Women in the Community
Making History
Getting to know Visalia's first female City Manager, Leslie Caviglia. Story by Lifestyle Staff | Photo by Katie Perez
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to Visalia.
Q: Are there any community projects or hobbies you’d like to share that are important to you?
A: I was born in Salinas and grew up on a farm and attended a small
A: In 2008, Steve Salomon, who was City Manager at the time,
country school in Soledad, a town due west of here in the Salinas Valley. The City of Visalia drew me to this community
assigned me to work on developing a Cultural Plan for Visalia. I
when they advertised for a Community Affairs position, which
was a bit perplexed; I don’t have ANY artistic talent, and really
was very cutting-edge for government at the time, and I was
didn’t know where to begin. But as usual, the people of Visalia
thrilled to come work for a progressive City. I fell in love with
came together and we developed a process for creating a plan.
the community, and it quickly felt like home. I’ve lived in Visalia
We had an amazing consultant that helped us understand what
now for 35 years; my husband and I have raised our family here,
some of our first steps could be, and how to begin to implement
and it is very much our home.
more arts and culture into the community. It was through this process that the Arts Consortium began to really become a
Q: How long have you worked for the City of Visalia? Can you share what your day to day looks like?
significant community organization. Since that time, we’ve seen First Fridays, Taste the Arts, and My Voice Media begin in the
A: I’ve worked for the City for a total of 26 years (with a few years in
community, as well as many other projects and programs. More
the private sector). Every day is different, and that is part of what
people are becoming aware that arts and culture can really
I love about working here. First and foremost, it is about working
enhance a community. I’m excited about some plans that could
with the Council. Those five individuals are my direct bosses, so
be true community assets in our future.
it's important I understand the Council's expectations, as a whole.
Q: The Visalia City Manager job was founded in 1852. What do you most enjoy about serving in this position?
The day is often filled with emails and meetings that range from planning for growth, discussing finances, park maintenance, and
A: The feeling that by working together, we really can make a
recreation programs to addressing citizens' concerns and creating a positive work environment. It's the depth and breadth of what
difference in the lives of Visalians, both in the present day, and in
those items include that make it so interesting and fulfilling.
the future. Ever since coming to the City at the local government level, I’ve felt you really can make a difference for the people of
Q: Over the years you’ve achieved great success. Are there any practices you put in place in order to balance family life alongside a demanding career?
your community. As City Manager, that seems even more true, which is rewarding, gratifying, and a little scary! Q: What is something others might be surprised to learn about you?
A: Truly this is one of the toughest parts of working for the City, especially so when the girls were young. Being willing to work odd hours in order to flex my schedule to be with them was
A: I knit (mostly a few hats for the Blanket Ladies that do so much
challenging but helpful. I was fortunate that my job with the
good in our County), love to cook, and love running snack bars for
City was able to accommodate many of their activities and
community events. Also, I am the 7th generation to be born in
needs as long as I got the job done. I also included the girls a lot;
and 8th generation to live in California. Some of my ancestors
they have been to many events, meetings, and were there when
came over with Portolá.
I’d get stopped at church or in the grocery store by a citizen who had questions. And having a supportive spouse that is selfsufficient is imperative—I couldn’t do what I have over the years
Gaspar de Portolá was a Spanish military officer who led an
without his patience and support!
expedition into California and served from 1767-1770 as the first Governor of the Californias.
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