Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner honored one woman from each of the 14 cities she represents in the 14th Assembly District at the Women of the Year luncheon held on Saturday, March 6. Neighbors, community groups, and civic leaders were invited to submit nominations of women who have made a significant difference in the community. Pleasant Hill's Vice Mayor, John Hanecak, nominated Lesley Stiles for her years of dedication to our community.



Lesley Stiles, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, actively volunteers her knowledge of the food industry to teach health education through nutrition and sustainable practices. She has successfully written grants, organized and started sustainable organic gardens at Strandwood Elementary School, Pleasant Hill Middle School and College Park High School. She was a part-time employee with the Contra Costa Farmers’ Markets for over ten years, raised funds for various groups - most notably, CHEFS (Conquering Homelessness through Education in Food Service) - and has been a Contra Costa Times “Dream Jobs” volunteer. Through her efforts, Lesley received the Volunteer of the Year Award for CHEFS in 2005.

Lesley’s passion for teaching children and others to eat healthy involves challenging paradigms and creates long-lasting lifestyle changes. The Pleasant Hill Community Focus is fortunate to have Lesley contributing a monthly column in which she shares her knowledge and zeal for healthy living.



Born and raised in Pleasant Hill, Lesley has devoted over 20 years of her life to community service. Driven and passionate for the well-being of others, she has been involved in a number of civic groups: Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce (Past Ambassador/Member); Pleasant Hill Middle School PTSA (Board Member); Strandwood Elementary School PTSA (Board Member); College Park High School PTSA (Board Member); Diablo Valley College Hotel, Restaurant and Management Department Advisory Board (Past Chair).



The impact of Lesley’s ongoing volunteer contributions will not only be with the people whose lives are touched by her programs and volunteer efforts, but the “pay forward” of these people sharing with others their new approach to living a happy, healthy life.