Atascadero Head Start facility named in honor of longtime board member
Biz Steinberg and Santos Arrona. Courtesy photo.
Santos Arrona has served on the CAPSLO board for 23 years
–Santos Arrona, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County’s longest-serving board member, was honored Friday when the Atascadero Head Start Center was named after him.
In a ceremony attended by several past and present board members and CAPSLO staff, the facility – which provides child development programs–was officially named the Santos Arrona Head Start Center.
The son of a Mexican migrant farmer, Santos, a Cal Poly alum and longtime San Luis Obispo County employee, has served on the CAPSLO board for 23 years. “On the board, he has been an advocate for low-income families”, said Biz Steinberg, CEO of CAPSLO.
“People who know Santos know he’s a very down-to-earth, caring man who wants things to be the best they can for everyone,” Steinberg said.
CAPSLO first began renting at the head start facility in Atascadero in the mid-1970s. It has since purchased the property and expanded the facilities. While Santos has been on the board longer than anyone, he credits others with the organization’s success.
“It’s always nicer to give than receive, and a lot of CAPSLO board members and staff believe that,” said Santos, of San Luis Obispo.
A sign featuring Arrona’s name was unveiled during the dedication. Having a center named after him was an honor. “It’s nice to drive by and say, ‘Oh, there’s my building,’” he said.
The Head Start programs increase school readiness of young children in low-income families, providing educational services, dental and medical needs and nutrition. CAPSLO is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
For more information, visit www.capslo.org.
