Employee Feature – Javier Zajada, Fleet Mechanic at Big Creek Lumber
How long have you been at Big Creek? I started at Big Creek in April of 2024.
What is your favorite part of your Job? Working with my hands and solving problems. Every day is different, and I enjoy figuring out how to keep the equipment running and getting things fixed.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Working on project vehicles, Camping and hanging out with my dog.
2027 School Garden Bed Grant Program
We are excited to continue our School Garden Grant Program for its 11th year! Through this program, we provide local schools with redwood garden bed kits for gardens and outdoor learning projects.
In 2027, we will award kits to 12 schools, with two schools selected at random near each of our lumberyards. These garden beds give students hands on opportunities to learn about nutrition, agriculture, carpentry and forestry while working with durable, sustainable California redwood.
2026 Recipients:
- Dan Mini Elementary School in Vallejo, CA
- DeLaveaga Elementary School in Santa Cruz, CA
- Elkhorn Elementary School in Castroville, CA
- La Honda Elementary School in La Honda, CA
- Pescadero Elementary School in Pescadero, CA
- Saint Rose Catholic School in Paso Robles, CA
- San Benito 4-H Juventino M. Ortiz Youth Development Center in Hollister, CA
Trinity Lutheran School in Paso Robles, CA- Vallejo Adult School in Vallejo, CA
- Westlake Elementary School in Santa Cruz, CA
- Winfield Elementary School in Winton, CA
- Winton Middle School in Winton, CA
Trinity Lutheran School in Paso Robles, CACompleted applications must be delivered in person to a Big Creek Lumber yard by Friday, October 30, 2026. We will deliver the kits in early spring so students can plant in time for the growing season.