About Us

 Dermot  Jones was born and raised in East Oakland. His father was a general contractor and from the time he was 2 years old, Dermot always worked  alongside his father. Diagnosed as a youngster with a serious medical condition (Sickle Cell Anemia)  that threatened to severely restrict his life, he decided that his condition was not going to dictate what he did in life. He made  sure that whatever he wanted to do, he’d do.
Over the years, Dermot took up many hobbies and avocations, from president of a car club to photography, hunting and fishing, armed  security and fugitive recovery. When his last hobby posed a danger and  took him away from home, at his wife’s suggestion he looked for a safer  activity.  After listening to a friend’s excitement about beekeeping, Dermot checked it out and the more he read, the more curious he became. He read Michael Bush’s book The Practical Beekeeper, watched a ton of YouTube videos and searched the internet for beekeeping information. He stumbled upon MT. Diablo Beekeepers Association and decided to attend one meeting to see if it could  be a good fit or if he were better off learning by trial and error.  He  was hesitant about attending but to his surprise, the group was very inviting and made him feel welcome.  He joined and has been a member every year since. (2013)