Take Back Santa Cruz Community Hero – DON ROLAND – May 2013
Garfield Neighbors leader Don Roland has been an amazing asset to our community. He has served on numerous boards such as Big Brothers and Sisters of SC County, Families in Transition, Allocation Committee for United Way and the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee for Santa Cruz. He is currently serving on the Transportation and Public Works Commission. What truly has brought Mr. Roland to the forefront is his amazing dedication to his neighborhood group, Garfield Neighbors. Every week neighbors receive his organized detailed crime report and happenings. Through his newsletter they are tapped into what is going on around them, given action items and come together for fun neighborhood events. He has brought neighbors together, making their slice of Santa Cruz a better place to live. You can sign up for the newsletter at garfieldneighbors@gmail.com As if this wasn’t enough to fill his dance card, he is lead guitar in the popular band The Inciters. He tours with them throughout California and Nevada.
Learn more about one of our favorite community members!
What’s on your iPod?
I admit, I’m a snob when it comes to music. My iPod has over 8,000 songs on it, but what’s currently in heavy rotation is “Rebirth” from Jimmy Cliff, “The Aggrolites IV” from The Aggrolites, “Watch Where You Walk” from Dan P. and the Bricks, “Illumination” from Paul Weller, and “Poorly Formed” from The Swingin’ Utters.
What are you reading now?
“Still the Best Hope” by Dennis Prager.
Choose one: Beer or wine? Why?
I’m not a wine drinker and I don’t like hard liquor, so I’ll take an Anchor Steam as long as you’re asking. And by “asking” I mean “buying”.
Favorite junk food?
You can send me anywhere in the world, and as long as I can have a burrito and a Diet Coke I’m good.
Favorite vacation spot?
The family cabin at Lake Arrowhead, CA.
How do you take your coffee?
With a Diet Coke instead, thanks.
Who’s your favorite person (people)?
My wife, Randa. We first met as fifth graders at Roynon Elementary School in La Verne, CA. I’d also have to pick my parents, and if you knew them you’d agree. My sisters are amazing too. If you’re asking about an inspirational public person, my choice is Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
What’s your favorite thing about Santa Cruz?
My favorite thing about Santa Cruz is that if you care about this community, there’s opportunity for you to contribute and make a difference.
Why is it important to be a part of TBSC?
Like the website says, TBSC turns words into action. Rhetoric is bullshit. Santa Cruz has been drowning in rhetoric for decades, and TBSC is fixing it one shovel-load at a time.
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If you have a community member you would like to nominate please send to info@takebacksantacruz.com