Loma Vista Farm

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friends of loma vista farm, vallejo

ABOUT FRIENDS OF LOMA VISTA FARM

The Friends of Loma Vista Farm (FLVF) was officially founded in October 2004 when the application to the IRS applying for non-profit status was granted. FLVF officially became a 501(c) (3) when the letter was received from the IRS and Department of Treasury. For months prior to October 2004, a small community of farm supporters were energetic, eager, and desperate to keep the farm open and alive! As word got out to the full Vallejo community, support followed. 

FLVF was created as a result of the economic environment in Vallejo in the prior 2 to 3 years before 501(c) (3) status was granted.  Vallejo and the surrounding community was in economic turmoil and in a major downturn. When property values fell, Vallejo City Unified School District’s (VCUSD) tax base fell. VCUSD’s new leadership was cutting operations across the board to save on expenses, and this included the farm.  When LVF was put on the chopping block, the community rallied to save it!

Loma Vista Farm was founded in 1974 and has been making a difference in the community for almost four decades as a resource for environmental education.  Initially, the focus was on elementary students, K-3rd grade. The Environmental Academy was established by VCUSD, resulting in educating more students, focusing up through 8th grade.

BOARD MEETINGS

The Friends of Loma Vista Farm meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month.  The Executive Board meets once a month, on the first Monday. If you would like to attend a meeting please contact secretary@friendsoflomavistafarm.org for meeting location.

Attend a Meeting

Contact Us

You can contact us in the following ways:

  • MAIL
Friends of Loma Vista Farm
150 Rainier Ave
Vallejo CA 94589
  • PHONE
707-561-9003
  • EMAIL

BOARD MEMBERS

Julia Allen, President

Julia joined the Board in 2013. She was first introduced to Loma Vista Farm years ago when she accompanied her son on a school field trip. 

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Connie Klimisch, Treasurer

Connie Klimisch was born and raised in Vallejo. She is a member of the Vallejo Rotary Club. She has been on the board of the …

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Janice Sullivan, Secretary

Janice began her teaching career at Loma Vista school when the Farm was just getting started and was very excited about the ..

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John Muras

John moved to California in 2000 to take a marketing position with Well Fargo Bank.  A coworker from Wells Fargo who was volunteering at Loma Vista …

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Jennifer Shinar

Jennifer joined the Friends of Loma Vista board in 2015.  Born and raised in Vallejo, her love of the Farm came from attending summer camp programs…

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George Schandelmier Jr.

George Schandelmier, Jr. has been on the Board for the past five years and is on the Facilities Committee. George is a licensed Landscape design/build…

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Arlene Hoffman

Arlene has been a part of the Loma Vista Farm since 1988.  She started working with Special Needs children and adults at the Farm. She was the Special Projects …

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Kristi Kendall

Kristi was born and raised in Fairfield.  She attended SPSV in Vallejo for her high school years and went on to CSU Sacramento to pursue …

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Julia joined the Board in 2013. She was first introduced to Loma Vista Farm years ago when she accompanied her son on a school field trip. Over the years, she visited the Farm on numerous occasions, frequently as a volunteer on clean-up days. She resides in Benicia and is an Ambassador with the Benicia Chamber of Commerce. She is also on the Board of the Oral Lee Brown Foundation. Julia has always been interested in the well-being and education of children, especially the less fortunate. Julia was born in a rural community and appreciates the freshness and wholesomeness of freshly grown fruits, vegetables, and the richness of agriculture. Loma Vista Farm brings all these loves to one place. She graduated from The State University of New York Buffalo with a major in Economics and Business. She is the Owner/Agent of The Allen Insurance & Financial Services Agency in Benicia.
Julia Allen, President​
Connie Klimisch was born and raised in Vallejo. She is a member of the Vallejo Rotary Club. She has been on the board of the Friends of Loma Vista Farm for 8 years. She has served as President and now is the current Treasurer.
Connie Klimisch, Treasurer​
Janice began her teaching career at Loma Vista school when the Farm was just getting started and was very excited about the potential learning it would provide. While with the school district she taught 2nd, 3rd & 5th grades at Loma Vista, ran a motor development program, developed, managed, and taught in a district-wide physical education program, worked with beginning teachers, and was President of the teachers’ union. She knew when she retired that she wanted to be a part of the Friends of Loma Vista Farm – so she did!  She is currently the Secretary for the Board and manages the summer camp program as well as helping out with grant writing and events. She is an avid knitter, has traveled the world, and loves to read, swim, and go to the theater.
Janice Sullivan, Secretary​
John moved to California in 2000 to take a marketing position with Well Fargo Bank. A coworker from Wells Fargo who was volunteering at Loma Vista Farm convinced him to help with fundraising. Seeing the value and impact the farm has on the youth of the area, John was hooked. Loma Vista Farm was an ideal fit for John, who grew up on a small farm in South Central Texas. John holds an undergraduate in Horticulture from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and an MBA with a concentration in MIS & Marketing from Texas A&M University. John has been volunteering at Loma Vista Farm for over 14 years and has held various positions on the Farm’s Board ranging from President to Vice-President. Currently, John is one of the leads on the Farm’s Master Plan project as well as misc. fundraising projects.
John Muras​
Jennifer joined the Friends of Loma Vista board in 2015. Born and raised in Vallejo, her love of the Farm came from attending summer camp programs as a student at Stefan Manor Elementary. After graduating from SPSV, she went on to get her Bachelor’s Degree from Cal State University Long Beach. In 2009, Jennifer relocated back to Vallejo with her husband, Kevin, and jumped at the chance to get involved with the farm. Currently, Jennifer is serving as the Events Chair and is responsible for helping plan events like the Annual Pasta Feed and Auction, and the Spring and Harvest Festivals.
Jennifer Shinar​
George Schandelmier, Jr. has been on the Board for the past five years and is on the Facilities Committee. George is a licensed Landscape design/build contractor in his 38th year of operation installing sustainable and water-wise gardens.  He played D-1 basketball at Gonzaga University, graduated from Sonoma State University, and has degrees in Ornamental Horticulture and Sociology. He has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts, 4-H Sherwood Forrest chapter, is a current member of the Valcore Board of Directors, and is a docent and trail crew volunteer for the Solano Land Trust at Lynch Canyon and Rockville Trails. George has served as a board member of the Carquinez Coalition, is a board member of the Fleetside Business Owners Association, and has been a member of the Sierra Club for 49 years. He is a Vallejo resident and loves hiking the trails of Glen Cove where he has resided for the past 31 years.
George Schandelmier Jr.​
Arlene has been a part of the Loma Vista Farm since 1988.  She started working with Special Needs children and adults at the Farm. She was the Special Projects Chair for seven years. With community and trade union assistance, Arlene helped raise funds to bill and erect the new Rabbit Habitat, the Storage building, the New Chicken Coops, the Pig House, and a new two-stall horse barn.  Arlene helped to raise funds to purchase supplies while the Trade Unions supplied free labor. This enabled the farm to protect the animals and secure their safety.  “Kids and Animals, it does not get any better than that.”  Arlene also supplied and cooked food at the Farm Festivals for 8 years. She has been a Board Member since 2005.
Arlene Hoffman
Kristi was born and raised in Fairfield.  She attended SPSV in Vallejo for her high school years and went on to CSU Sacramento to pursue a degree in Kinesiology.  She is part owner of the family business, Medic Ambulance Service, Inc., located in Vallejo since 1979.  After graduating from CSU Sacramento, she came back to work for the family business and is now the VP of finance.  Kristi became a board member for Loma Vista Farms in 2020.  Kristi joined the board this year because her 2-year-old son visits the farm often with Nonna and loves to play with and learn about the animals. She felt that it would be a great way to give back to the wonderful community of Vallejo and help bring joy to more children about fresh fruits and vegetables and animal education.   Kristi is a member of the Point West Rotary Club in Sacramento.
Kristi Kendall​
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