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Thank you Supervisor Weygandt!
I did not grow up in Placer County or even in the state of California. I was born and raised on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in a small city named Yukon. Growing up, there were no mountains or hills, and very few forests or rivers. Instead I was surrounded by acers of flat prairie, with tall grass and a few open fields that seemed to go on for miles. From a young age I was known to wander off into the great unknown of the outdoors and find a hidden creek or grove of trees. It wouldn’t be odd to see me hanging in a tree or surrounded by a puddle of mud.
When I was 18, I moved to California to start college at William Jessup University. My love for the outdoors and a love to explore nature quickly led me to fall in love with Placer County and all it has to offer. My love of both history and local communities has led me to find many local sites and traditions to explore within Placer County. From mountains and lakes, to orchards and farms, events and historical sites, there seems to always be something new and exciting to explore! I remember one day, as I was driving back to Jessup and saw the sun setting and the hills in the distance, I knew there was something special about this place that I didn't want to leave.
During my second year of studies at William Jessup, I took a course on the ins and outs of state and local governments. While taking this class, I began to see the intricate impact local government can have on a community, and how in many ways, it is where the rubber meets the road on the issues that affect people’s lives most directly. Over the next couple of years, my interest in local government became a passion. I loved learning about different departments, what they do, and how they worked together. As a recent graduate, working as the District Intern has been a fantastic opportunity to grow even more in my understanding and passion for local government, and specifically Placer County. It has been wonderful to both see and be a part of the surrounding community in a new way!
As said before, in my free time I love to be outside, exploring and finding something new! I love going to outdoor concerts and playing the piano myself when I get the chance. I also enjoy going to farmers markets and trying out new recipes with my fiancé. It is truly a privilege to serve as a part of the Board of Supervisor's staff and to serve the people of district two.
This month I wanted to highlight a truly amazing member of our community, someone who has shown a dedication to serve and make a difference in her community. Ana Roa is a resident of Lincoln, known by many for her love and caring heart towards her community and for the many ways she has dedicated her time and energy to love and serve the City of Lincoln and the surrounding areas.
 Ana is originally from Mexico, grew up in San Diego, and has lived in Lincoln for the last 23 years. Since moving there, she has been heavily involved in serving and volunteering in her community. She currently serves as a member of the Lincoln Rotary Club, serving both on the membership committee as well as the community service committee. Ana loves to assist with Rotary fundraisers when she has the opportunity between her other volunteer and leadership positions.
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She also house manages for the Lincoln Theater Company, serves on their Board of Directors as Secretary, is a member of the Lincoln 4th of July committee, and volunteers with the Better Living Center with their weekly food distribution. Ana can also be found helping out at several fundraisers and service projects throughout the city such as Lincoln’s Operation Sparkle (Community Cleaning), Downtown Lincoln Association’s Chocolate Ball Fundraiser, and Friends of McBean Park’s Operation Home Run (Community Painting). From this, it is easy to see that Ana is certainly a woman of many hats and many talents. And her heart for her community truly shines through.
When asked why she volunteers, one of the first things she said was “it gives my heart immense joy to see how my little contribution helps individuals, organizations or even our own city”. Ana shared that she learned about the joy of serving and caring for one's community from the example of her mother.
“Growing up, we lived very humbly, yet my Mother always had something to share with those in need. She would always open our little house to who ever needed shelter and food. When one of her aunt's homes burned down, she got off the phone and ran to Costco to buy food for her family. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for anyone.”
Ana also shared that volunteering has led her to meet many extraordinary people she would not have otherwise met. From her mentor in the Rotary Club to those who pour their passion into the community theater. “I could easily give you 50 names. Our city is blessed with a plethora of amazing and loving residents.” Ana is extremely thankful for a community that truly cares for one another. She remembers an instance where someone posted on the Good Neighbors of Lincoln Facebook group that they were in need of a ride. Ana said she was deeply impressed and touched by how many people were willing to offer a ride to someone they had never met. “This would not happen in San Diego where I used to live”. This type of community has led Ana to decide this is where she wants to live for the rest of her life.
Lastly, Ana commented on what she would say to someone who was unsure about how to get involved in the community or even unsure if volunteering was for them. Ana encouraged people to find something they are passionate about. Find a group that can use your help. “I love children, so I chose LTC so I can experience seeing their efforts come to fruition; I chose the Lincoln 4th of July Committee because I enjoy watching families get together and enjoy a day filled with festivities and of course, fireworks at night; I chose Rotary because it not only helps those in our city, but worldwide”. She also says to not worry about the time commitment to volunteering. “It should never become a burden or interfere with family life”. Instead, it should be something that brings joy to you, your family, and those you serve. “Find your passion and make it fun and exciting and along the way, you're bound to meet friends for life.”
Thank you Ana for all you do and have done for our community.
Last month, the Board of Supervisors designated October as "Celebrate PlacerGROWN month" by the county, a month to explore your PlacerGROWN community. Harvest season is upon us! That means now is an excellent time to check out PlacerGROWN's Find a Farm Map. Use this tool to find farms that have everything from Fruits and Veggies to Sauces and Wines. Come out to support your local farms and get some goodies along the way.
Howl-O-Ween Bark Party - Enjoy the first ever Howl-O-Ween Party at McBean park on October 27th from 12 pm - 3pm. Bring your family, friends, and four-legged friends!
Come meet best-selling author Catriona McPherson - Meet Catriona McPherson, Author of the Dandy Gilver Mystery series and many more at the Lincoln Library on October 30.
Free Medication Take-Back - On October 27th, 13 locations throughout Placer County are offering a free medication take-back service where they will accept prescription and over-the-counter drugs, controlled substances, and veterinary medications. The Lincoln Police Department will be receiving medications from 10 am - 2 pm on the 27. For a full list of places and times, visit this story through the Placer County News Page.
Last month, the Board of Supervisors heard a presentation outlining road improvement projects for the coming year. With the additional $7.3 million in state funding for road projects within the coming fiscal year, the county is looking to resurface approximately 132 miles of road throughout the county. These projects will help to bring the county's overall road condition rating from "fair" to "good" on the Pavement Condition Index scale. For more information on the future of road improvement projects can be found at the Placer County News Page.
Western Placer Waste Management Authority invites residents to talk trash at Oct. 23 community meeting
Placer urges voters to check their registration information ahead of Oct. 22 deadline
Placer County in need of poll workers for Nov. 6 general election
Placer County Transit rolls out real-time bus information
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