'20 Under 40' honors 2 West Valley grads

Justin Schafer

Two south county residents, Karli Janc, 24, and Justin Schafer, 24, were recently lauded by the Record Searchlight as being two of 20 people under the age of 40 who demonstrate “leadership, initiative and innovation” within their community.

The 2011 20 Under 40 award recipients were treated to a reception at the McConnell Foundation on Jan. 25. This year’s class featured 65 nominees.

“I am so honored,” said Janc who resides and works in Cottonwood. She owns The Elegant Bean, a local hangout known for its comfortable couches and equally welcoming employees. “There were doctors and lawyers in the group … and, me, a little barista!”

According to her bio, Janc believes in “helping each other out.” She looks upon her business as a home away from home not just for herself, but for her customers as well.

“I really feel like if my owning The Bean is going to be worthwhile,” said Janc, “I have to get involved and use it as a place for friends to meet, for colleagues or school tutors, but more importantly, as a known place in the community for support!”

For Happy Valley resident Justin Schafer, being an award recipient is but another feather in a cap already full of plumage. According to his bio, Schafer graduated from West Valley High School with a 4.26 GPA. He then obtained a full-ride scholarship to California State University, Long Beach.

Schafer has interned at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany, as well as in Germany’s Bundestag or parliament. Upon returning to the north state, Schafer formed Meridius Solar and bgan work on RENUE Redding, an energy collaborative. He’s now headed to Georgetown University.