Newsletter

City of Duarte: Building Safe Summer Memories Through Proactive Risk Management

As we approach Park and Recreation Month in July, there’s no better time to celebrate the innovative approaches our members are taking to create engaging recreational opportunities for their communities. In the City of Duarte, summer day camp isn’t just about fun activities and childhood memories; it’s about creating a safe environment where children can thrive. Behind every successful camp session is a comprehensive approach to risk management that begins months before the first camper arrives and continues throughout the entire summer season.

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For Duarte’s parks and recreation team, effective risk management starts with thorough preparation. “We ensure that camp spaces are equipped with age-appropriate furnishings and equipment, that all amenities, such as an interior drinking fountain and water bottle filling station, are fully functional, and that first aid and bloodborne pathogen kits are well stocked,” said Duarte Parks and Recreation Director Manuel Enriquez. “Based on these evaluations, all action items are then reported accordingly to the appropriate department or division so they can be addressed before camp starts.”

The city’s commitment to safety extends beyond facility preparation to comprehensive staff training. “Training topics include an overview of the program’s policies and procedures, providing first aid and CPR certification, water safety, heat-illness prevention training, reviewing behavior expectations, emergency drills, and mandated reporting,” said Enriquez. “We also provide a mid-summer training to check in with staff, refresh, and adjust accordingly to camp experiences and needs that have come out of the first half of the program.”

This summer, Duarte implemented several safety improvements. “We revamped our camp sign-in and out procedures to enhance camper safety and ensure a secure handoff between a parent or guardian and staff,” said Enriquez. “We also established a designated first aid area within the camp facility—an open floor concept that is partitioned to provide a calm and private area where a camper can rest comfortably, separated from the group until they are picked up by an authorized adult.”

Managing capacity presents an ongoing challenge for Duarte’s popular camp programs. “Both of our day camp locations are hosted in a small park building space,” said Enriquez. “And while we’d love to accommodate everyone looking to participate in our camp programming, we limit the number of participants according to the space’s respective capacity limits to prevent overcrowding and to maintain the safety, quality, and overall success of our program. Additionally, this helps with effectively managing behavioral issues should they arise.”

Duarte’s parks and recreation team also leaned on resources from the California JPIA to build out its risk management efforts. “Authority courses have been integrated into our city’s staff training curriculum,” said Enriquez. “The Authority’s online library resources have also proven valuable for staff when contracting with special guests or vendors for day camp programs. Staff can utilize the provided vendor agreement, tailor it as needed, and finalize it with the approval from the city attorney.”

Duarte’s recreation goals expand beyond its yearly camp offerings and effective staff support. “The city is moving forward on its Duarte Park Revitalization Project,” said Enriquez. “The project aims to rejuvenate the park by replacing outdated amenities with new infrastructure, including a fully inclusive playground and surfacing, new restrooms, an off-leash dog park for both small and large dogs, a new park building, an expansion to the teen center, and additional parking.”

Risk management is being built into the Revitalization Project from the ground up. “While the project is being implemented in phases, risk management is being incorporated by ensuring the professional service agreements have the appropriate contractual risk transfer and insurance limits,” he said. “Additionally, resources like the Authority’s Dog Park Guidelines have been helpful in working with the public and contractor for the design of this future amenity at the park site.”

As communities across California work to provide safe, engaging recreational opportunities for their residents, Duarte’s approach demonstrates that proactive risk management and quality programming can go hand in hand. By investing in preparation, training, and continuous improvement, cities can create environments where families feel confident and children can focus on what matters most—having fun and building lasting memories.

For more information and assistance with your community’s parks and recreation risk management needs, please contact your regional risk manager.

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Protect Workers from Heat Illness

By Tim Karcz, Senior Risk Manager

California JPIA members are reminded to protect workers from heat illness as high temperatures are once again expected throughout California this summer. Employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness in both indoor and outdoor workplaces under California Code of Regulations, Title 8, sections 3395 and 3396. California JPIA members may be covered under both the indoor and outdoor regulations if they have both indoor and outdoor workplaces.

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Cal/OSHA’s Comprehensive Heat Illness Guidance and Resource Toolkit provides useful information on heat illness prevention, including a detailed comparison of outdoor and indoor workplace requirements. The standard commonly applies to agency employees who work in public works, maintenance, parks and recreation, community services, code enforcement, and public safety.

Heat illness prevention requirements are triggered when the temperature reaches 80 degrees for outdoor worksites and 87 degrees for indoor work areas (82 degrees when workers are wearing heat-restrictive clothing, such as clothing designed to protect from water, chemical, biological, and other hazards).

To prevent heat illness, employers are required to provide workers with fresh and suitably cool water, access to shade and/or cool-down areas, and, when needed, cool-down rest breaks in addition to regular breaks. Employers must also maintain a written prevention plan with effective training for supervisors to recognize the common signs and symptoms of heat illness and what to do in case of an emergency. Heat illness is more likely to occur when workers are not acclimatized to performing work at full capacity in hot weather. When working in these hotter conditions for the first time, workers must be closely observed for any signs of heat illness. Employers must also evaluate each worksite and make sure their workers know their procedures for contacting emergency medical services.

Members must take the following steps to prevent heat illness:

• Plan: Implement an effective written heat illness prevention plan.
• Training: Train all employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention, including common signs and symptoms of heat illness.
• Water: Provide drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool, and free of charge so that each worker can drink at least 1 quart per hour and encourage workers to do so.
• Rest: Encourage workers to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least five minutes when they feel the need to do so to protect themselves from overheating. Workers should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
• Shade: Provide shade when workers request it or when temperatures exceed 80 degrees.
• Cool-Down Areas: For indoor workplaces, provide access to at least one cool-down area, which must be kept at a temperature below 82 degrees.

Members are encouraged to take advantage of the Authority’s training, which includes Cal/OSHA-compliant refresher training for employees and supervisors. Additionally, the Authority has developed a template Heat Illness Prevention Plan, available in the myJPIA library on the California JPIA’s website.

Cal/OSHA offers the following resources:

• Heat Illness Prevention Guidance and Resources website
• Heat Illness Prevention eTool for Outdoor Workplaces
• Cal/OSHA Webinar on Heat Illness Prevention

For more information, please contact your regional risk manager.

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A Milestone of Service: Celebrating Lucy Brockmeier’s Five-Year Anniversary

The California JPIA is proud to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Senior Risk Manager Lucy Brockmeier, whose dedication to member service and risk management solutions has strengthened our Orange County region.

“Over the past five years, Lucy has proven herself to be an exceptional risk manager who consistently goes above and beyond for our members,” said Risk Services Director Alex Mellor. “Her detail-oriented approach, combined with her easy-going demeanor and good sense of humor, has made her an invaluable member of our team and a trusted partner to our Orange County agencies.”

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Brockmeier brings 27 years of experience in workers’ compensation claims and safety program management across diverse industries to her role serving Authority members. Her journey to risk management began unexpectedly—she started college as a biomedical major before shifting to political science and administrative studies with plans to pursue constitutional law. While in graduate school, a receptionist job led her to discover risk management when the company’s risk manager asked for help with a small request.

“I realized I had a natural talent and genuine interest in risk management and insurance,” said Brockmeier. “I’m driven by the opportunity to help organizations prevent incidents before they happen. Risk management allows me to combine strategy, safety, and education to reduce both human and financial costs.”

Since joining the Authority, Brockmeier has evolved from providing member service to taking on increasingly strategic projects and collaborating across departments. She co-developed several initiatives that reflect a shift from reactive support to proactive, solutions-focused engagement.

“I’m particularly proud of the Security Camera Guidelines, Volunteer Program Guidelines, and Powered Vehicle Guidelines, three projects developed directly in response to member needs,” said Brockmeier. “The Security Camera Guidelines came from seeing how overwhelming it was for members to piece together a policy from multiple documents. When interest in a formal policy faded, I revisited the idea later and got approval to develop more practical, accessible guidelines instead.”

The Volunteer Program Guidelines were also a long time coming. “I began updating them when I was 23 weeks pregnant, and my son is now 20 months old,” she added with a laugh. “I was thrilled to help deliver a comprehensive, customizable resource to help cities and municipalities formalize and streamline their volunteer management practices.”

The Powered Vehicle Guidelines were created after two separate member losses involving powered carts. “We saw a clear need for guidance to help prevent future incidents,” she said. “That resource now helps agencies understand compliance requirements, improve operator safety, and reduce risk exposure. All three projects demonstrate how we turn real-world challenges into practical tools our members can use.”

Brockmeier’s approach to working with member agencies is relationship-first, focusing on truly understanding each agency’s goals, challenges, and culture. “I aim to be a trusted advisor—someone members feel comfortable reaching out to,” she said. “What sets me apart is my blend of integrity, technical knowledge, consistent follow-through, and unwavering commitment to going the extra mile.”

Her dedication to Region 3 goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities. “I take pride in serving and supporting our Orange County members. For me, it’s more than a job,” said Brockmeier. “I enjoy building long-term relationships, whether through regular meetings or informal conversations. Seeing the tangible impact of our work in local agencies is deeply fulfilling.”

Over her five years with the Authority, Brockmeier has witnessed significant organizational growth and evolution. “The Authority has grown into a more innovative and responsive organization,” she noted. “We’ve embraced new technology, modernized our processes, and continued building a culture of collaboration. Leadership fosters a supportive environment where initiative is encouraged, and teamwork is the norm.”

Congratulations, Lucy, on your 5^th anniversary!

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California JPIA Recognizes Milestone Anniversary for Senior Risk Manager Toni Consolo

The California JPIA is excited to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Senior Risk Manager Toni Consolo, recognizing her impactful contributions to the organization and the agencies she serves. Her work has played a key role in enhancing the Authority’s presence and support across Coastal and Northwest Los Angeles County and South Ventura County.

“Toni has been an outstanding member of the California JPIA team over these past five years,” said Risk Services Director Alex Mellor. “Her ability to build lasting relationships with members, combined with her research skills and extensive risk management expertise, has strengthened our service delivery throughout her region. Toni’s collaborative approach and dedication to member partnership truly exemplify the Authority’s values.”

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Consolo’s extensive career in risk management began after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan. She entered the field through a position in workers’ compensation at Sedgwick, where she initially worked at a claims desk. Over time, she transitioned into roles as a supervisor and computer coordinator within the organization, broadening her experience and skill set. Her career continued to evolve with leadership positions, including assistant vice president at Keenan & Associates and risk manager roles at both the Montebello Unified School District and the Los Angeles Community College District.

“I found my way into insurance and risk management somewhat unexpectedly,” said Consolo. “I moved from the Midwest to California with the intention of pursuing a business career. Once I secured my first job at a brokerage, I discovered it suited me. As I became more involved in risk management and working with public agencies, it became clear that this was my career path.”

Throughout her five years with the Authority, Consolo has continued to serve as a Senior Risk Manager and improve her member relationships. “Longevity in this role is a wonderful opportunity to develop deep institutional knowledge and build strong relationships with the members,” she said. “Further, risk management is constantly evolving, and that dynamic nature keeps my role interesting and intellectually stimulating.”

“Supporting public agencies is very rewarding,” said Consolo. “There is a real sense of purpose in knowing our work contributes to the well-being of our members and their communities. While each risk manager may serve a specific region, collectively, the work of all the risk managers ultimately benefits the entire risk-sharing pool.”

Consolo’s approach to working with member agencies reflects her collaborative philosophy. “The members always come first,” she said. “Being responsive to member needs, questions, and concerns is a top priority. Risk management is ultimately about support and partnership, so I aim to be approachable, dependable, and solution-oriented.”

When reflecting on her accomplishments, Consolo takes a holistic view of her work. “It’s challenging to single out projects or accomplishments because, in this role, everything we do to support our members is meaningful and something to be proud of,” she said. “Whether it’s helping a member navigate a difficult situation, implementing a risk mitigation strategy, or simply being a trusted resource, each effort supports our commitment to public service and risk reduction.”

Over her five years with the Authority, Consolo has witnessed continuous organizational growth. “The Authority is constantly evolving and aligning its structure and strategies with the changing needs of our members and the changing risk landscape,” she said. “The Authority is proactive by investing in training and resources and remaining flexible and innovative in our approach to serving our members.”

Congratulations, Toni, on your 5^th anniversary!

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Celebrating Five Years of Service at the California JPIA: Tony Leite, Senior Risk Manager

The California JPIA is celebrating the five-year anniversary of Senior Risk Manager Tony Leite, whose unique blend of public safety experience and risk management expertise has made him an invaluable partner to members across East Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and the Eastern Sierra region.

“Over the past five years, Tony has become an integral part of our risk management team,” said Risk Services Director Alex Mellor, who served as Leite’s staff mentor when he joined in 2020. “His ability to connect with members through his public safety background, combined with his dedication to developing practical solutions, has made him a trusted advisor throughout his region. Tony’s commitment to continuous learning and member service exemplifies what makes the Authority successful.”

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Leite’s path to the California JPIA has been shaped by over two decades of commitment to safety, service, and effective risk management. He began as a California state firefighter and earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino. His passion for teaching led to a California State Teaching Credential and ongoing service as a Fire Technology instructor for the Antelope Valley Union High School District for 23 years.

His career evolved through increasingly complex roles, including regional manager of environmental health and safety for a global financial institution, senior safety engineer at Lockheed Martin Aerospace, and risk manager with Poms & Sedgwick Risk Services. As a consultant with Poms & Sedgwick, Leite had previous exposure to the Authority, which piqued his interest in municipal risk management.

“My career in insurance and risk management evolved naturally from a lifelong commitment to public safety,” he said. “As a firefighter and first responder, I saw firsthand how risk, anticipated or unforeseen, affects communities.”

Since joining the California JPIA, Leite has served as a Senior Risk Manager, with his role expanding significantly over five years. Initially focused on evaluating exposures, supporting liability and workers’ compensation initiatives, and strengthening regulatory compliance, his responsibilities have grown to include disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic response and emergency planning needs.

“My background as a firefighter brings a real-world perspective to this work,” said Leite. “That frontline experience allows me to keep risk solutions grounded and actionable.”

Serving members across his diverse region is especially fulfilling for Leite because of the variety of risks, operational needs, and community values. “These areas include high-profile tourism destinations, rural communities, and fast-growing municipalities, each with distinct exposures requiring tailored, proactive approaches,” he said. “Having lived in or vacationed in many of these regions, I bring a personal connection and deep understanding of their unique character and needs.”

Leite’s approach to risk management is rooted in relationships, trust, and real-world experience. “I don’t just offer recommendations, I partner with members to implement practical, sustainable solutions that make a difference,” he said. “What sets me apart is the hands-on nature of my work. I enjoy engaging with all levels of staff, from city leadership to frontline workers, and ensuring everyone feels supported and heard.”

Among his proudest accomplishments, Leite earned the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, reflecting deep technical expertise and field experience. At the Authority, he led the wildfire risk assessments project, supporting members in managing growing wildfire threats, and coordinated presentations at the Risk Management Academy while organizing five years of Risk Management Educational Forums.

“Most importantly, I value the enduring relationships I’ve built with member agency staff,” said Leite. “These connections form the backbone of our work and represent the trust and shared purpose that make risk management effective.”

Over his five-year tenure, Leite has witnessed significant evolution at the Authority. “The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic demanded flexibility, innovation, and rapid adaptation, qualities the Authority embraced head-on,” he said. “Today, the Authority’s culture is more collaborative, responsive, and forward-looking than ever. There’s a greater emphasis on continuous improvement, member service, and strategic innovation.”

One of the most gratifying aspects of Leite’s work is seeing member agencies recognized for their excellence. “Several agencies I support have earned risk management awards, reflecting their dedication to proactive safety and prevention,” he said. “Equally meaningful is seeing colleagues and friends nominated for the Capstone Award. These honors validate the commitment and leadership I’ve had the privilege to support firsthand.”

“Whether in the field, the classroom, or alongside member leadership and staff, I see risk management as a way to strengthen communities,” said Leite. “At the California JPIA, I’ve found a place where experience, passion, and purpose intersect, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission every day.”

Congratulations, Tony, on your 5^th anniversary!

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