2023.06.15 | FFRP Thanks Carlos Mendoza for Exemplary Service

Carlos Mendoza’s last day with Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) is Friday, June 16.  This is a great loss for the community and for the Ranch.  As Facilities and Resources Manager, Carlos has been a model public servant: competent, caring, and productive.

     Mr. Mendoza has worked for CCSD for 22 years, first as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician, then eighteen years ago moving into Facilities and Resources.  While working under the previous Ranch Manager, Ben Boer, Carlos learned the value of ecological management and became a staunch defender of CCSD’s responsibilities under the Ranch Management Plan.  He has become an expert on conservation forestry, invasive species control, and multi-agency collaboration.  Under his watch, hundreds of thousands in grant and private funds have been donated to assist with Ranch management, notably through the California Fire Safe Council and Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP).

     Beyond serving as Ranch Manager, Mr. Mendoza oversaw other CCSD properties, including the pocket park on Center Street, Veterans Memorial Hall, public restrooms, streetlights, cross town trails, plus the hundreds of lots owned by CCSD.  In addition to his recognized duties, Mr. Mendoza also became Cambria’s go-to liaison for homeless residents’ issues.

     During the last few years, Mr. Mendoza managed his program through two devastating floods that badly damaged Facilities and Resources’ shop and offices.  His leadership will be missed during the next phase of flood recovery.

    As an expression of our tremendous respect, admiration, and gratitude, FFRP will dedicate a plaque to honor Mr. Mendoza on the planned linking boardwalk.  Fortunately, he plans to remain in Cambria, so FFRP is recruiting Carlos to volunteer.