Scott Matas -- THE PERSON

Growing up in Desert Hot Springs was a great life experience.  When I was a child the city was small, sleepy town.  The locals knew how to entertain each other, where to stay cool, and how to keep community pride at a high standard.  

My parents were married after graduating from high school. I was born in Palm Springs, California on August 13, 1971.  After a short stay in Palm Springs my parents bought their first home in Desert Hot Springs, not far from Cabot’s Museum. 

Family:

My wife’s name is Tina. She is a retail manager for a well known corporate retailer on El Paseo in Palm Desert.  I have 3 children.  Lucas will be a senior at Desert Hot Springs High School in fall of 2009.  He plays the trumpet and is the brass captain for the marching band (he also plays in the drum line). He is part of the concert band, jazz band and has formed an after school band named Epic Surrender.  Owen is a student at Desert Springs Middle School and loves to play sports.  He is a pitcher for the Major League Dodgers in Desert Hot Springs Little League and plays flag football and basketball at DSMS.  Karlie is one grade behind Owen and will also attend DSMS in fall of 2009.  She enjoys drama and dance, and is very much a social butterfly.  Having a young family keeps me in touch with the youth of our community.  This is an area on which I have will continue to focus.

Education:

I attended Desert Hot Springs Elementary School (now known as Edward Wenzlaff Elementary School) from K-5 grade.  I was a shy child but a hard worker. During this time I was awarded first place in Frisbee toss sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club and a Humanitarian Certificate for my drawing of a park by the Lions Club.  When Julius Corsini Elementary School was built I attended the first 6th grade class. The school was so new that the first day I leaned up against a wall and the paint was still wet.  During this time I began to attend Boy Scout meetings and excelled in community service. Before turning 16 I was on track to become an Eagle Scout, but due to circumstances I was unsuccessful and only became a Life Scout (one step below an Eagle Scout.) I attended Nellie Coffman Middle School in Cathedral City and Palm Springs High School in Palm Springs.  During the end of my freshman year my parents decided I should attend a private school.  I was enrolled in Palm Springs Christian High School located in the county area just outside of Desert Hot Springs.  I soon became Class President and 3 years later I graduated as Valedictorian.  I attended a private college for 2 semesters before finances necessitated my returning home.

Volunteer Firefighter:

In December of 1990 I was invited to a recruitment meeting for Desert Hot Springs Volunteer Firefighters Company 37.  I fell in love with the idea of helping people and doing something that could be part of my future.  I have served my city, county and state for the past 18+ years as a volunteer firefighter.  I was offered a firefighting job multiple times but for various reasons I did not take them.  I was promoted through the ranks at a rapid pace; Certified Firefighter within 3 years, Engineer in 6 years and by 10 years I was Lieutenant of the company. I attended and received certificates for over 20 fire related courses.  As a volunteer fire company we became a non-profit organization for fundraising purposes.  I was elected President after serving on the Board of Directors for 2 years. I served as President for 10 years.  During this time I organized multiple fundraisers. From 1995 thru 1998 I organized the DHS Volunteer Firefighters “Toys for Tots” Softball Tournament, collecting over 2500 toys in 4 years.  It has been a great experience serving my community in public safety.

 

Service Awards:

1.       1995 Volunteer of the Year - DHS Volunteer Fire Company

2.       Certificates of Appreciation -

a.       USMC for Collection of Toys during “Toys for Tots” campaigns in 1995, 1996, 1997 & 1998

b.      DHS Youth Sports

c.       Fitness Center & Boxing Club for coordinating the Volunteer Fire Company with “Embrace the Children” Run/Walk-a-Thon 11/2007

d.      Elks Club Service as a Volunteer Firefighter - 05/1998 & 10/1999

3.      Mayor’s Community Hero Award 2002 - Presented by Mayor Matt Weyeuker

4.      Certificate of Recognition - Making Desert Hot Springs a Safer Place - Presented by Assemblywomen Bonnie Garcia - 07/2004

5.      Certificate of Recognition - Exceptional & Selfless acts exhibited as a volunteer firefighter - Presented by Assemblyman John Benoit - 07/2004

6.      Certificate of Recognition - Outstanding dedication & tireless commitment to fire and safety in Desert Hot Springs - Presented by Senator Jim Battin

7.      Mayor’s Inspiration Award 2006 - Presented by Mayor Alex Bias

8.      Plaque of Appreciation for Parolee Ad-Hoc Committee - Presented by Mayor Parks & the Desert Hot Springs Police Department - 08/2008

9.      Plaque of Appreciation -Riverside County Transportation Commissioner - Presented by Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor/ Chairman of RCTC - 12/2008