By Vanessa Enciso

5 Years in Ag…

I was hired 5 years ago in the Merced County Ag Commissioners Office. And if you don’t know about me, Hi! I’m Vanessa, and here is what I have been doing….

 

5 years, at my desk, answering the phones.

 

5 years making notes on your permits. So I know not to ask about your Dad. He went home

 

5 years driving down the 152, counting the cantaloupe and tomato crews, praying they stay safe.

 

5 years watching crop dusters do their thing; majestic if you ask me.

 

5 years bugging you to turn in your pesticide use reports

 

5 years buying chocolate for the office.

 

5 years watching the water wars get worse and worse.

 

5 years praying for you all to have a good year. Crops needs prayer too, ya know.

 

5 years dropping my daughter off wishing I could pick her up after school.

 

5 years clearing, filing your NOIs. You want em, I got em.

 

5 years getting to know these PCAs. Yes, I will email you that permit. I got you.

 

5 years translating for people, who most of the time are too shy to ask.

 

5 years watching my Dad get older.  (He just turned 83. And if you’re not a pomegranate, he ain’t got time for you right now.)

 

5 years watching my mom work and work, and work. Then I wonder where I get it from, ha! They don’t make them like her anymore

 

5 years getting to know Los Banos. Junior’s Tacos saves my life

 

5 years reading this nice lady’s mail. She brings it to me and I try to help her. I don’t know who she is, but I’ll be here.

 

5 years watching some of you struggle. Your kids are getting older and you are too.

 

5 years of this lady calling asking for a refill. Once a month. Never fails. I’m not Rite-Aid, but it’s good to hear her voice.

 

5 years of complaint calls. Go ahead, anonymous, I’m still here and I can help you with that.

 

5 years of wrong numbers. We have no jurisdiction over that, but let’s find you the right number.

 

5 years of hearing your hogs at the Spring Fair across the street! I see you, FFA!

 

5 years of talking to Jim (Ag Biologist #1). He left me after three years. But I know he’s around. Pencil sharpeners don’t go off by themselves, ya know

 

5 years of watching the sunset grace Highway 152. Blasting my mariachi music and thanking God for another day at work.

 

5 years of getting to know my growers. I said MY growers because I am at YOUR service. If you want to come in here to ask me about your use reports, your permits, your continuing education hours, etc. Or if you want to walk in on me crying, alone in my office and give me a hug, and tell me everything is going to be okay. (Thank you, Stan)

 

I started off this year on a bittersweet note. I went from being heartbroken, crying all day to realizing your heart can’t get broken if it wasn’t even whole to begin with. Fill it first with your salvation, with God’s undeniable, everlasting, unconditional love. Then, get up, go to work and let Him do the rest.

 

I come to you today happy, healthy and rooted in faith. Drowning in scriptures and EPA Numbers.

 

My job is to serve the public with fairness, dignity and respect. I just happen to respect dirt, those who take care of it and everything that grows from it. Like my Daddy taught me.

 

Yesterday marked my 5 year anniversary with my department. I’ve met some amazing people doing what I do and in the MJDOA community too. So, thank you.

 

By Vanessa Enciso

(My name is Vanessa Enciso. I work for the Merced County Agricultural Commissioner, Los Banos Office. For four years now, I have been there to help you with whatever you need. Whether it’s a pesticide use report, a new field on your permit, a notice of intent or even if you just need someone to vent to, whatever you need, holler at your girl. I was born in Tracy, CA and I live in El Nido, CA. I’m a proud and tired single mom. And I enjoy flour tortillas and wine.)