Aldo Pineschi Jr.: Tribute for a man who had a vision for Placer County … and made it a reality

A man who was an icon in Placer County passed away recently. Aldo Pineschi Jr. played an integral role in growing Placer County into the community it is today; he leaves behind an optimistic vision for a region he loved and dedicated his life to. The list of Pineschi's life accomplishments is vast and may be better reflected upon with help from a poem written by Linda Ellis titled "The Dash." The poem references the symbol seen in eulogies or on a gravestone between the date of a person's birth and death. The dash symbolizes all the time in between … the life you lead: "I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning … to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars … the house … the cash. What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash." Pineschi died on May 28 at the age of 66 after a year-long battle with cancer; though he died relatively young, his "dash" was exceptional. Pineschi was known for his never-ending desire to better his community and his involvement in local politics and philanthropy. Pineschi was a highly respected political consultant, closely involved with the Lincoln, Placer and Rocklin Chambers of Commerce and a founder of pivotal organizations such as the Placer Business Alliance and Placer Breast Cancer Foundation. Mostly though, Pineschi was known for his kind heart; despite being heavily involved in politics, he remained beloved and was considered fair, even among people across the aisle politically. Pineschi was also a driving force behind many charitable causes, such as the Tommy Apostolos Fund, which helps struggling families pay for clothes and school supplies. "So, think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged. To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile … remembering that this special dash might only last a little while." If you speak with those who were close to Pineschi, he made the most of his "dash." Pineschi's close, longtime friend, Carol Garcia, may know this better than almost anyone. Garcia, whose list of accomplishments, accolades and dedication to community rivals Pineschi, is among many other things the former mayor of Roseville, the VP of Community Relations for First Northern Bank and co-founder of the Placer Breast Cancer Foundation alongside Pineschi. "Our families did things together, our kids grew up together," Garcia said. "It's just a huge loss, not only for me but for everybody. It just is." Their time together couldn't have started any earlier: Garcia and Pineschi were born two weeks apart at Roseville Hospital. Their fathers were friends, both involved in local politics (Aldo Pineschi Sr. was also a political dignitary, working as the assistant city manager in Roseville until retirement). When Garcia and Pineschi were just tykes, their fathers would take them along to political fundraisers and other events of the sort. "We grew up in that environment," Garcia explained. "Our fathers just would bring us along just to learn. And we worked side by side and even as young kids in learning about politics." Garcia and Pineschi literally grew up together, sharing a common desire and mission to make Placer County a better place. Their political careers and community involvement constantly intertwined, since they shared the same vision of building Placer County into a place that offered an unmatched quality of life. "We shared the same desire to help improve the community and Placer County in general and the region really," Garcia said. "He didn't limit himself to Placer County; he did a lot outside our county as well. … He was never satisfied with the way things were and always promoted leaders and worked with city and county staff to create positive change for our community." Pineschi's long-term vision for Placer County was always clear: Garcia said he wanted to create a safe and business-friendly community. "(He wanted) great schools, premier medical facilities and recreation opportunities for all," Garcia explains. "I believe that Aldo was always striving for more, including traffic solutions, cost-effective utilities and creative water sources for our residents." Pineschi was also integral in ensuring specific candidates got elected to local political posts, from school boards to city council seats. He endorsed those who he knew would make decisions that would be most beneficial to the community – people who shared his vision. "That was his passion," Garcia said. "We're living in this wonderful community … and you've seen the growth that's occurred because of what we created here." In fact, the rapid growth of Placer County, and traffic issues that have developed as a result, was the next big item on Pineschi's list. "I always told him, 'It's your fault that so many people are here!' " Garcia said, jokingly. Pineschi strongly supported the proposal for a local sales tax that would fund various projects aimed to ease traffic congestion, and was working on garnering support for that cause before he died. Yet, as Pineschi became more sick, it became increasingly apparent he needed to ensure that his legacy – his vision – continued. "I think along the way, we both were mentoring people," Garcia reflected. "When he got sick, he knew he wasn't going to be able to carry this on much longer. But I think in our roles, as we have helped the community grow and make the right decisions, we have mentored people along the way, so that it was not just Aldo that was doing everything. We also are preparing others to step in and make the right decisions and carry on the legacy of making this community what it is today." "So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?" During Pineschi's service, loved ones and local dignitaries spoke of his character, his role as humanitarian and pillar in the community. It is clear he lived the most of his "dash" and ensured that his torch had been passed on. For Garcia and others who loved Aldo though, the loss isn't just about the exceptional "dash" that defined his life – she will dearly miss a lifelong advocate and friend. "I could go on and on talking about him," Garcia said. "He will be missed."