pressure concerns, or even talk about the water bill. Happy to do it all!

I get to work closely with the both the Utility Billing Division in the Finance Department as well as the Utilities Department, so I get to see what goes into the billing and administrative side, and the field work. As a former meter reader, my knowledge of the actual location of each meter is helpful now that the meters all have radio sensors, and it comes in handy quite often. I feel lucky to work with a lot of great people on a daily basis.

I graduated from Dixon High School and have always been involved in sports. Whether it be playing or coaching my daughters’ teams.  These days I play as much golf as I can. It is a frustrating but addicting sport. All it takes is one good shot to keep you coming back!"
 
Thank you for sharing, Eric, we appreciate your help with serving our community and representing our utility.

Introducing Victoria "Vickey" Williams-Jones, Recreation Coordinator in the Parks & Recreation Department.  Vickey coordinates the Youth and Adult Sports program.

"As Recreation Coordinator, I oversee and organize the youth and adult sports programs, ensuring a positive and inclusive recreational experience for all. My role involves coordinating programs, managing schedules, and fostering a supportive environment for staff and participants. I oversee our volunteer coaches, game day officials, contractual instructors, and various entities that support the success of our programs.

I enjoy my job as it aligns with my interest and skills, provides a sense of purpose, and brings me pleasure in watching our participants grow and thrive at a variety of levels in sports and fitness. I find purpose in helping others and at the end of the day I get a sense of fulfillment from contributing to the City where I live.

A little about me, I graduated from Sonoma State University where I played three different sports. Volleyball (my favorite), basketball and softball."

Thank you for your motivation and encouragement on and off the field, Vickey!

Meet Terri Sanner, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Fire Department.  Terri primarily conducts annual fire inspections at schools, hotels, apartments, hospitals and local businesses. 

"In addition to annual inspections, I also perform residential rough and final fire sprinkler inspections on new subdivisions. I have been an advisor with the Vacaville Fire Explorer Program for two years.

I enjoy my job because I get to work closely with our fire crews and other departments within the City. I like the variety of my inspections and helping the different businesses come into compliance to ensure fire and life safety is met.  Additionally, I enjoy building professional relationships with businesses, property managers and contractors. Getting to be out in the field and not stuck inside the office all day is a bonus.

I chose to work in Vacaville because I grew up here and I like my short commute.  I’ve always had a job in public service because I enjoy working in the community, especially here in Vacaville. Vacaville has been a great place to work, live and raise a family!" 

Thank you, Terri for sharing your why and moreover for keeping the community safe.

Introducing Antoinette Reyes, Human Resources Analyst I. Antoinette is part of the recruitment team.

"I enjoy my job because it allows me to collaborate with various departments throughout the City.  I am able to get to know them all, learn about what they do, and provide assistance by recruiting for the most suitable candidates.

I am drawn to a career in public service because it brings me pride to contribute directly to the well-being of the community where I raise my children. The rewards I find in this work surpass any fulfillment I have experienced in any other sector. Being part of a team dedicated to the common goal of caring for our community makes working for the City truly meaningful.

I graduated from Vacaville High School and married my high school sweetheart; we now have a blended family of four kids."

Thank you, Antoinette, for supporting Team Vacaville!

Meet Andria Borba, Assistant City Attorney with the City of Vacaville. Andria supports all of the City’s departments with reviewing contracts, public records requests, claims against the City and much more.

“From a young age, I wanted to become an attorney with the hopes of doing work that would contribute to the greater good of society which ultimately brought me to the City of Vacaville. One of the best things about my job is I have the good fortune of working with the most earnest and dedicated City staff and officials.  They make it a pleasure to come to work every day. 
 
Vacaville is my hometown. I am so grateful I can provide for my family while doing the work I love in the community where I was raised and choose to raise my family.”

Thank you, Andria, we appreciate all you do for our City!

Let us introduce Jerry Bacho, Maintenance Worker II, with the Public Works Department. Jerry is primarily responsible for parks maintenance.

"I do all aspects of maintenance of Vacaville parks, playgrounds, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, dog parks, restrooms, bike trails and landscape, which includes irrigation systems, turf management, weed abatement, tree planting, tree pruning, fence repair, drinking fountain maintenance and installation of memorial park benches.

The Public Works Department has a very high standard in serving the public. Our City has an attention to detail and a sense of urgency in serving our community. I work to maintain the places that add quality, recreation and relaxation for the people of Vacaville. I enjoy my interaction with the public, young and old.

My family moved to Vacaville in 1989. Our home was brand new on a cul-de-sac, and my three children grew up here.  Vacaville is a wonderful place to raise a family. Early on, as I was driving home from work, I noticed that someone had painted graffiti on the wall behind my house. My house backs up to the undeveloped area of a public park. I immediately reported it to the City and painted over it. Soon after, City staff came out to discuss and devise a plan to stop future graffiti on the wall. They installed a parking lot light, and the police started parking there to write their reports. Problem solved.  What a city! Other cities fall short of this kind of public service. 

Many City staff live, work, and play here.  We love our city. 

A fun fact about me is that my wife Margaret (a Vacaville middle school teacher) and I have been together for 52 years. We were middle school sweethearts."

Thank you, Jerry.  We appreciate your dedication to our community and making our parks enjoyable for all.

Meet Odessa Lopez, Executive Assistant with the City of Vacaville Housing and Community Services Department. Odessa provides a range of complex, sensitive, and confidential administrative duties to support the functions of her department head. 

"I essentially oversee the Admin-Operations team with the goal of providing excellent customer service to both internal and external clients. 

I love working with people and I love working with my colleagues. We have a unique and fun, yet respectful, working dynamic. They are like my second family. 

I was once a recipient of one of the programs we provide. It helped me tremendously when we were just starting our family. Because of this, I can empathize with those who are currently in the same shoes as I once was. 

I have always loved Vacaville's small town feel and family-friendly environment.  My family's “life” is in Vacaville including our church, and our favorite grocery and retail stores. A little about me, I love adventures and love to travel. I really enjoy exploring new places, learning history, and different types of cultures."

Thank you, Odessa, for sharing how you support our local families and internal staff.

Meet Corporal Robert Blakely with the City of Vacaville. Corporal Blakely primarily responds to calls for service, provides traffic enforcement, and proactive enforcement.

"The key function of my position is to serve the community; this includes addressing public safety concerns and assisting citizens with resolving community issues. I enjoy my job because it allows me to play a direct role in keeping the community where our loved ones live, work, and play a safe place. 

I chose Vacaville because while our City continues to grow, it has maintained an investment in education, safety, and amenities that foster community engagement and connection with our friends, families, and neighbors. 

A fun fact about me is that I love cycling. My favorite areas are Pena Adobe and the Napa Valley Vine Trail, especially when I can make time to stop for a coffee or good food."

Thank you Corporal Blakely for your dedication to our safety! 

Presenting Tornelia "Tonie" Cooper, City of Vacaville Housing and Community Services Technician I. Tonie's primary role is to administer the special voucher programs, with focus on specific housing needs of veterans, seniors, and families.

"I have a very fulfilling position in the Housing and Community Services Department. I process affordable housing applications that are supported through HUD Section 8 vouchers. My job has many moving parts, and most tasks are very detail oriented.  

I take pride in working with compassion and professionalism for persons who participate in the program. I would want the same compassion and support for my parents, aunts, and uncles if they were to need assistance with housing. My parents, several extended family members, and I all live in Vacaville. I love that the City offers so many community activities. It seems we are attending something weekly right here in our town. 

I am happily married and am a new “seasoned” Mom and Grandma. I didn’t think I would ever be the “crafty, play in the mud and look for bugs” mom, but I am, and I enjoy every minute of it. My six year old and I are always on an adventure, whether for a day here in town or off on a weekend getaway. I enjoy life’s little moments, and the remarkable voyages."

Tonie, thank you for sharing about your adventures inside and outside of your role with the City!

Meet Felipe Cerritos, Stores Specialist in the City of Vacaville Public Works Department. He maintains and oversees the daily operation of the City’s Central Stores warehouse. 

"I am the shipping and receiving department here at the Corporation Yard.  The warehouse has a wide variety of City supplies, parts, and materials.

I enjoy my job for many reasons, but I would say I do what I do every day because of the men and women I work with; they are an amazing group of people in all the departments. It feels great to be behind the scenes, keeping their supplies, parts, and materials available for the many daily tasks and projects they work on.

I chose to work in public service for the City of Vacaville because our family grew up in this amazing community.  My grandma moved here in 1948, and it’s a blessing to give back to the community. It is truly a fantastic place to raise our family.

One fun fact about myself is I played the Violin at Elm Elementary School for two years, Viola for two years at Jepson Middle School and Cello for four years at Vaca High School."

Thank you for serving in such an important role at the Corp Yard, Felipe!

Introducing Peyman Behvand, the City of Vacaville Planning Manager in the Community Development Department. Peyman oversees the Current and Advanced Planning teams. 

"Current Planning leads the City’s day-to-day planning operations including processing land use applications for residential, commercial, and industrial development, and provides customer service to our residents and others at the Planning counter at City Hall. Advanced Planning leads the City’s long-term planning efforts such as the General Plan and Housing Element, in addition to assisting the City Council create and evaluate policies to shape the City’s land use future. All of us strive to implement the City Council's vision for Vacaville. 

I enjoy my job because it allows me to have an important role in working with our residents and appointed and elected officials, to enhance Vacaville’s livability. I live in Vacaville and raise my family here, so it’s essential to me that Vacaville reaches its full potential as a community for everyone. 

Public service to me is a fulfilling career in that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. Every project can be meaningful, from working on subdivisions where families will grow, to businesses that feed us and clothe us to industrial developments that work to cure diseases. Above all, public service has allowed me to work with people in many ways that I never imagined growing up. 

I chose and continue to choose Vacaville because I have fond memories of visiting the Nut Tree when I was a kid. About a year and a half after college I started working for the City Vacaville as an Assistant Planner. December of this year will mark my 25th year working for this beautiful City, and I can’t see myself anywhere else.

A fun fact about me, I have been an immigrant in the US twice. My family and I moved here the first time when I was 2 and the second time when I was 13. I became a US citizen in 2007."

Thank you for supporting Vision Vacaville, Peyman, and sharing about your Why!

Presenting Alexa Dominguez, Office Assistant II, in the City of Vacaville Public Works Department Maintenance Division.  If you have called the Maintenance Division to report concerns related to streets, parks, water, sewer, and more, you have probably spoken with Alexa. 

"A large part of what I do is taking inbound calls to address any resident concerns for the City that are maintenance related.  I dispatch and create work orders for the maintenance employees. I also assist in keeping the office functioning smoothly on a day-to-day basis and provide support to our Maintenance supervisors and managers. 
 
I love giving back to the community that I live in. As someone that is raising their own family here in Vacaville, I want to be able to contribute to my community.  Providing a safe, beautiful and clean environment for all the families to be proud of where they live is important to me. Vacaville is very family oriented, and I enjoy being a part of a team that promotes that.
 
A little thing about me…I have been a coach for the Vacaville Junior Bulldogs cheer squad for three years. I enjoy outdoor activities especially camping and dirt biking with my family."

Thank you, Alexa, for all you do.  We appreciate your contributions in keeping Vacaville a family friendly destination.

As part of this week's What's Your Why? Allows us to introduce Mayra Montaño, Mental Health Coordinator within the Vacaville Police Department Youth Services Section. Mayra coordinates access to mental health services for youth and families. 

"My primary role is supervisor to Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, and Doctor of Psychology university interns.  I collaborate with universities to recruit interns and provide clinical supervision to them while they offer counseling services to Vacaville Unified School District students. Through counseling in the schools, we are able to not only support the identified client, but the entire family.  

I conduct individual, group, and family counseling services, and co-facilitate parenting education and substance use education to teens and caregivers. I also support our law enforcement officers in staffing cases, collaborating on available resources, and share my knowledge on mental health.

I enjoy my job because I get to Interact with new social workers and psychotherapists that are excited to learn about this work. They are eager to learn and enhance their skills. I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge and supporting their growth.

I have lived in Vacaville since I was a 1-year-old. This is the only home I’ve ever known, and I am passionate about supporting the underserved members of our community. I believe everyone should have access to the services that support their emotional and mental well-being. 

I greatly enjoy teaching others and sharing the things I am most passionate about. I love to support Youth Development in our community and supporting Police Activities League (PAL) with yoga sessions, mindfulness activities, paint nights, and developing healthy relationships with the children and youth."

Thank you for making a difference in our community, Mayra, and sharing a little about your why!

Meet Daniel DeCaro, Engineering Specialist II with the City of Vacaville Utilities Department. Daniel supports water and wastewater engineering and management staff at the Easterly Wastewater Treatment by reviewing and analyzing data to support project development.  For example, he assists with the SSMP (Sanitary Sewer Management Plan) and analyzes related system data. 

"I support department operations and maintenance by assessing assets and determining repair and replacement projects’ scope and priority.  I also collaborate with other City departments in the development review process. I learn something new each week and find the world of utilities both challenging and rewarding. I take pride in a job well done.

I appreciate the opportunity to ensure the system is in good working order for the community. Perhaps most of all, I enjoy the people I get to work with. I have found every City department I have worked with to be unique and full of very intelligent and talented people who genuinely care about the goodwill of the city and its success. I see that as a massive benefit in a workplace. 

I chose to work in public service here in Vacaville to make  positive contributions and make a difference in my hometown. I have spent most of my life in Vacaville and raised and educated my kids here. This place is special and important to me. The opportunity to serve the community that has been so good to me and my family for so long is unique and special! 

I am, and have been, a local musician here for most of my life. I play the drums and sing. I make music with a LOT of local musicians. We share an extraordinary community bond. I play actively with three different bands. It truly is my life-long passion". 

Daniel, thank you for sharing about your Why!

Introducing Ken Matsumiya, City of Vacaville Finance Director. Ken oversees the City budget and finance operations, including Utility Billing. 

"We safeguard the city’s cash and investments, account and report on how the City is doing financially, collect payments and pay the bills. 

One thing I enjoy about working for the City is the opportunity to see how much the employees care about improving and maintaining the city. As a resident, that’s something I take pride in.         

I’ve spent most of my life in Vacaville.  It’s also the first and only full-time employer I’ve ever had after college graduation.  It’s gratifying to work and have a role in helping the city you live in.   

I enjoy living in Vacaville because it has a lot of the amenities you find in a bigger city but still maintains the safety and close-knit community feel you only find in smaller towns." 

Thank you, Ken, for telling us about your why!

Introducing Kristin Milliken, Recreation Coordinator with the City of Vacaville Parks and Recreation Department.  Kristin oversees the City's special events like the Summer Creekwalk Concert Series. She works hard to seek sponsors, produce event itineraries that are appealing to attendees, and create memorable experiences.
 
"I enjoy bringing people together and giving back to the community where I was raised. I am primarily responsible for special events and some of our contract classes for cultural arts.  
 
I love being outside—backpacking, swimming, running or cycling!"
 
Thank you for sharing, Kristin!

Please meet Travis Skuba, Firefighter/Paramedic II.  Travis works alongside an amazing crew at Station 74 and responds to all types of emergencies and calls for service.

"When I was growing up, my grandparents were an extremely important part of my life. After high school, I was lost and had no direction, aspiration, or motivation to do anything with my life. 

One day my grandmother had stomach pain and called 911, and when the firefighters and paramedics showed up, she went into cardiac arrest. They successfully brought her back to life multiple times.  The hospital told us that she had a widow maker heart attack and would most likely not survive. Due to the excellent care she received, she walked out of the hospital with no long-term damage, and 15 years later, she is still alive and well today. 

I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a firefighter paramedic and make a difference in people’s lives the way those men and women made a difference in mine by giving my family and me back the gift of life. I have now been working in EMS for 12 years.

My favorite part of being a firefighter paramedic is the family dynamic. We work 48-hour shifts living, training, eating and exercising together at the firehouse.  I genuinely enjoy coming to work and spending time with them every workday. 

I love working for the City of Vacaville Fire Department. Providing superior EMS service is one of the most important aspects of my job, and I believe we are at the pinnacle of EMS service. Unlike many other fire departments across the country, we have a huge advantage in staffing our own ambulances with the same firefighters that work on our truck and engines. This gives us the benefit of always showing up to an emergency, knowing each other's strengths, weaknesses, and how to work well as a team."

Let us introduce Pedro "Pete" Duenas, Parks Maintenance Worker with the Public Works Department. Pete is primarily responsible for maintaining the parks and City landscape in Downtown, Alamo, Andrews and N. Orchard Parks, and City Hall.

"I like working for the City of Vacaville because the city has a respectful and supportive community. It's a wonderful and beautiful environment, not just to live in but to work for as well.  Always remember, clean parks make happy families." 

Thanks, Pete!

Presenting Sierra Mauser, Firefighter II (EMT).  Sierra works with her crew to respond to a wide variety of calls for service. She spends part of her time on an engine and part on the medic unit. 

"I enjoy my job because every day is something new. I never know what calls we will get so I am constantly learning and growing. One of the biggest reasons I chose this career is because I really like interacting with people and being able to use my knowledge and skills to help them on what might be their worst day. 

When I started pursuing this career several years ago, my dream department was Vacaville Fire Department. Vacaville is my hometown and there is nothing better than serving my own community. Many of my mentors/fire science instructors who pushed me and believed in me came from Vacaville.  I appreciate that there are several opportunities for growth and I look forward to the future I have here."

Introducing Amber McCabe, Community Policing Outreach Specialist with the Police Department (PD). Amber is primarily responsible for planning outreach events to facilitate development of relationships between officers and staff, and the community.  Additionally, she coordinates crime prevention programs including National Night Out.
 
"I absolutely love my job and the challenges I face every day. No day is the same.  I am a people person and really get satisfaction out of connecting with others and building lasting relationships.  
 
Previously, I served four years as a Community Service Officer. I got my degree in Criminal Justice because I am passionate about all things law enforcement. I appreciate the potential for growth that the PD has, we truly invest in our people and our community. The City is so supportive of their employees and help make career goals a reality. 
 
I love the fact that I can be involved in everything PD-related and make a difference in the community I call my own. If I can make a difference in just one person's life, my cup is full. Vacaville has my heart because it is home and is an amazing place to raise my family.  One fun fact about myself is I am a California-born New York Yankees fan. Go Yankees!"

Meet Regina Sickels, Human Resources Analyst. Her primary role is recruiting, training, classification & compensation. She has been working for the City for nearly six years.  

"I have had a great experience thus far and plan to stay for many more years to come. I truly love working with people and the role I serve within the City.

HR provides a variety of services to our employees and the public.  The City is a fantastic place to work with many great benefits and a variety of job options. 

I really enjoy the many staff members I work alongside day in and day out. We all contribute to making Vacaville a great community and the City has so much to offer."