Know Your Neighbor: Steven Nascimento
Born and raised in Turlock, Steven Nascimento served on the Turlock City Council from 2012-2016. Prior to joining the Council, Nascimento spent his career working as an urban planner and served as the District Director for Congressman Dennis Cardoza and State Senator Anthony Cannella. The son of Portuguese immigrants, Nascimento is the founder of the non-profit California Portuguese American Coalition, and serves as a member of the board for the Center for Portuguese Studies at California State University, Stanislaus.
Since departing the Council in January, Nascimento has joined the Advocacy and Public Affairs Team of the California Special Districts Association, and continues to serve the Turlock community as a member of Emanuel Medical Center’s Board of Directors.
Steven and his wife, Alexis, have two young sons (ages 2 and 5) and enjoy spending their free time outdoors.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working for the California Special Districts Association?
A. Our members! CSDA has nearly 900 member districts throughout California, and I have had the opportunity meet with many them over the past year. As a self-admitted public policy nerd, I really enjoy learning about the various services they provide, their unique community dynamics and the legislative and regulatory hurdles they face.
I’ve developed some great friendships with our members in my short time with CSDA and they really make my job a lot of fun.
Q. What should people know about special districts?
A. Special districts are the most local form of government and provide services based on community needs. Their governing boards are elected directly by the district’s voters – making them accountable to their voters and their rate payers.
Some might be surprised to learn that Turlock is served by three special districts – Turlock Irrigation District, Turlock Mosquito Abatement District and Turlock Rural Fire Protection District. Each of these districts were created through a vote of the people based on a specific need in our community.
Those interested in learning more about special districts can visit districtsmakethedifference.org
Q. What inspired you to serve on the Emanuel Medical Center Governing Board?
A. To be honest, I shared many of the community’s concerns when it was announced in 2013 that Emanuel Medical Center was being acquired by Tenet Healthcare. Emanuel Medical Center is an incredible community asset, and I was concerned that the transition from a non-profit to a for profit model would negatively affect the care provided at the hospital.
However, thanks to the leadership of Emanuel Medical Center’s CEO, Sue Micheletti, the hospital continues to be a symbol of pride in our community and I am honored to work alongside Sue and her team to provide the high quality of care Turlock residents have come to expect from Emanuel Medical Center.
Q. Do you have plans to run for elected office in the future?
A. No.
Q. What is your favorite thing to do for fun in Turlock?
A. On the weekends Alexis and I love taking the boys for walks and bike rides around our home and to our neighborhood parks. We’re also big fans of the Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade.
Q. What is the last book, television show or movie that captivated you and why?
A. My two favorite reads this year were “Under the Stars” by Dan White and “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond. “Under the Stars” is a history of camping in American that is hilariously intertwined with the author’s recounting on his own misadventures in the backcountry. As a fan of history and the outdoors this was an easy read, but what really kept me turning the pages was the author’s self-deprecating storyteller style. “Guns, Germs, and Steel” had been on my reading list for some time, and it did not disappoint. It is an incredibly insightful history of human development that highlights the role that geographical and environmental factors played in shaping modern human society. Did I mention I’m also a history nerd?
Q. What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you
A. I moonlight as an adventure guide. Each month I lead an outdoor excursion with ABC Fitness in Turlock for their clients. This year we tackled some great local hikes, snowshoeing in Yosemite, paddle boarding at Pinecrest Lake, spelunking at Pinnacles National Park, bouldering our way up to Cleos Bath, and a class IV rafting trip down the American River. I really enjoy planning the trips and sharing my love of the outdoors and adventure with others.
