SDRP Staff
JPA Office
18372 Sycamore Creek Road
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: (858) 674-2270
Fax: (858) 674-2280
Email: sdrp@sdrp.org
San Dieguito Lagoon Ranger Station
15699 San Andres Dr.
Del Mar, CA 92014
Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead
12655 Sunset Drive
Escondido, CA 92025
(858) 674-2275 x18
Email: leana@sdrp.org
Shawna Anderson, AICP
EXECUTIVE Director
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Shawna began her role as Executive Director in November 2020. Prior to that, she was the JPA’s Principal Planner from 2000 to 2020. As the JPA’s leader, Shawna’s focus is on fulfilling the mission of the San Dieguito River Park JPA to implement the vision of a regional 55-mile-long open space corridor including completing the Coast to Crest Trail. She is responsible for overseeing the JPA’s operations including management and maintenance of the River Park’s assets and capital projects. Shawna’s professional team is particularly focused on closing 20 miles of gaps in the Coast to Crest Trail and securing public grants to accomplish the River Park’s objectives.
Before joining the San Dieguito River Park JPA, Shawna managed a variety of environmental and land use projects while at private environmental consulting firms in San Diego.
Shawna has a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning (Cal Poly Pomona) and a master’s degree in Geography from SDSU. She is married and has two grown children.
It is satisfying to see the outcome of all this hard work as a public benefit enjoyed by so many and the importance of this open space greenway treasure – the San Dieguito River Valley.
Nathan Lacy
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER
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Nathan began his role as an Environmental Planner with the San Dieguito River Park JPA in June 2024. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego and his master’s degree from the University of California, Irvine.
Prior to joining the JPA, Nathan worked as a senior tax consultant specializing in energy and sustainability credits, a stormwater consultant for a mid-sized engineering company, an intern for a stormwater consulting firm and a public water utility, and a permitting assistant for a midstream oil and gas company.
Nathan enjoys training for sprint triathlons with his dad and brother, language learning, listening to audiodramas and fiction series, and going outside every chance he gets.
Dewanda Vandermost
OFFICE Manager
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Dewanda joined the park in spring of 2023. Her past experiences in various fields of accounting, office management, sales, property management and working in a team environment have made her the perfect match for our office manager, bookkeeper, and administrative assistant.
Born and raised in Escondido, Dewanda feels right at home working for the park and supporting the environment she so loves. She raised three children and has the great blessing of getting to be their mom and their friend.
Her favorite place to be is “outside.” She loves to go horseback riding, hiking, traveling and is now learning to mountain bike!
Jason Lopez
Resources & Trails Manager
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Jason has been with the JPA since August 1996. He oversees the SDRP Recreation programs at Lake Hodges, San Pasqual Valley, and at the Coast including setting maintenance standards, coordinating large projects, and providing quality control. He designs and constructs new trail projects and staging areas through working with Park staff, volunteers, contractors, and conservation crews. Jason is responsible for Habitat Management Plan implementation and monitoring.
Jason analyzes recreation and conservation issues throughout the Focused Planning Area and writes reports and recommendations. He monitors operational budgets and Park resources. His knowledge of local land issues and regulations, natural and cultural resources, erosion control, trail construction, and habitat restoration benefits SDRP in the planning, management, and implementation of projects that are located in sensitive environments.
Before joining SDRP, Jason worked at the City of San Diego as a Lake Ranger, City of Escondido as a Lake Aid, and at Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation as a Park Aid. Jason also volunteered at Mission Trails Regional Park. He has a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University. In 1999, Jason completed the respected California State Parks Advanced Trail Maintenance and Management Program.
Since 1997, he has been certified by California Department of Pesticide Regulation to apply herbicides and currently holds a Qualified Applicators License. He is the principal scientific investigator for the Park’s Scientific Collection Permit issued by California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Jason is a third generation San Diegan and focused on the conservation of the natural history and culture of the region.
Leana Bulay
Senior Interpretive Ranger
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Leana Bulay, a Senior Interpretive Ranger at the San Dieguito River Park JPA since 2010 is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies.
Before joining SDRP, Leana served with the U.S. Forest Service as a Lead Biological Technician, Interpretive Specialist, and Wildland Firefighter. She has worked as a Project Manager for several San Diego non-profit environmental organizations, showcasing her experience and dedication to conservation and community engagement.
In addition to her professional roles, she is currently serving as a Commissioner for the City of Vista, Park and Recreation Commission and a board member at Surprise Farm Retreat Center, the UNPavement and Monarch Program.
She strives to contribute to preservation and education of the natural world, hoping to inspire a sense of stewardship in the community to protect the San Dieguito River Park, a cherished natural treasure.
David Hekel
Senior Supervising Ranger
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David has been with the SDRP since 1999, was promoted to Senior Park Ranger in 2006, and has been Trails Manager since 2018.
He has a degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Palomar College and has dedicated many years of his life studying the impacts that users have on trail systems and the surrounding environment.
David’s continuing goal at the park is to provide a wonderful place to experience nature while preserving it for generations to come. In his spare time he is an avid mountain biker, hiker and rock climber.
Calei Heaslet
Interpretive Ranger
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Calei is a passionate and experienced professional with a strong background in customer service, project management and events organization. When she is not working, she enjoys horseback riding, spending time with her family, and creative pursuits such as watercolor and photography. She is excited to apply her skills and knowledge to support the San Dieguito River Park’s goals and enhance the visitor experience at the park.
Felipe Franco-Oritz
Senior Park Ranger
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Felipe Franco is a Park Ranger II with the San Dieguito River Park JPA since July of 2013. Prior. He previously worked with the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation for 7 years and served as a lifeguard.
He is a skilled carpenter and has been instrumental in building and maintaining the Coast to Crest Trail. He is known for building great rapport with patrons and the community, providing great stewardship and excellent public service.
Dylan Goldbach
Park Ranger 1
Dylan has lived in San Diego almost his whole life. Growing up he went to many national and state parks with family and as a part of the Boy Scouts, which instilled a love for nature and outdoor activities. Prior to working at the park, Dylan worked at a local winery in Escondido. He has a bachelor’s degree in history but may look to do further education in natural resources. In addition to the outdoors, he enjoys video games, wine or beer tasting, and traveling. Dylan’s favorite animal is horses. His inspiration for joining the San Dieguito River Park came from a love of hiking, including the frequent use of trails around Lake Hodges, By joining the SDRP, Dylan feels that he is giving back to the trails he has enjoyed utilizing so much.
Elias Rocha
park ranger
Elias has been with the park since June 2023 as a Park Ranger Aide. He is in his last year of school studying for his BA in Geography and Environmental Studies with an emphasis in sustainability along with a Certificate in GIS from Cal State San Bernardino. His prior work experience includes an Internship with the San Diego River Park Foundation as an Environmental Mitigation & Monitoring intern. In his free time he enjoys working on his family farm with his favorite farm animal being his pigs.
Tyler Polan
ranger aid
Tyler is a devoted nature enthusiast currently pursuing a degree in environmental science. With a profound passion for animals and the great outdoors, Tyler wholeheartedly embraces the joy of hiking and exploring the beauty of nature. Beyond his studies, Tyler is a dedicated advocate for wildlife conservation, combining a genuine interest in learning about animals with a hands-on approach to contribute actively to the preservation of our natural world.
Whether spending time outdoors, immersed in the study of animals, or actively engaging in conservation efforts, Tyler’s commitment to environmental awareness remains steadfast. His unwavering love for working with animals, coupled with a dedication to fostering a deeper connection to nature, brings a unique blend of enthusiasm and knowledge to any conservation-minded community.
Nicolas Taylor Dautremont
ranger aid
Born and raised in San Diego, Nicolas Taylor Dautremont has always felt a deep connection to the California landscape. After graduating from Carlsbad High School, he pursued his dual passions for science and community at MiraCosta College, earning an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Mathematics and Science. His leadership qualities shone through as president of the Palomar Nutrition and Dietetics Club in 2019, where he helped address food insecurity among students.
Nicolas’s diverse experiences have nurtured his love for the outdoors and environmental stewardship. He honed his physical skills as a lifeguard at Legoland California, learned about sustainable practices on an Upstate New York organic farm, and gained valuable insight into wildlife conservation while working as a buildings and grounds attendant at the San Diego Safari Park.
Fueled by his dedication to the environment, Nicolas has set his sights on becoming a State Park Ranger. Accepted to CSU East Bay for a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation in fall 2024, he’s actively working towards his dream of safeguarding California’s precious natural heritage.
Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Nicolas’s passion for regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management burns bright. In his free time, he immerses himself in learning about these vital practices, with the long-term dream of cultivating his own homestead and farm in the Golden State.