Vickie Taton

Eastern Sierra Field Representative

Vickie is a long-time resident of the eastern Sierra committed to giving back to the communities and landscapes that have inspired, nourished, and sustained her for so many years. Her strengths are in listening and researching issues, and she believes in the importance of approaching each issue with an open mind. She seeks out creative solutions, looks for common ground and believes that building relationships is vital to effecting change.

Professional Experience

Vickie has enjoyed several distinct career shifts including a decade as a paramedic for both city and county government, a high school and alternative school art teacher, and a small business owner. One key to surviving (and thriving) in small mountain communities is remaining flexible and creative. To that effect Vickie has also waited tables, taught cross-country skiing, worked seasonally as a wilderness ranger for the USFS, supervised work crews for the CCC, and spent six summers packing mules into the backcountry of the Sierra.

Vickie’s appreciation of the economic, environmental, and political challenges facing residents of the eastern Sierra has grown into an understanding that no one can stand by if our communities are to retain their unique characteristics, history, culture, and prosperity. Her interests are in maintaining and fostering working landscapes, building compact towns with thriving small businesses, and developing long-term growth plans for the highway 395 corridor.

Education

Vickie holds a BFA in Painting with a minor in Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. She continues to be a lifelong learner with emphasis in community planning, collaborative problem-solving, informed decision-making, and creative thinking.

Personal Highlights

Vickie lives south of Bishop with her partner, Jim, two horses, a dog, and a cat. When not working Vickie can be found riding her horse, skiing, hiking, or trying to fit in some art time.