Hearts of Hayward - Annual Volunteer Recognition
The annual Hearts of Hayward Volunteer Awards and Recognition Event will be streamed live on the City of Hayward YouTube channel starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18.
Please note: The Hearts of Hayward 2024 is a limited capacity free event with registration priority given to Hayward nonprofit organizations, their volunteers being recognized and family members. Registration for the event is closed.
Archive of past awardees:
Distinguished Award Winners:
Lifetime Achievement Award - Larry Ratto
Lawrence J. Ratto has lived, worked, and volunteered in Hayward for over 53 years. His father and grandparents came to the US in the early 1900s from the Ligurian region of Italy. He is married to Kathleen Hood Ratto who has unselfishly and steadfastly supported him, providing valuable help and guidance.
Larry graduated from USF, where received the Distinguished Service Award, served as Chair of the Alumni Association Board and as Green & Gold Club President. He completed his graduate studies at CSU, Hayward and served in the US Air Force and the California Air National Guard.
Larry served as a teacher and counselor at Mt. Eden High, Assist. Principal at Tennyson, Vice Principal at Hayward High, and 25 years as Principal of Sunset and Hayward Highs. His focus was always on what was good for his students. Understanding that a student’s reading ability was vital for success, Larry ensured his Language Arts faculty had Reading Specialist Credentials. He helped develop the first high school Puente Project class and the first HUSD Advanced Placement classes. With CSUEB faculty, he oversaw the creation of the “Step to College” program that had a 98% success rate of college enrollment for students who academically struggled to make the dream of college a reality. He also created one of the most comprehensive high school IT vocational programs in the Bay Area, including an award-winning solar component.
Larry served Hayward not only in education, but also a Commissioner and two-term City Council Member. During his tenure on Council, he was known as a level-headed problem solver who dealt with people as people, representing the entire community. He was an early leader in the development of the Neighborhood Alert Program. He successfully led the fight to create School Resource Officer positions and related training programs for the entire : Police Department, which won national acclaim. Larry was an early advocate of the Emergency Shelter Program, lobbied for downtown police foot patrols, helped author the first Mobile Home Owners ordinance, and championed efforts against discrimination of children in housing and for saving Ziele creek. Larry chaired multiple committees on Council and his work in the region enabled important improvements in waste management, which continue to benefit residents today.
Larry continues to serve as a current member and past chair of the Alameda County Planning Commission. He is also on the HUSD Bond Oversight Committee and St. Rose Hospital Foundation Board. He was President of the All Saints Elementary School Board and Hayward Rotary, and a leader in the YMCA Camping Services Board, Boy Scouts Explorer Program, Mt. Eden Little League, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, and the Special Olympics.
During his career as an educator and as a civic leader Larry always demonstrated the courage to do what he thought was right and best. His commitment to leadership development was evident in programs he developed for his students, faculty, staff, and the mentoring he continues to offer to new Hayward leaders. Thank you, Larry for your leadership and commitment to Hayward!
John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award - Frank Garcia
Community activist and cultural worker, Frank Garcia has resided in Hayward since 1987. He is a founding member of La Alianza de Hayward and remains active in the organization today. He has over forty years of experience as an educator and community leader. Sixteen of those years have been spent as Executive Director of the national, award-winning University of California - Puente Project. Since 1981, The project’s mission has been to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in four year colleges and universities, earn a degree, and return to the community as leaders and mentors for future generations. The program has helped hundreds of thousands of students across the state and was started here in Hayward at Chabot College by Mr. Garcia.
Prior to Puente, Frank worked as an Assistant Professor of Education at various universities, including San Francisco State, Washington State, Cal State University, Fresno and the University of San Diego in Guadalajara. Frank was a co-founding teacher and later principal of the Emiliano Zapata (Oakland) Street Academy, an alternative high school geared toward returning students back to school after they had dropped or been pushed out of the school system.
Frank also served for eight years as a member of the Hayward School Board, including serving as board president. For the past 15 years he has served on the Board of the Kids’ Breakfast Club and is currently Chair. He also regularly volunteers to distribute food through the Hayward Promise Neighborhood’s Fresh Food for Families. When not helping to provide food to Hayward children and families, you are likely to see Frank at the annual Cinco de Mayo festival on B Street or other community events.
Frank comes from a migrant family and has been a life-long supporter of the United Farmworkers. He has concurrent BA’s in Chicano Studies and Sociology and earned an MA and conducted advanced graduate studies at Stanford University in bilingual/multicultural education.
With a lifelong commitment to increasing access for and retention of students of color in higher education, Frank’s dedication to equity and quality in education are consistent with the values of John Pappas and award that carries his name.
Supervisor's Award - Davida Scott
Davida Scott went from getting “kicked out of” Hayward High School at 15 to becoming a teacher and leader in the community. She has worked with nearly 600 students in her career, many of whom have been involved with criminal justice and/or foster care systems. She created Raising Leaders in Hayward (RLH) – a series of workshops held in City Hall for young adults who attend Hayward Adult, Brenkwitz Continuation High, and Burke Academy schools. The workshops focus on pathways to success and engage leaders from City departments and beyond. In its first year, RLH served 100+ students helping them complete 400+ school credits. Graduates also completed paid internships and some have been hired into full time jobs. The Workshop series is expanding into Juvenile Hall and Davida’s internship model has been embraced by Supervisor Valle, who authorized 40 new paid internships.
Six years ago, Davida launched an annual Thanksgiving Dinner because one of her students did not have anyone to celebrate with. Nearly 700 people have received a delicious meal through this elegant event. 400+ students received winter coats through a separate effort. Davida also collaborated with One Child to bring that program to Hayward, which now offers new clothes to Hayward Adult School students.
Ms. Davida and her students have completed nearly 200 hours of community service and adopted seven areas through Hayward's Adopt-A-Block Program. We are “adopting blocks where my students who were charged with murder lived,” says Davida. “And we are re-writing history. We have a duty to create a legacy as a unit that will raise up our community's next leaders!"
Mayor's Award - Downtown Streets Team
Downtown Streets Team’s work experience program was recognized as a best practice for homelessness interventions by the League of CA Cities and CA Association of Counties. Volunteer teams of people who are homeless change perceptions of homelessness while cleaning up their community. In exchange for their volunteerism, Team Members receive case management, employment services and basic needs assistance to help them navigate to greater economic self-sufficiency.
Since starting services in Hayward in 2016, 150 people have participated in work experience opportunities and case management services with dozens of these achieving permanent jobs and/or housing. Team members have contributed nearly 20,000 hours of volunteer service cleaning up nearly 300,000 gallons debris throughout Hayward. Team Members take an active role in their own recovery, but they’re also encouraged to assist their peers with long-term solutions to end their homelessness permanently. DST has also been working with our business and non-profit community to build partnerships and job opportunities for team members.
Downtown Streets Team states that they, “are humbled by this distinct honor and recognition” and “are grateful for Mayor Barbara Halliday and the City of Hayward's dedication to improving the lives of Californians experiencing poverty and homelessness”. They “dedicate this award to all of their Team Members out there making a difference in their own lives and in the community”.
Pamela Apostolos - Hayward Area Historical Society
Pamela Apostolos has been a volunteer with the Hayward Area Historical Society since 2015. In that time, she has logged over 1,500 hours of volunteer service in a range of positions. She has staffed the Open Weekends at McConaghy House nearly every weekend since 2015. She is store manager at the house, as well as a docent for Adult and Youth Tours. In addition, Pam has spent countless hours working to inventory the Oakland Tribune collection, the Pete Stark Congressional Papers, and Daily Review photography collection in the HAHS Archives.
Gurmeet Beasley & Rene Castle - Eden Area Interfaith Council
Gurmeet Beasley and Rene Castle exemplify the Interfaith Council’s quest for mutual respect and understanding. Gurmeet has been representing the Sikh Gurdwara on the Council for three years. He currently serves on the Board, brought a children’s choir to sing during Light Up the Season, and conducts other charity work. Rene currently serves as Treasurer and has been involved in the Council since its inception, representing Starr King Unitarian Universalist. He has co-lead involvement in Hayward and Castro Valley holiday celebrations, solidarity events, and many other efforts. Says the Council, “Our community is blessed by the extraordinary talents and commitment of these two men. Thank you, Gurmeet and Rene!”
Becky Bell - American Association of University Women
Since 2011, Rebecca has been a member of AAUW. Inspired by the passion and commitment of her fellow branch members, Rebecca served as the branch’s newsletter editor for five years. With creativity, joy, and enthusiasm, she gathered information from contributors and designed, edited, and distributed 10 monthly issues per year, ensuring that members were up to date on Title IX, discrimination, pay equity, scholarships, and other issues. Rebecca also is a teacher and volunteers for literacy, animal welfare, and hunger relief programs locally and internationally.
Tina Burke - Hayward Animal Services Bureau
Tina Burke is a dedicated and compassionate cat pal who has been helping homeless cats for over 14 years. She began volunteering two to four days a week with Sunshine Rescue and Hayward Animal Services in the early 2000’s. She cleans kennels and makes sure each cat gets time out of the kennel to play, stretch, explore, and cuddle in the adoption center. Hundreds of cats have benefitted from Tina’s care. The thousands of hours she has spent has helped the cats become more adoptable, helping them find loving, forever homes. Thank you, Tina!
Henry Call - Sun Gallery
Henry Call has worked with youth since 1989, teaching art and music throughout the Bay Area. He has been sharing these skills to teach children music and art at the Sun Gallery for several summers and has volunteered his musical band for the gallery’s annual fundraiser. Whenever the gallery needs help with show openings, special events or ukulele jams, Henry is there to lend his creative services. Thank you, Henry!
Patti Crotti
Patti Crotti has lived in Hayward for 35 years. Passionate about helping our students and supporting our local educational community, she joined Scholarships, Inc several years ago. She served as treasurer and continues to be an important part of the scholarship interview team and helps with activities such as Lucky Donors and the annual fundraiser. Patti says that the students she interviews are “Incredible, Hardworking and Inspirational.” Her enthusiasm for Hayward youth inspires us all.
Douglas Den Hartog - Hayward Education Foundation
Douglas has a passion for equipping young people with the resources to pursue their dreams, obtain a quality education, and develop a successful career. He currently serves on the Board of the Hayward Education Foundation where he contributes his accounting skills to help the Board more effectively manage its finances. Douglas also volunteers with other groups in Hayward. He considers it an honor to serve and support educational opportunities, teachers, and students in Hayward.
Hassan Etemadi - Hayward-Ghazni Sister City Committee
Since 2013, Hassan has been volunteering on the Hayward-Ghazni Sister City Committee in various roles. He served as Treasurer and is currently President. He successfully implemented many efforts that build relationships here and in Ghazni, including the recent International Women's Day event and literacy programs for over 150 Ghazni widows. Hassan has been involved in building understanding between Mosques and Churches so people from diverse religions and cultures can better live in peace and harmony in the City of Hayward.
Valarie Etukudo - Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO)
Since 2015, Valarie has made a positive difference in the lives of countless children at FESCO’s Les Marquis Children’s Program. Her positive attitude and infectious smile have brightened the day of many of our participants and staff. Valarie volunteered to make welcome home toiletry kits for families when they arrived at the shelter. She also helped organize and maintain the donation area, so Staff could easily access items for those in need. FESCO deeply appreciates her commitment to any task that comes her way; she is definitely one of their shining stars.
Marilyn Gage - California Retired Teachers Association, Division 59
Marilyn joined CalRTA in 2003 after teaching in Oakland, Brazil, Michigan and retiring from the Castro Valley School District after a 40 year career. She was president of Division 59 for three years and currently serves as membership chair, parliamentarian, and leads group singing. Community Service has been important in her life and she is still working in the classroom leading music for little learners. She also worked with professional and business women’s councils and is an exceptional volunteer serving her fellow teachers and the community.
Gloria Gonzales - Spectrum Community Services
Gloria has excelled as a volunteer and made a huge impact in the Fall Prevention Program at Spectrum. She has shown a genuine care, connectivity, and thoughtfulness in working with older adults. She spends much of her time at our Enhance Fitness classes and has been an asset to our Family Caregiver Support Program. Gloria has gone above and beyond to connect with hospitals, churches, community centers, and senior centers to reach family caregivers in need of support.
Marian Handa - League of Women Voters of the Eden Area
Marian Handa graduated from CSU Hayward and worked in local and state government for 33 years. She began volunteering in high school and continued throughout her career. In 2000, received a Governor’s Award for mentoring youth. As a member of the League of Women Voters, Marian supported voter education and registration and other activities. In 2018 and 19 Marian led the League’s School Voter Registration Team, which registered nearly 600 high school students to vote.
Jaqueline Hernandez - St. Rose Hospital Foundation
Jaqueline Hernandez graduated from the FACES for the Future Program at St. Rose Hospital in 2017. She remains extremely involved at the Hospital, the Foundation, and within the Hayward Community. She was one of students chosen nationwide to participate in the Global Health Youth Summit in Washington D.C. She volunteers annually at multiple St. Rose Hospital Foundation events and brings a joyful energy that inspires those around her. She is critical to the success of Foundation events and is appreciated for her gifts of time, effort and hard work.
Alanda Johnson - NAACP, Hayward-South Alameda County
Alanda Johnson has resided in Hayward for over 30 years. She graduated from CSU East Bay and has worked for AT&T for 19 years. She has a passion for serving the community and has worked with youth for 10 years. As a member of the Executive Committee of the NAACP, she uses her expertise in corporate management to plan and coordinate events and to provide office support. She also actively participates in meetings and chapter events. She serves as a leader in her church and loves spending time with husband and four children.
Philip Liang - Mt. Eden High School Alumni Association
Philip Liang has demonstrated a fierce loyalty to his high school alumni association and has stepped up to serve as a board member. With Philip's loyalty and perseverance has come a slew of creativity, including his design of the alumni association's membership brochure and all-class reunion banner. He has consistently lent his organizational skills and positive attitude to Mt. Eden High School visits and other events of the alumni association to further support current and past students.
Lani Llamido - Literacy Plus Council
Lani was inspired to volunteer her time after volunteers were so helpful for her while her son was fighting cancer. She became an active member of the Hayward Literacy Plus Council and after five years became the Secretary. She enjoys working with fellow tutors and awesome learners. Lani is also an active volunteer with other Hayward groups including, the Eden Area League of Women Voters and the Filipino Advocates for Justice. As Parent Ambassador at Winton Middle School, Lani also started the Filipino American Student Coalition.
Egin Lowe - La Familia Counseling Services
Elgin Lowe joined the La Familia Board of Directors in 2018 and contributes to several initiatives, including in South Hayward. He has been mentoring local high school students through the District Attorney’s Justice Academy, a joint program of La Familia and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office as well as through other presentations on campuses. Elgin’s sincere desire to support our youth and our community in a positive manner shows through in everything he does. For his efforts, he was named “Business Person of the Year” by Eden ROP.
Richard Lucett - South Hayward Parish
After retiring from a 40-year career in teaching, Richard volunteered with SHP in 2013. He works outside, rain or shine, organizing and distributing 5 – 6 tons of produce on a weekly basis. He mentors new volunteers on how to prepare produce for distribution and how better serve those who need food. Richard never complains about his assignments and will do whatever is needed. He exhibits a genuine concern and respect for all who come for food. He assists anyone with a need and does so with a smile. He is the kind of person people want to work with.
James Luker - East Bay Youth Orchestra
James Luker has been on the East Bay Youth Orchestra board for eight years, and has been webmaster for six. In addition to being a thoughtful and productive board member, he has revamped our web page, updated our audition process, and greatly improved our presence online. James is always around to quietly do whatever is needed, setting up chairs for the concert, loading and unloading timpani, etc. In other words, he has been instrumental in bringing us into the 21st century.
Allen McKinney - Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
A true Heart of Hayward, Allen McKinney has been volunteering with HARD’s PhotoCentral for the past 5 years. He shares his 40+ years of professional expertise and has donated over 3,000 hours and $8,000 worth of supplies. Single-handedly, he printed the 100+ images of the Bill Owens’ “Cars” exhibit and created the poster. He offers free digital lab tutorials and low-cost classes. He built up a library of digital prints, maintains equipment, and facilitated the new Carbon Printing darkroom. Through this work, PhotoCentral hosted its 1st Artist in Residence.
Ramir Milay - Ruby's Place
Ramir joined Ruby’s Place as a Board of Director’s Advisory Committee member in 2015. Subsequently, he went on to become a Board member in 2017 and led our Strategic Planning Committee. Soon after, he was voted President of the Board and continued in his leadership of the Strategic Planning Committee. Ramir and his mother are former clients of Ruby’s Place. He is now a Hayward business owner and although he has completed his term on the board, he continues to be an Ambassador, donor and friend to Ruby’s Place.
Betty Moose - Hayward Shoreline Advocates
Betty Moose began the Hayward Shoreline Advocates with members of the former Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency Citizens Advisory Committee. She leads the group to study rising sea levels and all related matters, and wants agencies to coordinate their efforts to preserve our local shoreline for the education and enjoyment of all. She has long been active in civic matters, including service on the Board of the San Lorenzo Unified School District. Currently, she serves as the chairperson of the Advocates.
Hugh Murphy - Hayward Police Department
Hugh Murphy has been a volunteer with HPD’s Public Safety Ambassador Program since 2007. Hugh not only volunteers regularly to provide information and safety in the downtown area, but also trains other Ambassadors. He also helps prepare program guidelines, policies and procedures including, dress code and identification. Hugh also supports the program by helping to arrange for coverage at all special events, such as the Downtown Street Parties and various Hayward festivals. His dedication and friendly demeanor are an asset to downtown.
Manuel Ochoa - Believe Holy Spirit
Manuel Ochoa was born and raised in Hayward. Manuel has provided youth coaching for more than 16 years, sharing his own life experience to help youth overcome adversity. He founded Believe Holy Spirit to provide opportunities to youth and adults, reaching out to those on the street with supplies and services as well as to students and others in need. Donations to the community have included school supplies, haircuts, toys, Thanksgiving meals, and laptops for job training.
Ann Olson - SOS Meals on Wheels
When Ann Olson retired in 2017 she dedicated her free time to volunteer to serve the people of Hayward and Alameda County. As a volunteer for SOS Meals on Wheels, Ann has gone above and beyond in getting meals to seniors, including making herself available at the last minute. Ann has become an indispensable volunteer to the program. She also volunteers at the Hayward Animal Shelter, Alameda County Food Bank, an usher at the Morrison Theater, and the Literacy Plus Program. Ann freely gives her time and touches many in Hayward.
Nancy Respaldiza - Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Since becoming a Promotora in 2016, Nancy has provided a phenomenal number of volunteer hours in this role. Her leadership shows consistent commitment and expertise and an amazing cultural sensitivity in serving our diverse Hayward community. She is a leader in the Hayward Promise Neighborhood project and goes door to door visiting families and bringing important resources and information. She also serves in health clinics and conducts other outreach work. She has been recognized by her peers and Tiburcio as an exceptional role model.
Heather Reyes - Hayward Arts Council
Heather joined the Hayward Arts Council in 2013, became a board member in 2014, and is currently in her second year as Board President. Heather feels that art is critical to a child's development. As such, she has been an HUSD Parent Ambassador and worked on the recent Visual and Performing Arts Master Plan. She also leveraged her artistic talents to co-host two scrapbooking fundraisers supporting the Hayward Animal Shelter, Veterans in Crisis, and the Arts Council.
Tami Rossell - Hayward Promise Neighborhood
Ms. Tami Rossell is a strong, active and passionate volunteer. Her life of challenges has empowered her with strength, resilience and compassion, which are reflected in her parent and community engagement. Based on her experience, she created workshops and a blog called “How to Feed a Family on $50 per Month”. As a leader in the HPN Community Advisory Board and as a community advocate, Tami’s voice has most recently been heard in the State Legislature supporting the expansion of Promise Neighborhoods across California. Tami is a compelling model and champion of how to build a better, inclusive community.
Austin Smith - Peter Sategna Educational Foundation
Austin Smith, grand nephew of Peter Sategna is a Hayward High Alumni and has been using his degree in business administration and management to influence his volunteer work as foundation treasurer. In this role, he oversees the investments, yearly budget, and calculates the amount available for scholarships to Hayward residents. In addition to the foundation, Austin also volunteered with a Boys and Girls Club while in college and now works in the construction insurance industry.
Alexandria Thompson - Keep Hayward Clean & Green Task Force
Alexandra is a new resident who moved to our fair city in 2018. She is a KHCG Adopt-a-Block captain. On her one-mile walk to BART each morning she noticed trash accumulating, so she started picking it up and documenting her finds on Instagram account @adoptawalkhayward. Her routine attracted the attention of the City who gave her a grabber and encouraged her to keep up the good work. In addition to reporting how many bags of trash she gathered, She also tags the businesses responsible for creating the waste to help increase producer responsibility.
Dr. Stacy Thompson - Chabot College Foundation
Dr. Stacy Thompson has been in education for over 25 years, focusing on supporting students to reach their educational goals. She mentors faculty, staff and administrators in the community college industry. Dr. Thompson has a long history of implementing community college innovations designed to increase student success and volunteers her time on local, regional and national boards that advocate for change. The Chabot College Foundation especially appreciates her commitment to Social Justice and her leadership on behalf of local students.
Lynne Tierney - Kiwanis Club of Hayward, Castro Valley
Lynne has been a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Hayward/Castro Valley for over 25 years. She served as Club President for two years, Editor of the weekly newsletter for 11 years and Treasurer for over 15 years, keeping accurate financial records. Lynne volunteered as the faculty Key Club advisor for 16 years where she actively participated and guided the High School Students in community service projects. Lynne continues to help others and make a positive difference in our local communities. She is well deserving of this recognition.
Zalak Trivedi - Friends of the Hayward Pubic Library
Zalek Trivedi joined the board of the Friends of the Hayward Library in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary and as an admin for the Friends’ Facebook page. She is their Social Media pro! Zalek has also volunteered as a tutor for the Library’s Homework Support Center. In addition to all her work with the Friends and her full time job, Zalak also volunteers as a Legislative & Congressional Ambassador for the California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics’ Bay Are District to advocate for important food and nutrition related policies. Thank you Zalak!
Cynthia Vertiz Jimenez - The Kids' Breakfast Club
Robin Wilma - Hayward Rotary Club
As the Outstanding Rotarian of the Year, Robin Wilma sets examples for all of us, both personally and professionally. She has been instrumental in the Club’s Dictionary Project wherein every 3rd grader in Hayward receives a dictionary each year. Robin’s planning, dedication, and smile are infused into every club project and service opportunity. Beyond Rotary, she also volunteers for many other local non-profits. Hayward is most fortunate to benefit from Robin's grace, generosity and effective leadership. Cheers to you, Robin!
Judy Harrison – Lifetime Achievement Award
Judy was born and raised in Honolulu and American Samoa until her family moved to San Jose during her junior year of high school. Since then she has been a Bay Area resident and has used this as a base for her travels and volunteer projects.
Volunteering started for Judy the day she graduated from San Jose State and joined the Peace Corps. In the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone she taught English and ran the school’s library. She did the same in Ethiopia and then returned home to get a Teaching and a Library Credential. She found her niche in the Hayward schools where she worked for 31 years as a Librarian at Bowman, Shepherd, All Saints, and Tennyson. She spent her last 15 years in the Hayward Unified School District as the District Librarian and Coordinator of Instructional Materials.
She was a founding member of the Hayward Education Foundation, and served on the board, chaired the annual HEF luncheon, organized the Run For Excellence, helped to fundraise and award grants.
A natural step after retirement was to join the Friends of the Hayward Library and volunteer to sort and sell books. She is president of the Friends and a big library advocate. She also served on the Library Commission for 8 years. To keep her book sorting skills honed, she also sorts books for the Oakland Museum’s White Elephant Sale.
As a major library advocate, she co-chaired the Measure C Committee (Protect Hayward’s Future) which will soon bring us our magnificent new library. And once construction began she co-chaired the New Leaf fundraising campaign for the library.
She also has participated in the Hayward Rotary-sponsored children’s shopping spree at JC Penney’s for the past 2 years.
When she isn’t working on library causes she is involved with the American Association of University Women’s science camp for 7th grade girls called Tech Trek. She has been the chair of the Hayward/Castro Valley Branch’s committee for the past 10 years and, as such, recruits girls from schools in Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Castro Valley to receive a scholarship to attend STEM camp for a week in June. Since 2008 our local AAUW branch has given 61 Tech Trek scholarships to girls from the four school districts. She has also served as a dorm mother at during the camp six times—a task she loves.
Once a year Judy presents an Arm Chair Travel Show to residents at Baywood Court highlighting her recent adventures and bringing new experiences and learning for all.
Ralph D. Morales - John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award
Ralph Morales arrived in Hayward at age 4 and attended local schools from kindergarten through the university. He learned the importance of community service from his father, “My dad taught me, You do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, not to get awarded for it.”
Ralph started volunteering at age 9 collecting food and distributing baskets to families in need at the holidays. By age 15, he was participating in protests for civil rights. By the late 80’s and through the early 2000’s, he was establishing and supporting efforts to address and prevent substance abuse. He helped create the first alcohol & drug prevention conference for the Latino community in California.
In 2004, Ralph became involved with the Hayward Coalition for Affordable Housing and continues to testify at City Council Meetings on this issue. He served for three years as the Smoke Free Housing Director for the American Lung Association of California and volunteered with other organizations such as East Bay Housing Organizations.
Ralph has always had a strong tie to faith communities, studying religion and philosophy in college and helping to found the National Interfaith Alliance Against Substance Abuse. He was also Executive Director of the Interfaith Prevention Network in Hayward. He has been active at All Saints School and through the Church’s Peace and Justice Committee for decades. He even provided tutoring for its students.
In addition to all of the above, Ralph has been integrally involved in multiple efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of Hayward. This work exemplifies the values held by John Pappas, the namesake for this award. Ralph was co-founder of the Community Healing Network and has been an active member of the South Hayward Neighborhood Collaborative throughout most of its existence. He has worked at various non-profit programs utilizing an environmental and holistic approach to substance abuse prevention and health promotion.
Ralph joined the South Hayward Parish in 2010 to manage their Food Pantry program. In his tenure, he developed a model program that has been recognized by the Alameda County Food Bank and replicated in other non-profits. With the challenging economy in the Bay Area, the Food Pantry grew from serving 40 families per month to several hundred. Ralph managed this growth with his usual flexibility and good humor, ensuring all families had access and opportunity. He routinely worked many more hours than those he was paid for, consistent with his values about taking care of individuals and families in Hayward. Ralph was appointed Executive Director of South Hayward Parish in 2017 and continues to serve in this capacity.
Teaching, mentoring, supporting, advocating, and developing policy are skills that fill both Ralph’s formal resume as well as the informal one. He has provided guidance to up and coming non-profit professionals and is always eager to learn himself. “I’m proud and humbled to continue the work,” he states.
Harry Scott - Supervisor's Award
Harry Scott has lived in Hayward since 1967 with his wife Monika and sons Mark and Eric. He was employed as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health. During his 30-year professional career with Alameda County he specialized in Vector Control, organizing the Alameda County Vector Control District formed in 1984 and managing it until his retirement in 1997.
He was deeply concerned about U.S. Foreign Policy and Middle East problems in the 1980’s and 90’s. and with retirement from public service he was able to devote more time to social justice volunteer activism. When the tragedy of 9/11 2001 hit the U.S. he increased his social justice activities in response to the US Government policies. As a member of the South Alameda County Peace and Justice Coalition (known as SAPJC), he became active in opposing the unconstitutional provisions of the USA Patriot Act that was passed by the US Congress. He appeared before several City Councils recommending resolutions opposing sections that fringed on civil rights. Hayward passed a resolution opposing warrantless searches of city library customer data. He participated in demonstrations and led public meetings in opposing US war on Iraq and opposing the torture and the construction of the prison in Guantanamo Bay which still holds prisoners without proper due process.
Harry also was concerned about the new use of electronic voting without a paper trail to back up Alameda County voting procedures and appeared with others before the Board of Supervisors requesting they use paper ballots. The board did agree to continue using paper ballots.
He also has been a chair of public meetings on global warming and climate change. He has participated in Hayward City activities commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. and participates in the weekly SAPJC Free Palestine Vigil in Hayward which began 15 years ago calling for Justice for Palestinians
Kari McAllister - Mayor's Award
Kari McAllister is a musician, teacher, activist, consultant, business owner, author, and, of course, a consummate volunteer. She was recognized for her ongoing commitment to the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and by the Friends of the Public Library in 2016. She was a keynote speaker for the groundbreaking of our new library scheduled to open this summer. She has volunteered with the South Hayward Parish, Hayward Gay Prom, Castro Valley High Days of Diversity, Hayward Measure C Campaign, Chabot College Foundation and others.
Kari moved to Hayward after high school and has worked in publishing, transportation, academics, and theater, including as Theater Manager for Chabot College. She and her band, the Sweetspots perform at local venues including the Hayward Area Historical Society and Castro Valley Pride as well as throughout the Bay Area. Kari also served as Executive Director of the Lighthouse Community Center and continues to serve as Chair of the City of Hayward’s Library Commission. She was also a member of the Hayward Recreation and Parks District’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Kari regularly visits high schools and other venues throughout Alameda County to educate students about transgender issues and assists students to gain confidence with their own body image.
She is a passionate advocate for equality and opportunity in Hayward and beyond and brings her smile, dedication, and expertise to all she does.
Janet Alfaro - FESCO
Janet Alfaro has a heart of gold! In 1999, Janet was asked to serve as the Castro Valley United Methodist Church liaison for FESCO. She recalls after her initial introduction “feeling homeless in her heart”, so in 2000, Janet became a FESCO Board Member. For several years she volunteered in FESCO’s Resettlement program, organizing donations for families to use when they obtained permanent housing and fundraising. Among other efforts, she served as Co-Chair for the Shelter Shuffle for 4 years and has been our top fundraiser for the event since 2000. In 2008, Janet wanted to get even more involved and planned a holiday party for all the shelter residents. Janet’s can-do attitude, mixed with her enthusiasm and spirit of goodwill to help those in need, makes her a stand-out in our FESCO family.
John Anderson – Peter Sategna Educational Foundation
John serves on the Foundation’s Advisory Board overseeing our grants to Veterans to help them reach their educational goals. John Anderson holds an MS in Finance from Brandies University and has been on the faculty of Diablo Valley College Business Department for over 15 years. Recently, he has been involved in developing Business Curricula for Veterans. The Sategna Educational Foundation honors him for this work in developing a unique certificate program at Diablo Valley College to help Veterans earn a certificate in Business Administration.
Christina Blackmon - Eden Information and Referral
Christina Blackmon has volunteered with Eden l&R since March, 2O17 as an Administrative Assistant. Christina is loyal and devoted to performing her volunteer duties, answering phones, preparing outreach materials and greeting people coming to the office in a friendly manner. She is also willing to learn new duties when asked from other departments. She brings Secretarial skills from working with Alameda County Superior Court as a Court Clerk for two years, answering phones in a Call Center with Spherion Personnel Service in San Francisco. She has worked as a Medical Clerk for a year with the Department of the Army, also as a Secretary with the Department of the Navy in the Engineering Department. We truly enjoy having Christina's high spirited personality in the office.
Jose Cobos - Hayward Chamber of Commerce
My name is Jose Manuel Cobos and I am honored to have been selected as Hayward Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year. I earned my Bachelors degree from UC Berkeley in Spanish Literature in 1978, a Masters Degree in Spanish Literature from UC Santa Barbara in 1980 and I earned my California Single Subject Teaching Credential at San Francisco State University in 1987. I have been a Spanish Teaher at James Logan High School since 1990. Teaching is a rewarding career because it gives me a sense that I am making the world a better place one student at a time. I began to volunteer with the Hayward Chamber in 1989 and 29 years later still helping at all of the events. It has been very rewarding because I have met many people and made many friends.
Camilla Chinn - CALRTA, Division # 59
Camilla Chinn became a member of CALRTA after retiring from teaching for thirty eight years, primarily in the Hayward Unified School District at Lorin Eden, Ruus, and Park elementary schools. She was Division 59's treasurer for six years and presented detailed reports at the business/luncheons, board meetings and in newsletters. Camilla was also on the Christmas Boutique and BART Tiny Ticket committees for many years. Volunteering is important to Camilla. In addition to supporting Retired Teachers, she knitted dozens of hats for cancer patients and babies at Kaiser hospital. CALRTA is grateful to have her as part of their organization.
Jen Clyde and Laurie Phillips - Hayward Animal Services Bureau
Jen and Laurie are a powerhouse volunteer team who have been tirelessly helping shelter animals since 2013. It takes two to photograph energetic and playful shelter animals successfully, so it wasn’t long before Laurie recruited Jen’s skill with handling both cats and dogs to help her snap adoption-worthy portraits of the shelter animals. Their talent with capturing an animal’s true personality through the lens of a camera has improved the promotion of shelter animals for adoption on social media, in local newspapers, on event flyers and more. Their photos have been featured at the Hayward Historical Society during a special gallery feature on the shelter, and in the shelter’s fundraising calendar. They also help run the shelter’s special event photobooths which allow new adopters and pet owners to get adorable photographs with their pets and raise funds for the shelter animals at the same time.
Gina Cole – Reality Mentors
Gina has been a volunteer mentor for Reality Mentors since 2015. As a mentor, Gina conducts life skills workshops for middle school students and provides them with educational and career resources. The mentoring program has also given Gina an opportunity to prepare youth to become leaders in their schools and in their communities. We are so pleased to honor Gina for her work with Reality Mentors. She has uplifted many students with her life skill and career workshops and helped to create a social and community network where youth can learn to define personal, educational and professional goals.
Mary Dinis – Hayward Police Dept.
Mary has been a volunteer for the Hayward Police Department for 5 years. She works with a statewide database to provide accurate, timely and electronically generated intelligence information. She has been inputting field interview information for the HPD’s Special Investigation Bureau, which enhances officer safety and improves efficiency of criminal investigations. Mary was trained by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for data entry in 2013. Her knowledge of the system has grown and her contributions have proven invaluable.
Shiow-Rong Lin Garritsen – Friends of the Hayward Public Library
Shiow-Rong happened to come by the Friend’s Book Sale table one Saturday and was so impressed that she asked how she could help. She instantly became a member and began volunteering sorting books and media. She set up an account on Amazon to do Internet sales, listed hundreds of books resulting in significant revenue each month. She was not satisfied with her 5-star rating on Amazon alone, so she set up another account on Craig’s list. She is a one-person selling machine and the Friends of the Library are glad that she is a critical part of their organization.
Suzanne Gayle - Keep Hayward Clean and Green Taskforce
Suzanne Gayle has been a member of the Keep Hayward Clean and Green taskforce for over seven years. During that time, she was given the responsibilities of planning and organizing the task force booth for Science in the Park, and summer street parties. Her emphasis on educating and interaction with schools has led her to work on projects such as designing the high school clean up challenge, leading YEP student clean up events, and spearheading rebranding designs and logos for the task force. As a local Mural artist Suzanne has painted many of the murals and utility boxes found throughout both our city and HUSD schools.
Darlene Hagan - Downtown Streets Team
Darlene Hagan has been a volunteer with Downtown Streets Team since 2017. She quickly was promoted from Team Member to Team Leader due to her consistency, hard work, and dedication to building up others, while beautifying Hayward. She has been an integral part in the growth that DST has had in the last year, bringing many other community members to the Team to participate and improve their lives. Darlene is an outstanding individual and goes out of her way to clean up the streets of Hayward and help many community members in need each and every day.
Linda Hendley – Scholarships, Inc.
Linda was born in Seattle, Washington, raised in Richland, Washington and transitioned to the Bay Area in 1968. A mother of three girls and thousands of students, Linda taught high school mathematics at Hayward High School for twenty-seven years. Some volunteer work (in addition to Scholarships, Inc.) has included Tri-City Ecology Action, Dunsmuir House, Lighthouse Community Center, Bringing Back the Natives, Bay to Breakers, Hayward/Castro Valley chapter of AAUW - Tech Trek, and Grenell Island Historic Association. A creed Linda tries to live by: Offer help when YOU need it most.
AnaLilia Hernandez - Tiburcio Vasquez
Ms. Hernandez is a Lead Promotora de Salud since 2014, volunteering to assist the community through the Peer to Peer Community Health Education programs of Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center. She is currently serving as a member of the Promotores Academy Advisory Board. Analilia is a very committed individual providing hours each week to share health information, education, and resources to the most vulnerable children and families in Hayward. Analilia has inspired other women to step up as leaders, encouraging them to use their voices to share their stories. “We feel very fortunate at Tiburcio to have her as a team member providing care and support to members of the community.”
Lavon Hodges - South Hayward Parish
In December 2013 Sue Merrill, the former director of SHP, gave a talk at Starr King Church, Hayward which inspired Lavon to volunteer at SHP. that time I was doing contract work for the Superior Court & in January my He contacted Ralph Morales & office help was needed. Since then Lavon has been working in the office 2 days a week inputting clients from the food pantry along with applications from new clients. He has enjoyed working with the staff, shelter clients and of course feeding Fred, the parish cat.
Pat Hodges - Hayward Education Foundation
Pat Hodges has been involved with the Hayward Education Foundation for over 25 years. She began with decorations and building doll houses for the Auction for the Holiday Luncheon. She has also helped with the Gala, checking in guests, decorations and obtaining silent auction items. As a Retired Teacher, Pat know the importance of funding the projects for the classroom teachers and has been on the committee reading the applications. In 2009, HEF began the Hero Dinner, honoring employees that go above and beyond to support our students in all Hayward schools. This was not meant as a fundraiser for HEF, and in 2017, Pat came up with the idea of “Sponsor a Hero” to help meet the costs of the dinner. This past May, almost 700 people attended the event, and HEF had 60 Hero sponsors raising $6,000 to help fund teacher’s classroom projects.
Ari Jakobson - Spectrum Community Services
Ari has always wanted to serve the community in some capacity and has chosen to volunteer for Spectrum. He has been a big help in many ways including: in the kitchen unloading and putting away weekly deliveries, assisting with serving meals and bringing smiles to seniors. He is kind and caring and meal program participants enjoy his presence in the dining hall and are happy to share stories, ideas and jokes with him. Spectrum appreciates all he does and is doing to build relationships, while also encouraging Hayward seniors. To bring his community service to another level, he recently applied to the Police Academy.
Deborah Jenkins and Sabria Dupree - SOS Meals on Wheels
Deborah Jenkins and her daughter, Sabria deliver meals together for Meals on Wheels. The two of them are a dynamic duo to say the least! They have donated over 500 hours of volunteer time and put over 1,500 miles on their trusty mini-van. They are dedicated, responsible and committed. Sabria has brought her school-aged sons and newborn baby with her, teaching this third generation about community service and giving back. Deborah and Sabria have made gifts for seniors and visited with them after they've completed deliveries so they can spend more time with them. The seniors on their delivery route love this family and know that this Mother/Daughter volunteer duo (+ kids/grandkids) cares a great deal for them. SOS Meals on Wheels is proud to nominate Ms. Sabria Dupree and Ms. Deborah Jenkins as they are truly represent the "Hearts of Hayward."
Zuberi John - Kiwanis Club of Hayward – Castro Valley
Zuberi is an active part of the Hayward-Castro Valley Kiwanis club. His splendid volunteer work as the Kiwanis Advisor for the Circle K International Club at Cal State East Bay, ensures that students provide community service, develop leadership skills, and build friendships and networks. The group recently traveled to the regional conference where the students were recognized for their achievements. He also volunteers as a chaperone the Castro Valley High Key Club and his ongoing involvement with the Hayward youth and greater community is remarkable. We are so pleased to have Zuberi giving his valuable time to the Kiwanis Club!
Ed Keller - Hayward Arts Council
Ed, a retired CSUEB Mathematics professor, has served on the Board of Directors of the Hayward Arts Council (HAC) for 25 years. He has served as Secretary of HAC and is currently Treasurer. During his HAC tenure he has continually been involved in organizing musical events, including a music scholarship competition for Hayward students. Since 2012, he has been Coordinator of Support Services for the HUSD Band and Orchestra Festival. In addition to his work at HAC, he has served almost 49 years as volunteer music director and instrumentalist at his church, where he is also church treasurer.
Jim Kennedy - Eden Housing
Jim has made quite an impact in Hayward through his affiliation with Eden Housing. He was elected to serve as a volunteer member of Eden’s Board of Directors in 2013 and has served a term as Treasurer, Chair of the Finance Committee, and most recently as Vice Chair of the Board. Jim’s expertise through his prior work as Redevelopment Director for Contra Costa County, has been an invaluable asset to Eden. He is passionate about affordable housing and offers great insight. "We are so grateful to have him on our Board, where he helps make a difference in the lives of so many residents." Jim is also an active member of Eden’s annual Scholarship Committee and has offered useful tips for improving our program and serving more residents.
Audrey LePell - Hayward Shoreline Advocates
Prior to her involvement with the Shoreline Advocates, Audrey was an active member of the multiple other Hayward Shoreline Advocacy Groups, including serving as Chair of some of them for many years. Audrey regularly contributes her time and funds to the Shoreline Advocates as well as stepping up to speak at public meetings when the need arises. Audrey’s contribution to and stewardship of the Hayward Community and it’s environment extends to her founding and leadership of Citizen’s Against Pollution and active participation in other community groups, such as the League of Women Voters and helping to plan this Volunteer Dinner event for year after year. Cheers, Audrey! And, Many Thanks!
Nivea Mancilla - Sun Gallary
Nivea Mancilla is 14 and a student at Bret Harte Middle School in Hayward. She enjoys making art and experiments with different art mediums like drawing, painting and sometimes poetry. Her interest in art lead her to start volunteering and she enjoys working with Sun Gallery because she helps her community and has a safe place to express herself and grow as an individual. She has shown herself to be a kind, thoughtful and proactive individual. She is always asking “What can I do next?” when working with Sun Gallery, Nivea has assisted our teachers during art lessons, brainstormed mural ideas for Sun Gallery and helped maintain the gallery space. Nivea has also encouraged her classmates to volunteer at Sun Gallery. This has created a wealth of youth volunteers and extra help which indeed is a wonderful “problem” to have! She has demonstrated a commitment to community work that shows there are more youth out there who want to help out their communities.
Swami Mangalananda (Mangala) - Eden Interfaith Council
Swami Mangalananda (Mangala) has been a Hindu nun and secretary of the Badarikashrama Hindu Spiritual and Cultural Center for 33 years. Mangala has brought all her gifts to the Interfaith Council, including tutoring on communication tools, sharing her event organizing skills, and introducing Indian classical music and dance to Interfaith Council events. She shared a Hindu perspective at the EAIC’s Community Dialogue on Race in America, and at community-building table conversations. In 2017 Mangala organized the Interfaith Council educational event “Meet Your Hindu Neighbor,” to introduce the local Hindu community and Hindu beliefs and practices to the Eden Area. Mangala embodies the best of interfaith understanding and cooperation, and the Eden Area Interfaith Council and the Eden Area have been enriched by her openness and her generosity.
Melinda Matsuda - Chabot College
In her forty-year career at Chabot College, Melinda Matsuda held increasingly responsible positions. Personally committed to student access and equity, she culminated her time at the college as Vice President for Student Services, a position she held for 12 years. Melinda grew up in the Hayward, attended local public schools, and went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University Hayward, as it was then called. She served as a commissioner for the City of Hayward, and was a board member for numerous community groups including Sun Gallery, SAVE, and Tri-CED Community Recycling.
Richard Maurer - League of Women Voters
Since retiring after a 42-year career in Engineering, Richard Maurer has become an active volunteer with the League of Women Voters, concentrating on voter registration, both at public events and at high schools. He believes that the key to good leadership and good decisions is good people. He also believes that the more young adults and disenfranchised adults are brought into the voting population, the more good people will be elected. He believes that his volunteering work today is not only necessary, but essential to the continued goodness and well being of this community. Richard also works with the social justice organization of St Vincent de Paul to help provide assistance to the poor and homeless in his church neighborhood. Thank you Richard!
Dr. Marshall Mitzman - Hayward Salvation Army Corps
It is an honor to recognize Dr. Marshall Mitzman as this year’s outstanding Volunteer for the Hayward Salvation Army Corps. Marshall’s service as a member of the Advisory Council and past Chair has been one of great leadership, vision and dedication. His longtime engagement in the Hayward community is vast and effective. We are so pleased to have his leadership working for us. Congratulations Marshall on your fine work for our organization and the community!!
David Ramirez - The Kids Breakfast Club
It is with great pleasure I write this excellent letter of recommendation for Mr. David Ramirez. I have known David for two years and based on my experiences with David, I believe he embodies that ‘Made In Hayward’ spirit. He is an impeccable scholar and he simultaneously has established an impactful community service record deserving for the Hayward volunteer award. I highly recommend David for the Hayward Volunteer Award. I am the Executive Director of The Kids’ Breakfast Club (TKBC), a nutrition and education program with the purpose to stop child hunger in Hayward. David is a Tennyson High School Student and he participates in the Puente Project. To be a Puente Student there is a service expectation and David selflessly volunteers at TKBC. David has been a leader in our organization for 2 years. David has forgone his winter and spring break vacations and he has volunteered at Burbank Elementary School. He knows every aspect of TKBC and he engages with participating families and children with compassion and empathy. He cooks breakfast and he teaches fellow classmates how to cook and serve breakfast to kids and their families. Over the years, David has built a strong trusting relationships with parents and parents trust him. While not paid, David has never missed a date to volunteer, he always arrives early and leaves last, and he executes every task with professionalism. TKBC is entirely supported by volunteers and he has certainly set a standard for all TKBC volunteers. David is an active student, with incredible plans for the future. He values his academic goals and at the same time she achieves them with excellence. I have no doubt that David will be an excellent ambassador for the Hayward Volunteer Award.
Pam Russo - Hayward Rotary
Pam joined Hayward Rotary in 2006 and quickly became engaged in many projects and events of the club as a worker, committee member or chair. Pam served on the club’s Board of Directors, then as President in the 2011-2012 year. Pam served St. Rose Hospital as Executive Director of the Hospital’s Foundation from 2004 to 2012. Through her leadership, the Foundation grew to become a vital support of the Hospital’s work in South County, today raising in excess of a million dollars a year, making it the most successful foundation in the Hayward Area. Currently she is the Executive Director of the HARD Foundation and has brought that organization to new heights of success in supporting HARD’s work in the community. Pam helped create and was co-chair of Rotary’s Child Spree program for many years. She is also actively involved every year in our Dictionary Project that provides Dictionaries to every third grade student in Hayward. She chairs the Sorensdale Christmas Gift Shopping for approximately 90 special needs adults at the Sorensdale Recreation Center for the Disabled. She also supports the Salvation Army at Christmas by taking two days to staff a donation kettle. Pam motivated Rotary to support Mia’s Dream Come True, a one-acre park in Hayward to provide access to children with developmental needs. She was selected as the Woman of the Year in the 18th Assembly District and was honored by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce as its Business Person of the Year.
Ahmad Rashid Salim - Afghan & International Refugee Support Services
Mr. Ahmad Rashid Salim was born in Kabul Afghanistan and grew up in the Bay Area. He has been involved in community service, volunteering and leadership in a number of different capacities. He’s actively worked on inter-faith and intra-faith dialogue and has delivered talks at churches, synagogues, conferences and universities. He led the first Voter Registration drive for Afhan Americans and has established a part-time educational program focused on mentorship and academic success, and cultural and religious understanding for the Afghan Americans living in Hayward and the Bay Area. He is committed to social justice and broader bonds between all people and faiths.
Elizabeth Sanchez - Mt. Eden High School Alumni and Educational Foundation
Liz is a charter member of the alumni association and also serves on the association’s Board of Directors. She has participated in MEHS and MEHS class reunion events to help promote the mission of the alumni association, which is to help students make the most of their high school experience. In the first few years of the alumni association’s existence, Liz has brought her good humor and positive attitude to the organization, supporting decisions to support student performing and visual arts and cultivating student leadership. Liz has worked for the City of Hayward for many years and is a busy mother of two. She still finds time to volunteer for the alumni association. Liz is a MEHS graduate, Class of 1987.
Linda Slater - American Association of Women
In 2000, Linda joined AAUW (American Association of Women). Right away she pitched in to support the branch. She has held many positions (many multiple times): newsletter editor; treasurer; and President. She served two summers as a dorm mom for Tech Trek, a STEM camp for junior high girls. In 2016, Linda coordinated the Branch’s 75th anniversary by creating a Community Gallery exhibit at the Hayward Area Historical Society; which ensured that branch historical records would be archived for posterity. Most recently Linda is working on inroads with Chabot College that ensure young women student leaders of tomorrow are supported and trained. Linda is definitely a “Heart of Hayward”.
Christina Sonas – HARD
Ms. Christinas Sonas is an extraordinary volunteer for the Douglas Morrison Theater. When HARD was facing some tough budget cuts, Ms. Sonas stepped up and offered her assistance to DMT and chaired a committee that successfully organized the “One Enchanted Evening” fundraiser. The event that took place in April 2017 included an evening of music, dancing, food and silent auction at the Hayward Japanese Gardens and the Hayward Senior Center. At the end of the night, the committee raised over $17,000 to benefit the Theater Program at DMT. Ms. Sonas saw a need and took action – she is truly a “Heart of Hayward”.
Tansy Stark - Ruby’s Place
Tansy Stark has been a volunteer with Ruby's Place since June 2016 and has worked exclusively with our clients’ children at our bi-weekly Kid’s Group. She provides compassionate care for the children while our clients attend parenting classes and life skills group. A believer in the healing capabilities of artistic practice, she enjoys drawing with the children and encouraging them to express themselves through their art. Since joining the Ruby's Place volunteer staff, Tansy has completed training in both Domestic Violence Counseling and Human Trafficking Awareness so that she will be able to better serve our clients. In the future Tansy plans to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.
John Strand - Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)
Prior to retirement, John was President of Strand Consulting which turned around companies in financial crisis. John has a Masters in Public Health and Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. During the Vietnam War, John served in the US Army as a Medical Corpsman. John Strand has been volunteering at Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) since February 22, 2017 and volunteers 4 days a week. With enthusiasm for persons with disabilities and seniors with functional limitations, he has developed tools that have dramatically increased CRIL’s ability to serve the community – especially in area of subsidized, affordable, accessible housing.
Marcy Timberman and Armand Harris - Taskforce to End Hunger and Homelessness
Operating under the auspices of the Food Access Committee of the Task Force to End Hunger and Homelessness, Armand and Marcy have provided nutrition education to people in need throughout Hayward. Their approach of "Aprons On, Hands On, Flavor On" cooking classes have helped local individuals to learn how to make delicious meals on a tight budget that all ages enjoy. They have also helped the environment by preventing food waste through their Jam Fest and Gleaning Banquet events. They have donated their time, expertise, and resources for years to ensure hundreds of Hayward Residents can live well and eat well.
Veronica TranLong - YOSAC
Veronica TranLong, better known as Vera, has been member of the YOSAC Board of Directors since 2015. Her quiet voice has been very influential and has started YOSAC down several new paths, like partnering with the Oakland Symphony to donate concert tickets that were used as a prize for one of our fundraisers. Since Charter schools are not provided with music teachers as are public schools, she worked with the principal of her son’s school, Golden Oak, to start an after-school music program. She worked as the liaison and the program has now expanded to two other charter schools, which has led to doubling the number of students in our program. Even though Vera began a full-time job soon after joining the Board, her commitment to YOSAC has remained just as strong, attending several meetings via cell phone while on work trips. We hope that she continues on the Board for many years.
Helen Webb - St Rose Foundation
Helen Webb has served St. Rose Hospital as an Auxiliary Volunteer for the past 42 years! In 1976 she first called Washington Hospital to volunteer but there was a waiting list so she tried St. Rose and they hired her on the spot! Helen has served on the Auxiliary Board of Directors for many years and is currently the Chair of the Auxilian Awards Committee. Prior to her volunteer life she worked for the railroad on the California Zephyr as a Zephyrette train hostess. Traveling from Chicago to San Francisco she met her husband the trainmaster for the Oakland railroad and was married 34 years before his passing in 2006. She met many famous people being a train hostess, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Charley Finley and even saw the Beatles as they were running from a mob of screaming girls in 1964. She is an inspiration to both the young and old, It is with great appreciation for her 42 years of “service with a smile” that she be recognized as one of the “Hearts of Hayward”.
Dyrell Wilson, NAACP
Dyrell grew up in Hayward with support of his mother, grandparents, aunts and cousins. Dyrell has been doing community work since he was a child. He has helped feed and clothe hundreds of homeless, helped register people to vote, mentored many youth in the community and helped people sign up for affordable health care. Dyrell holds the position of Vice President of the Hayward/South Alameda County Youth and Young Adults Chapter of the NAACP. Dyrell has worked hard to earn the respect and gratitude of those whom he has helped serve through the years. He hopes to inspire and motivate other young adults to become involved in the community by supporting youth and education.
Paris Faith Winter – Hayward Literacy Plus Council
Since 2012, Paris has been a tutor and an active member of the Hayward Literacy Plus Council, helping adults to improve their reading, writing, speaking and computer skills. As President of the Council from 2014-16, Paris focused on board development, expansion of membership, and increased fundraising. She also launched the Council’s first online fundraising campaign, reaching its goal of $5,000. Since 2017, she has served as Council Secretary. Paris is a skilled problem solver, planner and visionary leader who leads fairly and skillfully. She provides consistent leadership and competently addresses the challenges that arise.
Rene Besold – Lifetime Achievement Award
Rene Besold is a doer….when a job needs to be done, Rene volunteers to do it. She has always given back to her community.
When the Literacy Plus Council of Hayward needed new Board members, Rene stepped up. But she didn’t just serve on the Board. She took on the task of reviewing and updating the Council Handbook, developed a multi-year budget format and held work sessions on the budgeting process. She wrote an extensive fact-based compendium, held an informative work session and addressed the Hayward City Council when the criteria for the Social Services Gran application changed. She provided one-to-one training for new presidents and has served as President and Vice President, stepped in as Secretary, and worked collaboratively through sensitive issues while serving on the Council.
When Rene retired as a Director of Human Resources and Training, she began serving on the Board of the Eden Area League of Women Voters. She developed an animated PowerPoint presentation for the new High School Voter Registration Program. She presents education programs throughout the year, works Candidate Forums and Debate Watches during election season and is currently writing a best practices manual on both. She also participates in league studies at the State and National level. And yes, Rene is politically active. She has volunteered in the office of her Congressman, has participated in phone banks and done recordkeeping for past political campaigns in the greater Bay Area.
As if that’s not enough---Rene has served on the CV Relay for Life Advisory Board for two years. She volunteers to assist friends and family in developing resumes, writing cover letters and conducts one-to-one mock interviews to prepare them. She developed an Emergency Preparedness Program for her Homeowner’s Association. She is a skilled Labor Negotiator using ‘interest-based’ techniques and has been a guest instructor at San Jose State. She volunteers to help friends proof manuscripts for books they are writing. When a friend of Rene’s had a stroke and funds ran out for weekly therapy sessions, she volunteered to provide in-home physical therapy.
Rene doesn’t just talk about it, she just does it.
Her volunteer work, her willingness to step up when others won’t and her overall work ethic can be summed up by the notation she puts on every email that she writes. It reads: “Always strive for the highest…never accept mediocrity.”
Ken Rawdon - John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award
Ken Rawdon’s musical talent developed early in his life, earning him B.A. and M.A. degrees in piano performance. But it wasn’t until he sang in a college Concert Choir at Cal State Fresno that he discovered his passion for choral music, and he describes the experience as being life-changing, “like seeing color for the first time.” After that, all he wanted to do was conduct choirs.
Conducting choirs is just what Ken has been doing for the past three decades, while enhancing the lives of thousands of high school and middle school students and giving generously of his (and his students’) time and talent to bring the gift of beautiful and inspiring music to our Hayward community and far beyond.
Ken began his conducting at Roosevelt High School in Fresno and soon found that he loved working with high school students. When he decided to make a move to the bay area in 1990, he was offered a position by Hayward Unified School District that included one choral class at Mt. Eden High School along with a lot of elementary and middle school teaching. He accepted immediately and was soon on his way to Hayward.
That small choral class Ken was given at Mt. Eden High in 1990 has now become six choirs with 140 participating students expertly performing works ranging from ancient classics to songs from the Tony award-winning “Hamilton.” Their choral artistry regularly amazes and entrances audiences in the Mt. Eden High School multi-purpose room as well as in places like Oakland’s Paramount Theater and New York City’s Carnegie Hall. He also produces full scale musicals and review shows each year. The names and faces of the students change over the years, but the bar Ken sets for each new class remains high, and his choirs regularly earn awards and win choral competitions, consistently ranking in the top ten music programs in California. Ken too has been recognized at local and regional levels for his excellence and dedication.
Ken’s choirs perform at community events in Hayward throughout the year, usually starting in January with the annual Martin Luther King Day program at Chabot College and culminating in December with the City of Hayward’s Light Up the Season and other holiday appearances. The choir has been a regular entertainment feature over the years at this annual Volunteer Recognition and Awards dinner. They have also appeared ten times with the Oakland. They have been invited to perform several times at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Ken’s students hold him in high esteem, and many keep in touch with him long after they leave high school. As part of the Mt. Eden choir, many students experience travel outside the state for the first time. Ken works hard raising funds and has contributed generously from his own funds throughout the years to make sure every student has the means to participate. Many of Ken’s students have gone on to music and performing careers of their own, including former Mt. Eden student James Iglehart, who earned a Tony for his role as the Genie in the Broadway hit Aladdin.
Paul Frumkin III - Supervisor's Award
Paul Frumkin III, long-time community advocate, grew-up in Hayward and graduated from Tennyson High School. His parents emphasized the importance of promoting peace and social justice and the family marched together for local and national causes. In the 60’s and 70’s Paul, with other neighborhood youth worked with South Hayward Parish, the Harder-Tennyson Community Organizations (HATCO); and, the City of Hayward, to identify alternatives that could address drug use at Weekes Park. Believing that the ‘media is the message’, Paul helped to co-publish the ‘Country Press’ newspaper – promoting local, community news. This was the first of three media initiatives, over the next forty years, co-published by Paul – the other two publications were the South Hayward Neighborhood newsletter and the Neighborhood Spirit newspaper.
For almost fifty years, Paul has served his community through appointments to various Boards and Commissions, including, but not limited to: Hayward’s Library and Human Services Commissions. He also chaired the Hayward General Plan Task Force and was an elected member of the Hayward School Board, serving as President for multiple years. He has also served on multiple Boards of Directors for local non-profits including Tiburcio Vazquez Health Center, TRI-CED Recycling; and Eden Youth & Family Center.
Paul is most proud of his volunteer work dealing with the right of due process and as an advocate for students. He is also proud to be a co-founder of Mariachi Juvenil de Hayward in the early years of 2000 and of the South Hayward Neighborhood Collaborative established in 1996 and still active in the community.
Julieta Martinez - Mayor's Award
All her life, Julieta Martinez has pursued every opportunity to further her education and expand her skills and experiences, taking time each step of the way to volunteer and help others to improve their lives. A native of Oaxaca, Mexico, Julieta’s aptitude for learning was recognized in her early school years and earned her scholarships. To further her education, she also taught youth who had no other access to education. Later, with children of her own, she worked with the literacy program of the National Institute for Adult Education teaching basic reading and math skills to adults, also helping them with issues in their daily lives.
While still in Mexico raising her family and working at the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, Julieta experienced some life-changing challenges that caused her to make a big decision: to emigrate with her family to the United States to pursue a better future. At first she struggled to learn the language and the local customs and again, she turned to education and volunteering to find her footing. In her training as a Health Promoter (Promotora) with Hayward Promise Neighborhood (HPN) she promoted health and well-being options for her neighbors.
Julieta is now the lead HPN Promotora, serves on the Steering Committee and HPN Advisory Board. She was part of the successful Hayward All American City delegation and serves on the HUSD English Learners Advisory Committee. She also volunteers as a counselor with Bay Area Women Against Rape and plans to keep on volunteering and giving back to her community.
Rich Essi - Special Honoree
When it comes to volunteering, Rich Essi has a wealth of experience. Rich is a long time member and Past President of the South Hayward Lions Club. In this capacity, he helped the South Hayward Community celebrate the 4th of July at Weekes Park for decades. He spent 36 years serving Thanksgiving dinner and sponsoring other events for children with disabilities. He also worked on club and community efforts to support children and people in need throughout Hayward.
Rich’s history is intertwined with that of the Zuccnini Festival and when it needed new leadership, of course, Rich was there. Having just completed its 35th year, the Festival benefits from Rich’s coordination, ensuring that all the music, vendors, food, and activities provide entertainment for all ages. With a keen eye for budgeting, Rich has kept the finances in line for all 22 years of his management, including contributing most of his salary as General Manager back into the festival.
Rich is a passionate individual who demonstrates that he cares for his community. His heart is fully invested in helping and in bringing results so that any program he volunteers for affects Hayward residents in a positive way.
Janell Baum - SOS Meals on Wheels
Janell Baum has been a volunteer driver with SOS Meals on Wheels for over 6 years. She has contributed many hours and 4,500 miles at her own expense. Ms. Baum delivers meals to homebound Hayward seniors out of a sense of compassion, kindness and giving back. She takes the time to get know the seniors on her routes, learning their life stories. She provides gifts during the holidays, runs errands, and is helping to keep seniors safely where they want to be - in their own homes. Ms. Baum is reliable, caring, and genuine - truly “Heart of Hayward” and one of SOS’ most treasured volunteers. Recently, when Mayor Halliday delivered meals in honor of March for Meals, Ms. Baum showed her the way.
David Beaston - Sun Gallery
The Sun Gallery is very grateful to David for all the valuable time he has spent encouraging his students and their families at the Free Art Saturday Family Classes at the gallery. David has spent countless hours not only in time but has also brought us much needed supplies for our classes and events. Most of all, we thank David for his constant encouragement in the community to help children realize their creative potential. He has been a constant source of support for everyone that has come into his path. As an educator for Hayward Unified for the past 12 years, David says that including art in his students’ lives can be truly magical. David says, “It is a blessing in my life to have been able to have done my little part to contribute to Sun Gallery’s amazing work in the community.”
Patriza Bernardi Civretto - Peter Sategna Education Foundation
Patriza was born in Turin Italy and lives in Muriaglio Italy. However, she actively volunteers with the Hayward-based Foundation, helping local students of all ages succeed. Patrizia’s contribution in helping the Foundation complete its mission has been great. She brings a unique worldview of education and its importance in accepting and bringing together of different cultures. She also works on education efforts in Italy and brings students to the US to build their skills and awareness.
Deanna Bogue - Hayward Police Department
Deanna has been a volunteer for HPD for 18 years. She started out volunteering at the resource center at Southland Mall. She currently is a Block Captain for her Southgate neighborhood and serves as a board member for the Hayward Neighborhood Alert. She helps with the Annual Kick-off Car-A-Van, spending many hours planning and preparing for the event, and stays until the end for cleanup. Deanna spends her Tuesdays helping in the Criminal Investigations Bureau and has volunteered approx.. 6000 hours. She helps out at sobriety check-points providing the officers and civilian staff with food and refreshments that she purchased with her own money. She and her sons also host a luncheon during the holiday season inviting neighboring businesses to donate toys for HPD’s annual toy drive. Deanna is highly respected by the Hayward Police Department and they are grateful to see her hard work and dedication recognized by the Hayward community.
Lisa Clausen - Eden Information & Referral
Lisa Clausen volunteers as a Housing Resource Specialist for Eden I & R. One of her assigned duties was calling landlords on a daily basis which helped keep the agency’s Affordable Housing database current. She also answered phone calls and assisted clients. Lisa also volunteered in the past as an Administrative Assistant at Redwood Christian school. While volunteering Lisa also held an evening part-time job which has now become full-time. Eden information & Referral truly enjoyed Lisa’s hard work and dedication as she is greatly missed. Through her volunteer work, Lisa discovered that one of her true passions is to help others within her community. She thanks her family for supporting her new found love of volunteer work.
Lynne Clifton - Friends of the Hayward Public Library
Lynne Clifton is a born volunteer. She has been one of the mainstays of the Friends book sales, sorting and selling each month. She has specialized in art, do-it-yourself, home décor, gardening, and food related books as well as providing advice regarding older books. A San Francisco native, Lynne was in the first graduating class of Cal State Hayward. She also volunteers with the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force and Soroptomist International. As a teacher, Lynne works with a broad spectrum of students from Tennyson High to foreign service intelligence agents. The Friends and the city of Hayward are fortunate to have such an experienced volunteer in our midst.
Tery Coelho - Hayward Area Historical Society
Tery Coelho has volunteered with the Hayward Area Historical Society for the past 7 years accumulating in more than 1,000 hours of service. She is not only a Docent of the McConaghy House, leading adults as well as school children through the House Museum, but also helps out with specialty programs and events to help raise funds for restoration of the property. She also put in countless hours organizing, cataloging, and cleaning artifacts. Tery is such an invaluable volunteer that she was also recognized as the Society’s Volunteer of the Year in 2014. The Historical Society is extremely lucky to have her ongoing assistance.
JoAnn Depoyster - Mt. Eden High School Alumni Association & Educational Foundation
A Charter Member of the Board of Directors of the Mt. Eden High School Alumni Association & Educational Foundation, JoAnn has been an important part of the organization’s leadership since its inception in 2015. She currently serves as Vice President and has helped host the school’s first all-class reunion, raising money for a scholarship supporting student participation in Leadership Hayward. JoAnn has also played a significant role in solidifying the foundation’s collaboration with the Danny Montenegro Memorial Art Scholarship fund and the Hayward Arts Council. The scholarship fund supports Mount Eden High School art students and was established in honor of Class of 1987 alumnus Danny Montenegro, who passed away unexpectedly last year.
George Dib - St. Rose Hospital Foundation
George Dib is a graduate of Mt. Eden High School and the St. Rose Hospital Foundation FACES for the Future Program. George has provided health education presentations and outreach to local middle schools, and assisted with community and Foundation events. He has a lifetime goal of becoming a physician and has completed internship rotations with multiple departments at St. Rose Hospital. In the summer of 2016, George was chosen as one of twelve students across the country to attend the US Agency International Development Global Health Youth Summit in Washington D.C.
Rosa & Ricardo Galindo - Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force
This mother and son duo were born in Puebla, Mexico. They immigrated to the USA in 1977 and settled in Hayward. Ricardo attended Tennyson High School and is working towards a certificate as a landscape architect to further his work in the family landscaping business. Rosa and Ricardo have been faithful attendees of the KHCG cleanups for the last three years and are representative of the dedication and heart of volunteerism that makes Hayward special.
Anais Garcia - The Kids’ Breakfast Club (TKBC)
Anais Garcia has been a leading volunteer in The Kids’ Breakfast Club (TKBC) for five years. Anais has volunteered at Burbank Elementary School, cooking breakfast and teaching fellow classmates how to cook and serve breakfast to kids and their families. Anais has built a strong trusting relationship with parents. She has never missed a day to volunteer and always arrives early and leaves last. In so doing, she has certainly set a high standard for all TKBC volunteers. Anais is also a student who values her academic goals and achieves them with excellence.
Julie Greenfield - Eden Area Interfaith Council
In founding the Eden Area Interfaith Council, Julie built on her Jewish faith, her personal social justice experience, and her commitment to nurturing interfaith understanding and to working against religious discrimination. Currently the chair of the Communication Committee for the Council, Julie served as its first President and led its first interfaith peace march and other initial efforts. Julie is also a retired nurse who relocated to the Bay area from New York to work for the United Farm Workers in Southern California and, eventually in the Hayward Unified School District. She currently teaches nursing students and continues to serve as a bilingual advocate for the rights of immigrants and their families.
Robert Grossman - Literacy Plus
Since first volunteering at the Hayward Library’s Adult Literacy Program in 2009, Robert has combined his teaching and technical talents to help many learners master and improve their reading, writing and conversational abilities. Focusing initially on English-speaking learners, Robert recognized a need for Spanish speaking tutors and made it a point to study the language so he could help more people. He has assisted the English as a Second Language (ESL) program with conversation circles and classroom work, where he is known as someone who takes the time to listen and finds a way to help if he can. On the technical side, he facilitated the use of the invaluable Google Translate App and led a class in the Computer Learning Lab.
Dale Harder - California Retired Teachers Association Division 59
Dale Harder joined CalRTA in 2003 after retiring from 35 year career in teaching. He has been Division 59’s Communications Chairman since 2005 with the major responsibility of obtaining and recording the members’ volunteer hours. Dale also writes articles about members and contributes word games for the Divisions newsletter. Dale Originated “Feats of Strength” which is a series of athletic contests for men and women over 50. For many years he has been a participant in the Olympics-type activities sponsored by Northern California Senior Games and writes articles for his “Strength and Speed” Newsletter. Dale is an exceptional volunteer serving his fellow teachers and community.
Izonia “Mother” Henderson - Spectrum Services
Izonia “Mother” Henderson embraces Spectrum’s mission. Since 2007, Mother Henderson has dedicated her time in Spectrum’s Senior Nutrition Program serving meals each week at Glad Tidings Church. She has a long history of serving her community and feels that volunteering is especially important because it teaches people to develop compassion, be selfless, and to give without expecting something in return. Spectrum feels honored to have Mother Henderson’s time and assistance as she always provides a welcoming and safe environment for members of the community to enjoy a meal.
Redgy & Dolores Jackson - Kiwanis International
Redgy and Dolores have participated in numerous community projects through the local Kiwanis club. Redgy was a Past President and Club Secretary. His lovely wife Dolores has volunteered for many different events as a cook including for Hayward Clean-up days, H.A.R.D’s Grandparents Day Breakfast and the Sunday morning breakfast for the Hayward Relay For Life. This dynamic couple is so involved with the club and with their community that they find it hard to say no to volunteering. They are known as the two Kiwanians that always say Yes!
Cecily Joseph - Ruby's Place
Cecily Joseph, Past-President of Ruby’s Place’s Board, is a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She has given years of her time and talent to Ruby’s Place, including assisting with the rebranding efforts and extensive repairs. She has even recruited her whole family to help! Cecily was also a volunteer panelist in the 2014 Hayward Honors Women Event. Professionally, Cecily oversees Symantec's Office of Ethics and Compliance. In 2010, she received a Human Rights Award for her work advancing gender equality.
Colleen Kelly - Moreau Catholic High School
Colleen Kelly spends hundreds of hours yearly so that our students in Hayward and surrounding cities have the opportunity to play organized sports and can succeed in high school. Colleen organizes the Moreau Crab Feed registration and helps wherever and whenever she is needed. She is also President of the Southern Alameda County Catholic Youth League managing 10 schools and over 100 teams. One of Mrs. Colleen’s accomplishments was her participation for Get on the Bus Program - getting backpacks for kids and helping children see their incarcerated mothers on Mother's Day. Colleen loves our youth, and would do anything to help them. She has been known to feed hungry children - on the spot - no questions asked. She is most deserving of this awesome award!
Madeline Khodaverdian - FESCO
Madeline Khodaverdian is an amazing volunteer, who does not let her anything interfere with making a difference at FESCO (Family Emergency Shelter Coalition) on a weekly biases. She arrives with a positive attitude and ready to assist our administrative staff in any way she can. She is organized, diligent, and mindful of her work. Staff constantly state that Madeline is a joy to work with and that having her present is beneficial. Madeline’s willingness to give of her time and talent is greatly welcomed. Therefore, we would like to recognize her for her commitment, positivity and grace in completing whatever tasks come her way each week.
Donna Klein - Hayward Animal Services Bureau
Donna Klein loves kittens and has cared for many as a foster mom for the Hayward Animal Shelter. However, despite her love for kittens, Donna is passionate about preventing their birth. About 15 years ago when she helped a family who went from feeding 1 feral cat to 20 in a matter of 18 months. She helped the family by trapping the cats and getting them all spayed/neutered. Since then Donna has become a strong advocate for spay/neuter, especially for free-roaming community cats. Donna has spent many hours reaching out to Hayward neighborhoods and education the residents on the importance of spay/neuter. She has helped and taught many families to humanely trap cats, transport them to a clinic for spay/neuter and return them to their neighborhoods. Through Donna’s hard work, many Hayward neighborhoods have benefited, both humans and cats.
Stanley Kuang - Community Resources for Independent Living
Stanley Kuang is a developing leader who has volunteered for CRIL over the past year. Mr. Kuang has dedicated his time to building an engaged voting bloc, registering people with disabilities to vote. He also coordinated a phone bank of volunteers and educated voters with disabilities on key issues and candidates. He trained youth through CRIL’S Get-Out- The-Vote campaign, which resulted in over 3000 voter contacts. Mr. Kuang exemplifies the future of independent living through his leadership and commitment to developing the skills of others. He continues to volunteer with Disability Action Network Youth coordinating, actively participating in meetings, and assisting with community outreach.
Elgin Lowe - Hayward South Alameda County NAACP
Elgin Lowe is a member of the Executive Committee of the Hayward South Alameda County NAACP. As a 20 year veteran of the District Attorney’s Office, Elgin shares his legal expertise with the NAACP, reviewing cases and providing expertise. Elgin routinely speaks to at- risk Youth and has been credited with reducing gang violence through his outreach efforts. Elgin has encourages our youth and provides multiple opportunities for them to succeed. It is Elgin’s desire to support our youth and our community in a positive manner.
Iyesha Lucker - Youth Orchestra of Southern Alameda County
Iyesha has been treasurer of YOSAC (Youth Orchestra of Southern Alameda County) for four years. In addition to her monthly reports, she gets together all financial information for the grants YOSAC applies for. In spite of her busy schedule, she is very responsive to any questions. While she keeps YOSAC's books, she is also a logistics specialist for Rotometals, a part time tax advisor and instructor for H&R Block, and a wife and mother of two children. Time for a cup of hot tea and a good book, Iyesha!
Paul Martin - Hayward Rotary
Paul Martin was made in Hayward and has contributed to all aspects of Hayward Rotary since joining the club in 1996 – setting up for meetings, welcoming visitors, contributing to the local and international foundations, volunteering for club projects, mentoring club presidents, and co-leading Rodeo fundraising efforts. As Club President and later as Foundation President, Paul has been steadfast in his commitment to improving the quality of life in the Hayward community. Upon learning that many seniors have no working smoke detectors, Paul created the Just in Case project to provide new smoke detectors and batteries in collaboration with Hayward Fire and Case Industries. Paul is also a leader in the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and the 100 Club. That is why he is our Outstanding Rotarian of this year, or any year.
Rich Mathewson - Scholarships, Inc.
Rich Mathewson joined Scholarships, Inc in 2010 and immediately took on the Treasurer position, which is probably the most difficult role in any organization. With little experience, he tackled the job and soon had organized spreadsheets and reports and was filling out government paperwork and balancing the checkbook. “We were so very grateful,” said Board members. Rich remained in this position for five years and helped transition in our next TWO Treasurers! He is still an active member of our group and participates in all functions. He is a very attentive waiter at our annual dinner fundraiser!
Dr. Marshall Mitzman - Chabot College
Marshall’s continual engagement with the Hayward community, especially in the education of its youth and young adults, goes above and beyond the call of duty. As all who attend the meetings and philanthropic events that support educational opportunity in Hayward know well, Marshall is always there! His myriad volunteer commitments and tireless participation ensure that our college functions well and underscore his passion for student success. Dr. Mitzman has served as a mentor for both Striving Black Brothers and our DECCA business students, as well as being an advisor for our Circle K Club and a leader in many other Hayward organizations and community efforts.
Carl Moose - Hayward Shoreline Advocates (HSA)
Carl Moose is a dedicated volunteer with the Hayward Shoreline Advocates (HSA) assisting with the programming and presentations for the meetings. His work with the group is an integral part of keeping it going and vibrant. Carl has a long-term commitment to educate the public at large about the Hayward Shoreline and he has helped many people navigate the area and learn about the water fowl, traffic along the trail, tides, and climate change. He walks the trail every day, rain or shine, and has even provided assistance to other walkers in emergencies. Carl is a natural ‘Naturalist’ and HSA is very grateful that Carl is part of the group!
Carrie Morales - Hayward Education Foundation
Despite her high-level job as Manager of Fremont Bank’s Hayward Branch, Carrie manages also to contribute her time and talents to help her community in a variety of ways, including serving as Secretary for the Board of the Hayward Education Foundation. She has also helped students directly by going into the classroom as a presenter for CHOICES, a program aimed at stimulating 9th graders to think about their futures and the choices they make. Carrie also has volunteered at SAVE (Shelter Against Violent Environments) helping respond to domestic violence incidents. Carrie is happy to share her knowledge and experience with HEF and is determined to enhance education for Hayward students.
Vivian Phung - Volunteer Hayward
Ms. Vivian Phung was chosen as a “Heart of Hayward” for her outstanding volunteer efforts throughout our city. Last year, Vivian was appointed to the Hayward Youth Commission and did an amazing job. This February, the City Council appointed a Taskforce to revise the City’s Anti-Discrimination Action Plan and Vivian was appointed to represent the Commission. She also co-chaired the Accessibility Sub-Committee. Through Volunteer Hayward, she has worked on multiple projects including the Adopt-a-Family program and citywide clean up. Vivian is not only an outstanding representative of the youth in Hayward, but is a true leader in our community.
Jim Remigio - South Hayward Parish
Jim has been a South Hayward Parish volunteer for over 25 years. For many years,he worked on Saturdays, rain or shine, distributing food to people in need. During the past 6 years, Jim worked three days a week stocking food pantry shelves. Jim has been volunteering for most of his adult life including cooking for FESCO and a few Italian and Catholic organizations. In fact, Jim even provides lunch for his wife’s social group. Jim always smiles and takes the opportunity to crack a joke. Jim is the type of volunteer everyone wants. If you want a good recipe for an Italian dish, need a great volunteer or want to know about the history of Philadelphia, Kansas City or Oakland A’s; then Jim is your man.
Salonje Rochell - Reality Mentors
Salonje has been a volunteer with Reality Mentors Inc. since November 2016. She helps with many administrative tasks including filing, copying, updating social media outlets, etc. In addition to her volunteer work with Reality Mentors inc. She works as a massage therapist serving clients throughout the Bay Area.
Munir Safi - Eden Area Interfaith Council
Munir was instrumental in the formation of the Eden Area Interfaith Council. He provides connection to the five mosques in Hayward and has helped to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in the development of the Council. Munir moderated the first “Know Your Muslim Neighbor” panel at the Castro Valley Library. He is currently the treasurer of the Council and manages the website and Facebook page. Munir moved to Hayward four years ago from Indiana and his commentary about being a Muslim in contemporary America has been featured on KQED, Castro Valley Forum, and East Bay Times.
Salimah Shabazz - Reality Mentor
Salimah is current student at Chabot College. Attending Chabot has allowed her to pursue a dream of becoming an active advocate for families who lost a loved one to gun violence, she facilitates and organizes annual stop the violence and increase the peace events, her mission is to find a way to end gun violence, inequality and injustices to make the world a better place for future generations.
Gerald and Winifred Thompson - Hayward Arts Council (HAC)
Gerry and Winnie Thompson are active volunteers and artists in Hayward. Before their current service as Co-Presidents for the Hayward Arts Council, they curated three different HAC galleries. Broadening the reach of HAC, Gerry masterminded the first Open Juried Show at the John O’Lague Galleria in City Hall last year. Beyond her work at HAC, Winnie is active in A.R.T., Inc, Literacy Plus, and serves as President of the local branch of American Pen Women. Winnie also received the prestigious John Pappas Humanitarian Award in 2004 and has worked for many years to improve adult literacy skills.
Together, Gerry and Winnie have overseen improvements to the Foothill and John O’Lague galleries and assisted with fundraising, the new HAC website, and organizational development.
Simon Wong - Salvation Army
Simon Wong’s media work introduced him to The Salvation Army during the 2014 Red Kettle Campaign. In early 2015, Hayward Corps Captains, John & Kyna Kelley invited him to join the Hayward Corps’ Advisory Council. As a volunteer, Simon supports the Hayward Corps’ media and communications function, serving as photographer for many events and assisting with fundraising efforts. He also serves on the Tri-Cities Corps Advisory Council and is organizing a visit by The Salvation Army Western Territorial Staff Band to the Bay Area for January 2018. Simon lends a hand wherever it is needed.
Aihua Zelinsky - Eden Area League of Women Voters
Currently Co-President of the League of Women Voters Eden Area, Aihua is particularly proud of the accomplishments of the League and has been working to strengthen the local chapter. She is bilingual and has published articles on voting issues in the Chinese newspaper, World Journal. In addition to assisting with various League efforts, Aihua is an assistant teacher at Castro Valley Adult School and volunteers with various sports clubs. Aihua works tirelessly to educate the community on all vital issues, especially reaching out to minorities and women.
Vicente Zuniga - South Hayward Neighborhood Collaborative
Vicente Zuniga has been involved with the South Hayward Neighborhood Collaborative since 2010. He was instrumental to the development of the South Hayward Stroll community resource fair and consistently steps up to support planning efforts. He consistently shares resources, provides technical and logistical support to the Collaborative, and is now lending his leadership skills to the development of new mission and vision statements. Vicente’s calm demeanor, clear communication style, follow through, and focused thoughtful analysis of what needs to be done have been invaluable to the Collaborative and its efforts to empower Hayward residents.
Phil and Pat Gordon - John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award
Phil was born in San Jose and attended Bret Harte Jr High and Hayward High school. He obtained his Teaching Credential from San Jose State. Pat attended schools in Pacifica and San Leandro and attended Cal State Hayward where she majored in Biological Science.
Phil began his early teaching career teaching youth in entomology and insect collecting with HARD. He later taught Biology at Rancho Arroyo Jr High (now Ochoa Middle School) for 23 years.
Pat worked as a food research chemist for about 30 years and ‘retired’ in 1999. She felt that she wanted to do something better with her life and give back to society. She found that in teaching children. At age 50 she was the oldest in her teaching credential class. Pat taught elementary school in Fremont for 10 years and concluded her teaching career at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont.
Phil participated in the formation of the Ohlone Audubon Society and served as its president twice. Pat was the Newsletter Editor of the Ohlone Society’s “the Kite Call”. They met at an Ohlone Society Birding field trip and were married on July 4, 1980.
As the legend goes, one day in the late 1960’s, Phil took his students on a field trip to the Hayward Shoreline and was chased away by the owner of the property holding a shotgun. At that time, there was only six miles of bay shoreline that was accessible to the public. Phil went to Bud Critzer who was then the General Manager of HARD, and asked if there was anything that could be done. Realizing that it would take more than one agency to oversee the project, the Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency (HASPA) was formed.
Phil worked extensively on the beginning functions of the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center and was on their design committee for the Center. He joined the HASPA Citizens Advisory Commission in 1971. He served until November 2015 when the Commission was ‘sunseted’. Phil acts as a guide to teachers, students and Ohlone members on field trips at the Hayward Shoreline.
Phil was the coordinator and teacher of the Ecology Club Coastal Cleanup at West Winton Ave for several years, and coordinator of the Adopt-a-Creek Cleanup and Wildlife Assessment of the Alameda Flood Control. With Francisco Zermeno, he co-founded “The Swallows Return Festival” at Hayward’s Chabot College. For the past 24 years he has been the Director and Field Trip leader. Phil has participated in the nesting survey of Terns and Herons in the Eden Landing Ecological Preserve and has led the Ecology Club and Outdoor Adventures at Tennyson High School.
Phil and Pat have been active in the Hayward/Fremont Christmas Bird Count which is a national bird count during a 24 hour period. They organize and compile the data. They are also both associates of the Math Science Nucleus, which provides extra-curricular science and math education for Alameda County children.
Beside the Hayward area, Phil and Pat can also be found volunteering at the Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum in Fremont, teaching a class in the Natural History of California Birds at the Castro Valley Adult School, teaching a walking class for seniors in Walnut Creek, completing a fundraiser to Save Tesla Park in Livermore, and organizing a showing a “Pelican Dreams” at the silent theatre in Niles.
Next time you drive on Hwy 92 toward the Hayward/San Mateo Bridge, thank the Gordon’s for their insight for helping to create the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center!
Gabriel Hernandez - Supervisor's Award
As Executive Director of the Hayward Day Labor Center, Gabriel Hernandez has been helping folks in the South Hayward area earn a day’s wages since the center’s inception in 2007. Housed in the Eden Youth and Family Center complex on Tennyson Road, the Day Labor Center provides employment connections and other services, including English as a Second Language. Gabriel has found many ways to create a sense of community among the workers and their families and involve them in activities and events to help the entire Hayward community.
A community organizer and human rights activist for more than 40 years, Gabriel’s stewardship of the Day Labor Center is just the latest in a long series of efforts he has undertaken to help strengthen the rights and improve the lives of workers, immigrants and others. He is a founding member of the national Chicano Human Rights Council and was instrumental in persuading the United Nations to designate 1993 as the Year of Indigenous Peoples. His advocacy for more programs and resources for minority youth paved the way for programs such as the S.A.L.T. program for African American youth and Puente for Latino students.
Gabriel serves on BART’s Limited English Proficiency Advisory Committee, working on design features for new BART cars to address the needs of limited-English-speaking riders. He was selected by the San Francisco Koshland Foundation as a Fellow in their Koshland Program, and he is currently working with other Program Fellows on ways to improve South Hayward. An enthusiastic soccer fan, he started serving as a volunteer coach in his teens and now has paid coaching positions with Tennyson High School’s Varsity Boys’ Team and Chabot College’s Men’s Team. He has also organized a team at the Day Labor Center that competes with other Day Labor Center teams in the region. Through his many efforts, Gabriel has brought new hope for a better life to struggling people in Hayward and beyond.
Chuck Horner - Mayor's Award
“I am a net weaver,” he says in his resume. “How can I serve you?” Serving is indeed what Pastor Chuck Horner spends most of his time doing, much of it here in Hayward helping people in need and helping all of us work better together to improve our community. Whether it’s picking up litter at a Keep Hayward Clean and Green clean-up, feeding the souls and stomachs of hungry visitors at the Salvation Army, or donning his famous top hat and tails to assist at fundraising social events, Chuck is always doing his best to help and serve. Chuck’s service to Hayward and its surroundings reach to the city’s far corners geographically and to a wide array of its diverse ethnic, faith and social communities.
Chuck is the sole remaining original member of the city’s Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, and he rarely misses a task force meeting or Saturday clean-up event. Specializing in graffiti removal, Chuck was recognized as the Graffiti Fighter of the Year in 2013 at the International Zero Graffiti Summit in Phoenix, Arizona. In 2015, his work with the Hayward Police Department supervising graffiti removal community service by young offenders won the praise and recognition of the California Peace Officers Association.
Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Chuck served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1974 and is a Vietnam War veteran. He is Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church on Ruus Road and founder and coordinator of Evangelical Churches of the Hayward Area (ECHA), which connects evangelical pastors and leaders with each other and with the larger community at its monthly meetings. As a Hayward Rotary member, he coordinates the club’s Salvation Army Feeding Project as well as employing his musical talents as pianist at weekly meetings. Chuck also helps weave our community together as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and as Vice President of Hayward Neighborhood Alert. Hayward is fortunate to have such a hard-working and prolific “net weaver” in Chuck Horner.
Lamont Allen - Soulciety
Lamont W. Allen is a founding board member of Soulciety. In his 8 years of service, he has contributed to forming the organization, helping to build its solid and sustainable structure. With his knowledge in law and his heart in helping the community, Lamont is an advocate of the people. Lamont has assisted numerous non-profit organizations and individuals understand their rights, legal and otherwise. Lamont also uses his expertise as a Consultant, Legal Researcher, Tax Preparer, Property Manager and as a Mobil Notary Public.
Gerardo Barcenas Jr. - Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force
Leadership public high school student Gerardo Barcenas Jr. has already demonstrated his own strong leadership skills, working with his peers as a Hayward Youth Commissioner and his elders as the youth commission’s liaison to the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force. For three years he has regularly volunteered his services at monthly neighborhood clean-ups. He also produces annual student survey reports, assists with the Youth Summit and raissd funds for scholarships. Gerardo works hard to keep our city clean and green and inspires others to follow his example.
Liz Bathgte - American Association of University Women
An ardent advocate for equality, justice, and education for girls and women, Liz Bathgate joined the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in 1972. She quickly immersed herself in the mission of AAUW and has held a variety of positions in the local and state organization, including multiple terms as president for the Castro Valley-Hayward branch. Not only is Liz a contributor to Tech Trek, an annual weeklong math and science camp for 7th grade girls, she also volunteers as a dorm mom. Following her 21 year teaching career. Liz also launched two fellowships, which allow two exceptional young women every year, the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. or MBA.
Maureen Bessette - Hayward Police Department
Maureen is part of the Hayward Police’s Volunteers In Police Services (VIPS) and has been volunteering for the department for over 16 years. Maureen has been instrumental in helping the Records Department stay on top of the citation data entry. Prior to this experience, she spent 14 years working the alarm desk managing payments and processes for alarm permits. Maureen is always willing to help out whenever and wherever needed and is always friendly, sociable and dependable. She has donated over 3,000 hours of her time to the City in addition to her 16 years of involvement with Hayward Neighborhood Alert as a block captain and member. The Police Department would like to Thank Maureen for her contributions to the Department and Neighborhood Alert.
Bethany and Charleah Bender - Sun Gallery
Bethany and Charleah Bender have been volunteers at the Sun Gallery and Sun Gallery Events since 2005 when Bethany was 17 years old and Charleah was 15 years old. Over the course of their volunteer journey, they have worn many different hats. From answering phones, cashiering duties, janitorial duties, yard duties, and organizing closets, storage's and studios, to mailing out postcards and advertisements, hanging art, taking down art, hosting Sun Gallery Art booths at festivals, getting others to volunteer, serving at fundraisers and receptions, assisting at summer art camps, and teaching summer art camps. They've been here to do what they can to help the Sun Gallery spread interest in the arts to our local Hayward community and they are highly appreciated.
Georgia Browne - Hayward/South Alameda County NAACP
Georgia Browne hails from Harrow, England, but can now be seen regularly manning the Hayward/South Alameda County NAACP branch on B Street, working hard to create a solution to every problem that arises. She has done homeless outreach for Abode Services and coordinated counseling at Reality Mentors Inc., and enjoys participating in charity runs and working with young people. Armed with both a strong work ethic and a passion to be helpful, she believes her purpose in life is to help others, and she is always looking for ways to do just that, according to the people who work with her at NAACP.
Charlotte Campbell - Hayward Animal Shelter
It was a lucky day for the cats at the Hayward Animal Shelter when Charlotte retired from her job as a Computer Systems Engineer for a major bank and started volunteering at the shelter and making feline friends. Rain or shine, Charlotte arrives at the shelter each Tuesday and Friday morning, on foot or by bus, ready to clean kennels and cuddle with the kitties, giving them exercise, fun and love. Her co-workers say she can bring out the best in any cat and is especially good at persuading shy kitties to overcome their fears and warm up to their human caregivers. She used her creative talents to find homes for the shelter cats by creating an “Adorable Pets” binder which she puts on display at local pet stores. Her own cat Dolly, a Shelter adoptee, is always happy when Charlotte comes home from the Shelter to play with her. Charlotte has also volunteered for a local food bank and enjoys knitting, crocheting and going on long walks.
Jane Creason - Hayward Police Department
Attorney Jane Creason, has been volunteering for the Hayward Police Department since 2009. Her expertise in landlord/tenant law supports the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Jane also teaches the Fair Housing and Premises Liability segment of the police program 2-3 times a year and has done so for eight years. She is a dynamic speaker, often infusing real life examples. Jane also donates time to answer questions and advise property managers and owners and department personnel from Hayward and around the globe. She is committed to helping the community fight crime though education. Jane never says “no” and has not missed providing a single training in eight years. She says, "I'm here to help the community”!
Jose Lara Cruz - Volunteer Hayward
Jose is appreciated by Volunteer Hayward for his outstanding volunteer efforts throughout our city. Jose began volunteering in Hayward when he joined the Hayward Youth Commission in 2014 as a senior at Mt Eden High School, but it was in his efforts in Volunteer Hayward where he began to truly shine. This past year he has worked on HARD’s annual Golf Tournament, Easter Egg Hunt, Volunteer Week Celebrations, Made in Hayward Education Summit and the City Wide Clean-up. All of these and more on top of completing his first year at UC Berkley. Volunteer Hayward thanks Jose for the many ways he has given back to our community.
Debby DeAngelis - Hayward Rotary
Debby has been a great asset to Hayward Rotary Club since 2005 and to the Hayward South Rotary Club before that. She has been instrumental in the International Foundation fundraising efforts and in supporting Polio eradication. She has held positions on the Hayward Rotary Club Board including as President in 2014-2015. Debby has mentored an international scholar, supported youth literacy and arts efforts, and is generally there for whatever is needed with a smile and enthusiasm. Debby has been a wonderful addition to the Rotary club as well as being a wonderful person to know.
Marian Dobbelare - California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), Southern Alameda County Division 59
Marian joined CalRTA in 1991 after retiring from a 36-year career in teaching, with the last three-plus decades spent teaching second to fourth graders for Hayward Unified School District (HUSD). She has served CalRTA in many capacities, including President, Vice President, and Resource Chair, providing information to members about safety, health and consumer issues. She is currently serving as Past President and Co-Chair of Resource Services. She has also helped HUSD students in retirement as a classroom volunteer, and she helps brighten the holiday season for two or three families each year through the Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family program.
Sheena Gallman - Eden Information and Referral
Sheena Gallman has been an intern of the Roving Department of Eden Information and Referral since June 20L5. She works to keep the housing database updated which consists of calling landlords on a monthly basis and entering the information. Her assistance provides us with fresh leads for our low-income and homeless clients, as well as veterans for whom we are contracted to find housing. Her good hearted enthusiasm for the job lifts the morale of our department during this challenging housing crisis. Having been a veteran herself, she loves the work because her efforts are truly helping people with their basic needs. She is genuine and caring and a pleasure to work with in all aspects. Her value to our agency is immeasurable and her spirit is generous. She exemplifies everything good about the spirit of volunteerism.
Ruben Garcia - Ruby’s Place
Ruben and his family provide customized gifts for all the holidays for families staying at the emergency shelter. He brings turkeys with all the fixings for families in transitional housing as well and is planning family outings for those staying at the shelter. He is our go to volunteer who cares and is committed to the joy and happiness of each person who is living at Ruby's Place. He comes to Rubys Place even when he's not feeling well to make sure everything he gathered for the residents is taken care of - he just has a giant heart and shares it with Ruby's Place in a way that is unique and beautiful.
Kathleen Hamm - Eden Housing
Kathleen has been an active member of the Board Eden Housing since 2002, including as Board President from 2004 to 2006. Kathleen is currently Board Secretary and part of Eden’s Executive, Finance and Governance Committees. She also regularly attends Eden’s public and staff events to provide her support. Kathleen says she, “is proud of having played even a small role in Eden’s many accomplishments.”
Jane Jesus - Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
Jane began volunteering for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) over 7 years ago, and has given her time generously, usually donating over 1,000 hours each year. She currently volunteers at Hayward Area and Kenneth Aitken Senior Centers and is a vital contributor to the health and wellness of our seniors. Jane is not only a hard worker, but also friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and outgoing. She works at the front desk, gift shop, kitchen, and helps with special events. HARD is very thankful for all of the time and energy she donates. Jane is an outstanding asset.
Dorothy Johnson - Reality Mentors
Reality Mentors is honored to nominate Ms. Dorothy Johnson. Ms. Johnson is a very kind, caring individual who uses her spare time to help others. Whether it be making our clients feel comfortable, working with the interns, or hosting at Chabot Literacy Drive, Ms. Johnson is always there with a helping hand and a smile. Instant family to all who know her, Ms. Johnson fully deserves this recognition. We hope that she carries on for many years with her generosity and love.
Marcia Johnson - South Hayward Parish
Marcia worked in the South Hayward Parish Food Pantry for more years than anyone can remember. It was never too cold or rainy, never too inconvenient. Marcia could always be counted to be there for the folks that needed her. A woman with a huge heart, Marcia was also the smiling face that greeted the seniors who came to the Senior Lunch program. Although not all participants spoke the same language, the warmth of Marcia’s welcome was understood by everyone. Marcia’s passing will be felt by many. We are grateful for this opportunity to honor her as South Hayward Parish special volunteer for 2016.
Laurel King - Hayward Shoreline Protection Advocates
Presently serving as Secretary of the newly formed Hayward Shoreline Protection Advocates, Laurel is working to preserve our shoreline, address impacts of sea level rise, and other urgent environmental issues. Laurel also works on education and other issues for additional non-profits, including Reading Partners and Habitat for Humanity. Laurel is known as a hardworking, committed, and dedicated volunteer.
Kris Kokotaylo - Spectrum
Kris Kokotaylo joined the Spectrum Board in January 2014. He jumped in at a critical time to support the renovation of Spectrum’s kitchen at Josephine Lum Lodge. Mr. Kokotaylo now serves as Vice-President of Spectrum and his legal expertise has been a great asset to the Board and staff.
Diane Laine - Hayward Education Foundation
Diane began volunteering for the Hayward schools when her eldest daughter, Kristina, started kindergarten. She wanted to make things better for all the students, so starting working for HUSD and continued volunteering whenever she could. She was involved with Sunset High PTA and Band Boosters and eventually, I joined the Hayward Education Foundation. She has served on the HEF Board of Directors for nine years and continues to help wherever she can. Diane has always been and continues to be,committed to the students of Hayward.
Laurie Landes - SOS/Meals on Wheels
Laurie Landes has been a SOS/Meals on Wheels volunteer driver for 5 years, contributing 700 volunteer hours and 3,400 miles to help Hayward seniors age safely in the comfort of their own homes. She is enthusiastic, reliable and concerned about the welfare of the seniors on her route. Laurie has gone above and beyond delivering meals. She brings gifts at the holidays and birthdays and provides transportation to medical appointments and other errands. She is kind, cheerful and caring and will step in to cover routes for other volunteer drivers when needed. Laurie is a passionate and articulate spokesperson for SOS and seniors. When we think about our ideal volunteer, we think about Laurie!
Jeanne Lycett - Scholarships, Inc
Jeanne Lycett began her teaching career in the Hayward Unified School District in the Fall of 1967. She retired in 1999 after a 32 year career as a history teacher at Hayward High school. Upon retirement, she joined the Board of Scholarships', Inc. as an adviser and has served as Recording Secretary for the organization since 2007. In addition, she has served as the MC for our annual Awards Night and is our "go to" computer guru and creates lovely programs, tickets, flyers, etc.
Kari McAllister - Friends of the Hayward Public Library
Kari McAllister believes in change that helps improve lives and conditions for all the communities where she lives, and beyond. Through her many community affiliations she strives to promote conversation, thoughtfulness, learning and camaraderie. As a tireless member of the Friends board and committees, Kari works on projects directly related to the building and opening of our new 21st Century Library and Learning Center. She is one of the library’s strongest advocates telling the library’s story wherever she goes. She is truly the Friends’ hero.
Lorene “Lori” Miller - Literacy Plus
Literacy Plus has benefited in so many ways from the time, talents and attention that Ms. Miller has given to their many programs. Lori first attended the volunteer training in 2013 to learn how to tutor an adult learner. Since then, she has become a stellar volunteer in a number of programs, including Families for Literacy, ESL conversation circles, Read-While-You-Wait, and Books-2-Go. As a result, program participants have very positive experiences filled with singing, puppets, story time readings, and pure joy. Ms. Miller organized the training of volunteers for the “Words for Lunch” children’s literacy effort. Lori’s enthusiasm and dedication have made her a truly remarkable volunteer. Literacy Plus is proud to honor Lori for her service to Literacy Plus and to our local community.
William “Bill” Mulgrew - Kiwanis
Bill has been the Program Chair for the Kiwanis Club for over a year, bringing in a broad variety of speakers. He also serves on the Board as Vice President and has already stepped in as Club President as needed. Bill has also helped support Kiwanis’ multiple community efforts by volunteering at numerous fund raising functions. And if that weren’t enough, Bill volunteers 4 or five times per year to pack lunches for home-bound seniors, dedicates time help with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade and Chili Cook-off, and coordinates community service efforts of local Boy Scouts and Sea Cadets.
Murielle Richard and Boris Decout - Golden Oaks & Silver Oak Montessori Schools
Students at the Golden Oaks and Silver Oak Montessori schools in Hayward owe a lot to Murielle and Boris for the educational experience they are getting. The couple led the effort to open Golden Oak elementary school in 2009 and didn’t stop there. A few years later, they worked to add a middle school, and then went on to help found Silver Oak High School. Every student in the class of 2016, the school’s first graduates, received college acceptances. Murielle and Boris not only helped rally support and manage the school’s finances and legal challenges, they spearheaded activities to encourage good citizenship and environmental stewardship in the student community, volunteering to help with city clean-up and graffiti removal efforts and selling plants to raise funds and support healthy eating. The two have managed to accomplish much in their spare time while holding full-time jobs – Murielle as a senior engineer and Boris with a major bay area charitable foundation.
Arzo Nizam - St. Rose Hospital Foundation
Arzo came to the St. Rose Hospital Foundation through the student volunteer program, and was fantastic at supporting all the events and programs. In fact, she was so incredible that she soon became the intern assigned to oversee the student volunteer program. She manages the interview and orientation process and is instrumental in making sure all positions are staffed and students perform their duties as assigned and learn from their experiences. Under her tutelage the program has prospered, is fully staffed, and has a waiting list of participants. Now an employee of St. Rose, Arzo’s smile, eagerness to help, and attention to detail are a great asset to the hospital and its patients and families. The St. Rose Hospital Foundation is excited to honor Arzo for all her accomplishments.
Karen Norell - La Familia
Karen Norell is a true heart of Hayward. Her patience, compassion, and insights have been invaluable to La Familia in her myriad roles with the organization over the years. Currently, Karen is on staff at La Familia managing data and reporting and still volunteers time to Chair the South Hayward Neighborhood Collaborative, bringing diverse partners together. Karen also volunteers her efforts to promote La Familia as a member of the Alameda County Human Relations Commission and other local community organizations. Karen furthers her community commitment by working to understand and address homelessness in Hayward. La Familia is grateful to Karen for all her efforts.
Crys Roman - Our Space
Crys Roman is an exemplary & dedicated volunteer at Our Space, an LGBTQ Youth Center in Hayward. One of Our Space’s youth described Crys as "A feminist Bob the Builder." Indeed, through Crys' time at Our Space, she has proven to be a Jill of All Trades, assisting with everything from tech support and photography, to training, maintenance, and outreach. Crys is generous and kind, offering recognition, patience, compassion and words of wisdom to all who surround her. She is professional, timely, reliable and integral to our team. It is with fierce love, gratitude and reverence that Our Space recognizes Crys. Her contributions to the Hayward community are vast and powerful, and her impact is profound and constructive - surely emanating positivity, hope and liberation for years to come.
Janay Shepherd
Janay Shepherd has a heart to serve the homeless and those in need in Hayward through her ministry Feed My Sheep, located at New Hope Fellowship Church. Janay is a caring person who serves everyone with dignity and respect. Most places that feed the homeless require them to stand in long lines to get their food, but Janay treats every guest as if they are an extension of her family. All of the guests sit down at tables and are served their food as if they are dinner guests at her home. On holidays, Janay works hard to prepare a special meal and give gifts to those in attendance who might not otherwise be able to celebrate in this way. Janay has selflessly served many in need here in Hayward. She is a true Heart of Hayward.
Lee Stimmel - Peter Sategna Educational Foundation
Lee Stimmel is Co-chairman and founding member of the Peter Sategna Educational Foundation and the organization’s legal advisor. As a founding member Lee was instrumental in the vision of and organizing the foundation. The Peter Sategna Educational Foundation has given out close to $350,000.00 in educational scholarships in the community and Lee’s contribution in helping us complete our mission has been great. The Peter Sategna Educational Foundation says THANK YOU LEE!
Leanne Tullis - Mt. Eden High School Alumni Association & Educational Foundation
Leanne has consistently been a cheerful supporter of the efforts of the alumni association and has stepped up double duty to assist with the treasury and secretarial duties. Leanne has been consistent and reliable, helping to organize our association's very first all-class reunion and efforts to sponsor scholarships, grants and books for Mt. Eden and its students. When she’s not supporting students, Leanne works as a nurse and has for eighteen years . Overall she loves to volunteer her time to make lives better. Leanne has a wicked sense of humor and it is an absolute joy to be around her.
Michael Wallace - Hayward Arts Council
After creating and repairing machinery and equipment for most of his life, Michael Wallace received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from CSU East Bay at the age of 60. During his years of study he became involved with the Hayward Arts Council and worked to rebuild the bond between the University and the arts community of Hayward. He served on the Board of the Council including as gallery director and as President. At the same time, he volunteered at the University helping students and other artists achieve their artistic visions and has now been hired as the Manager of the fabrication shop in the art department.
Herb Witt - The Zucchini Festival/Lion’s Club
For 37 years, Herb Witt was a watchdog for AT&T; long lines that stretch across the continent and the Pacific to Hawaii and Guam. Upon retirement, Herb became a Master Gardener and worked with local festivals and improved the Apple Orchard at Garin Park. Perhaps his biggest adventure of all is the Zucchini Festival where he has served as Vice President of the Board, helped build stages in Kid’s Town as well as the main stage and mans the Administration Tent during the event. As part of the Lions Club, he dons a chef’s hat and carves turkey at Thanksgiving for Sorendale. Herb is truly a Master Volunteer.
Joanne Young - Eden Area League of Women Voters
Joanne has served the Eden Area League of Women Voters as an excellent member of the Board of Directors for the past two years and will become Co-President in July. As Chair of the Voter Services Team, she is responsible for registering voters, sponsoring candidate and proposition forums, and monitoring homeowner association elections. Joanne has also initiated voter registration drives at BART Stations and local Farmers Markets. In addition to her work with the League, Joanne has worked on regional environmental issues and local adult literacy.
Gail Steele Lifetime Achievement Award: Ilene Weinreb
John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award: Jeanne Gocker and Steve Sapontzis
Supervisor’s Award: Obray Van Buren
Mayor’s Award: Kay Thomas
Winner | Nominating Group |
|---|---|
| Debra Agee | Salvation Army |
| Damary Bustos | Community Resources for Independent Living |
| Scott Carey | Hayward Area Historical Society |
| Helene Carr | Friends of the Hayward Public Library |
| Vana Chavez | Eden Youth and Family Center |
| Taylor Collins | Hayward Chamber of Commerce |
| Zachary Daly | Sun Gallery |
| Kathy Davis & Shawnee Davis | St. Rose Hospital Foundation |
| Frank Delfino | Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency |
| Sophia Espinoza | Volunteer Hayward |
| John Gaffney | Eden Housing |
| Dick Gorringe | Hayward Animal Services |
| Tasha Guzman | Parent Voices Southern Alameda County Chapter |
| Angie Harnell Edgar | Peter Sategna Educational Foundation |
| Cathy Horner | Soulciety |
| Chuck Horner | Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force |
| Rick Imsdahl | Literacy Plus Council |
| Mary Jardine | California Retired Teachers Association, Division 59 |
| Rosalind McCluney | South Hayward Parish |
| Victoria Neal | Hayward Area Recreation and Park District |
| Bertha Nebenzahl | Chabot College |
| Patra Nesseth-Steffes | Hayward Arts Council |
| Marge Orozco-Sakai | Scholarships, Inc. |
| Palma Ceia Baptist Church Women’s Missionary Union | NAACP & Reality Mentors, Inc. |
| Andrea Peixoto | Hayward Education Foundation |
| Guadalupe Perez | Tiburico Vasquez Health Center |
| Larry Ratto | Hayward Rotary Club |
| Toni Rediske | Hayward Police Department |
| Edwin Reuling, Jr. | Family Emergency Shelter Coalition |
| Rosalva Ruiz | Hayward Unified School District |
| Vanessa Scott | Love Never Fails |
| Jagdeep Sodhi | Eden Information & Referral |
| Jewell Spalding | League of Women Voters, Eden Area |
| Bob Swanson | Spectrum Community Services |
| Team Flatirons/Parsons | Ruby's Place |
| Helene Victor | American Association of University Women |
| David & Lisa Wilhite | Kiwanis Club of Hayward and Castro Valley |
Carl & Marilyn Baker-Madsen- Gail Steele Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert Sakai- John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award
Mariellen Faria- Alameda County Supervisor’s Award
Tracy Diaz-Dominguez- City of Hayward Mayor’s Award
Charles Snipes- Committee Recognition Award
Winner | Nominating Group |
|---|---|
| Raquel Aguayo-Riffel | Sun Gallery |
| Melissa Belfay | Eden Information & Referral |
| Jackie Biron | Volunteer Hayward |
| Sandra “Sandy” Boswell | American Association of University Women |
| Tery Coelho | Hayward Area Historical Society |
| Stephen David | Literacy Plus Council |
| Barbara Dias | St. Rose Hospital Foundation |
| Heather Enders | Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force |
| Alex Gutierrez | Hayward Chamber of Commerce |
| Anne Madrid | Ruby’s Place |
| John & Mary Milton | Family Emergency Shelter Coalition |
| Lolita Morelli | Hayward Municipal Band |
| Darline Neal Burrell | Hayward-South Alameda County NAACP |
| Nels Nelson | Hayward Rotary Club |
| New Life Christian Fellowship | Abode Services |
| Jose Ochoa | Peter Sategna Education Foundation |
| Jennifer Ong | League of Women Voters, Eden Area |
| Brenda Pane & Mike Peterson | Hayward Animal Services |
| Pat Parker | Hayward-Castro Valley Kiwanis Club |
| Irma Quinones | Community Resources for Independent Living |
| Maybelle Rasmussen | California Retired Teachers Association, Division 59 |
| Reality Mentor Staff | Reality Mentor, Inc. |
| Bruce Roberts | Hayward Education Foundation |
| Charlotte Sladek | Friends of the Hayward Library |
| Kathryn Snyder | BAYC- Sunny Hills Services |
| Elaine Sunday | Hayward Police Department |
| Mark Taylor | Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency |
| Karen Wertenburg | Hayward Area Recreation and Park District |
| Robert Wolff | Hayward Arts Council |
| Doris Yates | California State University, East Bay |
The 2013 winners will be added soon.
Lifetime Achievement:
Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Bishop J. Macklin |
| 2011 | Evelyn Cormier |
| 2010 | Betty DeForest |
| 2009 | Doris Rodriquez |
| 2008 | Delmo Della Dora |
| 2007 | John Guinee |
| 2006 | Marlene Teel-Heim |
| 2005 | Paul Russo |
| 2004 | Rev. Lee Williamson |
| 2003 | Joan Seavey Thomas |
| 2002 | Banning Fenton |
| 2001 | Sherman Balch |
| 2000 | Virginia MacKenzie |
| 1999 | Helen Ketcham |
| 1998 | Duncan Buchanan |
| 1997 | Julio Bras |
| 1996 | No Entry |
| 1995 | Betty Spees |
| 1994 | Jean Falkowski |
| 1993 | Rev. Charles Bennett |
| 1992 | Hayward Area Historical Society |
| 1991 | Dr. Hyrum Crockett |
| 1990 | John Sandoval |
John Pappas Humanitarian Award:
Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Dave McKeown |
| 2011 | Mike Mahoney |
| 2010 | George Pacheco, Jr. |
| 2009 | Ed Mullins |
| 2008 | Jackie and Allen Bertillion |
| 2007 | No Entry |
| 2006 | Maryellen Faria |
| 2005 | Eugenia Livanos Lester |
| 2004 | Winnie Thompson |
| 2003 | Helen Wu |
| 2002 | Elizabeth and Robert Bathgate |
| 2001 | Bishop J.W. Macklin |
| 2000 | Jim Forsyth |
| 1999 | Janet Minami |
| 1998 | Harry and Maryann Francis |
| 1997 | Paul Frumkin III |
| 1996 | Francisco Zermeño |
| 1995 | John Guinee |
| 1994 | Mohammad Nusratty |
| 1993 | Niel Carew |
| 1992 | Alison Lewis |
| 1991 | William Vandenburgh |
| 1990 | Priscilla Dunlap |
| 1990 | Carolyn Green |
| 1990 | Bridget Lacky |
| 1990 | Mary Stuard |
| 1989 | Gregory Micheaels |
| 1988 | Albert Lepore |
| 1987 | Sara Conner |
| 1986 | Resti Zaballos |
| 1985 | John O’Lague |
| 1984 | Irv and Frankie Frankl |
| 1983 | Irv and Frankie Frankl |
| 1982 | Sheila Martinson |
| 1981 | Elizabeth Lee |
| 1980 | Marjorie McCartor |
| 1979 | Ken Price |
| 1978 | Dorothy Cox |
| 1977 | Alice P. Johnson |
Supervisor's Award:
Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Dr. Maria Ochoa |
| 2011 | Joyce Dobro |
Mayor's Award:
Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Larry Ratto |
| 2011 | Mimi Bauer |
| 2010 | Greg Galati |
| 2009 | Sam and Juanita Nava |
| 2008 | Keep Hayward Clean and Green Taskforce |
| 2007 | No Listing |
| 2006 | Valerie Snart |
| 2005 | Marlena Uhrik |
| 2004 | L.A. “Bud” Critzer, Jr. |
| 2003 | Mt. Eden Choir and Ken Rawdon |
| 2002 | Betty DeForest |
| 2001 | Officer Ted Muniz |
| 2000 | Ruth Alexander |
| 1999 | Doug Morrison |
| 1999 | George Pacheco |
| 1999 | Rocky Villasana |
| 1998 | Rev. John Wichman |
| 1997 | Capt. Roger Powerq and Lt. Paul Wallace |
| 1996 | Allen Strutz |
| 1995 | Angela Villasana and James Toussaint |
| 1994 | Jackie Bertillion |
| 1993 | Juanita Morris, Rohm Hass |
| 1992 | Jacqueline Blake and Rev. Jerry Macklin |
| 1991 | Kathy Hummel |
| 1990 | Les Marquis and Ruth Alexander |
| 1989 | Marlene Teel and Lore Warren |
| 1988 | Alice Krause |
| 1987 | Gail Steele |
| 1986 | Frank Demo |
| 1985 | Charles D. Howard |
| 1984 | Frank Ivadi |
| 1983 | Frank Ivadi |
Additional Award Winners:
Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Jesus Armas |
| 2012 | Ron & Viola Barklow |
| 2012 | Yvonne Bassard |
| 2012 | Rene Besold |
| 2012 | Carol Bettencourt |
| 2012 | Blytha Bowers |
| 2012 | Darlene Butner |
| 2012 | Dorothy Castillo |
| 2012 | Glenn Comp |
| 2012 | Guadalupe de la Pena |
| 2012 | Cassandra Falby |
| 2012 | Charlotte and James Foster |
| 2012 | Hal G. Gin, Ed. D. |
| 2012 | Marilyn Gise |
| 2012 | Patrice Griffith |
| 2012 | Louise Hanover |
| 2012 | Richard Hardwig |
| 2012 | Helen Huling |
| 2012 | Maria Maldonalo |
| 2012 | Carol Markos |
| 2012 | Donna McCarty |
| 2012 | Dianne McDermott |
| 2012 | Barbara Miller |
| 2012 | Nancy "Nonnie" Moore |
| 2012 | Don Murphy |
| 2012 | Karen Norell |
| 2012 | Gail Palin |
| 2012 | Jeff Pei |
| 2012 | Bob Peppler |
| 2012 | Christopher Petallano |
| 2012 | Zaheer Siddiqui |
| 2012 | Lily Silva |
| 2012 | Rich Simpson |
| 2012 | Karl Steinkamp |
| 2012 | Shannon Sucato |
| 2012 | Cindy Torres |
| 2012 | Bianca Vierra |
| 2012 | Rafael Morales Villasenor |
| 2012 | Tammie Wallace |
| 2012 | Judy Warren |
| 2012 | Mary Weldy |
| 2011 | Americorps Members |
| 2011 | Mary Beck |
| 2011 | Heidi Benson |
| 2011 | Eileen Bond |
| 2011 | Sandra Buchanan |
| 2011 | Bill Caroli |
| 2011 | Jamie Caron |
| 2011 | Rob Cook III |
| 2011 | Roy Cordes |
| 2011 | Pam Cure |
| 2011 | Delta Kappa Gamma Society |
| 2011 | Dave Elkins |
| 2011 | Chrystal Esparza |
| 2011 | Paul Fong |
| 2011 | Beth Froncek |
| 2011 | Boris Gabanov |
| 2011 | Bruce Paniagua |
| 2011 | Viola Garrison |
| 2011 | Juan Gomez |
| 2011 | Phil Gordon |
| 2011 | Ann Graves |
| 2011 | Bruce Green |
| 2011 | Ben Henderson |
| 2011 | Paul Hodges |
| 2011 | Chris Ippolito |
| 2011 | George Jardine |
| 2011 | Barbara Jones |
| 2011 | Mary Clare Kilzer |
| 2011 | Angie LaPlante |
| 2011 | Marco Lopez |
| 2011 | James May |
| 2011 | Ahmadyar Mehrabuddin |
| 2011 | Patty Milheiser |
| 2011 | Joan Moore |
| 2011 | Jack Morris |
| 2011 | Jane Mueller |
| 2011 | Allison Murdach |
| 2011 | Tom Murray |
| 2011 | Nels Nelson |
| 2011 | Maria Ramirez |
| 2011 | Alonzo Ruiz |
| 2011 | Marion “Doc” Sanchez |
| 2011 | Joanne Schwerschauf |
| 2011 | Thelma Spencer |
| 2011 | Jessica Sturholm |
| 2011 | Nancy Van Huffel |
| 2011 | Pauline Weaver |
| 2011 | Bob Whitehead |
| 2010 | Janet Alfaro |
| 2010 | Gulalai Bakhtari |
| 2010 | Art Barboza |
| 2010 | Jim Bennett |
| 2010 | Claudia Borboa |
| 2010 | Marcia Campos |
| 2010 | Helene Carr |
| 2010 | Marita Cheng |
| 2010 | Jennie Combs |
| 2010 | Zachary Ebadi |
| 2010 | Roland Freiberg |
| 2010 | Carolyn Grieco |
| 2010 | Jean Groth |
| 2010 | Dan Henriques |
| 2010 | Janet Kassouf |
| 2010 | Lynn Foy Linnen |
| 2010 | Rachel Major |
| 2010 | Doris Marchiel |
| 2010 | Carol Markos |
| 2010 | Kari McAllister |
| 2010 | Betty Moose |
| 2010 | Brian Morrison |
| 2010 | Eleanor Parker |
| 2010 | Carolee Perrich |
| 2010 | Charles Ramorino |
| 2010 | Lloyd Rash |
| 2010 | Timothy Reilly |
| 2010 | Mary Rizzo-Husman |
| 2010 | Jim and Muriel Sampson |
| 2010 | Charles Schonenburger |
| 2010 | Carol Ruth Silver |
| 2010 | Amy Nelson Smith |
| 2010 | Josephine Strickland |
| 2010 | Barbara Sullivan |
| 2010 | Kay Thomas |
| 2010 | Youth Enrichment Program |
| 2009 | Carolina Abatayo |
| 2009 | Annie Adams |
| 2009 | Diane Balloue |
| 2009 | Barbara Berrner |
| 2009 | Matthew Caligaris |
| 2009 | Bill Carpenter |
| 2009 | Malca Chall |
| 2009 | Reserve Lt. Ray Champlin |
| 2009 | Kathy Cotta and Nikki Justino |
| 2009 | Robert Cowen |
| 2009 | Marcella Cox |
| 2009 | Mary Davey |
| 2009 | Janice Delfino |
| 2009 | Geraldine Diegler |
| 2009 | Dennis Flores |
| 2009 | Ron Gillette |
| 2009 | Rita Hammer |
| 2009 | Judy Harrison |
| 2009 | Ron Hill |
| 2009 | Chuck Horner |
| 2009 | Velma Jackson |
| 2009 | Rhonda Johnson |
| 2009 | Margaret McCullum |
| 2009 | Julie Romick McKillop |
| 2009 | Linda McIlvain |
| 2009 | Patra Nesseth-Steffes |
| 2009 | Marcess Owings |
| 2009 | Suzanne Pershing |
| 2009 | Rose Anne Ryken |
| 2009 | Cheryl Schiavo |
| 2009 | Dorothy Schmitt |
| 2009 | Tasha Schumann |
| 2009 | Kim Shaefer |
| 2009 | John Silvia |
| 2009 | Linda Slater |
| 2009 | Wanda Taylor |
| 2009 | Calvin Whitaker |
| 2008 | Fred Alexander |
| 2008 | Lamont W. Allen |
| 2008 | Bea Bedoya |
| 2008 | Mary Bernadine |
| 2008 | Ed Blanchard |
| 2008 | Frank Bowman |
| 2008 | Lucie Buchbinder |
| 2008 | Valerie Caveglia |
| 2008 | Evelyn Cormier |
| 2008 | Dee Donaldson |
| 2008 | Donna Elmore |
| 2008 | Raelynn Gatchell |
| 2008 | Yvone Hobbs |
| 2008 | Herb Honea |
| 2008 | Orville Johnson |
| 2008 | Elaine Leavitt |
| 2008 | John Lim |
| 2008 | Naim Meskinenyar |
| 2008 | Mary Mikkelson |
| 2008 | Don Murphy |
| 2008 | Mary Ann O’Toole |
| 2008 | Sandy Pimperton |
| 2008 | Bernie Puccini |
| 2008 | Bill Quirk |
| 2008 | Peggy Robinson |
| 2008 | Doris Rodriquez |
| 2008 | Mary Lou Russell |
| 2008 | Robert Sakai |
| 2008 | Nancy Soto |
| 2008 | Gail Steele |
| 2008 | Bob Swanson |
| 2008 | Sheri Thomas |
| 2008 | Dale Wagoner |
| 2008 | Ilene Weinreb |
| 2007 | Ray Alsdorf |
| 2007 | Bernadette Attletweed |
| 2007 | S. Joyce Blackshire |
| 2007 | Lenore Brest |
| 2007 | Stephanie Cartwright |
| 2007 | Freddye Davis |
| 2007 | John Dutra |
| 2007 | Nancy Eager |
| 2007 | Kristen Egan |
| 2007 | Pam Esau |
| 2007 | Humaira Ghilzai |
| 2007 | Jeanne Gocker |
| 2007 | Beverly Griggs |
| 2007 | Gloria Griswold |
| 2007 | Kim Huggett |
| 2007 | Vincent Lee |
| 2007 | Peggy Lepore |
| 2007 | Dawn Love |
| 2007 | Gloria Martinez |
| 2007 | Gregorio Martinez |
| 2007 | Darryl McAllister |
| 2007 | Donna McCarty |
| 2007 | David Middleton |
| 2007 | Al Murdach |
| 2007 | George Pacheco |
| 2007 | Tamara Papazian |
| 2007 | Jim Paramore |
| 2007 | Vanessa Proee |
| 2007 | Barbara Quintero |
| 2007 | Beverly Reliford |
| 2007 | Mary Anne Reno |
| 2007 | David Ruiz |
| 2007 | Maria Servin |
| 2007 | Richard Smith |
| 2007 | Beverly Stoermer |
| 2007 | Harold Taylor |
| 2007 | Myrna Truehill |
| 2007 | Setsu Tsurumoto |
| 2007 | William Vandenburgh |
| 2007 | Tereza Wichman |
| 2007 | Robin Wilma |
Business Award (1981-2006) |
|---|
| Franklin Optical |
| Mervyn’s |
| Don Janowsky |
| John Thorpe, The Shorelands |
| Tom Neveau |
| Centennial Bank |
| Resti Zaballos & Sons |
| Chicago Title Company |
| Bill Moore, St. Rose Hospital |
| Janice Friesen |
| Alisa Wilma |
| Richard Essi |
| Tom Crawford, PG&E |
| Mervyn’s & Qawi Koshan |
| The Cook & The Gardner |
| The Computer Center |
| Steve Rubiolo |
| Paul Russo |
| Life Chiropractic College West |
| Gary Smith |
| Julie Machado & Frank Goulart |
| St. Rose Hospital |
| Mervyn’s Volunteer Council |
| Brian Schott, ADMAIL |
| Alejandro Gamarra |
| Hamid Nekrewesh |
Youth Award (1980-2006) |
|---|
| Scholarships, Inc. |
| Exchange Club of Hayward |
| Hijos del Sol Youth Component |
| Moreau High School Christian Community Service Org |
| Carolyn Johnson |
| Project Eden Teen Hotline |
| Hayward Police Explorers 275 |
| Melissa Paulson |
| Alisa Williams |
| Cub Scout Pack 822 |
| Boy Scout Troop 801 |
| International Youth Council |
| Students as Mentors in Science |
| Student Friends of the Hayward Library |
| Hijos Del Sol |
| Mariana Quintero |
| Andrea Brum |
| Olivia Graciela Rangel |
| Hayward Youth Commission |
| Cheuk-Wang Ko |
| Amina Abid |
| Elizabeth Morata & Maria Soto |
| J’eannine Marie Jones |
| Mayra Camizales & Mina Chan |
| Hayward Police Explorers #275 |
Volunteer of the Year Award (1983-2006) |
|---|
| Yvette Taylor |
| Guadelupe Rios |
| Marilyn Reece |
| Marge Baird |
| Pat Garbarino |
| Shirley Knoz |
| Jack Singleton & Tanya Temporal |
| Dorothy Sullivan & Barbara Wallis |
| Gladys Dreisbach |
| Carol Crossett |
| Anne & Gordon Wright |
| Betty DeForest & Dorothy Mullen |
| Virginia MacKenzie |
| Carol Henrie |
| Joyce Blackshire |
| Officer Steve Abercrombie |
| Marla Murphy |
| Maureen Bessette |
| Tereza de Mendonca-Wichman |
| Maria Socorro Velasquez |
| Ursula Batz & Tillie Sanchez |
| JoEllen Rice & Pamela Radmilovic |
| Rosalind Heater |
| Delmo Della-Dora |
Education Award (1999-2006) |
|---|
| Mary Santos |
| Chabot College Americorps & Holly Souza |
| Hayward High School Band Boosters |
| Scholarships, Inc. |
| Bert Contreeras |
| The Kids’ Breakfast Club |
| Mary Frederick |
| Gloria Grant-Wilson |
Non-Profit/Community Organization Award (2005-6) |
|---|
| AAUW |
| Parents Without Partners |
| Volunteer Hayward |
| Tri-CED |
Senior Award (1980-2006) |
|---|
| Visitando Project |
| Hayward Area Senior Center |
| Betty Gold |
| Manuel Camara |
| Arline Thomas |
| Bill Mangano |
| Mary Williams |
| Beatrice Bedoya & Barbara Jessie |
| Florence Cardoza & James Walker |
| Raymond Laverty |
| Tillie Sanchez & Zulmira Valerio |
| Cos Palazzotto |
| Alwine & Banning Fenton |
| Mary Baca |
| Robert Muzfeldt |
| Christine Ochoa |
| Hattie Horton |
| Eugenie Stillman |
| The Northern CA Prevent Blindness, Hayward Team |
| Marge Rae Bullock & John Sands |
| Marvin Burrows |
| Peggy Robinson |
| Beverly Stoermer |
| Margaret Durham |
| Cecelia VanHouten |
Commissioner of the Year Award (1983-1990) |
|---|
| Evelyn Cormier |
| Roberta Cooper |
| Paul Frumkin III |
| Mazie Hastings |
| Peter Vigil |
| Constance Soares |
| Margaret Lepore |
Out of Towner Award (1983- 86) |
|---|
| Bonnie Dettmer |
| Gerald Cockrill |
| Helen Ketchum |
City Employee Award (1992- 2004) |
|---|
| Karen Touchon |
| Sheryl Boykins |
| Hayward Police Reserves |
| Officer Ted Muniz |
| Carl Baker-Madsen |
| Officer Frank Bowman |
| Robert Macias |
| Douglas Moon |
| Marilyn Baker-Madsen |
| Officer John Lage |
| Lorenzo Smith |
| Richard Simpson |
| Linda Atwater |
Civic & Service Club Award (1980-1998) |
|---|
| Companions & Eden Express |
| Hayward Elks Lodge 1867 |
| Hayward Rotary Club |
| Hayward Lions Club |
| Hill & Valley Club |
| Soroptimist International of Hayward |
| Hayward Friends of the Animals Humane Society |
| Sun Gallery Volunteers |
| Kiwanis Club of Greater Hayward |
| Hayward Zucchini Festival |
| Mt. Eden Lions Club |
| Hayward Animal Shelter Volunteers |
| Kiwanis Club |
| Tappers on Tap |
| HASPA |
| South Hayward Neighborhood Group |
| Neighborhood Alert of Hayward |
| Literacy Plus Council |
| Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service |
| NAACP |
| Hayward Area Crime Stoppers |
