Birthplace: California, USA
Residence: Reno, Nevada
Date of Birth: 01/01/77
Many of the younger group will not recognize this name because Paul did not live in this area and have the opportunity to be around the Ranch like others in the family. Paul is the son of Debra Estrada, grandson of Bill Estrada Sr., and one of the four notorious cousins (Kris, Kevin, Billy, and Paul). His heritage and love of the ranch are reasons enough to recognize his place on our Ranch website.
In his very young years, Paul would come out to the Ranch with his mom and dad to enjoy all the Ranch had to offer to a young boy. Like his cousins, he enjoyed riding Grandpa Bill’s handmade go-cart down the hill, shooting BB guns, and being fascinated by all the deer and other wildlife. As he got older and came down from Santa Rosa to visit his grandparents, he would occasionally come out to the Ranch and test out Janet (our target .22) on some of the local squirrels, do some treasuring hunting at the barn, and chow down on Grandpa’s barbecue and Grandma’s beans. Unfortunately, Paul’s time at the Ranch was usually limited to just day trips, but he was always excited about coming out, mentioning how he enjoyed himself and wished he could get out more often. Paul later moved back to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly, graduated with a forestry degree, and serves as a Fire Protection Officer for the State of Nevada. Paul recently had the opportunity to join the Ranch crew in the opening weekend festivities and hasn’t been the same since. He’s always been a quiet guy, but he hasn’t spoken a word since that experience.
Despite his limited involvement with the Ranch, Paul does have one notorious connection to the Ranch that needs to be mentioned. It’s not one of his making, but a legacy left to him by his dad, Doug, many years ago when Paul was just a youngster. During one of his trips to the Ranch, Paul’s dad Doug got really upset over something that someone said or did, and decided in the heat of the moment to pack up his stuff and go home. He jumped in his car, revved up the engine, and took off like a bat out of hell speeding down the dirt road. Not far from the cabin was a deep ditch, a dry creek bed that had to be crossed very slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your car. Apparently still steaming over the situation, Doug forgot about the upcoming hazard and hit the crossing at mock speed, ripping the oil pan plug from his car spraying oil all over the road. It wasn’t too much later he showed up back at the Ranch meekly asking for assistance from anyone who would help him. Biting our tongues, we quickly plugged the oil pan, filled the car back up with oil, and he was on his way. From that day on, the creek crossing was christened “Doug’s Dip”, in recognition of Paul’s father's eventful trip. Years later the crossing was repaired with a culvert and filled in, but to us it is still “Doug’s Dip”. That’s Paul’s notorious legacy…. and his mother can fill him in on the exact circumstances surrounding that day because I know there is more to the legend of Doug’s Dip.
It should be known that Paul is a recent cancer survivor. After undergoing months of extensive chemo and radiation treatments, he has been given a clear bill of health. We’re thankful to have him here with us and a loving part of our family.
