Barbie has two children and a grandchild. “I was there when her son was born,” Sallinen said. “When my baby died, she and her mom came from Whitethorn to be with me. Before she hit rock bottom, she was always there for me when I needed it.” Sallinen paused to think about their childhood. “Back when we were growing up here, I feel like this was a tighter community. We all knew each other and looked out for each other,” she said.
About seven years ago Barbie, who had substance abuse issues, was “spiraling downward, ” Salinen said. Around that time, Sallinen left Mendocino to start a new life in Lake County. “I never looked back,” said Sallinen.