Two new commissioners have been welcomed to the Parks, Arts & Recreation Commission, following appointment from the Turlock City Council.

The Council elected to appoint Stanislaus State graduate Sandra Loza and Turlock native Jonathan Boulos to the commission on Jan. 10, and the pair took their first turn as commissioners at Wednesday night’s PARC meeting.

“It was fun,” said Boulos. “I enjoyed being on the other side of the table…it was good to see what goes on behind the scenes, because there’s only so much you get to see in everyday life.”

Boulos was born and raised in Turlock, and after moving away for college and his career returned with his family to raise his children. He once served as a certified public accountant in Turlock, and now works as a corporate controller for California Cedar Products in Stockton. Boulos also serves as treasurer and board member at the Turlock Community Theatre and is the young adult leader for St. Matthew and St. Thomas Catholic Churches.

Boulos joined the Parks Commission in hopes that he can help make the city a better place for his children.

“I want to give them a community that is both active and gives them the opportunity to learn,” he said. “I hope to make the city fun enough that they will want to stick around.”

During his time on the commission, Boulos plans to add to the Turlock’s existing appeal.

“I hope to keep the charm of Turlock, but also bring in some new and exciting stuff that other cities can take advantage of as well.”

The commission’s other newest member, Loza, is no stranger to politics. She currently serves as District 2 Supervisor Vito Chiesa’s Field Representative, and has worked with Congressman Jeff Denham and former Assemblymember and current District 1 Supervisor Kristin Olsen. Loza graduated from Stanislaus State in December 2016 with a degree in sociology, where she was involved in student government. She saw serving on the Parks Commission as an ideal way to give back to the community.

“I spent so much time investing in the campus at Stanislaus State, so I thought ‘Let’s reach out to the Turlock community,’” said Loza. “I want to be representing the citizens no matter their age or background, and expand to represent not just students, but my neighbors.”

Loza plans to spend her first few months as commissioner learning the job, she said, rather than focusing on specific projects she would like to bring to the city. In the coming three years, she hopes to learn her role and make an impact on the city while listening to the opinions of Turlock’s residents.

“I hope people find me approachable and are willing to speak to me about what needs to be done around the city,” she said. “I’ve been vocal about my appointment to this commission so that people know I’m on it and are able to tell me, ‘Hey, something’s up,’ because you really need that feedback.”

The next Parks, Arts & Recreation Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. March 8 in the Yosemite Room at City Hall.