California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names

The purpose of the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) is to provide recommendations to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names regarding California names for official use in federal publications. The California Natural Resources Agency is the CACGN executive sponsor.

The full CACGN Charter that sets forth the roles, responsibilities, and terms of engagement can be found HERE.

Appointed Members:

(as of 5/5/22)

Committee Members:

  • Mary Simmerer, Department of Water Resources
  • Daniel Walsh, Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Richard Lis, Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Amy Loseth, Department of Conservation
  • Tiffany Meyer, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Acting Chair)
  • Raymond Hitchcock, Native American Heritage Commission
  • Greg Lucas, California State Library
  • Susan Anderson, California African American Museum

Federal Advisors:

  • Carol Ostergren, United States Geological Survey
  • James Barnes, United States Bureau of Land Management
  • Jeffery Ferguson, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Rich Spradling, United States Forest Service
  • Amanda Kaplan, National Park Service

Ex-Officio Members (non-voting):

  • Amar Azucena Cid, Department of Transportation
  • Assemblymember James C. Ramos, Select Committee on Native American Affairs
  • Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr., Legislative Black Caucus
  • Assemblymember Luz Rivas, Latino Legislative Caucus
  • Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus
  • Senator Susan Eggman, Legislative LGBTQ Caucus
  • Designee TBD, Legislative Women’s Caucus
  • Christina Snider, Native American Heritage Commission

Emeritus Advisors (non-voting):

  • Jim Trumbly, former Chair, retired State Parks
  • Will Patterson, past member, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Clayton Guiraud, past member, Department of Water Resources

Information regarding upcoming meetings can be found HERE

Looking to propose or change a geographic name? Find out how to submit an application to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names HERE.