Meet The Team

Having been born and raised on the Central Coast, Justin profoundly values the role Waller Park plays in the Santa Maria Valley Community. Having attended schools in Orcutt, his earliest memories of the park are those of a young, enthusiastic 4th grader. Justin served his community as a former EMT and Firefight. He continues his service as a Director of Friends of Waller Park, Waller Park Disc Golf Tournament Director, and local small business owner.

Celeste was born and raised in a small farming community in the San Joaquin Valley of California.  She learned at an early age from her grandparents and father, a farmer, the joy of working outdoors and growing plants.  After graduating from California State University, Chico, she moved to Santa Maria to work as an intern for the City of Santa Maria. She enjoyed a long career of 42 years with the City of Santa Maria and retired in 2016 as the Community Programs Manager. While working for the City, she met and married Bailey O. Hudson, who was the long-time Superintendent of Parks and Street Trees/Urban Forester for the City.  Bailey was one of the original board members for the Friends of Waller Park.  He believed that Waller Park was probably the largest urban forest in Santa Barbara County and should be preserved and cherished as such.  After Bailey passed away in 2018, Celeste wished to carry on his good work on the board.

Having lived in Santa Maria for over 20 years near Waller Park, Juliann and her family have enjoyed the park for a long time. She looks forward to helping the Friends of Waller Park fulfill the mission to preserve and enhance the precious heritage of Waller Park.

I am Ann Valente and having grown up in the area, Waller Park was always a place of solace for me and my family. I am proud to be a member of the Friends of Waller Park Board and look forward to doing what I can to further the mission of the park an make it enjoyable for future generations. 

George has been on the Board since 2008. His family (Ruiz), goes back to the 1700s in Santa Barbara County. Remembering his childhood, he recalls seeing the buffalo, monkeys, and peacocks in the park. He, is a retired Human Resources Administrator, soccer referee, and private pilot. George and Barbara enjoy taking walks in the Park, and live only a short distance away.

Rich has been part of the Friends of Waller Park since 2022. He was born and raised in Santa Maria, he works as a Graphic Designer at VOLER in Grover Beach. He is the owner of Buckets Disc Golf and helps with disc golf tournaments/leagues at Waller Park. In his off time, he helps coach basketball at Righetti High School. Waller Park has been a special place for Rich and he would like to continue to preserve the natural beauty of the park.

Under Construction

After working many years overseeing Nojoqui Falls Park and Jalama Beach Park, Dominic has moved north and works with Waller Park and other area parks as Ranger. He loves working with people and will do a great job as park liaison to Friends of Waller Park.

Under Construction