Thuner appointed to Mission RCD board

Kathleen Thuner was appointed to the board of the Mission Resource Conservation District.

Thuner, who spent 23 years as the commissioner of the County of San Diego’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures and currently grows limes, guavas, and avocados on a 1 1/4-acre farm in Fallbrook, was appointed June 19 by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. She replaces Richard Taylor on the board and begins a term which will expire June 17, 2011.

“I just look forward to participating on that board. I think some of the things they are involved with are critical to the area,” she said.

Thuner was raised in Healdsburg in Sonoma County and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from Santa Clara University (now called the University of Santa Clara). She began graduate studies in entomology and invertebrate zoology but never finished her Master’s degree as she began acquiring licenses and certifications which led to her eventual position as the state’s first-ever female agricultural commissioner of a California county.

Thuner was also the first-ever woman deputy agricultural commissioner in the state, and when she began her governmental career in 1970 she was the first female agricultural inspector in California. Thuner spent three years as an agricultural inspector for Alameda County and 18 months as an agricultural inspector for Sonoma County before being hired as the deputy agricultural commissioner for Santa Barbara County in 1975.

After nearly eight years with Santa Barbara County, Thuner applied for the agricultural commissioner opening in San Diego County. She was appointed to the position in May 1983 and served until her retirement in 2006.

Resource Conservation Districts, which are formed to control water runoff and prevent soil erosion, were originally created to focus on agricultural use of land but now involve themselves in watershed management, recreational area management, urban and agricultural irrigation and water use, water quality, forest land productivity, and public education for children and adults. Thuner was asked if she would be interested in serving on the Mission RCD board.

“I attended a couple of meetings, and I found that I enjoyed participating in the discussions and also felt that after 20-some odd years in the ag department that I might have some expertise that may be helpful,” she said.

Thuner was also appointed to the North County Fire Protection District board in December 2006. “I’m really enjoying participating in the local activities in Fallbrook,” she said.

Thuner notes that Fallbrook is a community-oriented town. “I’m glad to be able to participate,” she said.