Candidate Statement

My name is Diane Lamkin, and I have lived in Lake of the Pines (LOP) since October 2020. Like many of you, I chose to live in LOP because of all the social opportunities and the amenities. And most importantly I was drawn to the beautiful lake and its surroundings. Prior to living in LOP, my husband and I raised our two children in Rocklin. We both worked for the State of California as licensed professional geologists. I am passionate about community involvement and held the role of Treasurer for the Parent Teacher Club at my children’s elementary school (8 years) and as the Treasurer for the Board of Directors for Fieldhaven Feline Center (3 years).

During my 30 years at the State of California I was honored to work on a special program focused on cleaning communities that were destroyed by fires. The first project I worked on was the San Bruno pipeline explosion that destroyed a residential subdivision in 2010. Since then, I have led 20+ fire debris removal projects including the oversight of the cleanup after the Camp Fire in Paradise. This January I began work on the cleanup of homes destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County where I was hired as private consultant for the County.  My areas of expertise are Planning Section Chief where my role is to track the progress of each property and schedule the debris removal crews and as Environmental Lead responsible for reviewing soil samples to determine if properties were cleared of ash and other hazardous materials prior to being returned to the property owner.  For the Camp Fire, I managed a team that cleared 13,000+ homes and structures with 150 crews running simultaneously to remove the debris.

Since coming to LOP, we have joined the LOP bocce and bowling teams, play bingo, bunco and golf; enjoy our evenings at Wine in The Pines and I’m an active volunteer with the Firebelles. Both my husband and I love our community and are proud to call this our home. I believe I can be an asset to the Board of Directors due to 1) my expertise in Project and Contract Management; 2) my previous experience as a Treasurer and knowledge of the specific financial details of nonprofits; and 3) my commitment to this community.

As a candidate, I believe we can improve our community starting with these four areas:

1.      Members need a greater participation and voice in decisions that affect our community.

2.      A thorough budget review to determine where cost savings can be implemented.

3.      Immediately address the health of the Lake. Dredging the coves should be done as soon as possible and should be budgeted as ongoing maintenance, not a capital expense.

4.      Fire Safety, such as brush clearing, should be a priority. This includes automating the emergency gates so they can be opened remotely in case of an evacuation warning or order.

Thank you for your consideration.