SABA Mentoring Program

Each of these mentors stands ready to assist you as a member of SABA. Arguably, the first and most important step is to prepare yourself to be a beekeeper. Read some basic beekeeping books. Don’t be concerned if in your first reading much seems confusing. As you continue to prepare, things will begin to clear up. Just becoming familiar with some of the basic beekeeping terms will allow you and your mentor to be on the same page as you discuss your circumstances. Additionally, SABA annually presents classes that are well worth the modest attendance fee. If, by some quirk of fate, you have the opportunity (a gift of bees, a swarm comes to you, etc)- just go for it! Between your interest, the bees ability to flourish in spite of us, the gaining of knowledge through fellowship with other beekeepers, taking classes as they are available and the guidance of SABA mentors you will be partners with one of creations most amazing and fascinating creatures -- the honey bee. HAPPY BEEKEEPING (As a member of SABA you will be provided the necessary information so that you can contact the mentor closest to you.)

George - SABA mentor program coordinator. Georges primary areas of responsibility are Granite Bay, Folsom and Placerville. In 1985, George began beekeeping because he wanted to increase the pollination for his 100+ fruit trees. A professor at American River College for 32 years, he thought beekeeping fit right in. George keeps about 15 hives specializing in cut comb honey, primarily Blackberry honey.

Randy - He is primary areas of responsibility are Citrus Heights, Roseville, and Auburn. Randy has been an active beekeeper for the past 25 years. He currently has about 50 hives and is expanding to 100 hives. Randy fits beekeeping in around his “day job” in management with Save Mart supermarkets. Randy has his bees at multiple “out yards”.

Dennis - He is primarily responsible for the Arden/Arcade area of Sacramento. Dennis has been involved in urban beekeeping for several years. He keeps typically keeps two strong hives, sometimes expanding that a little. Dennis is sensitive to the fact that his bees are kept in an urban area.

Howard - He is the mentor for North Highlands, Elverta, Rio Linda and Citrus Heights. Howard from his youth had an interest in bees. However the pressing issues of life did not allow him to become active until about 15 years ago. Howard, among his other interests, tends to a various number hives as the bees cooperate with his plans, but works to maintain 3 to 5 hives.

Ron - He got his first bee hive as a youth (some 40+ years ago) and, while he has not always had the opportunity to keep bees, Ron has, for a number of years, engaged in beekeeping as a very serious side line. Ron maintains in the area of 50 hives. Ron is active in various beekeeping associations and strives to keep up with the latest ideas, balancing the new with time-tested methods.

Fred - He provides mentoring assistance to the urban Sacramento area. He and his wife, Nancy, own and operate Sacramento Beekeeping Supply in downtown Sacramento. Fred keeps between 75 and 100 hives. He is active in numerous beekeeping organizations. Fred, in addition to mentoring for SABA, is a mentor to the hundreds of beekeepers who frequent the store.

Bob - He lives north of Sacramento and takes responsibility for the Lincoln and Rocklin areas. Bob is by trade a chemical engineer for the State of California. Bob has been keeping bees for 30 plus years. While he has had as many as 200, hives he currently keeps a more manageable 50. He does plan to increase that number as time permits.