4 minute read
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
By Laura Petersen
Marketing Director Rebecca Torpie, Mayor Sandy Amara and BriarPatch Board Director Kwong Chew gather at Awful Annie’s in Auburn.
We chatted with Auburn City Council members Mayor Sandy Amara (also a co-owner of Crooked Lane Brewing Co.!, see p. 16) and Mayor Pro Tem Alice Dowdin Calvillo to get to know them a little better, and why they’re excited about BriarPatch coming to the area. Mayor Amara’s term ends at the end of November after which Mayor Calvillo will take over.
Mayor Sandy Amara
What makes Auburn a special place?
The community spirit of its inhabitants, the unparalleled hiking and biking trails, rivers and lakes, and the small town atmosphere with great businesses, including eating and drinking establishments.
What do you enjoy about the position?
I enjoy promoting a better quality of life for the City and advocating for specific projects that will achieve that end. I especially enjoy meeting new people with innovative ideas that are committed to this objective.
What unique gifts do you bring to the community?
I have a wide range of experience that could be perceived as unique. I have worked as an attorney, mediator, educator, school board trustee and judge pro tem. I am the mother of four children, enjoy the outdoors, travel and many other activities and try to bring all of these experiences into focus as the Mayor of Auburn.
I value the philosophy of BriarPatch in terms of providing sustainable local organic products to the community, providing their employees with a stake in the business and providing a pleasant, friendly cooperative atmosphere for everyone.
What makes BriarPatch a good fit for the Auburn region community?
Auburn is a region that is rich in farming history, and its residents welcome a local business that takes pride in providing healthy, locally-grown food products to the area.
Mayor Pro Tem Alice Dowdin Calvillo
What makes Auburn so special?
There are so many reasons why our community is special but I appreciate how we help each other and support each other in so many venues. Be it supporting local business or volunteering time on important projects, Auburn really is a wonderful place to live, work and play.
How long have you been an Auburn City Councilmember? How long have you been Mayor Pro Tem? When does your term end?
I served on the City Council from 1998 until 2005, serving as Mayor twice during that time and was then appointed to the City Council in May 2020 after the untimely death of our former Mayor. I was then elected to the Council in November 2020 and elected by the City Council as Mayor Pro Tem in November 2021. My City Council term ends in 2024.
Why does community service matter to you?
Community service is very important to me, personally. It is my opportunity to give back to the community that supported my family for generations -all the way back to the Gold Rush! We are so fortunate to live in a community where community service is a mantra -we have so many wonderful service organizations and non-profits who work hard to make a difference for all.
BriarPatch Food Co-op is great for our region, and I admire how like many business owners in the City of Auburn, they are community-minded. I love that BriarPatch highly values its partnerships with local famers, bakers, and makers. I am excited to see products from local businesses like The Baker and the Cakemaker featured on your shelves.
What co-op values do you share with BriarPatch?
Working hand-in-hand to create an extraordinary experience for our community to shop local and sustainable products. I love the connection to local businesses and local farmers. It’s almost like taking a stroll back in time when markets were getting their products locally. You’re helping out our community.
