Earl Stephens is a third generation Californian with a deep history in agriculture, engineering and geology.  He grew up in the rural Lincoln area, participated in 4-H and FFA.   He attended grade school & high school in Lincoln, attended Sierra College, received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University Long Beach with an emphasis in water resources, hydrogeology and environmental engineering.  After earning his engineering degrees, he returned to the Lincoln Area and operated an engineering company for 31 years.  The majority of his work was related to water resources and hazardous materials. He serves on the Placer County Agricultural Commission.  He grows mandarins and on-vine pumpkins and operates an agro-tourism business that includes a winery/brewery, farmstand, and pumpkin patch.