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Steve Schweigerdt comes to us from one of the most eco-urban organizations in Sacramento–The Tree Foundation–where he served as the Nature Project Director. We met him when we were interviewing his family to be featured as one of our Eco-Urban Heroes (more about that to come…) and liked him so much we ended up offering him a job. We think hiring your heroes makes pretty good sense.

You’ve worked here for a week now. How would you describe it? Any memorable moments?
Dynamic is the word I would have to use to describe it. It seems there are so many things in flux and ideas flowing through the place. And now I know who will eat raw oysters or not.

What gets you excited about creating eco-urban community? Why is this personally important to you?
People are so influenced by their surroundings. I feel like our culture has forced so many people into an individualistic, consumer, car dependent lifestyle because it is easy, affordable (in the now), and confused for the American dream. I want to work on a reaction to this that brings people back into community with each other, saves them time and resources, and preserves the open space around our city for recreation, wildlife, and a break from the city. Why shouldn’t this be the best choice for people who want to live in Sacramento?

Anything in your personal life that you are doing (or working on) to try and make the world a better place.
My biggest concern is the poverty overseas, so we sponsor lots of kids with Compassion International so they first survive and then grow into strong leaders for their countries. I’m still hoping to plant lots of trees here with my buddies at the Sacramento Tree Foundation.

None of us do this perfectly. Got any eco-urban confessions?
Are donuts eco-urban or not?

What brought you to Sacramento?
We really like the character of older neighborhoods, the activities of a large city, big trees, California weather (most of the year), biking, a Co-op food store, and big mountains nearby. Where else is there?

Do you have a favorite spot in the urban core?
My bike seat is where I spend the most time. I guess I’m too much of a busy body to hang out anywhere. For a really urban feel I like the north side of the Central Library. For more of a restauranty feel I like Capitol Ave.

You’ve got family. We love families. Tell us about them.
Bronwyn is a curly girl and has most of the personality contained in our match. She loves attention – give her a stage and an audience and there is no one better. Watch out because you’ll be emptying your wallet to sponsor needy kids and becoming a vegan before you leave. She needs a nature fix about every week, so we get out and do some mountain biking, hiking, or kayaking. If you want to get to know her you can buy her book too – The Undiet!

Edie is our precious little girl. She is most interested in red, shoes, and various things that can go in hair. She is an expert sing-a-longer and now has a guitar to accompany. She talks quite a bit for a three year old. And some days she only wants to be called Shelly Ann. She is a quite a trooper and comes along mountain biking on her WeeRide and kayaking down the river.

Which of our core values do you have the strongest connection with. Why?
I’d choose “We are motivated by generosity and the prospect of improving the quality of life.” That’s what I want to do! If buildings can’t improve the quality of life, why do them? – profit isn’t enough motivation for me.

Jason