Our Board Treasurer Buzz
Describe yourself in one or two sentences? I’m sixty-seven years old, married for forty years with three sons and three grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. I feel blessed. As my wife Jennie says almost everyday, “We’re so lucky.”
What would you say is your life’s work?
Well, helping to provide for my family has always been a priority. Respecting and appreciating my parents and grandparents for what they sacrificed for their future generations. I want to do the same thing for my prodigy as well as instilling good values and compassion for humanity in general. I want to make our community a better place. A little effort that is sustained everyday adds up to positive results.
How did you come to live in Santa Cruz County?
I was born in San Jose but we moved to Capitola when I was eight. Our family, who grew prunes, walnuts and apricots in the Santa Clara Valley, always came to the coast. My great-grandfather built a house in Capitola so it was the logical place to move after most of the farmland became Silicone Valley. I attended Soquel Elementary, Capitola Junior High, Soquel High, Cabrillo College and UCSC.
Do you have a book like you to recommend?
Some time ago I read a book by an ordained minister whom I went to school with. I don’t even know if it’s in print anymore, but I remember it as having a profound effect on me. It’s titled “Open Christianity” by James Burklo
What do you do to relax?
I like to garden, but I do get burned out on pulling weeds. I golf at least once a week with some buddies I’ve known since fourth grade. That’s a lot of fun. It’s like we’re back in grade school again. I like to ride bikes and stand up paddle boards. I also do a bit of writing. I self published a book of poetry a few years back and I finished an historical novel that will be out very soon. Helping my wife watch the grandkids is great, but they can really use up your energy!
Can you say something about your family? What were your early years like?
All of my great grandparents came to San Jose in the 1870’s. They were immigrants from Swe-den and Ireland. They saved some money, acquired some land, and planted fruit and nut trees. My early years were spent in an old farmhouse amongst a forest of prunes and walnuts. We walked to school through the orchards and played in the irrigation ditches. I had a great child-hood. My first job, of course, was picking prunes at 25 cents a box.
What’s your vision for our community in the coming years?
Santa Cruz County is a great place to live but it can be better. Fewer cars on the road would improve the quality of life here. I envision a better network of wide bicycle pathways. The rail corridor could become the spine of a safe, green transit network that would alter the county in so many positive ways. Of course, I’d also like to see better human outcomes for residents who are struggling— be it substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, mental illness or depression. We need a compassionate society that is less violent.
What attracted you to join MENtors?
One person attracted me to MENtors—Deutron Kebebew. I met Deutron when I was a CASA. I helped him do “college camp” at UCSC. He brought youth up to the campus for a couple of nights so they could experience college life, complete with attending classes, participating in events and staying in the dorms. Deutron also got me involved in the Smith Society at UCSC, where I have been a mentor for over a decade. When Deutron ran PAPAS I was a supporter and volunteer. It was only natural that when MENtors was conceived I would further support Deutron. Eventually, I was asked to be on the board. I appreciate Deutron’s energy, compassion and sense of purpose. He’s already made great progress in helping so many fathers, boys, young men and men in our community.
Is there anything, in particular, you would like MENtors to accomplish?
I want MENtors to be able to continue offering services to boys, young men, men and fathers, especially fathers. Working with fathers is something that pays huge dividends later on. It’s like working upstream, laying the gravel beds for children to spawn and reach maturity, which will help them navigate the perils of the open ocean when they go out on their own.
Any words of advice to boys or men in general?
Love your children unconditionally and try to be a good role model. If your own upbringing was harsh or uncomfortable then find a different framework to guide you. Don’t be bashful about asking for help—there are excellent services available to you. MENtors is just one of many resources out there. Change can be good. Break bad cycles.
