Saddle to Supporter: Joe Jauregui

October 16, 2024 by Brent Duka

Born and raised on his family’s ranch in Santa Paula, Joe Jauregui “grew up in a cowboy world.” Their ranch, located about 40 miles south of Santa Barbara, is where Joe recalls some of his fondest memories.
Joe Jauregui
Joe Jauregui
Joe’s Great Grandfather, Antonio, planted the family’s roots in the greater Santa Barbara area during the mid 1800s. As a sheep herder, cattle rancher, and steward of the land, he laid the foundation for generations of agricultural prosperity. Joe’s Grandfather, Frank, would settle in as the head of the family’s Santa Paula Ranch. Carrying on the family’s livestock traditions, Frank expanded their business ventures to pasture the family’s livestock on other leased property as well as their own. Helping to preserve the viability and sustainability of operations is always at the forefront of ranchers’ minds. Joe adds, “Ranchers aren’t doing it for the money.”

As the years flew by, Joe’s father, Anthony “Toots” Jauregui and his two younger brothers found themselves at the helm of the family’s ranch. Joe was put to work at an early age. While many of today’s 4-year-olds must adhere to a strict schedule of iPads and play dates, Joe was busy collecting chicken eggs and helping to raise lambs. He recalls these memories with the deepest affection and attributes them to an important life lesson: “I learned what it means to be self-reliant on that ranch.”

As Joe advanced into adulthood and entered the teaching profession, he forever valued the wisdom and education he received from his father on the Santa Paula Ranch. He later earned a position as High School Principal for 20 years.

Over time, Joe has maintained his connection to ranching, and one day while reading about the California Rangeland Trust, he thought about how he could honor his father’s heritage. For the last 12 years, Joe has been a consistent supporter of California’s ranchers through his contributions to the organization. He has been able to make an impact and conserve rangeland by utilizing the advantages of a Donor Advised Fund—giving in memory of his father, Toots.

Thank you, Joe, for being an advocate for ranchers and a source of inspiration to us all.