Why I Support POST - Harvey’s Memorial for Gina

As a fellow supporter of the Bay Area nonprofit Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and member of POST’s Open Space Legacy Society, I want to share my story with you.

My wife, Gina Holmes, a Southern California native, fell in love with the San Mateo coast 28 years ago while helping a friend move. Six months later, we moved to El Granada from Los Angeles. We became active in the community-we joined the successful battle for the Devil’s Slide Tunnel instead of a multi-lane freeway over Montara Mountain, and helped form the Midcoast Community Council to protect the environment, agricultural land and greenbelts.

Coming from the densely populated LA basin, we savored the Peninsula: the redwoods, Butano State Park, the ocean, all the open space. Gina was very nature-oriented. She volunteered as a docent at Año Nuevo State Park and as a naturalist at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

It was Gina’s love for open spaces and wildlife as well as my great empathy for POST’s mission that led me to my decision. After she passed, I made plans to leave everything to POST. We don’t have children, but this memorial for Gina will help preserve what gave her joy for future generations.

A lot has been done to preserve open space so far, and a lot is still at risk. Our house is modest-at the time of our relocation I sold photographs and Gina sold animal sculptures on the art show circuit-but it has increased in value over the years, and will help POST sustain their wonderful work.

Even at age 74, I love hiking with POST. They recently led a tour on the Wicklow property in El Granada which lets hikers go from Quarry Park, a mile from my house, up to the coastal ridges.

Thank you for your support of POST. Together, we have a meaningful, lasting impact on this beautiful area we call home.

Learn more about POST’s planned giving program, the Open Space Legacy Society, and how you can include POST in your estate plans here.