Cambria CSD general manager abruptly resigns after 3 years on the job. Here’s why
The general manager of the Cambria Community Services District has abruptly resigned.
John Weigold’s final day on the job was Nov. 15, according to a letter of resignation he submitted to the CSD’s board of directors on Nov. 13.
In his letter, Weigold explained why he’s leaving his job after three years — and moving out of San Luis Obispo County.
“I recently became engaged and will be relocating to the Santa Barbara, California, area,” Weigold wrote.
Weigold thanked the district board and staff “for the knowledge and experience I have gained by working” with them.
“I am very grateful for the time I have spent on our team and the professional relationships I’ve built,” he wrote. “It’s been a pleasure working for you, and I hope our paths will cross again in the future.”
Why is Cambria CSD general manager leaving SLO County?
A retired U.S. Navy officer with decades of experience in the military, aerospace and executive search fields, Weigold was hired as Cambria CSD general manager in June 2019.
Weigold replaced former general manager Jerry Gruber, who parted ways with the district in 2018.
Weigold told The Tribune via email that he and his fiancée got engaged three months after they met.
“She’s a native of Santa Barbara and a well-known horse-riding trainer there,” Weigold said.
Weigold noted that he doesn’t own a home in San Luis Obispo County, so it will be “easy to relocate.”
Weigold said that he wants community members to know that “I very much appreciated the opportunity to work here and learn a lot more about Cambria and its residents.”
“While I’m proud of many things, I will most cherish my time working as part of our fantastic staff,” he said. “The community is lucky to have such an experienced, dedicated and hardworking team!”
Who will serve as acting GM?
On Nov. 16, the district board unanimously appointed its district engineer as acting general manager.
In a brief closed session, the directors selected Ray Dienzo, who’d been with the district since January 2020, to fill the vacancy.
Dienzo is a Cal Poly engineering graduate who’s worked for other Central Coast agencies, including as supervising water resources engineer for the water resources division of the San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department.
He’s also been a part-time instructor at Cuesta College, teaching water treatment and water distribution operation courses.
This story was originally published November 15, 2022 at 11:40 AM.
