Honored for commitment to their work, Rennie and Titus share the spotlight
By Christina Reed
The Hired Pen
“California Woman Making HERstory”–Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil speaking about Inyo County’s Sheriff Stephanie Rennie
Eastern Sierra, CA—We know them as our Inyo County Sheriff or horseback riding teacher, but Sheriff Stephanie Rennie and Janet Titus are so much more to those who know their commitment to their work. Nominated by colleagues, or community members, or family, the “SHEroes” recently honored are exemplary of the hard work and dedication it takes to be awarded such honors. And, in front of a standing-room only group of citizens, family, friends, and colleagues, Rennie and Titus got to be acknowledged for their decades of service in the eastern Sierra.
“To me, the SHEro possesses a high level of compassion, dedication, honesty, and integrity, and with that integrity comes perseverance and tenacity,” State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil
A Celebration of Women’s History Month in Inyo and Mono Counties
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, from California’s State Senate District #4, did the honors of speaking about the “Women of the Year,” and she also noted that she flew into the Eastern Sierra Airport, in Bishop, CA. Senator Alvarado-Gil represents 13 different counties, including Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne, as well as 21 different cities within the 13 counties. She spoke about her also reminded fellow citizens of Rennie’s distinction, of being the first female Sheriff in Inyo County’s more than 150-year-history. Rennie was elected in 2023, following a decades old career in law enforcement, where Rennie began as a Correctional Officer, and eventually was the Chief Investigator for the Inyo County District’s Attorney office. Supervisor Trina Orrill, from Inyo County District #1, nominated Rennie, and Orrill spoke of Rennie’s “outstanding contributions,” and said she was a “dedicated public servant.” As to the recognition she received, Rennie said, “I just want to say thank you to everyone in this room because you’re the real heros, you made this happen. I’m doing this for you and all the future SHEroes out there.”
Mono County’s “Woman of the Year,” “SHEro,” was Janet Titus, and judging by the large turnout of cowgirls, and women in western attire, Titus has left her mark or brand of teaching on the eastern Sierra. Her husband, Dave, nominated Titus, and while Senator Alvarado-Gil was on the cell phone (live during the event) with Dave, with Janet standing by listening, Dave shared why she was his nominee. “She doesn’t leave anyone out.” Whether talking about equestrian events, summer riding camps, or horseback riding lessons, Janet Titus’ name came up in the audience. She’s been giving riding lessons and doing summer riding camps for nearly 20 years, and she’s a well-recognized trainer in the eastern Sierra. Titus tearfully thanked her friends, family, and colleagues, and said, “Thanks to everyone for believing in her.” She added, she hoped the young people, largely young ladies in the audience, “Learn to be powerful, strong women.”
¡Enhorabuena!