In the quiet town of Porterville, California, inside the small gated community of Lone Oak, Ron’s home feels like the heart of the neighborhood. Recently, his house became the site of a new rooftop solar installation through a project with the Kern Community School District. The day was calm and overcast—ideal for the crew working on the system—and as they moved through the home, a softly glowing fish tank illuminated the living room, adding instant warmth to the space.
Ron greeted everyone with a big smile. His friendliness made it clear why neighbors felt so comfortable stopping by throughout the day. More than simply receiving solar, Ron is the kind of person who holds a community together. His home functions like a neighborhood gathering spot, the kind of place where people feel welcome to drop in—much like the bar in Cheers, where everyone knows each other.
Neighbors came and went as the installation progressed. Rich, who first encouraged Ron to join the program and acts as a natural leader within the community, checked in to see how everything was going. Lillian, another resident receiving solar, also stopped by to chat and share in the excitement.
Ron’s generosity was impossible to miss. He spent part of the afternoon cooking Pancit noodles, a beloved Filipino dish, and served it to the crew—a gesture that made the day feel less like a job and more like a family gathering. Out front stood two fruit trees, which Ron regularly invites neighbors to pick from whenever they’d like. That simple act of sharing says a lot about who he is.
At the end of the day, Ron handed the crew a dozen fresh eggs and a freshly slaughtered chicken to thank them for their work—a heartfelt gesture that showed his deep appreciation.
Though Ron had to retire early due to an injury, he remains devoted to caring for his wife, children, and grandchildren, many of whom still live with him. In Lone Oak, he’s seen as a hero—not only for adopting solar and helping build a cleaner future, but for the way he brings people together. His home, with its warm glow, open doors, shared meals, and fruit-bearing trees, serves as a reminder of how special a community can be when people truly look out for one another.
