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A conversation with Kathleen de Vos, HGA President (Guide) Where did you get your start in life? I got my start
in Los Angeles, California, but grew up in Gardena (a small suburb). Gardena had a lot of card clubs which were always
featured on the old Perry Mason show (good tax revenue).What did you do before Hearst? Before Hearst, I was an at-home Mom, a pre-school teacher,
a singer, and a community volunteer.When
did you join the Hearst team and how long have you been here? I joined the Hearst Castle team as a volunteer
in 2006 and thought it would be more interesting to be a Guide (with a little convincing from Bobbie Hamilton). We were
in the Class of 2007. So, that makes 5 years.Do you have a "day job"? I don't have a "day" job.After you head down the Hill, what do you enjoy doing? In my
time off I enjoy walking on the beach, watching vintage movies, especially on TCM, sewing, embroidery, and crafts.What is it about Hearst Castle that keeps you doing what you're
doing? I really enoy telling the visitors about the 1930's and life at the Castle during that era... the likes
of which will never happen again. I think that the Living History program is the most significant program on the hilltop
in relationship to life at the Castle.Any
final thoughts you'd like to share? We all share in something very special here, and I hope the Guide Program
will continue far into the future.
A Conversation with Gordon Heinrichs, HGA Vice
President (Living History) Where did you get your start? I have deep roots in the Central Coast. As a youngster, I would visit Cambria with
my family. As a young college graduate, I designed their vacation home. Now, my wife, Christine, and I live in
that same house. What did you do before joining the Hearst team? I earned a BS degree
in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State and became a sales manager-engineer for Atlas Equipment Company, specializing
in slurry pumps, which pump a mixture of sand and water. When did you get involved with Hearst Castle? In 2008, I became a Living History
docent. Hearst Castle has a special meaning for me, because I met Christine, the lady who would become my wife, when
I took her Tour #4 in 2000!What
is it about Hearst Castle that keeps you doing what you're doing? I enjoy playing the role of one of The Chief's
editors, typing a story in the Cloisters bedroom, and playing billiards. My bent for engineering has been helping me
improve my carom billiards skill.Any
final thoughts you'd like to share? I'm a marine mammal rescuer for the Marine Mammal Center and an elephant
seal docent. Also, I do surveys of the use of the National Marine Sanctuary for The Otter Project, and am a Mission
Pilot for Civil Air Patrol out of SLO that does search and rescue for aircraft that are reported missing. One of these
days I plan to retire so that I'll have time for more volunteer work.
A Conversation with Tim Mayer, HGA Member-at-Large
(Guide) Where did life start for you? I grew
up in North Hollywood, CA, as one of five siblings and was actually born in Panorama City (L.A. County).What did you do before Hearst? In the past, I've been a gardener,
office and retail clerk, bank teller, customer service supervisor, auto insurance claims representative and auditor, summer
camp counselor, supervisor at a shelter for runaway children, art gallery salesperson, and a property manager.When did you join the Hearst team and how long have you been here? I joined
the Hearst Castle Team in March, 2009, as a Guide I... although, I wanted to be a tour guide when I moved to the Central Coast
over 18 years ago, but just couldn't work it out financially.Do
you have a "day job"? Well, most recently I've been working as an innkeeper at the White
Water Inn down in Cambria. Also, as a hair stylist at the Diva Day Spa in San Simeon. After you head down the hill, what do you enjoy doing? During my time off, I
enjoy beach-combing, creative and artistic projects, time alone, and socializing with friends. Oh yes, also LAUGHING!What is it about Hearst Castle that keeps you doing what you're doing? The opportunity
to witness, facilitate and influence the excitement, inspiration and other passionate responses of guests is what compels
me to remain at Hearst Castle. The numerous facets of interest that it provokes from guests all over the world.
Its dramatic and aesthetic presence.Any final thoughts you'd
like to share? It took me over fifteen years to get here and I don't plan on leaving for at least twenty more!
I am honored to be one of the many dedicated people involved with this museum/monument/park and am fortunate to be behind
the scenes somewhat with the Living History Program. I am in awe of the many incredibly knowledgeable fellow employees,
and the skill and hospitable courtesy in which they serve the guests they come in contact with. I enjoy escaping the
current mini "Great Depression" when I am on the hilltop and wandering this coastal area. Wow... aren't we
blessed?! I look forward to crossing paths with more of you.
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