This is the second installment of the RCRC Board Member Spotlight, a recurring feature of the Barbed Wire! The Board Member Spotlight is intended to familiarize subscribers with RCRC Board members, providing insights from their background in public service to their views on pressing rural county issues. RCRC is pleased to introduce the subject of our second Board Member Spotlight, Mariposa County Supervisor and RCRC’s 2025 First Vice Chair, Miles Menetrey.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?
I moved to Mariposa County after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. I have served the Mariposa Community for years as a little league coach, Search and Rescue volunteer, and two-time President of the Mariposa Lions Club. It was during my Search and Rescue tenure that the Sheriff, at the time, encouraged me to seek my seat on the Board of Supervisors.
2. What is one piece of advice you might share with a newly elected county supervisor based on your experience?
I was self-employed for 26 years in the construction trade before being elected. I benefited greatly from the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government as I transitioned to public service. I would advise: learn your role and stay in your lane.
3. What makes your community unique?
Mariposa County is one of three counties in the state with no incorporated cities. We have a population of just under 17,000, and the county has no traffic lights. Fifty percent (50%) of the County is owned and managed by the Federal agencies: National Park Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Managment (BLM). Mariposa is the Western Gateway to Yosemite National Park; home to the California State mining and mineral exhibit; and home to the oldest courthouse still in use west of the Mississippi River.
Mariposa County is known as “the Mother of Counties” ~~~ In 1850, Mariposa County encompassed 1/5 of the state of California. Ultimately, the county was ceded, over time, to form all or part of twelve other counties, including all of Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern; and parts of San Benito, Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles.
4. What is a policy or initiative in your county of which you are most proud?
I led an effort to purchase a parcel of land that completed ownership in the lands needed for a project known as the Mariposa Creek Parkway, further opening the door to much-needed grant dollars for the project. The acquisition also provided land/space for the new jail project.
5. How long have you served on the RCRC Board and why do you believe the work of RCRC to be important?
I have been attending RCRC Board meetings since taking my seat on the Mariposa Board in 2017. From 2017 – 2020 I served as the Mariposa County Alternate, and from 2021-2023 I was a member of the RCRC Executive Committee. In 2024, I began my service as an RCRC Officer in the position of Second Vice Chair, and I currently serve as RCRC’s First Vice Chair.
The RCRC voice is so incredibly important in communicating the needs and disparities in rural counties in California. Rural counties are severely under-represented in the state legislature, and it is extremely important that rural county legislators receive our support whenever and wherever we can give it.
6. What do you view as the most pressing rural county issue for RCRC to engage on over the next few years?
I believe all legislative issues that disproportionally affect our rural counties are pressing issues. I also believe that the “most pressing” issue may be different for each county. Here in Mariposa County, Housing and lack of infrastructure for housing development are pressing issues for our community. Homeowners insurance is also a huge concern.
7. What is something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I never played basketball.