Steve was born in San Francisco and became a Christian during his junior high years through the witness of a small Japanese church in Redwood City.  Valerie and Steve met while attending college in Sacramento, both being active in campus Christian ministries and church youth work.  They were married in 1977 and their careers moved them to Chico in 1980.
They have and continue to serve as advisors to the CSU, Chico Asian Christian Fellowship group and have had a variety of responsibilities with the Evangelical Free Church of Chico, Valley Community Church and Matthew’s Café. Steve works for South Feather Water and Power Agency as its Finance Division Manager and Val fills her time in retirement working with students, community activities and taking care of their 2 year old grandchild.   Val and Steve have 3 children who all live in Chico.