By Jon Chown
WATSONVILLE — Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Executive Director Jess Brown’s leadership abilities were apparent early — in second grade. That’s when he organized a surprise birthday party for his teacher. His home phone was ringing constantly the night before, and his parents objected, but it all went well, with some kids bringing punch, others bringing utensils, and others the cookies.
Man of the Year Jess Brown explains to Ron Haedicke and the audience how his likeness appeared in a Jameson Whiskey ad.
“I think, maybe, some people are born to organize,” said Brown, during his acceptance speech for Man of the Year at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Annual Awards Dinner on July 26.
Brown, who has led the local farm bureau for more than 40 years is so respected that he is now the director for San Mateo and Santa Clara counties as well. He also leads the educational organization, Agri-Culture, and has volunteered throughout his life to help farmers in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Locally, he was a founder of Ag Against Hunger, which operated for nearly 30 years distributing produce to local food. These are some of the reasons he was honored. His charm, good nature and willingness to help have made him beloved in the community.
“Jess, I love you,” said the 2014 Man of the Year Matt Ryan upon handing him the award.
The annual dinner took place at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds’ Crosetti Hall, which was nearly filled and abuzz when 2025 Woman of the Year Laura Owens took the stage.
“Look at everyone! Oh my god, if this is my funeral, thanks for celebrating me while I’m alive,” she said.
Woman of the Year Laura Owens and MC Ron Haedicke at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s Annual Awards Dinner on July 26.
Owens, known as “Miss Volunteer,” is the director of community development and learning at Santa Cruz Community Credit Union. She has led and been involved in numerous nonprofit efforts, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County, CASA of Santa Cruz County, the Homeless Garden Project, Workforce Readiness, the Watsonville Youth Center, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, Watsonville Rotary, and Leadership Santa Cruz County, where she has twice served as President and currently chairs the Alumni Committee.
She said volunteerism is her hobby. “Every single day I feel like everything I do, I do it with purpose.”
Bob and Linda Erbe began the awards portion of the evening, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their volunteerism. Both are retired. Bob is a leader in VFW Post 1716 and helps post the hundreds of military coffin flags between the VFW on Freedom Boulevard to Martinelli Street. Both are quite active in charities surrounding the fairgrounds, such as the the Agricultural History Project and the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation. Linda is the current chair of the Holiday Lights Committee.
Also honored were Business of the Year D’La Colmena Market & Catering; Event of the Year, the Salvation Army Backpack Giveaway and Organization of the Year, Sons and Daughters of Italy.