Don O’Brien is the father of six, the grandfather of fourteen and a Petaluma resident since 1976.

As part of a citizen-based outreach program, Don delivered food to the encampment of unhoused people at Steamer Landing in Petaluma for fifteen months and has remained in touch with members of that community. He volunteers as a mentor at COTS. He also designed and built a fully modular “sleeping cabin,” later used as a counseling center at Horizon Shine Village. Don is excited to carry on his community involvement as a SAVS Board member.

Don has a BA in English literature from San Francisco State University and an MA in humanities from Dominican University. He is a retired painting contractor of 35 years. He wrote and taught the three-year painter apprenticeship program at Santa Rosa Junior College. He also taught English as an adjunct instructor at College of Marin.

Don has served on the boards of the Petaluma Boys and Girls Club, Petaluma People Services Center, and  Cinnabar Theater.