RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Vote for Stacey Bastian were the banners on most lawns over the past month. It paid off, Stacey is now an elected, as of June 7th, Twin Rivers School Board member. This just made it official as she was already serving in that position since March of this year.

Stacey was appointed in March after applying for the position of TRUSD Board Member. The position opened up when her father passed away in January. Her official swearing in ceremony will be held in July at the monthly board meeting. 

“Like my dad, I am devoted to community service, especially the children and young adults who will be taking over for us someday.” Stacey said.

“Dad was a special education teacher for several years. The Rio Linda Historical Society, for which he was one of the founding members, was just one of his passions. He loved learning about local history. He had so many great stories. I wish I had sat down with him and video tapped his life,” she whispered. I felt the loss of her father.

Stacey ran on her volunteer efforts which are numerous. “To lead my life with a smile! To making Rio Linda known to the Sacramento area,” were her goals. I could feel her sincerity and I have seen her many times supporting the Lions, Little League and numerous causes around Rio Linda. She is also a mom to two children, a wife and still finds time for all she does.

I asked her if this was a stepping stone for her future. She said, “Nope, I am all about staying in Rio Linda.”

Before I left our breakfast meet up, I had to ask her about all the school safety issues. The recent tragedies in the news, along with that school girl who was killed on campus by a stranger. “It is awful, just awful! She said, “We had already started putting up an iron fence around the high school, before the latest shooting. We keep all doors locked. We hold drills on how to cover and hide, which makes me sick to my stomach to have to teach such things!! I would love to go back to the time where all you taught your students was to form a line and leave the building during a fire alarm!"

“The Twin Rivers Police Department located on the McClellan Business Park has its dispatch office, on duty 24/7. We have canine ‘Bailey’ who comes over and walks the school halls and smells out live ammo and drugs,” said Stacey while shaking her head. “I, graduated from Rio Linda HS in 1996. The changes in what kids worried about then and now, is tragic.”

I really liked Stacey"'down to earth and a ‘go get them’ personality. She asked me to say for her, “Thank You”, for all the love and support she has felt now and all the love the community showed her family when her dad died. “I am here to continue the volunteer service I learned as a child from my dad who made the bettering of Rio Linda his priority. He had all the patience of, well, a dad,” she said smiling.

Sounds like a great match for the schools and for the Rio Linda Community.