ABA OFF THE CLOCK

ABA Off the Clock is a new FOCUS Newsletter feature. Here, ABA employees share some of their favorite pastimes, hobbies, and activities outside of work.

You might be surprised to read some about some of the things your colleagues do...off the clock!

Mark Iwasa - Youth Sports Coach

Police Chief Mark Iwasa has been a youth sports coach for nearly 20 years, including coaching all three of his sons in baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Teaching youth sports reminds him of the leadership skills needed in his job: "It's very similar to running a police department. You have a team aspect with no one having the exact same skill set, but when each person contributes their part, amazing things happen," said Chief Iwasa.

Iwasa started coaching in 1985 as a volunteer while working for the Sacramento Sheriff's Department. Most recently, he and his team of 13 and 14-year-olds participated in the divisional round of the Junior League Baseball division.

Suzanne Bracamonte - Buffalo Dairy

Suzanne Bracamonte, administrative analyst in Public Safety, has been up to something interesting in her spare time. At her buffalo ranch, she is creating dairy products using buffalo milk, which creates a unique texture and taste. "Cheese and collated cream is extremely creamy and there is no smell like there is with cow product," explains Suzanne. "The fat from buffalo milk is nine percent, while cow's milk fat is two to three percent, which makes the buffalo milk creamier and tastier.

Suzanne hopes to begin selling buffalo milk dairy products throughout northern California. "We have spoken to chefs of restaurants in San Francisco and many other ventures, but the plan is to open a store in the Bay Area. It is a long process, but it should be well worth it."

ABA's Triathletes

Public Safety's Lieutenant Lofthouse and officers Matthews and Lowry recently participated in the 42nd annual Eppie's Great Race, placing first in their division!

"The world's oldest triathlon" requires participants and teams to run 5.82 miles, bicycle 12.5 miles, and paddle a kayak 6.35 miles. This grueling triathlon has been held annually in Sacramento since 1974.

Participants Lofthouse, Matthews and Lowry shared their sentiments about placing first in their division: "This was my third Eppie's race," said Lofthouse. "I was shocked and very excited to learn we had won!" Matthews shared a similar response: "Our goal as a team was to have a good time and have fun. Winning the competition was totally unexpected! We are pretty proud of ourselves for such a big accomplishment."

This dedicated trio spent many weeks training for the event, as well as participating in other course events throughout the year. "I went out every weekend for about four months prior to the Eppie's race and kayaked on Lake Natoma to build up endurance," said Lowry. "I was riding my bicycle at least 50 miles a week!" added Matthews.

It is amazing what can be accomplished when a team works together toward a common goal. Their dedication and hard work payed off!

To learn more about the annual Eppie's Great Race, visit their website here.