DAVE TAMAYO: Our VOICE ON THE SMUD BOARD

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Now in his third term as South Sacramento’s representative on the SMUD Board, and throughout his professional career, Dave has earned a reputation for his commitment to protecting our environment, promoting equity in housing and community development, and supporting public education and neighborhoods.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dave earned his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. His young family moved to Sacramento in 1989, where he began a career in environmental protection and advocated for change in his underserved South Sacramento community.

Dave’s accomplishments include the establishment of science programs and gardens in local schools, the launch of the Fruitridge Manor neighborhood association, the construction of a new “tot lot” playground, and policies in support of new public parks and urban infill across Sacramento. Dave has also consistently supported affordable housing and access to social services in his community. These deep roots have allowed Dave to stay grounded in the needs of the region’s residents and advocate for their interests on the SMUD Board and beyond.

Professionally, Dave recently retired as an environmental scientist for Sacramento County, where he has worked for 30 years. He earned his master’s degree in entomology, and was a national leader in the intersection of water quality protection and pesticide and pest management policy. He established pollution prevention programs, and led collaborative efforts among public agencies, non-profits, and industry groups. Dave wrote the County stormwater pollution ordinance, co-founded the region’s River Friendly Landscaping Program, and helped lead the creation of local, statewide, and national integrated pest management programs.

Dave has helped to lead numerous public agencies and community groups, including:

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  • City of Sacramento Parks & Recreation Commission

  • South Sacramento Community Plan Advisory Committee

  • Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees

  • State of California Structural Pest Control Board

  • Leonardo da Vinci Parent-Teacher Council

  • Sacramento Mutual Housing Association

  • Delta Regional Monitoring Program

  • California Stormwater Quality Association

  • People United for a Better Sacramento

  • Fruitridge Manor Neighborhood Association

  • Sacramento Urban Creeks Council

Dave is very proud of his adult children who attended Sacramento public schools, graduated from West Campus High School, and earned their bachelors’ degrees. His son currently has a career in IT, and is a licensed dietician. Before his environmental career, Dave had his own business selling wholesale seafood, and greatly values the knowledge and perspective he gained working as a commercial fisherman, whitewater raft guide, and an electrician. Dave enjoys eco-friendly gardening, beekeeping, whitewater rafting and kayaking, and cycling.