Working in public service is not for everyone. But for those who answer the call, it can become a life’s work.
For General Manager Misti Arias, that calling has shaped more than three decades at Ag + Open Space. As the organization’s longest-tenured employee, Misti has helped guide it through reauthorizations, landmark conservation efforts, and periods of remarkable growth. From the vast landscape that is now Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve to Tolay Lake, Jenner Headlands, and the protection of countless dairies, ranches, and farms, much of this work happens behind the scenes. It is often without recognition of the late nights, complex negotiations, andtime spent away from family.
We are deeply grateful to Misti’s family for sharing their perspective and appreciation for Misti’s extraordinary career at Ag + Open Space.
This organization has grown and flourished alongside Misti. Her enduring commitment has helped shape its legacy, and we are forever grateful for all she has given to this work and community.
___________________________________________________________________________
Mi querida Misti,
So much has happened in these last 30 years.
At the beginning of our relationship, I paid very little attention to what Ag + Open Space actually did. I would listen to you talk about your work, but honestly, it went over my head. Eventually, I realized, “I need to listen carefully and ask questions.” It took me years, maybe a full decade, to learn the name of the organization: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. And even after I learned the name, I struggled to explain to my friends and relatives exactly what you did. And just when it couldn’t get any more complicated, try explaining all of that in Spanish!
And that brings me to your vision.
There is one thing I never needed to learn or understand through a policy or a presentation because it has always been obvious to me: you love and respect mother earth, and you want to protect it. You have dedicated your career to taking care of the earth—to protecting our environment, our land, our water, our trees, our creeks, our coastal lands, and the wildlife that depend on them. You care about the people who live here, too. You believe in fairness, in opportunity, and in finding ways to protect our natural resources while also supporting the people and communities who depend on them.
Your work has always been about thinking beyond today. It has been about protecting opportunities and resources for future generations, so that our children, and someday their children, can experience the beauty and benefits of this land. And I think that is one of the greatest accomplishments of your 30-year journey: you have helped protect pieces of Sonoma County that will remain long after we are gone.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to be part of your journey. I am proud of everything you have accomplished professionally, but what I am proudest of is the person you are. Your honesty, sincerity, your beautiful kind heart. Whether you are working, being a friend, a daughter, a mom, or wife, you treat people with fairness, respect, and kindness. You have a way of making people feel heard and valued. People enjoy being around you, and it is easy to understand why.
And then there is your smile and laugh. That contagious smile and your positive view of life have carried you, and all of us, through so many moments over these 30 years. We have built a home. We built a family. We raised two incredible daughters. We celebrated successes, navigated sad and painful challenges, and watched life change around us. And through it all, you continued doing what you have always done: caring deeply, working hard, believing in something bigger than yourself, and leaving the world a little better than you found it.
Thirty years is a long time. But it also feels like it went by in the blink of an eye. I am grateful for every year, every story, every dumb question I asked you, every memory, every weekend of sports, every challenge, and every ordinary day that we have shared. And I am especially grateful that I get to spend every day with you. I love you, I admire you, and I am incredibly proud of you.
TQM – Besos,
Nito
__________________________________________________________________________
Hello from Misti‘s mom, something I’ve always been proud to say!
Having worked with her for so long, many of you know her professional side. But I know another side of Misti, one that is not as familiar to her colleagues. The Misti, I know and love is the silly mom that makes her girls laugh, she’s the steady influence in their lives, she’s a happy wife, a star gazer, a friend who is always there in times of need. She loves nature and all its creatures, she is remarkably patient and kind. Oh, and she’s a darn good cook!
When she is in business mode, I’ve heard her talk on the phone and sometimes wonder, who is this person? She sounds so professional, capable and knowledgeable. I just can’t believe she’s that same little girl on a knee board who we towed for hours. Never giving up, never letting go. Yet I’ve always been amazed at how quickly she can “change hats” and give her whole self, whether it’s business or family.
I am grateful she’s had this opportunity with SCAPOSD. Back when she was freshly out of college and working miscellaneous jobs waiting for the real deal, she called me one day to say that she had an interview scheduled with SCAPOSD! We were both so excited and I couldn’t wait to hear how it went.
We all know how this turned out, she got the job! Little did she know that she would be there for the next 30 years! I believe the District has been good for Misti. I also believe that Misti has been good for the District! She loves what she does, and the people that she works with, and I couldn’t be more proud of her! Thank you for recognizing her in this way.
Terri Cobb – Misti’s Mom
___________________________________________________________________________
Mama,
I couldn’t be more proud to celebrate you and everything you’ve accomplished over the past 30 years. Thirty years is such an incredible accomplishment, and I hope you know how much I admire you. It’s crazy to think that you were my age when you started this job. 22 years old and you had no idea where this opportunity would take you or how it would shape the path of your life. Everything you’ve accomplished since then is truly amazing.
I’ve always looked up to you, not only for your dedication and magnetic personality, but for the way you’ve built such a successful career while being an amazing mother. I still remember how much I loved coming to your office as a little girl, but I never truly understood how difficult it must have been to balance both of those roles at once. Somehow you always managed to switch gears and make me feel like I was the most important part of your day. You showed me what it means to work hard, be present for your family, and always lead with kindness and positivity.
You inspire me every day and I feel so lucky to call you my mama. Congratulations on 30 amazing years! I couldn’t be more proud to be your daughter.
I love you.
Elisa
___________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mama,
Congratulations on 30 years!
I’ve always admired how hardworking and determined you are. You’ve shown me what it means to commit to something, and to keep doing what you love! I’m so proud of everything you’ve done, but I am more proud of the person you are because I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for you.
So today, I hope you feel just how loved and appreciated you are not only by the people you work with, but by us too. You deserve to be celebrated today and every day.
Thank you for being such an incredible mom, for everything you’ve done for me and our family, and for being someone I can always look up to. You are such a joy in this world and have so much strength. I’m so lucky to have you in my life. I don’t know what I would do without you.
So, congratulations on 30 amazing years! I hope you have many more amazing and happy years here!
I love you more than words can say, and I’m so incredibly proud of you.
Love,
Lylie