New Mrs. California: More than a pretty face

By Michelle Knightknight@theacorn.com

MRS. CALIFORNIA AND FAMILY–Newbury Park resident Wendy Knapp, the reigning Mrs. California, is seen here with her family at Peppertree Park in Newbury Park. When asked why she won, she replied, “I think it was the emphasis I placed on my family of five, which includes three adopted children.” From left to right: Jake, 11, who was adopted in Los Angeles when he was 2 days old; Jake’s sister, Sadie, 13, who was adopted at age 2; Preston, 4, the Knapps’ biological son; Jared12, who was adopted in Guatemala at 18 months; and Paul, Wendy’s husband. Not in the photo is Summer, the Knapps’ 10-year-old biological daughter. BILL SPARKES Acorn Newspapers Wendy Knapp is more than just a pretty face. She’s mom to 13-year-old Sadie; 12-year-old Jared; Jake, 11; Summer, 10; and 4-year-old Preston.

Never mind that she won the crown and title of Mrs. California in April and will compete for the title of Mrs. United States next month.

“I’m just mom to the kids,” said the Conejo Valley native. “Mommy duties don’t just stop because you put on a tiara for a day.”

But that’s just fine with her, because those duties are the most important ones, she says.

Wendy and her husband, Paul, a nine-year officer with the Oxnard Police Department, adopted their three older children, two from the Los Angeles area and one from Guatemala.

The Knapps didn’t adopt because they were unable to have children of their own––Summer and Preston are their biological children––but because of their love for and desire to help children considered high-risk.

High-risk adoptees include children born exposed to drugs and/or alcohol, those with physical delays and children taken from traumatic situations.

“You can have just as many problems with your biological kids as with adopted kids,” said Wendy of the challenges of raising adopted children.

Despite having a full house—each child has his or her own room, an important component so they feel the security of their own space—the Knapps also are foster parents. They have room in their hearts and will make room at “Camp Knapp” if a child is in need of a home.

Wendy and Paul, who met 16 years ago at a popular Thousand Oaks restaurant and became high school sweethearts, have been married for 13 years. She says the stress put on a marriage by children—whether adopted or not—can be weathered when mates respect each other.

“You get through it,” she says. “If you’re best friends, it doesn’t seem like work.”

Wendy credits Paul’s support with enabling her to win the Mrs. California title and, most importantly, to care for the children. He’s ready and willing to pitch in whenever I need him, she says. “He’s my backbone.”

Having a large family is something Paul says he always wanted. “We both knew that this (adoption) was something we’d always do.”

With Wendy, it’s a family tradition. Her great grandmother, grandmother and mother all adopted one or more children.

“It’s like a gene that gets passed on,” she says.

Wendy also enjoys entering beauty pageants—she won Teen Simi Valley at age 16—because it’s a way to do something for herself.

“You can stay being a mom, and you can stay being a wife, but it’s time to be yourself,” said the former schoolteacher. “I like that balance.”

Ever since the state title win, it’s been a whirlwind of activity. Wendy appeared on the TV show “Inside Edition” because she vied five times for the Mrs. California title before winning it. The show compared her to soap opera star Susan Lucci, who was nominated for a Daytime Emmy time after time before eventually winning the award.

And for the last three months, Wendy has attended a number of event fundraisers, doing more than just making an appearance. She rolls up her sleeves and gets involved. At a charity golf tournament in Westlake Village, for instance, she worked for 12 hours passing out refreshments and assisting golfers. And besides giving Wendy the opportunity to get involved with organizations that help the community and to meet extraordinary people she otherwise wouldn’t have, the pageant title has afforded her the chance to promote her platform—adoption.

Paul is understandably proud of his wife. “It’s exciting,” he says of her accomplishments. “I’m really proud of her; she’s worked hard.”

The Mrs. United States pageant will be held in Las Vegas on July 27 and 28.