Who's Listening

Melanie Schlotterbeck is a well known conservationist and strategist with extensive experience in environmental advocacy and land use planning. Recognized as one of the Los Angeles Times OC Visionaries, she has significantly impacted the environmental non-profit sector. Her history with creative conservation funding extends back to 2005, when she helped negotiate $243.5 million with the Orange County Transportation Authority’s for a nationally recognized Environmental Mitigation Program.

Melanie now has deep relationships with the community, non-profits, and elected leaders. Through her work at Coastal Corridor Alliance, she helped navigate the complex $97 million Randall Preserve acquisition. Her expertise includes land acquisitions, resource planning, and policy development, making her a pivotal figure in advancing conservation initiatives locally and across the state.

For the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Isabela refines schematic design packets, including site/building schemes, cost estimates, and project timelines. Additionally, Isabela provides written feedback for modifications, acceptance, or rejection as needed. She is adept at creating impactful presentations for senior associates attending conferences or design interviews, showcasing her ability to communicate complex design ideas effectively.

Isabela manages the day-to-day activities and decisions for the Randall Preserve/Genga [Tribal Name to be Determined]. She coordinates closely with Coastal Corridor Alliance on this work and was the lead in organizing, facilitating, and interviewing the federally compliant recruitment process for the Preserve’s planning team.

Paul brings his years of experience in construction and physical onsite work; program direction; event planning and facilitation; public speaking; and deep roots in the evolving tech world over three decades to the Coastal Corridor Alliance (CCA). In his time at CCA, Paul has helped navigate difficult seasons in the non-profit, and through the 387 acre acquisition of the Randall Preserve in Orange County as a Board Member first, and then as staff. Paul has helped establish CCA’s non-profit infrastructure, ensuring it can scale with its increased needs and visibility, and established CCA’s initial community outreach and volunteer programs, attracting over 500 volunteers in its first year.

Liam Walsh, a Rincon Luiseño Indian and experienced Tribal Liaison, excels in fostering relationships between Tribal Governments and external stakeholders. Currently, he is tasked with managing the Randall Preserve/Genga [Tribal Name to be Determined] Tribal Access and Engagement Plan through thoughtful coordination of the nine Native American Heritage Commission list identified Tribes with ancestral homelands at the Preserve. Through this work, he manages the formal government-to-government consultation for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

Sergio has a decade-long commitment to volunteering within the non-profit sector and a passion for conservation. He has created an extensive network within the community, cultivated over years of active involvement and collaboration with diverse populations. Since 2010, he has been deeply engaged in various community initiatives, fostering connections and nurturing a sense of belonging among residents. His commitment to community empowerment extends to his volunteer experiences with organizations such as We Are Trellis (Life on the Streets [LOTS] Homeless Ministry) and Mika Community Development Corporation. With LOTS, he worked closely with the unhoused population providing assistance and empowerment initiatives aimed at fostering dignity and self-reliance. 

Similarly, with Mika, he coordinated events such as camps, community meetings with various city first responders, basketball tournaments, health fairs and after school programs. Sergio is currently part of a new initiative with We Are Trellis called the Intentional Neighboring Network where the goal is to share resources of all kinds with the community and to foster relationships among neighbors and local organizations. As Coastal Corridor Alliance’s newest team member, he will focus on community activation for the creation of the Resource Management Plan, Coastal Resilience Strategy, and Public Access Plan.