Rubicon Trail Foundation Announces 2026 Rock Award Winners At Black Tie & Boots Gala
El Dorado County, CA – October 29, 2025 – The Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) is proud to honor two extraordinary leaders with the prestigious Rock Award at its annual Black Tie & Boots Gala on March 14, 2026. This year’s recipients, former El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini and the late RTF Director Jeff Nilluka (posthumous), exemplify unwavering dedication to preserving and protecting the iconic Rubicon Trail.
John D’Agostini: A Sheriff’s Legacy of Partnership and Protection
John D’Agostini, who served as Sheriff of El Dorado County for three terms from 2011 to 2022, transformed law enforcement on the Rubicon Trail through proactive leadership and collaboration. Within his first 30 days in office, Sheriff D’Agostini reached out to RTF to understand trail needs, implementing nearly all suggested reforms. The following season saw dramatic improvements: a permanent Rubicon Deputy was assigned, community policing became the standard, deputies remained on-trail overnight, and personnel actively participated in community events.
Sheriff D’Agostini forged a lasting partnership with the Rubicon Trail Partnership, directing Sergeant Bryan Brown to establish the Spider Lake substation, placing deputies at the heart of the El Dorado County section of the trail. His efforts directly addressed two conditions of the California Water Board’s 2009 Cleanup and Abatement Order, playing a pivotal role in keeping the trail open.
He also stood firm against heavy-handed Forest Service enforcement, advocating for fair policing on the trail and throughout the county, during two major incidents: the tragic death of Rachel Gray at the 60th Jeepers Jamboree and the 2014 helicopter crash at Buck Island during the 62nd Jamboree. Sheriff D’Agostini’s leadership ensured safety and continuity. He personally flew into Rubicon Springs after the Gray incident, staying two days to build critical relationships, and dedicated extensive resources post-crash to maintain public safety and trail access.
Jeff Nilluka: A Posthumous Tribute to a Trail Champion
The late Jeff Nilluka, a longtime RTF Director, is honored posthumously for his transformative leadership of Cantina For The Con. After the event transitioned from This Dysfunctional Organization (TDO) to RTF, Jeff’s stewardship raised over one hundred thousand dollars, and those funds enabled the RTF to purchase 316 acres on the Rubicon Trail from Mark and Patti Smith in 2010, securing RTF’s vital legal standing on the trail, and opening new wheeling and camping to the public in 2016. Jeff passed away suddenly in 2015, just days after the Black Tie & Boots Gala. His legacy endures through his family, who continue to volunteer and champion for the Rubicon Trail. “John and Jeff represent the heart of the Rubicon community: selfless, visionary, and deeply committed,” said RTF President Alan Johnson. “Their contributions have safeguarded the trail for generations.”
The Black Tie & Boots Gala, held annually to celebrate trail stewards and raise funds for RTF’s conservation efforts, will take place on March 14, 2026, at the Marriott in Rancho Cordova. Proceeds support trail maintenance, education, and advocacy. Click here for more information on attendance.
About the Rubicon Trail Foundation
The Rubicon Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Rubicon Trail through responsible recreation, education, and conservation. Learn more at rubicontrail.org.
Alan Johnson, President
Rubicon Trail Foundation
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