Advisors
Tom Vazquez
Hometown: Castro Valley
Agriculture Experience: 15 years in the landscape and nursery industry.
Years Teaching: 28th year at West Valley
Hobbies/Interests: Family, coaching football, church stuff.
College Attended: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Classes Taught at West Valley: Ag Chemistry and Ag Business
Quote: "Can't coach effort!"
Laura Barnes
Hometown: Anaheim Hills, located in southern California
Agriculture Experience: Outside of teaching, my experience in agriculture includes: being in 4-H from 9-18 years old and raising every possible type of livestock that you can think of. With that being said I was also a 4-H leader in Orange County and Tehama County. I went to Fresno State (Go Dogs), and I received my B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science. At Fresno, I was the herdsman of the school's Swine Unit which ran about 100 sows and was a fully functional farrow to finish operation. Now that I live in Corning, I help run GnG Genetics. We sell show pigs for local 4-H and FFA students to show and exhibit at the fair.
Years Teaching: This is my 7th year teaching.
Hobbies/Interests: In my free time I love to go to livestock shows and go shopping!
College Attended: Fresno State University
Classes Taught at West Valley: Ag Biology and Floral Design
Quote: "Good, Better, Best: Don't stop till your good is better and your betters your best."
Stacy Hardesty
Hometown: Red Bluff
Agricultre Experience: I grew up raising and showing cattle and riding horses. While in college, I spent three years working as a student manager for the Cal Poly Beef Unit. My husband and I currently run registered Angus and Commercial cattle. I also raise a small flock of lambs.
Years Teaching: This is my 4th year teaching.
Hobbies/Interests: I really enjoy working with cattle, riding horses, and spending time with my dogs. I also really enjoy drawing and gardening.
College Attended: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo - Animal Science Bachelor's Degree. UC Davis - Masters and Credential.
Classes Taught at West Valley: Intro to Ag
Quote: "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most." Abraham Lincoln
Eric Poldervaart
Hometown: Orland
Ag Experience: Twenty plus years working/running family dairy.
Years Teaching: This is my 2nd year teaching.
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family, traveling, sports.
College Attended: Chico State University
Classes Taught at West Valley: Ag Mech 1, Ag Mech 2, Ag Mech 3
Quote: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison