Host Mari Weaver talks with Rob Ferguson about his life and experience with civic engagement. From a childhood in the Bay Area where his best friend’s family served as a “shelter” when times were tough in his own dysfunctional family, Rob met his wife in high school and converted to Judaism prior to their marriage. His early experiences spawned a life-long interest in human rights, the environment and peace. Rob and his wife raised their family in Walnut Creek, eventually moved to Sacramento and ultimately established their home in Dutch Flat in Placer County in 2017, where their children and grandchildren are helping create a family “compound.” A whole-grain bakery business in Colfax didn’t survive the Covid pandemic. Rob has consulted extensively helping businesses facing bankruptcy find a path to survival. Experiencing his own health issues with obesity, Rob lost well over 100 pounds and became passionate about counseling and coaching others to make more healthy choices on eating habits and other personal issues. He is also passionate about his volunteer work with dogs at Sammie’s Friends in Grass Valley.