From Pinole to Point Reyes
A message from CLAM Resident Angela Mota
I have been with the United States Postal Service for over 4 years, most of which were spent as a letter carrier in the Central Valley without any benefits. When I learned that positions in the San Francisco District hire directly to full career benefits, I jumped at the opportunity. I applied for the window clerk position in Point Reyes Station in late July of 2021, and was informed that I was selected in early October. My wife, Melissa, and I drove up to get a feel for the area and to meet the postmaster. She immediately fell in love with the atmosphere and its location, so I accepted the position. I spent the first month here couch surfing between old college friends and my cousin before we could find housing within our budget. We settled in Pinole, a quiet city next to Richmond. At the time, the toll was $6.00 and gas was maybe $3.00-$3.50 per gallon. The commute was rough and it destroyed any chance at having any social life, but the savings were undeniable. Living in North Bay, let alone anywhere close to Point Reyes Station, as a wife and as a mother was inconceivable. When gas jumped to over $6.00 in April, the money I was saving in rent disappeared. I love my job, I love this town, but I could no longer make ends meet. My wife picked up a second job at the local grocery store, and I spent my Sundays off doing Uber so that we could pay the bills. I had started applying for a transfer to other post offices closer to Pinole when I saw CLAM’s ad in the Point Reyes Light. A two-bedroom? In Point Reyes Station? 0.1 miles from my duty station? I was flooded with hope that maybe my family would be chosen. We were financially at the end of our rope, and this was the miracle we so desperately needed. Somehow, someway, by luck, by the grace of God, whatever you want to call it, we won the lottery.
This changes everything. Not only is our rent lower, we will save well over $750 every month in transportation costs. The greatest benefit, though, is that my wife and I will no longer have to work two jobs. We will have our lives back. Our son, Benjamin, is a UC Davis Aggie. He is the first in his father’s family to go to college. This move means we can pay his way through school. What an incredible gift to be able to give, to graduate with a bachelor’s degree without any debt. I will be able to participate in the same community I have served. No longer will I have to choose between sleeping in and Western Weekend, or between rushing home to catch up on chores and sharing a cocktail with my coworkers at the Western after work. Melissa bought a fishing pole and a kayak when we moved up here, neither of which have been used. She is so excited to finally get on the water.
Words can’t begin to express how thankful we are. I appreciate everyone who has made this possible. I can’t wait to introduce my family to all of the incredible people I’ve met in my time here. We are so excited for the next chapter of our lives.