Laura has guided the Pleasanton Downtown Association for nine years as its executive director and brought numerous innovations and new events to enhance businesses on Main Street and the surrounding area. Her smile and upbeat personality warm any room she enters. The association board has selected one of her colleagues, Tiffany Cadrette, to succeed her.
As for Laura, she and her three children are off to Gadsen, Alabama where she and her beau, Steven, will culminate their long-distance relationship with their wedding Sept. 1. Laura said they met randomly on Facebook through a Spartan Race group and then talked for a few months. They met in person in May 2018 and she wrote, “it’s been long distance ever since with a total of 20 cross country trips.
“He’s definitely the love of my life…a strong Christian, great father, just a fantastic partner.”
Laura wrote she was ready to leave California and had been looking at options. “I’ve fallen completely in love with Alabama, the pace of life and outdoor living opportunities. It’s going to be a BIG adventure.”
Wishing Laura, Steven and her kids all the best in the deep South.
Here’s saluting Roberta Santiago of San Leandro for her 43 years of service to the federal government. Her second retirement will take place Aug. 14 on Coast Guard Island in Alameda when she leaves her job as chief of reserve capabilities and readiness.
Roberta moved into that job after retiring in 1999 after 23 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, reaching the top rank as Command Sergeant Major. She is a life member of the Association of the United State Army and served as treasurer of the MG William F. Dean Chapter for more than 30 years. That chapter serves Camp Parks personnel.
She received the National Sergeant Major of the Army William Bainbridge Medal, the Sixth Region President’s Medal and the SGT Patrick Gass Award for Excellence.
Congrats to CSM Santiago for jobs well done.
