Brent Eastman took over the reins of the California Rodeo Association on Thursday October 19th at the annual Stockholders Meeting as the organization’s newest President. Eastman will oversee the Board through October of 2019. Brent is a fifth-generation Salinas resident. He graduated from Palma High School and later Saint Mary’s College. He began his rodeo career on the Director’s Patio at the invitation of his Uncle Phil Vincenz in 1986. In 1990 Brent joined the Announcing Committee following in the footsteps of his father, Sam Eastman, and Uncle, George Richardson. In 2001 Brent became the Chair of the Announcing Committee. In 2002 he became a Director. Brent and his wife Maureen have five children.
Brent’s promotion to President means Mike Scarr moves into the role of immediate Past President while Dave Pedrazzi advanced to the position of 1st Vice President and Fred Hooker moved into the 2nd Vice President role. Former Secretary Steve Davis took the 3rd Vice President position and the new Secretary is Director Bob Eggers. Tom Nielsen remains in the Treasurer position to round out the six officer spots. Three new Directors were also named to the Board-Dean Callender, Scott Houchin and Justin Grainger. Two Directors moved to an Advisory Director role-Dr. Bert Tardieu and Pete Silacci. Full biographies for the new Officers, Directors and Advisory Directors are below.
Steve Davis- 3rd Vice President
Steve Davis came to Salinas from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1991 and attended his first Rodeo that year. He fell in love with the Rodeo and looked for an area where he could help out. His friends were involved in the Chili Cook Off so Steve started helping on that committee and ended up becoming Chairman. He was then asked to chair the Gala/Dinner Dance Committee and still holds that position today. Steve joined the Sponsor Committee many years ago and serves as a Director there under Chairman Neil Milburn. Besides becoming a Director, Steve’s proudest moments at the California Rodeo were chairing the Spurs and Stilettos Centennial Gala and the Legendary Evening with Steve Young and Jim Tunney for Public Recreation Unlimited. Steve’s hometown is Santa Paula, California, but he lives in Salinas with his wife Shellie; they have 3 boys, Zachary, Kyle and Luke, and they will celebrate their 22nd wedding anniversary in April 2018. Steve works for Taylor Farms as the Vice President of Business Development.
Bob Eggers-Secretary
Bob Eggers has been a volunteer at the California Rodeo for over 20 years. He not only dedicates time during Big Week but also at auxiliary events like Monster Trucks, CCMS and the Colmo Del Rodeo Parade. Bob now serves as the Security Chairmen and Crisis Response Chairmen, and was Chairmen of the Communications Committee before his son Mitchell was appointed. Bob’s love for his community is a driving factor behind his love for volunteering at the California Rodeo and he is proud to be a part of an organization that truly gives back. His fondest moment was in 2003 when he received a call from Past President Mike Storm and was selected to be a Director and now proudly accepts the position of Secretary. Bob retired as the Salinas Police Commander in 2011 and is now a Director of Human Resources. He and his wife Kay recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. They live in Salinas and have two children, Mitchell and Carly.
Dean Callender-Director
Dean Callender has been a dedicated volunteer of the California Rodeo since 1978. Dean grew up watching his step-father Ron Johnson, along with Ron’s father and sister, riding in the horse parade for as long as he can remember. Since he became a volunteer he has worked his way up the ranks and has chaired the Horse Parade Committee for the past several years. Dean enjoys seeing the same riders participating year after year and making their experience a great one. Dean lives in Salinas and is married to his wife Kristin. He has shared his passion for the horse parade and the California Rodeo with his daughter Megan who is also on the Committee with Dean.
Scott Houchin-Director
Scott Houchin has been a volunteer since 1985 and serves on the Crisis Response Committee and chairs the Medical Committee. Scott is proud to be a part of the teamwork between the highly skilled and diverse Medical Committee that integrates with public safety providers, contracted transport providers, the Justin Sports Medicine Healers, and numerous volunteers to make our Rodeo event as safe as possible for contestants and spectators. Scott is honored to become a Director and loves being an ambassador for the California Rodeo. He and his wife Kim live in Salinas and have three children Paige, Quinn and Michael. When Scott is not volunteering or spending time with his family he enjoys golf and classic cars.
Justin Grainger-Director
Justin Grainger has been a volunteer since 1997 and has served on the Track Committee and currently chairs the Scoreboard Committee. Justin is honored to be joining the prestigious group of California Rodeo Directors, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and uncles. He was born in Salinas, and currently lives in Gonzales with wife Jean and 2 year old daughter Quinn. Justin graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and is a Pest Control Advisor at Tanimura and Antle. He enjoys deer and duck hunting.
Dr. Bert Tardieu-Advisory Director
Doctor Tardieu has been a volunteer since 1997 serving on the Medical Committee. Bert’s involvement has been instrumental on the Medical Committee working with highly skilled medical professionals to treat inured rodeo participants when needed. The most memorable and unique part of volunteering at the California Rodeo has been working up close and personal with rough stock contestants and livestock. Bert is an esteemed orthopedic surgeon with the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic and lives in Salinas with his wife Catherine; they have two children Jack and Lizzy who are both big rodeo fans.
Pete Silacci-Advisory Director
Pete Silacci started volunteering at the California Rodeo in 1946. He has enjoyed working on the Arena Committee and his proudest moment was receiving the Gold Saddleman Award in 2001. Pete, a Salinas native, is a rancher and he lives here with his wife Veronica. He has three children, Melissa, Kevin and Cindy, who are all involved with the California Rodeo as well. His favorite hobby is hunting.
Photo by Sandra Levine
Officers-L to R, Bob Eggers, Secretary, Fred Hooker, 2nd Vice President, Dave Pedrazzi, 1st Vice President, Brent Eastman, President, Steve Davis, 3rd Vice President, Tom Nielsen, Treasurer
About California Rodeo Salinas
The 108th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 19th-22nd, 2018. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year round operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility, vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association returns over $400,000 annually to local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100. ‘Like’ the California Rodeo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CARodeoSalinas or follow us on twitter @CaliforniaRodeo for updates, photos and more.