I was born in Santa Rosa, California. I graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Aquatic Biology. My career path led me to water quality which I have now worked in for over 24 years. My position with the Sonoma County Water Agency is “Water Agency Coordinator – Laboratory Services” where I supervise three laboratories. Our Agency manages and maintains a water transmission system that provides water to nine cities and special districts that in turn delivers drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in portions of Sonoma and Marin counties. Our Agency also manages the county sanitation zones and districts, which provide wastewater collection and treatment, and recycled water distribution and disposal services for approximately 22,000 residences and businesses.
2. Why were you willing to take on such a big responsibility to organize this festival?
Quite simply I felt the need to become more involved with the Estonian community. I thought it would be fun and challenging and so far, this has proven to be true!
3. Do you have previous experience attending and/or organizing previous LEP And/or ESTO?
I've attended LEP's and ESTO's in the States as well as Canada with many fond memories. I however, have no previous experience organizing any of these events.
4. What event specifically do you recommend, especially at this ESTO, for people to attend?
Come to the Folk Dance Festival on Sunday at the lovely Yerba Buena Gardens a short walk away from the Grand Hyatt! Sit on the lovely grassy knoll and watch 60 dancers from the US, Canada and Estonia perform traditional dances. Our theme is “Estonia Without Borders” celebrating that we have gathered in San Francisco from all corners of the world to celebrate this nationality and recognize that in a way Estonia is borderless and we are one big happy family.
No seriously…I recommend that people attend an event that they normally do not! Don't lock yourself in to thinking “I'll only attend a certain event because that's what I enjoy”. Spread your wings and try something different. You may be pleasantly surprised!
5. If someone has never been in SF before, what place would they have to visit?
The standard answers would be Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39, Academy of Science, Alcatraz, China Town, Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, and Riding a Cable Car.
There really are so many wonderful things to do and see in San Francisco. My advice would be to let your curiosity and interests direct you!
