The Pasadena Village. A community of seniors supporting each other as they age in their own homes

Doug saw a presentation about the Village 2 or 3 years ago and remembers thinking it was a great idea and a good outlet for seniors or “older adults”. Fast forward to spring of 2022 and Doug, as part of the local Rotary Club helped with some Village activities. Then he attended the 10^th Anniversary celebration in October and looked into the organization a little deeper and decided it was time for him to join. “It turns out I know a number of members and I have enjoyed my involvement thus far and look forward to more activities and making some more new friends.”

Doug was raised in Ojai and took up golf at an early age. At the young age of 19 he became the Head Golf Professional at Marshall Canyon GC in La Verne, and soon became the lessee of the Altadena and Eaton Canyon Golf Course’s where he was responsible for all aspects of managing the County-owned facility, including the course maintenance, the pro shop, and the restaurant.

The golf business in Southern California has always been challenged by environmental issues, most importantly the need for lots of water. Doug’s love of golf, his business skills, and his ability to manage multiple priorities kept him “in the game” for many years. After nearly 30 years overseeing the Altadena and Eaton Canyon facilities, Doug accepted the position of general manager at the Stevinson Ranch Golf Club, a “destination” golf course west of Turlock, right in the middle of California’s Central valley. For a time Doug, with his two dogs, commuted from the Central Valley to Altadena. Stevinson Ranch was owned by a farming family and in 2015, due to financial and water challenges, the family decided to close the golf course and repurpose the land back to farming. So, after nearly 40 years in the golf business, he decided it was time for a change.

His golf course management gave him experience in property management, finance, capital projects, marketing and networking. He liked the idea of being his own boss. He decided to pursue his next career in real estate, commencing his career with Dilbeck in La Canada and moving to Berkshire Hathaway Golden Properties in July 2017. Doug acquired his brokers license in December 2020 is a Senior Real Estate Specialist and enjoys helping older adults and their families with their unique housing challenges.

Community work seems to come naturally to Doug. He is the current president of the Rotary Club of Altadena, councilman on the Altadena Town Council and active with the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. He likes being involved in the community where he and his family have strong roots. Doug’s wife is a Marriage and Family Therapist. His son lives in San Diego and is a Senior Consultant with Lionpoint Group, and his daughter has just moved to New York City to continue her career with the Centers for Disease Control.

Since joining the Village Doug has become involved in our Outreach Team and recently served on the committee in charge of our second annual Older Adults Resource Fair at the Sierra Madre Women’s Club. “I was proud to be a part of that event. It was very successful. Everyone I spoke to, exhibitors and participants, was upbeat and eager to make the most of community resources.”

With his children grown up and on their own, what’s next for Doug? “I don’t even think of retirement! I enjoy my work, and I enjoy having time to participate in the Pasadena Village.”

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