What inspired you to enter city management?
The challenges my family and I experienced as first-generation immigrants from the Philippines inspired my commitment to helping others and ultimately led me to a career in public service. Through volunteering with nonprofits during college and later working in the political arena, I realized that local government offers a unique opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on individuals and communities.
How did you become a city manager?
I have spent 25 years in local government and my generalist background prepared me well for my role as city manager. My experience spans the New York city mayor’s office and Torrance city manager’s office, more than a decade with the city of Los Angeles where I gained expertise in human resources, budgeting and urban planning. Lastly, a period with the city of Indio where I refined skills in economic development, marketing and community relations.
Before becoming city manager of Moorpark, I served five years as assistant city manager to former City Manager Troy Brown. Working alongside Troy provided daily hands-on training and invaluable guidance that was critical to my professional development. Support from seasoned professionals through organizations such as CCMF, ICMA, MMASC, I-NAPA and CALED has further shaped my career, equipping me to effectively address the wide range of challenges and opportunities that I face as city manager.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most is bringing the city council, community and staff together to make meaningful, lasting impacts on people’s lives. This purpose is what drew me to public service and I do not take for granted the opportunity to do this work as my profession. Working with a passionate and respectful city council, alongside a dedicated and talented team of city staff, is truly a privilege and a key reason why we continue to accomplish great things in Moorpark. We’re proud of the progress we’re making and we’re having fun along the way.
What role does a city manager play in local government, and how does it differ from that of a council member or mayor?
Early in my career, I worked as a staff member for elected officials, gaining firsthand insight into the responsibilities and pressures faced by councilmembers and mayors. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for their role and made my transition to city manager feel familiar, as the position closely parallels that of a chief of staff or district director. The key distinction, however, is that in addition to supporting elected officials, I also serve as the chief executive officer of a complex organization, which requires a broader set of leadership, financial and operational skills and knowledge. Having worked within a strong-mayor form of government in two of the nation’s largest cities, I have come to truly value the effectiveness of the council-manager form of government in clearly separating policy direction from day-to-day administration.
What does your typical day look like?
First and foremost, there is no such thing as a “typical” day for a city manager! In general, my role is to implement the city council’s policy direction while overseeing the city’s day-to-day operations and services. This involves constant communication with the city council, community members and staff; making decisions across a wide range of areas including finance, public works, public safety and economic development, managing the city’s budget and organizational performance and supporting and mentoring staff.
City manager days are full and often extend into evening council meetings, special events or weekend engagements. At the same time, I prioritize spending quality time with my family, enjoying outdoor hobbies, doing volunteer work and carving out moments to maintain my mental, emotional and physical well-being.
What city project are you most proud of?
There are many city projects I could point to such as the revitalization of downtown Moorpark, the purchase and renovation of the new city hall or the construction of the new library currently underway. However, the work I am most proud of involves addressing mental health, which was a city council goal. I was directly responsible for this issue and played a key role in bringing a mental health clinic to Moorpark in partnership with Ventura County, as well as collaborating with Caltrans, law enforcement agencies and nonprofit organizations to construct safety fencing over the State Route 118 and State Route 23 interchange bridges to help prevent suicides. Given how critical mental health is to the community, city staff and the profession as a whole, it has been especially meaningful to be able to make a tangible difference in this area.
What are the greatest challenges facing city managers in the state today?
The greatest challenges facing city managers today are multifaceted and increasingly complex. One major concern is the erosion of local control as state and federal mandates expand, which can limit a city’s flexibility to address community-specific needs. Maintaining civility and constructive dialogue in public meetings has also become more difficult, requiring skillful engagement with residents while balancing transparency and effective governance. Mental health and work-life balance are pressing issues, not only for city staff but also for city managers themselves, as the demands of the role can be intense and unrelenting.
Finally, identifying, mentoring and cultivating the next generation of city management leaders is critical to ensuring the long-term effectiveness and resilience of local government, yet finding and retaining talented individuals who are prepared for this challenging work remains a persistent hurdle.
When and how do you interact with the residents of your city?
Growing up as an immigrant who didn’t speak English made me deeply aware of how people treat one another and instilled in me the importance of respect. Early experiences, from my first job in retail to grassroots organizing, serving as an elected student council member at UCLA representing 40,000 undergraduates and addressing constituent concerns while working for elected officials, helped me develop skills in listening, gathering input and responding to community needs. I bring these values to my role as city manager, guided by a strong commitment to civic engagement and direct interaction with residents. Living in Moorpark myself gives me a personal understanding of the community’s needs and a vested interest in shaping the city’s future.
What is the role of a city manager in upholding the public’s trust in local government?
The city manager plays a central role in upholding the public’s trust in local government by ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical management of city operations. This includes implementing the policies set by the city council fairly and consistently, managing public resources responsibly, maintaining open communication with residents and fostering a professional and ethical organizational culture. By demonstrating competence, integrity and responsiveness, the city manager helps build confidence in local government and ensures that community members feel their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
How are cities shaping the future of California?
Cities are where policies and programs directly impact people’s daily lives, improving quality of life and supporting a healthy economy shapes not only California’s future but, arguably, the future of the entire United States. California’s economy ranks as the fourth largest in the world and many of its cities and counties are as large as or larger than, entire states or countries. City officials and managers have a unique opportunity to address both the largest and smallest challenges in their communities while maintaining close, direct engagement with residents. This proximity, however, can be a double-edged sword, as city leaders are often held accountable for issues under state or federal responsibility. As a result, city council chambers frequently serve as the only accessible public spaces where community members can voice concerns, regardless of which level of government is ultimately responsible.
