Patricia “Trish” Clarke
This is a story about a respected leader in our community. Her passion and determination is evident in all she has done, from being fulfilled as a mother and wife, to her successful political career improving the lives of seniors and veterans.
I am honored to tell her story.
Trish Clarke was born on May 4th, 1944 in Twin Falls, Idaho. She completed a legal secretary degree and began her working life as a paralegal. In 1962 she moved to San Jose, California where she met her husband Bob who worked for the US Forest Service, and in 1971 they married and moved to Ontario California. When their son was born, Trish enjoyed becoming a stay at home Mom, never regretting her decision to give up work during this time. In 1977 they moved to Shasta County allowing Bob to follow an exciting job opportunity. When her son was in school full- time, Trish felt drawn back to the workforce. Paralegal positions were scarce, so she started her own business “The Detector Lady of BTR Detectors” and became involved in the business community. Believing she could make a difference, she ran for City Council.
Trish is very proud of having 20 years as an elected official. She held several positions in Anderson (which she calls south county) that include the Planning Commission, Anderson City Council, Mayor of Anderson, and the Board of Supervisors. Many of her accomplishments have stood the test of time, I’ll highlight some she holds dear.
Trish was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Service Office as a stand-alone Department, and obtaining a much needed alternative to the Housing Authority office, to ensure that veterans specific needs were met. She secured a wheelchair accessible office on Breslauer Ln. and a designated Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to assist with applications and benefits. This made such a positive impact on the community she was recognized and honored with a plaque. As she reflects fondly on this, she can’t help but chuckle... she says it was covered in rosebuds with “This bud is for you” engraved in the center. It was a very proud moment for her. Today, The Veteran Service Office, which you may be familiar with, is currently located at 1855 Shasta St. in Redding.
Trish Clarke has also been dedicated and passionate in her quest to improve the lives of seniors. She tells me her inspiration for this comes from “Grandma Mitchell” who took Trish under her wing growing up in the absence of grandparents. Trish and her family spent large amounts of time with grandma who, as a positive role model, taught them many lessons in compassion. Trish describes her as “one vibrant lady!” It was observing Grandma Mitchell’s deterioration in a nursing home that deeply affected Trish, and fueled her ambition to help other seniors. She said “Grandma’s spirit was broken and she didn’t have the will to live.” When she was unable to participate in her community, Trish watched Grandma lose her sense of purpose and consequently deteriorate. Trish strongly feels “no matter if you are rich or poor seniors need a purpose to live.” In her capacity as a political figure she knew she was able to make a difference. One of her proudest accomplishments is opening the Frontier Senior Center in Anderson. It enables seniors living in the south county to access activities, lunch programs and HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). Her hope is to provide seniors with an opportunity to stay active, involved, and subsequently connected in their community.
Trish was one of the founders of the Older Adult Policy Council (OAPC) which started over 25 years ago. The OAPC is a team of professionals who advocate for seniors and older adults, working together finding solutions to problems they may face. This council coordinates The Celebrity Soup Kitchen, an invaluable fundraiser that helps seniors pay their utility bills and avoid power shut-offs (it is an approved spinoff - a story for another time - of Molly Wilson’s Soup Kitchen). This annual fundraiser still exists, and is usually held in October. Shasta County residents can donate to the fund by entering an amount in the “Share” box on their utility bills. Trish is, and always has been, a very driven and passionate person with a prominent voice to advocate for others. Her role as an elected official put her in the public eye, and she has endured some criticism. She is acutely aware that her tenacity has occasionally led people to believe she is cold or non-caring. She wants people to know this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. She hopes her tough exterior doesn’t overshadow the endless love and care she has for senior citizens. Trish is so grateful for her involvement in the community, and proud to have provided services to improve the lives of seniors and veterans. In my opinion, her accomplishments say it all!
Trish is now retired...well kind of! She remains active in the community but now, from a different platform, she uses her influential voice on a radio show. It’s on Free Fire Radio, KCNR (96.5FM & 1460AM) every Thursday, 7-9am. She discusses current issues in the community, especially in Anderson (because not everyone living in Shasta County lives in Redding, she says) and is particularly keen to encourage people, especially young people, to get involved. Trish is testament to how one person, no matter who you are, can make a difference. Every voice counts and she can’t stress enough the importance of understanding the issues we face and getting out there to vote.
Sadly Bob, the love of her life, passed in 2007. They had a loving marriage for 36 years, and planned to travel the country together. Now in her spare time she travels the country in her RV with friends. She spends as much time as possible with her son and grandchildren who give her life purpose. If she could leave a legacy she wants to be remembered as someone who deeply cared and was an active player in her community.
Trish Clarke, you inspire me!!
