Public Service Spotlight: Cara Taylor
25 years of service (February 2000)
Agricultural Inspector Biologist III
This year marks 25 years since Cara Taylor embarked on her journey with the SLO County Agricultural Department. Cara’s unwavering dedication to protecting our agricultural industry and serving the community.
Cara joined the department in 1999 as a temporary Insect Trapper, deploying traps across the county for invasive pests such as Mediterranean fruit flies, gypsy moths, and Japanese beetles. These pests, if left unchecked, could devastate California’s agriculture industry.
“Southern California had outbreaks that required eradication programs,” Cara explained. “Unfortunately, pests like these often hitch rides with travelers bringing in fruits from outside regions.” She noted that strict import restrictions are critical to protecting the ecosystem in SLO County.
Today, as an Agricultural Inspector Biologist III, Cara’s primary role involves inspecting nurseries in the South County that receive shipments from outside the region, state, or even country. She ensures shipments meet certification requirements and are free from harmful insects and plant diseases.
“Each day can bring something different,” Cara shared. “We’re deployed within an hour or two of a nursery call to inspect shipments. If a shipment doesn’t meet requirements, it must be destroyed” a tough but necessary step to protect local agriculture.
Cara credits much of her job satisfaction to the supportive environment created by the team in the Agricultural Department. “I love the work because of the people,” she said. “We have such a great team, and I love my customers, and that makes all the difference.”
Cara’s passion for biology and environmental management began in her studies at South Dakota State University. After earning her degree, she moved to California and took a chance on an insect trapper position. “I thought it sounded interesting, and I ended up loving it!” she said.
Beyond her work protecting agriculture, Cara applies the same commitment to her personal pursuits including running. She runs twice a week, typically logging five miles per run. Her passion for running even led her to take on the challenge of the 4x4x48. Alongside her son and his friend, she ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours straight- all simply because it sounded like fun!
Cara and her husband, John, also run: Project Surf Camp. Founded in 2007 as a nonprofit, Project Surf Camp offers summer surf lessons to individuals with special needs, as well as at-risk youth, and children from the foster care system.
John, a special education teacher, started the camp after noticing a lack of inclusive programs for atypical children. Thanks to a grant from Pepsi, the camp was able to purchase equipment and expand. Project Surf Camp runs for five weeks each summer, serving between 200 to 250 campers with the help of many volunteers. The camp fosters personal growth and builds confidence for participants, making a lasting difference in their lives.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the relationships grow and witness the impact it has on the campers,” Cara said.
From safeguarding the Central Coast’s agriculture to creating meaningful opportunities for underserved youth, Cara Taylor exemplifies dedication, compassion, and community spirit.
Thank you, Cara, for 25 incredible years of service and for showing us all the power of purpose-driven work!
Briana Dickey
SLOCEA Office Administrator
