California Heroes include Fallbrook's Jackie Heyneman

In 2014, state Sen. Joel Anderson's Senate Concurrent Resolution 97 passed the legislature and declared every September as "California Heroes Month." SCR-97 was introduced by Anderson, R-Alpine, after receiving the idea from Daisy Tate, a constituent within his district. Tate felt it was necessary to take a moment to honor individuals in the communities who go above and beyond for others.

Anderson started a tradition of giving his constituents the opportunity to submit stories of local unsung heroes. Over 100 individuals crammed into the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon for the 2017 California Heroes Month ceremony, Dec. 16.

With over 40 nominees being recognized, there were some heroes from Fallbrook included. Jackie Heyneman was recognized for her work beautifying the Fallbrook community, educating the future generation about the importance of taking care of the environment and empowering volunteers to take part.

According to Nancy Heins-Glaser, who helped nominated Heyneman, Heyneman has continually served Fallbrook with volunteers since 1993, planting over 2,600 trees. Heins-Glaser shared that Heyneman "currently is facilitating the environmental group Save Our Forest's Environmental Education program in the elementary schools in Fallbrook that restores native plants into Fallbrook Land Conservancy's nature preserves."

In addition, Heyneman is one of the founders of Fallbrook Treescape Project. Heins-Glaser expressed the overwhelming support Heyneman has received from the community.

"A small community park has been named in her honor which is owned by the Village Association and is adjacent to the Pico Promenade," Heins-Glaser said.

Anderson illustrated his thoughts on heroes like Heyneman at the ceremony.

"Jackie and other heroes are leaving an incredible legacy for us to follow, and I am proud to be part of this community full of people who are willing to step up to make a difference," Anderson said.

While Heyneman has achieved many successes, she said she humbly shares the credit with countless volunteers and other community partners and businesses that have helped her. She is currently looking for more volunteers to add more force to her work. Interested parties can sign up to volunteer at http://www.fallbrooklandconservacy.org.