Hi – I’m Ricky, one of the TWO co-chairs for the Young Planners Group. I have lived in San Diego for just over two years and work as an Environmental and Transportation Planner at Ascent Environmental. My work generally focuses on greenhouse gas and air quality, including the development of greenhouse gas inventories, climate action plans (CAPs), CAP implementation and monitoring, and air quality analyses for CEQA. Prior to moving to San Diego and joining Ascent, I worked as a transportation engineer in San Jose. Professionally, I am passionate about improving public health through city design and activities, specifically by promoting activities that reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions, and that encourage alternative modes of transportation. Personally, I am passionate about bicycling, hiking, and Iowa State athletics – typically in reverse order, because after watching Iowa State football/basketball I need to go on a bike ride or hike to let out some frustration!
I received my B.S. in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University, and a Master’s in City and Regional Planning and a M.S. in Transportation Engineering from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo. I have been on the SDAPA YPG steering committee for the past two years as the community service chair and mentorship chair. As a resident of La Mesa, I am also currently serving as a commissioner on the City’s Environmentally Sustainability Commission.
Fun fact: I was once part of an acapella group that nearly won the “Talent Search” at the Iowa State Fair, and performed in front of thousands at the 4H Convention in Hilton Coliseum (Ames, IA).