Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas joined community members in Esparto to celebrate the grand opening of a satellite office aimed at assisting residents of District 5.

On Thursday, Barajas, along with his deputy Monica Rivera and executive director of RISE, Inc. Tico Zendejas, welcomed residents of Esparto and the surrounding area to a new satellite office located in the RISE, Inc. building at 17317 Fremont St.

While he was campaigning and during his first year as a supervisor, Barajas said he noticed residents of the rural areas often did not know how to connect with the appropriate county representatives or staff members to get assistance for their various needs or issues. Access to the local government was limited.

Barajas said he saw and heard a whole host of problems that needed to be addressed including lighting, street roads, senior services and educational and agricultural issues.

"We heard that loud and clear," Barajas said. "So, I came over and had a conversation with Dr. Tico Zendejas and I asked him if there was an opportunity for us to be able to partner and collaborate together so that way we could have a satellite office here in Esparto so we can serve the residents of Madison, Esparto and the Capay Valley."

The office, which is the first satellite office for a supervisor in a rural area, will serve as a place to connect rural residents to the rest of Yolo County and allow them a place to speak with Barajas or Rivera directly in their own community.

"For the past year that I've worked for Supervisor Bajaras, a lot of the problems have come from the rural area," Rivera explained. "Our goal with the satellite office is not only to fix those problems but to build a community, to come together, whatever you guys need, we will be here. We want to have a safe and trustworthy office for you all."

In addition to the new office, the Board of Supervisors has approved various items to improve and assist Esparto and the Capay Valley this year including COVID-19 vaccination clinics, $2.5 million for the future Capay Valley Health and Community Center, $500,000 toward immediate fire needs and approving a second resident deputy sheriff that will be serving the northern part of the Capay Valley.

"The issues matter to people," Barajas emphasized. "Local issues do matter to these residents in the rural area and as a representative I have to make sure that not only do I listen to those issues, but I try to find a solution to their problem."

Both Barajas and Rivera will have office hours Monday and Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and are encouraging anyone who may have an issue, need assistance or voice a concern to come to the new office.

Barajas ended the presentation with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, but not before acknowledging various community leaders, emphasizing that all the projects he has been involved with would not be possible without the assistance of those around him.

"If you ever just want to have coffee and have a conversation with me, pick up the phone and text or call or email me," Barajas stated. "I'll make sure that I return your phone call or come visit you within two days or within 24 hours. That is my commitment to you as a supervisor."

"I believe that direct representation means that I need to get back to you quickly, efficiently, effectively and even if I can't solve your issue I am going to try anyway," Barajas concluded.

Barajas also held a grand opening for another new office in Knights Landing on Thursday afternoon.