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Arroyo Grande proclaims Women's History Month, honors employees and names new public works manager
Summary
The council issued a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Women's History Month, invited Anita Shawer of the county commission on the status of women to speak, introduced new public works manager Mike Robas, and recognized multiple employee award recipients; utilities manager Shane Taylor announced his retirement with recruitment open through March 18.
At Tuesday's meeting Mayor Karen Ray Russell read a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month and invited Anita Shawer, chairwoman of the St. Louis Bispo County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, to make brief remarks. Shawer described the commission's mission and ongoing survey work: "I am Anita Shawer, chairwoman of the St. Louis Bispo County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls," she told the council.
City manager Matt Downing presented refreshed annual employee recognition awards, naming recipients across categories (behind-the-scenes award recipients Liz Vega, Susie Velasquez and Trisha Meyers; next-level award recipients including Battalion Chief Bird and city engineer Shannon Sweeney; and a "One Team, One Dream" award given to senior engineer John Benadetti and deputy city clerk/communications coordinator Julie Hawkins).
Downing also announced the upcoming retirement of longtime utilities manager Shane Taylor in May after a 38-year city career and said the application period for the utilities manager recruitment is open through March 18. Assistant city manager Robersonson introduced Mike Robas as the new public works manager; Robas briefly thanked council and staff for the welcome.
The council applauded the recognitions and directed staff to continue routine recruitment outreach and employee engagement programs.
