What I Enjoy – Jas Shaw
Jas Shaw…
Occupation: Fire Prevention Specialist and Public Information Office for CAL FIRE Shasta Trinity Unit
Family: An amazing 25-year-old daughter who changed my life forever
Years in the North State: 20
Favorite Place to Visit in the North State and Why? Trinity River—I love riding my Harley there, especially to The Straw House on the Trinity River. The scenic ride and peaceful riverside atmosphere make it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
How long have you lived in the North State? I moved to the North State in 2005, relocating from Los Angeles County to a neighborhood near Whiskeytown Lake. The change was quite significant – going from the hustle and bustle of the city to the peaceful, scenic surroundings of the North State – but over time, I’ve really grown to appreciate the beauty and tranquility here. It’s a place I now truly love.
What’s a memorable moment from your career? Before joining CAL FIRE in 2018, I worked in public information during the Carr Fire, assisting community members at the Shasta County Fairgrounds base camp. Many were scared and upset, and as a burn survivor who lost everything in a fire, I understood their pain. In 2007, my 8-year-old daughter and I survived a devastating structure fire, allowing me to genuinely say, “I’ve been there.” Now, with CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Bureau, I continue using my experience to support others, share hope, and be part of a mission that truly matters.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I was a competitive figure skater when I was in elementary school.
What’s one thing on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet? To ice skate on a frozen pond.
If you could switch careers for a day, what job would you try? I would love to fly helicopters for my department.
What’s your superpower? Working with youth who have faced terrible life experiences. I have a unique ability to connect with those tough kids, building relationships that show them they matter. I believe that no matter their past, they have the strength to overcome obstacles and accomplish anything they set their minds to.
If you had to describe yourself using only three words, what would they be? Humble, happy, honest.
If you had to give a TED Talk on any subject, what would it be? I’d focus on “Quantum Shift – Don’t Be Attached to the Outcome.” Life is constantly changing, and sometimes the best path is embracing uncertainty and letting go of rigid expectations. I’d connect this idea to the Cherokee Long Man River, symbolizing the balance of opposites. The story goes that his head is in the mountains, his feet in the ocean, and life flows like a river in between. This imagery reminds us that life is a flow, not something we can fully control, and it’s in letting go of attachment to the outcome that we truly align with our journey.
