Governed by neighbors.

Greg and his wife Celine bought five acres of raw land in Elfin Forest in 2017 and built their home there — country roots for him, a new adventure for her. They keep a small vineyard, an orchard, a vegetable garden, chickens, and plenty of chores. He spent most of his career in tech, after years in Del Mar and Carmel Valley, and has settled into the rural life of this valley. He now chairs the Foundation and is its registered agent, watching the Remediation Trust and grant disbursements so the principal stays intact. He has also volunteered with the Escondido Creek Conservancy and the Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove Town Council.

Frank is Vice Chairman. He served as Fire Chief of the Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove Fire Department for two decades and as a chief officer with the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. He has lived in Elfin Forest for decades and has represented the Foundation in the community since its early years. He keeps the board pointed at work the whole valley uses — trails, fire-safe projects, and the rural character neighbors actually live.

Bonita is Treasurer. A long-serving director and resident landowner, she keeps the Foundation’s books, helps run two grant cycles a year, and keeps applications honest about public benefit.

Patti is a lifelong horsewoman and has lived on 2½ acres in Elfin Forest with her husband Richard and eight horses since 1987. As a licensed real estate consultant, she specializes in equestrian and estate properties; she also works as an NNA-certified mobile notary and loan signing agent. Over the years she and Richard have worked to protect the valley’s rural character, preserve open space, and help develop and maintain the trail network. As Secretary, she keeps the corporate record, minutes, and the paperwork a public charity owes its neighbors.

Jenni Haack has lived in north county San Diego for 25 years. After working as a marketing and advertising copywriter in the tech industry for brands like Sony and GoPro, she left her career to focus on raising her young children and giving back to the community. Along with serving on the Elfin Forest Community Foundation board, Jenni is Secretary of Encinitas Trails Coalition, co-chair of the Elfin Forest Community Trails Committee, and holds a variety of volunteer roles at her children’s schools. Previously she was a member of the Rancho Santa Fe Road Traffic and Public Safety Task Force. In her (limited) free time, she is an avid surfer and equestrian, and holds the title of Chief Weed Puller and Gopher Trapper on her 3-acre Elfin Forest ranch.