As Election Day approaches on Nov. 5, it’s a fitting time to reflect on and appreciate the democratic process and the public servants who step forward to serve their communities. On Election Day, the Wrightwood community will choose two new board members for the Wrightwood Community Services District (CSD). Director Sadie Albers and President Natalie Lopiccolo who is the last remaining member of the original Wrightwood CSD board, are not seeking re-election, and their seats will need to be filled by new members.
Since the Wrightwood Community Services District was established in 2017, its dedicated board members have served and contributed significantly to improving their community. They have volunteered their time and expertise without the need for compensation. The board has worked diligently to manage the CSD’s budget for parks and recreation, solid waste, streetlights, and wastewater planning and engineering, bringing new programs and infrastructure to Wrightwood.
The founding board members included Leo Hordyk, who could be found personally stocking the community bathrooms with toilet paper before staff could be hired to do this. Stephanie Carroll spent countless hours navigating county processes to get the CSD approved. She also founded many other community activities and benefits, including the community garden and the walking school bus, and with fellow founding CSD board member Michelle Schneider, the Wrightwood Farmers Market. Wes Zuber dedicated not only his time but also the computer skills and resources of his company, UIA, to set up all the billing and accounting processes for the CSD when it was established. He also served as its first president.
Natalie Lopiccolo and community member Monica Ciccarelli, who was not elected to the board but still dedicated herself to the community, formed the adult softball league. The league has been active, with teams competing three seasons a year since 2018, bringing much-needed activity to the village. These two also worked with board member Michelle Schneider to spearhead a beautiful playground renovation in the town park, replacing its 25-year-old equipment. This renovation was completed without incurring debt and was funded through grants and donations, costing the community nothing.
Building on the foundation laid by the original board members, the current staff and board members have introduced new programs, such as dance classes, mommy-and-me programs, and two nights of childcare per month. They are also actively working on a project to upgrade the community restrooms and are exploring solutions to the downtown wastewater issues. These initiatives demonstrate the ongoing commitment to community improvement and the potential for new board members to contribute to this progress.
One might think that such accomplishments would deplete available resources, but that is not the case. Starting with no ownership of any facilities and a large inherited debt of over $400,000 for a skate park built by the county, today the CSD has assets of over $1 million without any debt and over half that amount in cash for community use. Now, Wrightwood owns its parks and community buildings and employs three local residents.
The original elected board members organized the framework needed to make the CSD functional and a source of community improvement. They increased the local budget throughout the years and spent significant time and effort learning about CSD law and how the town could properly manage its affairs locally. The example they set and the processes they established enable the CSD to continue in a similar manner and to take on more responsibilities if the community chooses. Parks and recreation, solid waste, streetlights, and wastewater planning and engineering are just four of over 25 functions a CSD and its community can choose to manage locally.
There are two seats open in the November election for those willing to continue the example of true public service shown by all of the CSD board members. Wrightwood would benefit from dedicated community members willing to volunteer their time to make Wrightwood an even better place. The candidate filing window is from July 15 to Aug. 9, 2024. Anyone who wants to make a difference in their community is encouraged to consider running for a board position in the Wrightwood CSD.
