Pete was raised in Sanger, attending Jackson Elementary, Washington Jr. High, and Sanger High School, just like his own children after him. While still in high school, he worked with his father in their family business and later served as boys Commissioner of Athletics. He and his wife Cindy went on to own Sports Academy Inc. for 32 years, serving the Sanger community and the valley. Pete continued his education along the way, earning a business degree from Fresno Pacific University, and later worked as a Fresno County Ag Appraiser. Today he and Cindy farm full time, growing Ruby Cabernet grapes on land he developed himself.

 

Throughout his life, Pete has devoted himself to Sanger, serving 27 years on the Parks and Rec Commission and 21 years on the Chamber of Commerce board. He helped launch the city's first Farmer's Market, started sponsorships sending Sanger third graders to see the General Grant Tree, and helped bring an all weather track and new athletic fields to Sanger High through volunteer effort. He was named Citizen of the Year in 2000 and, with Cindy, Mr. and Mrs. Farmer in 2016. Pete is especially proud of his role helping turn Sanger Unified into an award winning district, and he founded the Foundation for Sanger Schools, which has provided $2.7 million in scholarships and grants for teachers and students. He hopes to keep serving the Sanger community he loves for years to come.