With all the comings and goings in California local government, it can be hard to keep track of where your friends are or what’s happening in your neighboring municipalities. But Trackdown Management helps keep the state up-to-date with their newsletter.

PublicCEO presents Jack Simpson’s Picking Up the Pieces.

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Mark Prestwich was appointed City Manager in the City of Nevada City beginning in June, 2014. Mark served as President of the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMASC) in 2007. Mark started his public management career as an Administrative Intern in Long Beach in 1994. Since then he has held positions with the League of California Cities, Sunnyvale, Napa and Sacramento. Mark earned a BA from California State University, Fullerton and an MPA from California State University, Long Beach.

In 1978 Hawaiian Gardens Administrative Aide Melinda G. Martin compiled a report on the development of the Hawaiian Gardens Community Center Complex. Her research had her review correspondence and documents developed between 1971 and 1978. The report chronicles the decisions and actions leading up to the acquisition and development of the property on which the City Hall and community center were built that was originally excess Long Beach and along the 605 Freeway.

Ojai City Manager Robert Clark previously served as the Town Manager in Mammoth Lakes for about 6-years. Rob joined the Ojai staff in February, 2011. Prior to working in Mammoth Lakes, Rob served as the Avalon City Manager between June, 1994 and May, 2004. Rob earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, San Diego, and an MPA from the University of Southern California (USC).

Retired veteran City Manager Randy Johnsen is the new Interim City Manager for the City of Dunsmuir. Former City Manager Douglas Warren Ayers, 84, passed away following a heart attack at a timeshare resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He is survived by his wife Pamela Swift Ayers, CMC, who served as City Clerk in California City, Bellflower and Pasadena. Doug is a former City Manager in Inglewood, Salem, Oregon, and Melbourne, Florida. He served as a Professor for the University of Southern California (USC) from 1975 to 1990.

Adelanto City Manager Dr. Jim Hart, Ph.D. said he suspected the newly elected City Council wanted to make personnel changes at the top, which prompted his resignation. City Engineer and Public Works Director Thomas Thornton is now the Interim City Manager. Jim received a 35-year ICMA Service Award in 2013.

Troy Holt is the Director of Communications and Government Relations for the City of Rancho Cordova. Troy serves on the Board of Directors for the Sacramento Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). He earned an MPA from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He also earned a BA from the University of California, Irvine.

Michelle Silva Salinas joined the Fremont staff in 2012 as a Management Analyst. She was promoted to Business Manager in 2014. Prior to joining the public sector, Michelle worked as an accounting supervisor in the private sector for nearly 19-years. She earned a BBA from California State University, East Bay. Michelle is a member of the Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC).

Michael Allen is serving as the Acting Director of Community Development and Community Services for the City of Cudahy. Mike was a contract planner for South El Monte between 2005 and 2007. He joined the Cudahy staff in April, 2012 as an Associate Planner. He was chosen for his current post in March, 2014.

Stephen P. Compton is a City Manager in transition. Steve served as the City Manager in Colton from 2013 to 2014. He started his public service career as a police officer in Kern County and served as a Sergeant in Ridgecrest from 1984 to 1990. Steve earned a BA and MA from the University of Redlands, and later served there as an adjunct professor in the School of Business for 16- years. He has served in the California cities of Ridgecrest, Indio, Soledad, Fountain Valley and Colton.

Retired Arcadia City Manager William R. “Bill” Kelly is President & CEO of Kelly Associates Management Group LLC (KAMG). KAMG specializes in the areas of organizational management, economic development, redevelopment and city planning. Bill served as the Arcadia City Manager from November, 1993 until December, 2007. He began his public service career in 1971 as a City Planner in Glendora. Bill has earned a BA from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; an MPA from the University of Southern California (USC); and two additional Master’s degrees from the Claremont Graduate University.

With obesity rates, especially in children, dramatically increasing over the past decade, the Town of Apple Valley established a Healthy Apple Valley Coalition in 2010 with the objective to provide health and fitness education to preschool age children and their parents. Frank W. Robinson is the Apple Valley Town Manager.

Amy Bodek is the Long Beach Director of Development Services. She was appointed to her position in August, 2010. Amy earned a BS in Environmental Design from Cornell University, and a Masters of Urban Planning from New York University. She also holds a Certificate in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Nevada County Executive Officer Rick Haffey began his public management career as a Recreation Manager in South San Francisco in 1975. He served as the City Manager in the City of Belmont from 1991 to 1993. Rick earned a BA, High School Teaching Credential, and MS from San Francisco State University.

Moreno Valley is considering action to politicize personnel decision by requiring City Council action for appointments, promotions, and dismissals undermining managerial authority.

Retired Electrical Construction Industry designer, estimator and project manager Don Heck, is available to make presentations regarding the administration of the California Public Works Contract Code (Section 3400). Don worked in the industry for 43-years prior to his retirement in 2009. He was responsible for working on many large public works projects in both the public and private sectors, including public schools, universities, municipal office buildings, jail facilities and the like. Don may be contacted at telephone No. 619-596-8720 or on his cell phone at: 619-729-9310. Don’s email address is: donheck@cox.net