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Cronin is an East Bay native. Her most recent job was working as director of operations for the YMCA, East Bay, and she previously worked for the cities of San Leandro and Dublin. Cronin graduated with a BS in health education from the University of Utah, and took additional education for public officials at UC Santa Barbara. Married, with two grown children, Cronin resides in Danville. Mayor Amy Worth welcomed Cronin and told her that there had been a lot of competition for the opening. Cronin expressed her pleasure to be working for Orinda, and said that she has been learning a lot in the last few weeks.
Having recently lost senior planner Adam Foster, the city also welcomed new full-time planning technician Chris Cortez. Cortez, 27, graduated a year and a half ago from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in city and regional planning. Graduating in a pandemic wasn't ideal. While searching for a job, Cortez "decompressed" from school. Originally from Southern California, Cortez now makes his home in Walnut Creek. As a planning technician, Cortez will review planning applications to make sure that they comply with city ordinances.
Mayor Amy Worth welcomed Cortez, saying that she hoped he wouldn't miss the beach too much. She added, "Planning was one of the reasons Orinda incorporated, so don't feel any pressure at all!"
The council also took the opportunity to congratulate Cynthia Casey. The American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter honored Cynthia Casey at the 2021 Staff Appreciate Event held Aug. 26.?Casey is the senior administrative assistant in the public works department.
Casey has been with Orinda for over 24 years.?The council noted that through the years, Casey has assisted numerous residents, often being the first person that they meet when interacting with the city.?The city regularly receives positive comments on her work. In announcing the award, City Manager David Biggs said, "At the city, we appreciate Cynthia and it is great to see that Cynthia is being recognized at the regional level for her public services."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA