The Plumas and Sierra county communities are invited to come together for the “Steps for Stability: Mental Health Awareness Walk” on Sunday, Nov. 16. This community event is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and raising funds for the Juan Hinajosa Memorial Scholarship for Portola High School seniors.
The event begins at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance to the City of Portola Riverwalk with a 1.2-mile loop, encouraging participants to take a reflective walk through Portola’s scenic riverside. Along the path, community members can visit mental health resource booths, collecting passport stamps and learning about local programs dedicated to wellness and support.
After the walk, participants will gather at the Portola Veteran’s Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for lunch, raffle prizes and guest speakers. Speakers include Camila Schweyer, President of Rotary Interact at Portola High School and Brando Cesena, Portola High alumnus and founder of the Juan Hinajosa Memorial Scholarship.
The event is supported by the Rotary Club of Portola, PHS Interact Club, Peer Improvement Movement, Gumba’s Pizza, Eastern Plumas Health Care (Senior Life Solutions) and the PHS Boosters Club. Together, these organizations hope to strengthen community dialogue around mental health while supporting local students in memory of Juan Hinajosa, a PHS graduate remembered for his compassion and love for the community.
Tickets are available for $20 (adults) and $10 (students/kids). Raffle tickets are available for $5 each. Each event ticket includes coffee and a pastry at the start of the walk, lunch at the Veteran’s Hall, a raffle ticket, a passport book, hand warmers, a swag bag, sticker and a water bottle. All proceeds will go directly to the Juan Hinajosa Memorial Scholarship Fund, with a fundraising goal of $250 to $1,000. Complete this form to register.