Sonoma County 4th District Supervisor Mike McGuire grew up in Healdsburg, where his family has lived for three generations (they farmed prunes and grapes at the top of the hill on East Soda Rock Lane in Alexander Valley). At age 19, he was elected to the Healdsburg School Board and became one of the youngest elected board members in California. After his tenure there was over, “I served on the Healdsburg City Council from 2004 to 2010 and was elected the youngest mayor in Healdsburg’s history in 2008,” he continues.Did you go to college?
I worked my entire way through school. I started at Santa Rosa Junior College then transferred and graduated from Sonoma State University with a political science degree. I earned my master’s from the University of San Francisco.
Are you more of a rule breaker or a rule keeper?
I play by the rules; however, it’s hard for me to take no for an answer. I stand up for what I believe in and I’m a passionate advocate, especially on issues that are important to the communities of Northern Sonoma County.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
Last December [2010], I married my best friend, Erika, which was an incredible moment in my life (we both cried our way through the ceremony). In addition, because it was a lot of work for so many people, I was happy and extremely grateful when I was elected to the Board of Supervisors in June 2010.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I’ve played on the same softball team, the Banana Sluggers, for the last 13 years. We typically finish in last place, but I really look forward to the season every year because it’s a great group of characters. In addition, I love to garden, go on hikes and I’m a newspaper junkie. Gardening is therapy for me—and I’m still trying to convince Erika to get some chickens.
Are you a good patient?
Heck, yes—especially compared to Erika. We have a running joke between us that not only am I a better patient, but also a better nurse when one of us is sick.
What was your first car?
It was an awesome ride. My first car was a two-door, turquoise Dodge Colt (the entire car shook when it hit 60 mph). It was a hand-me-down and it lasted five years (drove it into the ground). I’m not the neatest person in the world, so it took quite a long time to clean the Colt prior to selling it.
What’s your secret vice food?
I have a terrible sweet tooth. I’ll break into any type of dessert that may be around the office, so I need to be careful about the sugar overload.
If you could teach your pet one trick or skill, what would it be?
My pug doesn’t do tricks, there’s just no hope. The only things Bubba the Wonder Pug is good at are eating, snorting, shedding an enormous amount of hair and sleeping. That said, I really love that hound and he’s always at my side.
What’s your favorite day of the year?
Fourth of July. I know this may sound cheesy, but I really love our country and I’m excited to celebrate what we stand for. I also really dig the fireworks and barbecues.
Describe a magical childhood moment.
I can’t think of only one, but I can say that our family’s farm in Alexander Valley was really magical. It’s where we did all of our celebrating. I got my green thumb from all the gardening we did on the ranch and it was a beautiful place. I spent summers messing around in Sausal Creek and the Russian River and walking the hills that border the valley.
At what age do you hope to retire?
I just can’t see myself retiring. I have too much energy to sit still and I just can’t imagine ever fully embracing retirement life. I really love to work and I’d never want to give it up.
