The Sagecrest P + E Team
The Sagecrest Planning + Environmental team is comprised of a diverse group of planners and other professionals with expertise in urban planning and design, environmental planning, public policy, and project management. Our staff is recognized for a collaborative and insightful approach that results in high quality work and proven results.
"Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better."
Bill Bradley
Management
Amy has worked as a professional planner since 1999 with expertise in discretionary case processing, specific plans, general plans, project management, and environmental analysis. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine. Amy was a competitive snow boarder in college and still loves to hit the slopes as often as she can.
Amy Vazquez
President
Lindsay has worked in the public sector since 2004. She has extensive experience in planning, development, marketing, and community engagement and outreach. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics from UCLA and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from UCI. Lindsay can also be referred to as “Lady Lindsay Horn Ortega of Chaol Ghleann” as she owns a small piece of the Dunans Castle in Scotland.
Lindsay Ortega, AICP
Vice President
David has been a professional planner since1998 and has worked for multiple jurisdictions. As a Principal, David manages advanced planning assignments and complex large-scale development projects. He is the lead in supporting our clients while assisting in growing all three of our divisions, with a focus on our advanced planning, large-scale and special projects. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis and Design from the UCI. It is a goal of David to go to every county fair in California.
David Blumenthal, AICP
Principal
Emily has worked in marketing, creative services, event planning, and account management since 1995. She supports the management team with administrative duties, human resources, marketing, and social media. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations from California State University, Fullerton. Emily has a historical Presidential presence in her family tree.
Emily Tragos
Operations Manager
The Team
Alejandra is a professional planner working with the Development, Environmental, and Planning Services teams. Her experience includes housing and community development, regional planning, policy research, environmental review, permit processing, and development entitlement support. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Planning, with an emphasis in Resiliency, Sustainability, and the Environment, and a minor in Regenerative Studies from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Before beginning her planning career, Alejandra was on the courts playing professional basketball for the Mayor Women’s Basketball League in El Salvador representing team Santa Tecla BKB.
Alejandra Perez Matus
Associate Planner
Andy has been proudly serving the communities of Orange County since 2003 as a firefighter/paramedic. With his extensive experience in managing operations, problem solving, and communications, he is responsible for all office systems to ensure day-to-day functionality and efficiency. Andy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach along with an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science from Santa Ana College. When there is a free moment Andy jumps at the chance to be either on the golf course, the ocean, or the mountains.
Andy Vazquez
Office Manager
Art’s career spans over three decades and includes serving as a Planning Manager and Planning Director. He’s been a part of the Sagecrest team since 2018 providing planning services and managing special projects. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography/Anthropology and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona. His free time is spent exploring, finding hidden gems and learning about people and cultures within current surroundings and in foreign lands and places in between.
Art Bashmakian, AICP
Planning Manager
Jennifer has worked as a city planner since 2007, starting in the public sector before transitioning to consulting in 2020. She has extensive experience in project management and community engagement, working on both advanced planning efforts and complex current planning cases. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and has been an AICP member since 2014. Outside of her professional life, Jennifer enjoys spending time soaking up the sun at the beach, taking walks, and visiting local parks with her family.
Jennifer Williams, AICP
Senior Project Manager
Kaden is a dedicated planner working with our Development, Environmental, and Planning Services teams. He has worked on all aspects of planning projects including processing entitlements, plan reviews, managing plan checks, environmental writing, and presenting reports to Planning Commission and City Council. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning with a minor in Climate Change Studies from University of California, San Diego. Kaden enjoys all things under the sun – surfing, playing golf, watching sports and his favorite hobby, coaching the three-time National winning Del Mar Water Polo Club.
Kaden Likins
Assistant Planner
Kelly is a planning professional with over ten years of experience in municipal current planning. Her specialties include comprehensive entitlement and environmental document preparation and review, as well as preservation planning and design review for historic properties from the late 19th to mid-20th century. She earned a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Oregon. In her free time Kelly enjoys many types of fiber arts, including knitting, sewing, quilting, and cross-stitch.
Kelly Ribuffo
Senior Project Manager
Lindsey is a dedicated planner supporting our Planning Services team. While providing counter support in various jurisdictions, Lindsey has assisted residents, property owners, and project managers to permit their projects quickly and efficiently to move forward in the building process. With her knowledge of city specific zoning codes and land use regulations she’s able to effectively work with residents and stakeholders on detailed projects. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from University of California, Irvine. As a self-proclaimed mystery detective, Lindsey enjoys spending her free time tuning into crime dramas to unwind after a workday.
Lindsey Moreno
Planning Technician
Mel has been a certified planner since 1990. His expertise includes processing ADU's, ordinances, current planning and managing outside consultants. Mel has extensive experience in both Orange and Los Angeles counties. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State University Polytechnic, Pomona. Mel retired in 2020 from the public sector; however still enjoys supporting the jurisdiction of Artesia through Sagecrest.
Mel Lee, AICP
Senior Planner
Paulina is a Planning Technician supporting the Planning Division. At the counter, she assists residents, property owners, and entrepreneurs with their land use questions, helping guide their projects forward, while simultaneously working on special projects. Paulina’s knowledge comes from researching the zoning code for any potential projects that come through the counter, allowing her to provide accurate and efficient guidance to the communities she serves. She earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies with a minor in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University. On her off time, she channels her inner barista and roasts her own coffee beans.
Paulina Fischbach
Planning Technician
Ray has been a professional planner since 1987. His experience has been serving jurisdictions in both Orange and Los Angeles Counties where he managed a variety of projects through the entitlement and CEQA processes. As a Planning Manager he supports multiple jurisdictions. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona. Outside of his professional life, Ray paddles Hawaiian outrigger canoes, rides mountain bikes, and is an avid reader.
Ray Pascua
Planning Manager
SageWorks
Aiden Vazquez
SageWorks Ambassador
Ava Vazquez
SageWorks Ambassador
Alexis Tragos
SageWorks Ambassador
SageCats
Clementine started her career as a SageCat in 2022 when she moved into the San Juan Capistrano office. While Clementine supports the entire team, she has a special affinity with stealing our Executive Assistant's chair. Her favorite nap spot is on top of the bookshelf in Amy's office. She is also the reigning champ in office cat parkour.
Lady Clementine
SageCat
Winston joined the Sagecrest team in 2022 and quickly made the office his home. He loves to be held and does not believe in leaving an empty box unexplored. Winston can typically be found napping in the office at the top of the stairs or on a desk.
Sir Winston
SageCat