Society & Culture
In the early 70’s, Brooks Firestone left his family’s famous tire company to start the Valley’s first commercial winery. In the last 50 years, with Kate, his wife of 62-years, the Firestones have raised 4 children, and now boast 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.While he’s most proud of his family, Mr. Firestone has made his mark on our community as a philanthropist and politician. He served 2 terms as a California Assemblyman and one term as a County Supervisor. He and Kate were also honored in 2018 with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation for their long record of service.In our wide-ranging conversation, Mr. Firestone and I discuss his career in the wine industry and his achievements in politics. We also discuss his three books, two about Valley Animals and a third about his recently discovered passion for choral singing. I couldn’t resist mentioning his brief stint on his youngest son Andrew’s season of the Bachelor. And there’s a few other classic stories thrown in, including one about President Ronald Reagan and his longtime vet, the beloved Doug Herthel. Mentioned in this episode: his three books: Valley Animals, More Valley Animals (to be published later this year), and Evensong; Firestone Winery, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Messiah… Refreshed!, Doug Herthel, St. Marks Church, Alisal Guest Ranch, and Anya Linden.Sunrise Organic Farm is featured in Small Business Spotlight.