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
Leana Bulay
EXECUTIVE Director
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Leana Bulay has served the San Dieguito River Park JPA since 2010 and became Executive Director in 2026. Throughout her career with the River Park, she has been dedicated to connecting people with the natural and cultural resources of the San Dieguito River Valley through environmental education, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and stewardship.
A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Leana previously served with the U.S. Forest Service as a Lead Biological Technician, Interpretive Specialist, and Wildland Firefighter. She has also worked with several environmental nonprofit organizations, building a career rooted in conservation, education, and public service.
As Executive Director, Leana is honored to lead the San Dieguito River Park into its next chapter by building on the organization’s strong foundation while continuing its mission to preserve, enhance, and connect people to the San Dieguito River Valley for generations to come. She believes that lasting conservation is achieved through collaboration, education, and creating meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to experience and care for the natural world.
Outside of her role with the River Park, Leana continues to support conservation and environmental education through her service on the boards of the Surprise Farm Retreat Center, UNPavement, and the Monarch Program.
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.
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
Senior Interpretive Ranger
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Calei is the Senior Interpretive Ranger for the San Dieguito River Park, where she develops educational programs, coordinates volunteers, and builds community partnerships that connect people with the River Park’s natural and cultural resources. Before joining the River Park, she built a diverse background in project management, community engagement, and public service, experiences that continue to shape her collaborative approach to interpretation and volunteer leadership.
She is passionate about environmental education and believes that spending time in nature inspires curiosity, stewardship, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. She enjoys collaborating with educators and community partners throughout the region to expand opportunities for outdoor learning and environmental stewardship.
Outside of work, Calei enjoys horseback riding, camping, watercolor painting, photography, and spending time with her family.
Gaby Busalacchi
Interpretive Ranger
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Gaby is a botanist and ecologist, who is passionate about connecting community members with natural spaces through a blend of art and science.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Horticulture and Urban Forestry from UC Davis and has worked in various biological technician roles throughout California. Her experience in restoration work, botanical data collection and taxonomy, seed farm operations, and environmental outreach and education has prepared her for her current role as an Interpretive Ranger. Beyond her career, she enjoys rock-climbing, crafting botanical inspired art, rollerblading, and music writing.
Gaby strives to create genuine connections with people and inspire others to engage and be present with nature. At SDRP, she wishes to facilitate communal spaces where people are encouraged to explore the beauty of the natural world and connect with others.
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.
Alex Bedoya Jr.
PARK RANGER 1
Alex Bedoya Jr. brings a lifelong passion for nature, public service, and community engagement to his role as Park Ranger 1 at the San Dieguito River Park JPA. With a background in park operations, environmental stewardship, and youth mentorship, Alex is dedicated to preserving natural spaces and fostering meaningful connections between people and the outdoors.
Alex holds a degree in Administration of Justice and is a graduate of the 107th Park Ranger Academy at Santa Rosa College. His early experience in park services began with San Diego County Parks, where he worked at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve from 2003 to 2005. There, he assisted with trail maintenance, visitor safety, wildlife interpretation, and emergency response—laying the foundation for a career rooted in conservation and public outreach.
Since 2009, Alex has served as a Scout leader with Scouting America, mentoring youth in Scout Troops across Bahrain, Italy, Guam, and San Diego. As a Scoutmaster, he has guided young leaders through outdoor education, service projects, and personal development, contributing over 800 volunteer hours annually.
Alex’s commitment to community and nature is reflected in his hands-on approach to park stewardship, his ability to connect with visitors, and his dedication to creating safe, welcoming environments for all. His diverse experience and deep respect for the land make him a valued member of the San Dieguito River Park team.
Nico de Paolo
PARK RANGER 1
Nico de Paolo serves as a Park Ranger at the San Dieguito River Park, where he cares for trails, habitats, and wildlife while welcoming visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscapes.
A San Diego native, he brings more than 15 years of experience in conservation and land management, having worked as a park ranger, preserve manager, and crew leader across both public and private sectors in California. Nico earned his B.A. in Environmental Studies and Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and recently completed an M.S. in Geographic Information Sciences and Remote Sensing.
His career highlights include leading backcountry habitat restoration and trail crews, developing and teaching environmental education programs, and designing projects that balance public access with ecological stewardship. Passionate about connecting people to nature, Nico combines hands-on expertise with a deep commitment to protecting biodiversity and fostering community engagement.
Dylan Delgado
Ranger Aide
Dylan Delgado is a San Diego native who grew up on a cattle ranch near Julian. He holds an associate degree in Wildlife Management from Feather River College and serves as a Ranger Aide with the San Dieguito River Park JPA. In this role, Dylan supports trail stewardship, habitat restoration, and visitor safety, helping protect native plants and wildlife while keeping trails welcoming and well maintained. He also volunteers with the American Legion in Julian, reflecting his commitment to community service.
Outside of work, Dylan enjoys hiking and camping in national parks, visiting museums, and exploring the open road on his motorcycle.