SOUTH COUNTY — Thanksgiving is not only a time to gather around the table with family and friends, but it is also a time to reflect on the past year and give thanks. In the spirit of the holiday, South County Newspapers asked local officials, residents and youth what they are thankful for this year. Here are their responses.
Abel Luna, 12, Soledad — “I am thankful to have a great family.”
Nancy Rodriguez, 11, Soledad — “I am thankful that God gave me a wonderful life and for my family.”
Isabel Cantu, Gabilan Elementary School Clerk Typist, Soledad — “I am thankful for my health and my family’s health.”
Abbie Madsen, Gabilan Elementary School Principal, Soledad — “I’m thankful for my great team here at Gabilan, a fun career and a great family.”
Rene Mendez, City Manager, Gonzales — “I’m thankful for working, for a great community and for my beautiful wife and two amazing sons.”
Liz-Angel Baguio, 8, Gonzales — “I am thankful for my mom and my dad.”
Allison Hernandez, 8, Gonzales — “I am thankful for my family.”
Lupe Kinnear, La Gloria Elementary School Administrative Assistant, Gonzales — “I am very thankful to have worked at La Gloria School for 35 years.”
Irene Jimenez, La Gloria Elementary School Secretary, Gonzales — “I am very thankful this year for my family, my friends and to have a great job.”
Celeste Pineda, La Gloria Elementary School Health Tech/Clerk, Gonzales — “I am thankful for my health and my family and for my friends I have here at work.”
Steve Adams, City Manager, King City — “I am very thankful for the warm welcome we have received from the King City community, all the support they have provided for our efforts and the progress thus far due to all the great work by the City Council, City staff and community members.”
Janet Bessemer, Chamber Manager, King City — “I am thankful for my family, kids and grandkids most of all, and also for my church and good friends. And, I am thankful to be living in this community and this country, because just like family, community and country may have their faults, but we love them anyway!”
Jesus Velasquez, 10, King City — “I am thankful for my teacher. Mostly because with her I wouldn’t know most of the things I’ve learned this year.”
Uriel Pacheco-Barryo, 9, King City — “I am thankful for my family because they help me learn and they keep me safe.”
Anita Aguilar, Santa Lucia Elementary School Secretary, King City — “I’m thankful for my family and this incredible job and all of my co-workers.”
Jaime Fontes, City Manager, Greenfield — “Since Veterans Day just passed, I am thankful this Thanksgiving that both my father (Navy) and my father-in-law (Army) made it back alive during World War II. Otherwise, I would not have my wife and children in my life. This is something for which I am thankful for every day. They are my true wealth.”
Edwin Jimenez, 16, Greenfield — “This year I’m thankful for all the people who came to the Lions Club to help make this feast for everybody (at the Greenfield Community Thanksgiving Dinner).”
Jessica Diaz, 16, Greenfield — “I’m thankful for Allison (Steinmann) for hosting (the Greenfield Community Thanksgiving Dinner) so we can volunteer and give back to the community, while bringing families together to enjoy this dinner.”
