SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R- Fresno) announced Monday he has selected Lorna Roush as the 23rd Assembly District’s 2021 Woman of the Year.
Lorna is a fifth-generation family farmer in Fresno County and a tireless advocate for agriculture. On top of the day-to-day operations on the farm, Lorna is active in many community organizations including California Women for Agriculture and Central Valley Women for Agriculture, My Job Depends on Ag, the Ag One Foundation at Fresno State, Riverdale Community Foundation, Fresno County Farm Bureau, Horizon Pistachios Company, and American Pistachio Growers.
Lorna’s advocacy work extends beyond farming. After a tragic accident on Highway 41 in Fresno County in November 2020 took the life of a family member, Lorna started what has become a powerful grassroots effort demanding the completion of the dangerous state highway.
She created the “Widen Highway 41” Facebook page, which now has nearly 6,000 members. It has become a place for the families of victims to remember their loved ones, as well as a warning for other drivers. Her dedication to this issue created a great deal of momentum, led to the installation of community-funded signage, and revived the interest of local elected officials to complete the project.
“Lorna is an incredible advocate for our community. Her work promoting agriculture in the Central Valley is inspiring,” Assemblyman Patterson said. “Her drive and determination to ensure the safety of drivers on Highway 41 has led to a movement that would likely not be happening without her efforts.”