Full Biography for Deanna Rodriguez Root

Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Richland-Lerdo School District

I have lived in Shafter all my life (I am 3rd generation). My parents are John A. and Gloria Nieto Rodriguez who have just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. I have four younger brothers: Richard, Johnny, Bobby and Vincent Rodriquez. We all attended local schools and were very involved in school and sports activities. Im am married to Roy Root and have three grown children: sons, Earl and Jeff, who are in the health club and physical therapy business in Atlanta, Georgia; and daughter, Brandi, who is working and attending school to become an educator and child guidance counselor. My parents raised us with strict work ethics and emphasized the importance of an education throughout our growing years. As youngsters my brothers and I worked in the fields and later in our family restaurant business, The Rodriguez Mexican Kitchen, here in Shafter. We were before the Taco Bell era and one of the first Mexican food restaurants in Kern County with regular customers coming from neighboring towns throughout the county. After several years in the business, we had to close doors because of Mom's illness with rheumatoid arthritis.

I graduated in 1960 and was a Shafter High School Cheerleader that same year. I worked in the beauty business (colmetologist) for approximately seventeen years and managed my own business for a period during that time. I retired when my daughter Brandi was born in 1976. I had an opportunity to stay home and raise my children and I took it! My children's education, activities and home were my priorities. Later on I attended evening classes at Shafter High School through the Bakersfield College Extension Program that I enjoyed immensely. I became more aware about issues and concerns in the education of my children and other children in general. Consequently, I became involved and have served on various educational and community committees for numerous years. I am presently a trained Surrogate Substitute Parent for the students in the Richland-Lerdo School District and called upon when my assistance is needed. I serve as a volunteer coordinator for Saturday and after school youth activities associated with the arts, such as guitar, piano and keyboard, children's, beginners and advanced folk dancing classes, and competition cheer leading classes. I have been an active member of the Healthy Start steering committee since 1996, which at present is working on an operational grant for Shafter's children and families. I served as a community resource person on the School's Task Force Committee for the Shafter Visions Project. My husband Roy and I enjoy our children, grandchildren, pets, traveling whenever we can, and researching history.