Manteca, Calif, — With a local government career spanning over three decades, Jose Jasso brings a wealth of experience and passion to his current role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Manteca.

Jasso’s journey began as a part-time employee with the City of Manteca in 1984 and later transitioned to full-time status in 1987. In 2016, he left Manteca and served several other cities, including Santa Clara as Assistant City Clerk and Rio Vista as Assistant City Manager and City Clerk. In 2022, an opportunity to return to the City of Manteca arose, and he was appointed Interim Assistant City Manager and later was appointed to the permanent position.

“I came back to work in Manteca because, for me, this is my home.  My mom still lives here; my sister works for a local high school. I went to high school and grammar school here. I wanted to give back to the City that gave me so much,” says Jasso.

As Assistant City Manager, Jasso oversees key departments including Legislative Services/ City Clerk, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Recreation Services. His responsibilities encompass a wide range of projects and tasks, from ensuring the efficient operations of City departments to providing day-to-day administrative support to the City Manager.

Jasso has a deep-rooted connection to Manteca and enjoys working behind the scenes to help accomplish the City Council’s goals and priorities. He believes in the strength and capabilities of Team Manteca and is dedicated to implementing policies and procedures to help ensure Manteca’s success well into the future.

Beyond his professional endeavors, he is actively involved in various organizations, including serving as the Vice President – Northern California Cities Self Insurance Fund – A Joint Power Authority; Board Member – Community Action Partnership of Solano – A Joint Power Authority; City Clerks Association of California – Past President; City Clerks Association of California – Board Member (2011-2018); City Clerks Association of California where he served as Mentor to CMC candidates and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Jasso holds an associate’s degree from Modesto Junior College and graduated with honors from the University of San Francisco with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior in 1997.

In his leisure time, Jasso indulges his love for dogs by raising and showing miniature Schnauzers and spending quality time with family and friends.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price

MANTECA, CALIF. — In the City of Manteca, a new chapter of fiscal management has begun under the guidance of Shalesh (Shay) Narayan, who assumed the role of Finance Director just six months ago following an extensive nationwide search. Tasked with a robust agenda, Narayan has swiftly navigated the city’s financial landscape, ensuring that pending audits, budgeting initiatives, and policy revisions are not just addressed but set on a trajectory for success.

Narayan’s decision to join Manteca’s team stems from the city’s dynamic growth, offering a unique canvas for his expertise to flourish. His commitment to Manteca’s financial well-being is evident in his strategic approach, which has already begun to bear fruit.

Narayan states, “I am excited to participate in Manteca’s new leadership and community development initiatives. As a former Budget Manager for the City of Elk Grove, I have had the opportunity to witness many community priorities being realized in a city that has seen significant growth. I look forward to contributing to Manteca’s financial future and being part of the City’s progress.”

Under Narayan’s leadership, Manteca is witnessing a resurgence in fiscal stewardship, with a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability. His emphasis on collaboration and communication has fostered a culture of teamwork within the Finance Department, paving the way for smoother operations and enhanced productivity.

“It’s Manteca’s approach to reaching goals and priorities, it’s the team’s work ethic, community engagement, and staff collaboration.  It’s the bold, present, persistent, strategic, and purposeful approach to serving the public. This approach is greatly attributed to the leadership style of the City Council and the City Manager, all of whom I admire and am grateful to work for,” states Narayan.

Moreover, Narayan’s dedication to community engagement is evident in his involvement in local boards, exemplifying his commitment to giving back to Manteca. As Manteca embraces this new era of financial stability and growth, Shay Narayan is helping to guide the city towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Narayan holds a Master of Science in Economics from Portland State University, Graduating in 2011, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Mathematics from the same university in 2009.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $118,814.

Manteca, Calif. – Meet Lana McBroom, Acting Budget Manager. With nearly 18 years of service to the City of Manteca, Lana brings a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and passion to her new role.

Lana’s journey with the City of Manteca is not merely professional; it’s deeply personal. “I came to work for the City of Manteca because I grew up in this community and I love it,” Lana shares.

“My family moved to Manteca 40 years ago. Working in the City gives me a unique opportunity to make lasting positive impacts on the community in which I live.”

As Acting Budget Manager, Lana’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum of tasks, most notably ensuring sound financial management of City resources.

“My role includes supporting the development of our annual budget in collaboration with senior leadership and City officials, performing fiscal analysis, monitoring budget compliance, preparing financial reports, and contributing to strategic planning efforts.”

Beyond her professional duties, Lana remains deeply involved in the Manteca community. From her teenage years to adulthood, she has dedicated herself to various community activities and service projects.

Lana’s volunteer work includes initiatives with the Second Harvest Food Bank, Manteca Senior Center, and the Cpl. Charles O. Palmer III Memorial Troop Support Program, where she packed military care packages and donated essential items.

Lana also donates platelets and plasma for cancer treatment patients through The American Red Cross, exemplifying her commitment to helping others in need.

“Lana McBroom’s hard work, dedication, and leadership contributions are invaluable to the City of Manteca,” stated City Manager, Toni Lundgren. “We are fortunate to have Lana as part of Team Manteca, and we look forward to her continued service and impact on our community.”

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.

MANTECA, Calif. — Cassandra Candini-Tilton joined the Finance Department of the City of Manteca in October 2014. After a year, she transferred to the City Clerk’s office as the Deputy City Clerk. Due to her hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Assistant City Clerk in June 2019. On February 1, 2021, Candini-Tilton was appointed the City’s Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk.

Candini-Tilton is a Manteca native. “Manteca is my hometown,” she explains, “and the opportunity to work within the City where I was born and raised held great significance for me. I wanted to contribute not only by leveraging my professional skills but also, by providing a unique perspective shaped by my intimate knowledge of the community”.

“The privilege of collaborating with a team of exceptionally dedicated and hardworking people, day in and day out, is what I like best about working for the City. My colleagues’ work ethic and commitment are inspiring, and so are the responsiveness and can-do spirit of other City departments, like Police and Fire,” she continued.

A typical day for Candini-Tilton varies day-by-day which includes administering democratic processes such as elections, access to city records, and all legislative actions ensuring transparency to the public. Candini-Tilton is the compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act.

The City Clerk manages public inquiries and relationships and arranges for ceremonial and official functions.”   Legal matters requiring Candini-Tilton’s attention include accepting subpoenas and lawsuits for the City.

As the Director of Legislative Services, she is heavily involved in preparations for the upcoming 2024 elections. Candini-Tilton also oversees the organizing of the 2024 Youth and Government Day event.

Her additional responsibilities include working daily with the Mayor and City Council along with Department Directors.  Other typical department functions include overseeing the City’s construction bidding process, recruiting board and commission members, coordinating proclamations and certificates, organizing ceremonial events, and administering the oath of office to new employees.

As City Clerk, she handles the filings for the Fair Political Practices Commission, overseeing Conflict of Interest and Campaign Disclosures, while also facilitating personnel ethics training requirements, as required by California law AB 1234.

“I am committed to customer service and ensuring the smooth functioning of the City Clerk’s office as an integral part of the City’s organizational framework,” she stated.

Candini-Tilton is an active member of Soroptimist International of Manteca and serves on the Membership and Mentoring Committee of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

She represents Region 3 (Central Valley) for the City Clerks Association of California as the regional representative on the Association’s Regional Committee.

In policy and community services, she serves as the City Clerk Appointee of the League of California Cities Policy Committee–Community Service. “This enables me to participate in meaningful discussions and decisions that shape policies impacting our region and City.

“I am committed to professional development, bettering our community, and actively participating in the growth of our region,” said Candini-Tilton.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go to Manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4% from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $118,814.

Manteca-PR-129.3 Candini-Tilton MTT

MANTECA, CALIF.  Manteca’s Fire Chief, David Marques, has been working for the City of Manteca for nearly three decades, since 1996.  “Back in the late ’90s, competition for firefighter jobs was so fierce that young firefighters like me would take the first job they were offered,” Marques recalls; however, I’ve stayed in Manteca because I truly love my job and the people I work with.”

Marques worked his way up through the ranks, serving as a Battalion Chief from 2011 until November 2021, when he was chosen as the City’s new Fire Chief.

Chief Marques began his career in the South Placer Fire District in 1991 as a Reserve Firefighter. In 1993 he earned his associate of arts degree in Fire Science at American River College. He then obtained his Paramedic license in 1995 and was hired as a full-time Firefighter in South Placer.

Toward continuing his professional development, Marques obtained his Chief Officer Certification from the State of California and completed the Fire and Emergency Services Program Management course at the National Fire Academy in 2016; he then enrolled at Columbia Southern University, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Services Administration, in 2020.

Chief Marques attributes his continued success to the dedication, professionalism, and work ethic of the men and women he works with. “I take great pride and satisfaction in hearing people from other cities and organizations speak highly of the Manteca Fire Department, which happens often,” said Chief Marques.

For Chief Marques, a typical day starts at 7:00 a.m. in his office at Fire Station 2. After meeting with his command staff to review any overnight events, he checks his daily calendar for meetings and events. On any given day he will attend several meetings, some with the public and some with other city staff.

Much of his morning is spent answering and sending emails, after which he usually spends time attending to ongoing projects such as annual/monthly reports, budget preparation, staffing issues, and analyzing response effectiveness.

“A particular priority for the Chief is planning for the future growth of the City and how the Manteca Fire Department will handle the increased call volume,” said Chief Marques.

While his job consumes the lion’s share of his time, Chief Marques also makes time to be actively involved in the community.  For example, he belongs to the Manteca Afternoon Rotary Club and sits on the Board of the Second Harvest of The Greater Valley Food Bank.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.

While Barbara Harb has been serving the City of Manteca as its Economic Development Manager for only a year and a half, she has lived in south San Joaquin County for more than 25 years and, as a result, knows a great deal about Manteca’s strengths and opportunities.

Asked why she wanted to work for the City she said, “With all of the housing interest in the area, I felt I could help Manteca leverage its premier, Central California location and the City’s significant growth to attract higher-quality retail and entertainment businesses, and higher-paying jobs to our community.

She points out that she also has a passion for serving small businesses, such as those in Manteca’s historic downtown.  “I truly have a passion for revitalizing downtowns to become destinations for families and friends to gather, enjoy great food, and shop…while simultaneously preserving its rich history, cultural value, and unique charms.“

Harb continues, “I knew Manteca was a special community even before being employed by the City; and now, as the City’s Economic Development Manager, I am privileged to work alongside an enormously dedicated team of professionals who share the same customer-focused, outcome-driven approach to serving our community.”

“I think what I enjoy most about the City of Manteca is working with our development team to streamline the development process for new developments coming to Manteca,”  Harb says that she understands that the permitting process can be confusing and complicated; and that wasted time is wasted money.

“Therefore, one of our top priorities in Economic Development is to help businesses navigate through the process and open up as quickly as possible. In fact, she feels her experience working with new businesses allows her to observe the process from the customers’ perspective and recommend improvements,” Harb observes.

A day typically begins with Harb managing her email.  After that, she works with the individuals who contact the City to ask about available properties, renewing a business license, permitting process and requirements, local and regional grant funding, and attending collaborative meetings with local and regional agencies.

There are also meetings to discuss new developments and marketing meetings.  “On the best days, I’ll attend a Chamber coffee or ribbon cutting for a new business,” Harb adds. “The very best day will be when I finally get that call from Trader Joe’s!”

In addition to all that, the Economic Development team works on gathering and compiling data to help promote the value of a Manteca location.

They secure information from several data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, ESRI, Placer.ai, University of the Pacific, San Joaquin County, California Department of Finance, Employment Development Department, and other independently commissioned studies.

“We use these data to design advertisements and marketing materials for promoting the City.  It all helps us put together a compelling story as to why Manteca is a smart investment and a great place to live,” Harb concludes.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.

This is a series of articles intended to introduce to the community key members of the City’s Team of employees who serve Manteca residents through their respective positions and areas of expertise.

Brandy Clark, Recreation and Community Services Manager for the City of Manteca celebrated her 21st year of service to the City this past August,  Clark says she works for the City because she enjoys making a positive difference in people’s lives in the City.

Clark attended Golden West School and graduated from Manteca High. Growing up in this area, she took part in many of the programs that the City still offers. She recalls taking her first ballet class and performing at various events in town. “Organizing events is one of my passions,” she says.

“I loved attending those events in the past, and now as a member of the Recreation & Community Services Department, I have the opportunity to help create wonderful events.” Clark added, “When I attend events, I often run into people I went to school with and their children, as well as teachers who taught me. It’s a great feeling to see familiar faces, people I know and care about.”

When asked about her favorite aspect of her job, Clark replies, “I enjoy leading a team of professionals who are genuinely passionate about their work.  It makes my job a lot easier, and we work together seamlessly, sharing the same objectives and visions. Everyone is committed to rolling up their sleeves and working hard to achieve our collective goals.”

“Some people don’t understand what we do.  Some may think we play dodgeball and jump rope all day. Actually, we’re working hard to give community members the ability to live and play in Manteca.”

There’s no such thing as a typical day at work for Brandy. Every day is different, some days she’s engrossed in emails, budgets, and programs. On other days she’s in the field attending events and talking to people to make it all work well.

Some days are spent planning future programs.  “I am always looking for ways to improve the department, its procedures, and programs, and working with the team to ensure our department is running as efficiently as possible. It really is the best job!” said Clark.

Given her lifelong history with the city, it’s no surprise to learn that she has been active in the community, outside of work. She taught dance classes for many years and served as vice president for the Noon Kiwanis.

Clark was recognized as the Kiwanis Member of the Year for 2020-2021 and is currently the treasurer for the Kids’ Sake nonprofit. In January, she will be joining the Boys and Girls Club of Manteca/ Lathrop as a board member.

Clark serves as the Manteca Parks and Recreation Foundation’s staff liaison. She noted that they are always ready to assist with community events and non-profit organizations. She also serves as the liaison to the Recreation & Parks Commission.

Clark served as the past liaison to the Manteca Youth Advisory Commission and the Manteca Senior Advisory Committee. She founded the Angel Tree program that provides gifts to lonely, ill, or homebound seniors during the holidays. Clark was also the co-founder of the For Kids’ Sake program which provides Christmas gifts to over 2,500 children each year. She was recognized as the 2014 Humanitarian of the Year for the City of Manteca.

Looking ahead, Clark emphasizes the significance of funding the Recreation Department. She acknowledges that her departmental needs are similar to those of other departments. The City provides many programs and makes the most of our spaces and facilities, but meeting the high expectations of all residents can be challenging.

“As our community continues to grow at a rapid pace, it is our responsibility to provide services that meet the needs of our residents. With an increasing population, there is a greater demand for extensive community services, such as an aquatics center. However, many people are unaware of the substantial expenses associated with building, staffing, and maintaining such a facility,” explained Clark.

“Without funding, the foundation of any endeavor weakens.  It’s the lifeblood of any project or idea. Let’s talk about how we can secure the funding we need to make our goals a reality!”

Clark emphasizes that the Parks Division is responsible for maintaining the parks, while the Recreation & Community Services is responsible for programming them. The Recreation & Community Services Department is the only City Department where residents visit because they want to, not because they are obligated to do so.

Throughout the summer of 2023, over 2,500 residents participated in group or private swim lessons. It’s clear that our parks are a beloved destination for our residents; for example, Woodward Park is always bustling with visitors on weekends. The Trunk or Treat event held at the end of October had an attendance of over 3,000 children.

In her limited free time, Clark enjoys hanging out with her family on their property riding dirt bikes, and sitting around the fire pit. She also enjoys Friday night football games, volunteering, cooking, planning, and decorating for family events.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.

Toni Lundgren is the City Manager for City of Manteca, she has served for eight months and started with the City more than 16 years ago. Lundgren was selected by a professional recruiting firm search in a process that looked at 34 candidates. She was unanimously approved by the Manteca City Council this year.

Since 2016 Manteca has had six City managers. Lungren worked with them all.

Councilmember Jose Nuño called Lundgren “the best fit.” Vice Mayor Mike Morowit said, “She has the institutional knowledge, having been with the City for 16 years, and she cares about Manteca.”

Lundgren said she came to work for the City “to do what is best for Manteca.” Over the years when trying to initiate programs the community wanted, she said she grew weary of always hearing the word “no.”

Lundgren said that one of her goals—and that of the council—is to have the City on a strong financial footing so it can provide the services that citizens need and desire.

She grew up in Linden, 20 miles to the northeast of Manteca, where she graduated from Linden High. She attended Delta College and then earned a degree at Sacramento State University and her Master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach.

Lundgren has 25 years working in municipal government. Before starting in Manteca 16 years ago, she worked in Stockton, Lodi, Escalon, and a Special District.

During the initial years of her career, Lundgren was employed in the parks and recreation department. She emphasized that parks and recreation services depend largely on a stable municipal budget and sound financial management to meet the expectations of citizens.

Lundgren was asked what he likes most about working for the City of Manteca. She replied, “I am thrilled to finally have the chance to enable the City’s excellent employees to execute the amazing ideas they have to improve our City.” Lundgren explained that she is excited to support the City’s workers in implementing their innovative ideas and contributing to the betterment of Manteca.

She calls the City employees, Mayor, and council Team Manteca, and says, “Leading this team of professionals is the best thing I’ve ever done. Together, we’re finding solutions to make our city better. I’m so happy to be here.”

“Our main focus is to come up with solutions to the challenges that our city faces. My typical day includes attending meetings, preparing and reviewing reports, and negotiating with vendors and contractors. I also meet with City residents, department heads, as well as the Chiefs of police and fire. In short, I have a very busy schedule,” said Lundgren.

“Every day is different and every day is challenging, but Team Manteca is making progress,” exclaimed Lundgren.

“In my spare time, you can catch me at one of my two son’s football, baseball, basketball, or lacrosse games. I love going to Country Concerts and to cook when I have time!” said Lundgren.

Vielka Guarascio is a Management Analyst in the Housing and Homeless Division for the City of Manteca. Her career started at the City in January 2022, when she joined the City Attorney’s office as a Legal Assistant. During this time, she actively participated in many of the City’s projects and homeless issues.

“The opportunity to work for The City of Manteca was enticing for several reasons,” explained Guarascio. “With a decade of legal experience, I felt well-prepared for a role in the public sector, particularly considering my earlier exposure during my student internship with the City of San Jose,” said Guarascio.

She added, “Returning to the public sector, this time in a legal capacity, felt like a natural progression and a significant milestone in my career. The added opportunity to work for the City where I reside was especially appealing, as I genuinely want to contribute my skills and efforts to its betterment.”

One of Guarascio’s main commitment is addressing the challenges of homelessness in our community.  “The City continues to devote and develop new resources to ensure homelessness is preventable, brief, and infrequent. I am dedicated to helping the Housing and Homeless Division ensure that vulnerable residents have the adequate resources and make the connection to the appropriate supportive services.”

“What I like most about working for the City of Manteca is the opportunity to create a positive impact through my work. The work is diverse and meaningful, with each day presenting new opportunities to make a positive impact in Manteca. Knowing that the projects and initiatives I’m involved in directly contribute to, and help, the most vulnerable in the community. I also appreciate the team atmosphere, collaborative spirit, and great group of individuals to work with,” declared Guarascio.

“My typical day is quite dynamic,” exclaimed Guarascio. “I engage in various meetings, including those related to homelessness, the development of the navigation center, and available resources. I also work closely with Community Resource Officers to collaborate with faith-based, non-profit organizations, and other public entities to collectively provide resources for Manteca’s homeless community.

“Beyond the workplace, I am a huge sports fan and love to attend as many professional games as possible. I also enjoy exploring new destinations through travel and spending quality time with my family,” said Guarascio.

“If you are living unhoused, or at risk of becoming unhoused, please call (209) 456-8556; we can assist in connecting you with accessible resources and supportive services,” Guarascio concluded.

About Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash, and sewer services. For more information call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8556, email Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 86,928. Manteca continues to grow at 4.1 percent a year. The City has 25,670 households with a median home price of $432,100. The median annual household income is $82,538.

Stephen Schluer is the new Police Chief for the City of Manteca. He has worked for the City for 27 years.

“Throughout my entire life, I’ve had a strong desire to contribute to my community. I was raised in Manteca and became a member of the Police Explorers program in 1987.

“When I made the choice to pursue a career as a police officer, it was with the unwavering intention of remaining in Manteca. My goal has always been to do my part to enhance Manteca, making it a more desirable place to reside, visit, and raise a family.”

Asked what he likes the most about his job, Schluer said, “It’s the people I work with at the Police department. Our department is rather tight-knit; it’s my second family.”

When asked what a typical day is like, Chief Schluer responds, “A typical day involves a series of demanding and varied responsibilities. It typically begins with a morning briefing alongside senior officers and command staff, where I gain insights into ongoing investigations, emerging challenges, and departmental priorities.

“The day involves a series of meetings with diverse stakeholders, including City officials, community leaders, representatives from other law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Building and nurturing these relationships within the community is paramount for fostering trust and cooperation.”

He continues, “I’m actively engaged in the continuous development and refinement of departmental policies and procedures, ensuring they adhere to evolving legal standards and align with our commitment to community safety and fairness.

“Community engagement remains a central focus, with frequent participation in events, forums, and outreach activities aimed at ensuring transparency and building strong community bonds.

“I also stand prepared to lead and coordinate emergency responses to significant incidents, oversee budget management to optimize resource allocation, remain in touch with the local media to convey important updates and maintain public trust, engage in long-term strategic planning to address crime reduction and community policing strategies and prioritize the ongoing training and professional development of our officers.

“Throughout the day, I am deeply committed to problem-solving, addressing a range of community issues, and ensuring that public safety and the well-being of our community remain at the forefront of my daily duties. Adaptability, effective communication, and a strong sense of duty are essential in the demanding role of a police chief.”

With regard to Schluer’s community involvement, over the years he has coached local youth and high school sports programs and volunteered in and participated in community events and fundraisers. “I am always looking for opportunities to be a part of the community so that I don’t lose sight of who we work for.” Other activities include:

• Board Member, Clerk of the Board – Manteca Unified School District Board of Education, Trustee, Area 6
• Board Member – Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin
• Member – California Police Chiefs’ Association (CPCA)
• Member – International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP)
• Past Director – California School Board Association, Region 8
• Founding Member – California School Board Association Equity Network
• Past Board Member & Past President – Tenet Health; Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca Board of Directors
• Board Trustee – Manteca/Lathrop Boys and Girls Club
• Past President – Manteca Police Officers’ Association
• Chairman – Manteca Every Fifteen Minutes Program
• Chairman – Manteca Police Chief’s Foundation
• President – Friends of the Manteca Parks and Rec Foundation
• Founder and Past President – Friends of the Manteca Police Officers’ Association
• Member – Manteca Noon Rotary
• Kid’s Sake and Angle Tree contributor
• Project Blue – Healthy Room Project and 10K with a cop

Chief Schluer’s awards and recognitions include:

• 2010 recipient of the Honorable Don Asher Memorial Police Officer of the Year Award
• 2011 recipient of the Manteca Police Department Meritorious Service Medal
• 2017 recipient of the “JB” Berkhart Memorial Foundation Humanitarian of the Year for the City of Manteca