211029 1533 City Manager's Friday Update.From:Peter Grant
To:Peter Grant
Subject:City Manager"s Friday Update.
Date:Friday, October 29, 2021 3:33:10 PM
Happy Friday Team Cypress!
I’m delighted to announce we have a new Recreation and Community Services Director. Jeff Draper,
who has done a tremendous job leading the RCS team for the last six(ish) months as acting Director,
has accepted the position permanently! Jeff embodies the traits that set Cypress and our employees
apart and has remarkable abilities to build relationships and get things done. I’m really excited to
add Jeff to our executive team and I know you’ll join me in congratulating him.
On November 19, 1976, Cypress Police Sergeant Donald Sowma gave his life in service to our city,
becoming our first line of duty death. His murderer, Bobby Joe Denney, has been in prison since the
time of Sergeant Sowma’s death. I am pleased to report Denney’s parole was denied by the Parole
Board. Thanks to the current and retired Officers, the Soma family, OC DA Spitzer and Chief
Lauderback who attended the hearing. Denney is eligible for parole in 2025 and we’ll be part of the
process, fighting for Sergeant Sowma yet again.
The City Council has a special meeting Monday afternoon to continue its discussion of the California
Voting Rights Act challenge. When the City Council decides on its course of action, I’ll update you.
IN-N-OUT THURSDAY. Starts at 1130. The truck doesn’t have fries or shakes, but it can make any
special order one of the restaurants can. Here are some of the most popular items on the not-so-
secret menu. I hope you can join us to celebrate all our accomplishments and the special place we
work. Whether you can make it or not … thank you for your service to Cypress and for making ours a
special place to work.
Have a great weekend, happy Halloween and Boo!
Pete
Peter Grant
City Manager
City of Cypress
Office 714-229-6680
Cellular 714-335-1685
pgrant@cypressca.org