Communications & Public Affairs Director – Randy Beehler

Communications & Public Affairs Director Randy Beehler is responsible for the overall operation of the Community Relations office and meeting the office’s three primary areas of responsibility. The Communications & Public Affairs Director serves as the franchise officer for the nine telecommunications franchises and the one cable communications system franchise currently in effect. The Communications & Public Affairs Director oversees operation of the City’s public access (YCTV) and government access (Y-PAC) cable television services. The Communications & Public Affairs Director is also responsible for the City’s community relations program which focuses on proactive media relations, communications training for City staff and elected officials, and the creation of more and better ways for community members to take part in the development and implementation of public policy. The Communications & Public Affairs Director also serves as the City’s primary spokesperson. The Communications & Public Affairs Director also provides news releases and social media content for the Yakima Police Department, and serves as that agency’s media contact. The Communications & Public Affairs Director serves as the staff liaison for the City of Yakima’s Community Integration Committee, and works with the City Manager and City Council in promoting the Council’s legislative priorities in Olympia.

Senior Community Relations Specialist – Bonnie Lozano

Senior Community Relations Specialist Bonnie Lozano is responsible for day-to-day operation of the City’s public access (YCTV) and government access (Y-PAC) cable television services. This includes training and assisting community producers who provide content for YCTV, as well as scheduling the use of YCTV equipment and facilities. The Senior Community Relations Specialist produces a wide variety of information including graphics for Y-PAC, YCTV and informational monitors at Yakima City Hall and the Yakima Police Department as well as videos, marketing material, etc. that is distributed to the community using the City’s various media platforms. The Senior Community Relations Specialist works together with the Communications & Public Affairs Director to develop and implement the City’s community relations program and community outreach efforts.  The Senior Community Relations Specialist also serves as the office’s purchasing agent, initiating and tracking various equipment purchases. The Senior Community Relations Specialist also supports production of Y-PAC programming.

Community Relations Specialist – Sean Davido

Community Relations Specialist Sean Davido is responsible for creating a variety of information about City programs, services, and initiatives and distributing that information using the City’s various media platforms.  This Community Relations Specialist serves as the City’s primary videographer and photographer. The Community Relations Specialist contributes photos and videos and City Council meeting information to the City’s social media platforms.  The Community Relations Specialist also researches and makes equipment purchase recommendations for the Community Relations office as well as other City departments and divisions. This individual also produces, edits and hosts the Yakima On Target current affairs program on Y-PAC, and produces public service announcements as well as video content for various City departments. This position also works closely with the City of Yakima’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to promote safety outreach efforts. In addition, this position produces, edit and contribute segments to CityCast, the City of Yakima’s news video magazine.

Community Relations Specialist – John Fannin

Community Relations Specialist John Fannin is responsible for researching, writing, and editing videos, speeches, newsletters, news releases, promotional materials, e-mails, website posts, social media posts, etc., and designing or identifying and incorporating original graphics, photographs, etc. for such materials. In addition, this position coordinates use of the City’s social media platforms and creates customized information for those platforms. This Community Relations Specialist records and post-produces programming for Yakima Public Affairs Channel (Y-PAC).  Additionally, the Community Relations Assistant regularly monitors and evaluates media coverage related to City activities, policies, programs, etc., provides assistance to other City staff in the development and dissemination of information regarding City programs, services, projects, and initiatives, and participates in the coordination of special events, meetings, community forums, conferences, training workshops, projects, exhibits, and other activities related to the City’s community relations program. This position also writes, edits and publishes Issues Brief, the City of Yakima’s monthly e-Newsletter. Responsibilities further include providing news releases, social media posts and website updates for the Yakima Fire Department.

Municipal Producer – Mike Brown

Municipal Producer Mike Brown is responsible for production of government access programming on Y-PAC, the City’s government access TV channel, which is carried on Charter Cable Channel 194. The Municipal Producer researches potential events or issues for which Y-PAC may provide coverage. The Municipal Producer also is responsible for providing coverage of City events such as City Council meetings, Hearing Examiner hearings, City Council Committee meetings, and other public affairs events such as appearances by notable speakers, elections, etc. The Municipal Producer also serves as an advisor to City divisions and departments regarding the purchase and use of video equipment. The Municipal Producer also assists with setting up audio systems for City meetings that are held off-site, and troubleshoots technical issues with recordings/presentation materials for City meetings.