News Summary
Lisa Lombardo has been appointed as the new Chair of the Civil Service Commission in Coronado, bringing over 30 years of experience in civil service. She aims to enhance community engagement and ensure fairness in employee disciplinary cases. The commission is actively seeking applicants for various city positions and encourages community participation in governance.
Coronado Welcomes New Chair of the Civil Service Commission
Coronado is buzzing with excitement as Lisa Lombardo steps into her new role as Chair of the Civil Service Commission! Appointed in January 2025, Lombardo, a familiar face on the commission for the past two years, is sure to add a spark of innovation and community spirit to this important position.
The Role of the Civil Service Commission
For those who might not know, the Civil Service Commission is a five-member board that plays a crucial role in balancing the rights and responsibilities of city employees. They not only interpret and administer the rules around employment, promotions, and discipline, but they also serve as an appellate body for city workers who wish to challenge disciplinary procedures. This means that employees have a voice and a fair chance for their concerns to be heard.
Lombardo’s Journey to the Chair
Before taking the helm, Lombardo spent more than 30 years building her expertise in civil service and had a well-established career as a criminal prosecutor. After retiring over nine years ago, she decided it was time to dive back into community service. Inspired to make a difference, she applied for a commission role that piqued her interest. Although her first attempt didn’t land her the position, persistence paid off when she reapplied and was finally selected for the role.
Responsibilities and Goals
As the new chair, Lombardo finds fulfillment in overseeing commission hearings, especially when it comes to dealing with employee disciplinary cases. She has a strong sense of responsibility and emphasizes the significance of *fairness* during these proceedings. Understanding that employees’ livelihoods are at stake, she approaches each case with seriousness and respect. In addition to her hearing responsibilities, the commission also works on approving job descriptions and making necessary updates to employee classifications to ensure they accurately represent the roles filled within the city.
Current Openings and Future Planning
Speaking of roles, there are currently some exciting job opportunities available in Coronado! The city is looking to fill positions such as Electrician, Lead Pump Mechanic, and Fire Captain. If those sound like roles you might be interested in, don’t hesitate to apply. Deadlines for applications may even be extended if there aren’t enough candidates, which is a great chance for local talent!
The commission collaborates closely with John Kim, the Director of Administrative Services, who helps guide decisions on job classifications and approvals. It’s a strong team effort to ensure Coronado gets the best staff possible.
A Diverse Team for the Community
The members of the Civil Service Commission come from various professional backgrounds, including a psychiatrist, two lawyers, and a former police chief, representing a rich mix of expertise that benefits the community. It’s this diverse collaboration that helps to make well-rounded decisions for city employees.
Looking Ahead
Lombardo is also keeping an eye on the future. With members serving a maximum of two three-year terms, planning for upcoming vacancies is essential. Currently, Coronado is home to about 254 full-time staff members and around 200 seasonal employees, bringing the city to life across departments like Police, Civil Services, and Engineering.
Engaging the Community
In a community-oriented spirit, the commission meets monthly and encourages public attendance. Residents are also invited to volunteer for board positions within the commission, making it a wonderful opportunity to get involved in local governance and have your voice heard. It’s a chance to contribute positively to your community while being part of an essential decision-making body.
The city’s personnel-related budget stands at an impressive $54.5 million for the current fiscal year. This represents about 46% of total expenditures, underscoring the city’s commitment to investing in its workforce.
As Coronado continues to thrive, the Civil Service Commission under the leadership of Lisa Lombardo is set to embark on an exciting journey, ensuring the best for employees and the community at large!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado City Council Reviews Ethics for Elected Officials
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Meet the City Civil Service Commission
- Coronado News: Joyce Murphy – Just Too Much to Do to be Bored
- Coronado News: Meet Molly Brennan – HR Risk Manager
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Service
- Coronado Times: Avenue of Heroes – Chuck Lucas
- Google Search: Civil Service Commission California

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.