Loma Vista Farm’s new kids on the block
The below article and photographs are from the Times-Herald, September 19, 2019.
The article was written by Richard Freedman. rfreedman@timesheraldonline.com @richfreedmanvth on Twitter
The photographs are by Chris Riley, Vallejo
Loma Vista Farm took another step toward recovering from a dog attack early this year, unveiling four baby goats and a new chain link perimeter fence around the cherished five-acre north Vallejo animal sanctuary.
“It’s so exciting. It’s a rejuvenation,” said “Farmer” Rita LeRoy. “It’s breathing new life into the farm. Children are super-excited about the baby goats. It’s a very, very exciting time.”
LeRoy, Loma Vista Farm’s board president Julia Allen and board members Janice Sullivan and Steve Pressley paid a visit to the latest additions Wednesday afternoon.
“They’re just adorable,” Sullivan said of the baby goats.
The goats-two Alpine pygmy goats and two Nigerian’ “just means more ‘traction’ for our patrons,” Allen said. “And these goats are young, so attendees get to see the goats go through their life cycle.”
“Kids love to see the younger animals, ” added Pressley. “They can relate to them. They get to see the animals grow up, much like when you plant a garden and get to harvest it later on.”
The four goats-two about 6 months old, two around 3 months old-arrive about five months after Loma Vista welcomed three young alpacas, replacing the three killed in February when two dogs got onto the property in the middle of the night and went on a rampage.
The two adult goats seriously injured in the attack-“Dee Dee” and “Rocky”-“are healed and doing well, ” LeRoy said.
With the alpacas well adjusted to their new surroundings-“Very peaceful, loving and trusting”-LeRoy said the farm is now “running with a full deck.”
And that “full deck” is more secure because of the seven-foot fence by Rancho Cordova-based Crusader Fence Co. that replaces a fence that’s believed to be original from the farm’s opening in 1974.
“We think it will help in security,” Allen said, adding that the farm will soon add a motion-detector lighting system for improved security.
Beyond security, the shiny fence adds “curb appeal,” believed Pressley.
“The original fence was old, it was dilapidated. Kids could get through, animals could get through,” Pressley said. “And with the new fence, it helps the image. It looks nice, It’s “Wow, there’s something in there we want to see.” Security is most important, but I think image is the best thing. When people pull up, it looks wonderful.”
“The fence makes the farm so secure and beautiful,” LeRoy said, smiling that “It’s like we moved into the 21st century. New fence, new goals. It’s all good.”
The alpacas, fence and baby goats were funded by contributions from the community via $20,000 from a GoFundMe campaign, a fundraiser at the Empress Theater, and individual donations.
“The community owns this place, really,” LeRoy said. “It’s because of the generous donations from the community and their commitment and passion to keep this beautiful little place going for children to learn. It’s truly a beautiful thing. We’re grateful.”
Vallejo’s Rodriguez family-papa Jack, 8-year-old Gia and Rocko, 6-are thrilled. The three visit the farm at least two Wednesdays a month, Jack said.
“I love it. It teaches them a bit of compassion,” he said. Gia couldn’t get enough of the new goats.
“They’re cute,” she said.
Soon, the four goats should have names. Two will be named by a Benicia girl who made a significant contribution to the fundraising campaign. And two goats are expected to be named via suggestions at the Oct. 19 Harvest Festival.
Loma Vista Farm is at 150 Rainier Ave., Vallejo. For more information, visit lomavistafarm.org. Contact reporter Richard Freedman at 707-553-6820
