George Goto
George Goto began his student career at Placer College (now known as Sierra College) in 1949. He went on to graduate from Placer College in spring of 1952 with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. From there George went on to Sacramento State University to pursue a degree in Education. He received his Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in 1954 and was also named the Sacramento State University Athlete of the year. He received Master’s degree in Education Administration in 1960.
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree Goto was chosen by the Roseville Joint High School District to become a teacher and coach. George taught Basic Studies (Social Sciences) for seven years. He was also the basketball and baseball coach. As a coach George was both nurturing and inspiring.
In 1968 he was personally recruited by Sierra College President, Harold Weaver and the Sierra College Board of Trustees to be a physical education instructor and coach. During his tenure at Sierra College George taught a multitude of classes such as Fitness, Archery, Golf, and Badminton. Goto says, “I enjoyed my job immensely. It was my area of interest.” Definitely not one to sit still, George also volunteered his time at the College when the San Francisco 49er’s summered here. Not only was he an all purpose volunteer but he also organized fish derbies for the 49er players. After twenty-one years of teaching and coaching George went on to become the Athletic Director for Sierra College.
In 1986 Goto retired as a teacher and coach from Sierra College and has been fishing ever since. As a man of service and commitment, he has gone on to serve the City of Roseville and the Northern California well. George served as the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation for seven years. His main focus was improving the regulations and policies of city golf courses. He was then appointed the Placer County Fish and Commissioner by Place County Supervisor Bill Santucci and acted in that position for five years. Goto has also served as a volunteer for the Roseville Mayors Golf Tournament, the City Of Roseville’s Fire Department Golf Tournament, the Bill Santucci Scholarship Foundation and the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Goto says, “Serving as a volunteer gave me immense self-satisfaction.”
George also participated as a narrator in the publication, “Standing Guard.” The Standing Guard Project is a book and CD-ROM that celebrates our regions strong Japanese American heritage as well as educates about the impact of World War II interment.
Goto continues to show his love for sport, by organizing monthly golf tournaments for local retirees, known as Los Viejos.
George Goto’s contributions to the community have earned him many accolades. In 2005 he was inducted into the first ever Sierra College Hall of Fame. In January of 2009 the basketball court at Sierra College was renamed in his honor and in March of 2009 George Goto Park was dedicated in his honor. Even with all the accolades, he remains as humble as he is charismatic.
George has been married to Susan Goto for 53 years. He has two children and three grandchildren. He enjoys family barbeques, going to his grandkid's games and taking them to karate.
George Goto is a great example of someone who used local educational opportunities to further himself and better his community.