Annual Awards Banquet

March 27, 2014 At the Soledad Community Center

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Board of Directors

Sponsors

Ba Tang - President

CITY OF SOLEDAD SOLEDAD-MISSION CHAMBER

Sandy Vosti - Vice President Maria Barajas - Treasurer Beverly Willitts - Secretary Jack Franscioni - OSBA Rep Dr. Rupi Boyd - Director Andria Brinson - Director Carlos Cruz - Director Joe Gonzales - Director Adela Gonzalez - Director Barry Groves - Director Scott Lathrop - Director Cathy Lindstrom - Director Richard Perez - City Council Rep Steve Pritt - Director Claudia Salvador - Director

Silent Auction Donors BookKeeping Express of Monterey County

Maria Barajas Dr. Rupi Boyd

CT Payment Systems

Andria Brinson

Denny’s

Carlos Cruz

Eden Valley Care Center

Joe Gonzales

Foundation for Monterey County Free Adela Gonzalez Libraries

Barry Groves

Rabobank

Lucy Jensen

Soledad Auto Parts

Catherine Lindstrom

Soledad Medical Clinic

Diane Nielson

Soledad Rotary Club

Steve Pritt

South County Newspapers

Ba Tang

South County YMCA

Pauline Tomasini

Union Bank

Sandi Vosti Beverly Willitts

Pauline Tomasini - Director

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The Soledad-Mission Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the following individuals who graciously helped support our 2013 Annual Soledad Christmas Parade & Festivities Program.

Join Us In Honoring Our 2013 Award Recipients

2013 Snow Queens Amber Galaviz - “Snow Queen” Yamelly Maya - “Miss Snow Sparkle” Amira Longoria - “Miss Snow Angel”

Jezlynn Calderon - “Miss Snow Flake”

C I T IZ E N O F TH E Y E A R CITY

OF

SOLEDAD POLICE CHIEF ERIC C. SILLS

We thank you all!

B U S I NE S S O F T H E Y E A R MCDONALD'S Raymond Costa

F R IE N D O F T H E C H A M B E R VICTORY OUTREACH SOLEDAD PASTOR HENRY CAMPA DIRECTOR RICHARD PALACIO

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Evening Program 6:00 PM

SALVATION ARMY

Silent Auction

6 - 7:00 PM No Host Cocktail Reception

7:00 PM

Dinner

7:30 PM

Evening Program

8:00 PM

Silent Auction Closes Music and Sound generously donated by, Cruz Almanza

Philomena Madrigal The Soledad Salvation Army would like to recognize and congratulate Philomena Madrigal for being selected as one of our Employees of the Year for 2013. Philomena like so many others in the City of Soledad has worked tirelessly through Illness and tragedy. She impressed Major Froderburg by coming into the office right after having had a stroke to "do her physical therapy" and get her mind off of her problems by helping those that need assistance. Her family comes along with her and jobs get done double time with all of the help. Philomena, thank you for your dedication and hard work for organization during 2013!

Master of Ceremonies Lucy Jensen

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SALVATION ARMY

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Police Chief Eric C. Sills Josie Martinez The Soledad Salvation Army would like to recognize and congratulate Josie Martinez for her outstanding work for our organization during the year of 2013. Josie Martinez is our longest active member. She was brought in by Prescott Red Skinner more years ago then any of us wish to admit to. Josie is a long standing active participant who through out the changes and new procedures have stood strong by our organization’s side. Josie, thank you for your dedication and hard work for organization during 2013!

The Soledad Mission Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Chief Eric C. Sills for his contributions to our community, and it is with great pride that we all congratulate him on being selected as the Citizen of the Year. Eric C. Sills was appointed as Chief of Police of the Soledad Police Department on February 22, 2010. Prior to joining the City of Soledad, the Chief worked for 27 ½ years at the San Jose Police Department. Throughout his law enforcement career, Chief Sills has held a number of specialized assignments. Chief Sills is an outstanding role model for the City of Soledad for excellence in leadership and dedication to mission. Chief Sills’ contributions to the City of Soledad and South Monterey County are particularly noteworthy: The creation of the “Cops’ Giving Tree” program, the continued development of the “National Night Out” program, the strong commitment to the “Every 15 Minutes” program, and the creation of the Soledad Police Department’s “Lunch with the Chief” and “K-9” school programs are a testament to the sense of community Chief Sills extends to the citizens of the City of Soledad. Chief Sills’ leadership and oversight in the system development of the Four Cities for Peace (4C4P) Gang Suppression Operations and Community Mobilization Efforts has been instrumental in the continued success of the South Monterey County California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention program. For these regional efforts, Chief Sills was nominated for and received

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the California Peace Award from Honorable Luis A. Alejo, the 30th Assembly District of the State of California. 5

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

McDonald’s The Soledad Mission Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize McDonald’s for the business’ contributions to our community, and it is with great pride that we all congratulate McDonald’s and Raymond Costa (owner/operator) on being selected as the Business of the Year. McDonald’s has been part of the community since 1987 and they have sponsored or donated goods over the years to many organizations and local causes. “Giving back to the community in which we do business in is important to the McDonald’s brand, to our employees and to myself,” says Raymond. Costa and McDonald’s partnered up with the city of Soledad to promote the “Gateway to the Pinnacles” by donating the land for use by the city to erect the signage at the corner of H.De La Rosa Street and Front Street. “McDonald’s is and always will be part of the Soledad community and we are very proud of that,” stated Assistant Manager Rosy Ochoa. Approximately 75 percent of the employees live in Soledad. They have built a reputation for giving local high school students the opportunity to enter the workforce by giving them their first job and allowing them to pursue their educational goals. “Many of our employees go away to college and return during vacations or holidays, this is what McDonald’s is all about,” said General Manager Vianey Valentin. 6

SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dr. Dianne Witwer The Soledad Unified School District would like to recognize and congratulate Dr. Dianne Witwer for being selected as our Certificated Administrator Employee of the Year for 2013. Dr. Dianne Witwer is a dynamic and innovative school leader that has led the Frank Ledesma Elementary School to high achievement. She has been the school’s Principal for the past 4 years. During this short time that she has been there, the staff, students and parents have been working very hard to achieving of being nominated for the Federal Blue Ribbon Award. With the continued hard work this year, the school has earned the nomination for state’s Distinguished School Award. These two accolades are the highest honors bestowed to public schools. Congratulations to Dr. Witwer, her staff, parents and especially her students for their accomplishments. Dr. Witwer will tell you that she is a “Learner” and continues to do so in order to strengthen her leadership skills. She has a B.A. in Music Education from Doane University, Nebraska; a M.A. in Educational Administration from National University, Sacramento Campus; and just recently earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University.

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SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

FRIENDS OF THE CHAMBER

Wendy Salisbury The Soledad Unified School District would like to recognize and congratulate Wendy Salisbury for being selected as one of our Certificated Employees of the Year for 2013. Wendy is an 8 year veteran school psychologist with the Soledad Unified School District. When asked by her peers for a description, common contributions included: “super patient,” “cares immensely for her students,” “super star,” and “sensitive and discrete.” Students, even those no longer enrolled in our district, have been known to walk across town to see her because they like and trust her.

Victory Outreach Soledad The Soledad Mission Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Victory Outreach for the organization’s contributions to our community, and it is with great pride that we all congratulate Victory Outreach, Pastors Henry and Angela Campa and Director Richard Palacio on being selected as the Friends of the Chamber. Victory Outreach Soledad is a part of the International Ministry, which was founded in 1967 by Pastor Sonny Argonzoni in East Los Angeles on Gless Street. Victory Outreach Soledad, have had many graduates that have gone on to start their own businesses and reunified with their families and have become productive members of the community where they give back to the city through their volunteerism.

Wendy provides psychology services to Soledad High School, Rose Ferrero Elementary School, Community Education Center and the Soledad Transition Center.

“We are a ministry that has fallen in love with the community,” said Sal Melchor. “We desire to give back to the community by our volunteer work as well as meeting the needs of this community.”

In addition to conducting regular special education testing and writing reports (with magnificently managed timelines), she also serves as a kind and compassionate listener and support provider for students who are in crisis.

One prime example is three years ago they established a woman’s home to give women in need the opportunity to regain their lives while regaining their dignity.

It is with pleasure that the Support Services Division recommends Wendy Salisbury as Certificated Employee of the Year.

Every year Victory Outreach helps with the Christmas and Fourth of July festivities where they assist the Chamber with planning, setting up and breaking down the various booths that the nonprofits utilize at the events.

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CITY OF SOLEDAD

Hilda Ramirez The City of Soledad would like to recognize and congratulate Hilda Ramirez for being selected as our City Employee of the Year for 2013. Hilda was nominated for her outstanding dedication to her fellow co-workers and outstanding work ethic as an Administrative Secretary. Although Hilda has had some transitioning, she has adapted well to her new work environment and being the backup for the new utility billing system. She has caught on very quickly to her new various duties. Although Hilda does not always interface with outside customers, her customers can consist of her fellow co-workers. She is always looking for her co-workers feedback on improvements she would like to make. She always has something new to share about making a specific process easier. Hilda’s can-do attitude and work ethics sets her apart and such great efforts should not go unnoticed. Hilda is always very responsive when her co-workers need something. No matter how busy Hilda is with her own assignments she always finds the time to answer questions. She clearly derives enjoyment from her duties and her enthusiasm has contributed to the pleasant working atmosphere in our office. Hilda’s commitment to excellent customer service, her ability to pay close attention to detail, and her friendly communication skills is what allows her to get the job done. Congratulations Hilda!

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SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Kirk Cooper The Soledad Unified School District would like to recognize and congratulate Kirk Cooper for being selected as one of our Certificated Employees of the Year for 2013. Mr. Cooper has been working for Soledad Unified School District since August of 1999, when Soledad High School first opened. Mr. Cooper was a Physical Education Teacher; then in 2005, Mr. Cooper took a position at Soledad High School as a Counselor. Mr. Cooper has shown his leadership ability while leading CAHSEE for the entire school. His hard work and dedication to the school has assured the CAHSEE testing for the 2013-2014 school year, goes smoother than any previous years. Mr. Cooper's attention to detail is admirable and has assured a successful assessment session. This year of transition at the high school has presented a new way of doing business for the counseling department and Mr. Cooper has risen to the occasion!

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SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

SOLEDAD MEDICAL CLINIC

Gabriela Gutierrez

Heather Guzman

The Soledad Unified School District would like to recognize and congratulate Gabriela Gutierrez for being selected as our Classified Employee of the Year for 2013. Gabriela, also known as Gaby, has been working for Soledad Unified School District since 2001. Gaby began as a Clerk Typist, Attendance Clerk and now as a Secretary I at Soledad High School. Gaby has assured Soledad High School's office has moved forward smoothly in a year of transition. She has provided the historical knowledge that has allowed newcomers to quickly assimilate into the Aztec way. Gaby demonstrates a strong work ethic and integrity each day as she meets the office needs of teachers, staff, parents, students, and administrators.

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The Soledad Medical Clinic would like to recognize and congratulate Heather Guzman for being selected as our Employee of the Year for 2013. Heather Guzman is not only our Employee of the Year but she is also a local academic and medical careers success story. Heather is a graduate of Soledad Adult School’s Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program and Clinical Medical Assistant Program and is currently enrolled in a highly rated Radiology Technician Training Program. She began her medical career at Eden Valley Care Center, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and quickly rose to the position of Team Leader on the coveted Medicare Rehab Unit. Heather transitioned to the Health Care District’s outpatient family practice clinic where she works as a Clinical Medical Assistant. Heather is now Team Leader of one of the Physician driven patient care teams. Heather excels because of her personal desire to achieve and a professional commitment to her health care career goals. She is truly a local success story in every way.

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EDEN VALLEY CARE CENTER

SOUTH COUNTY AUTISM/FOREVER FRIENDS

Gloria Ortiz

Rey Salguet

The South County Autism/Forever Friends Organization would like to recognize and congratulate Gloria Ortiz for being selected as our Peer Leader of the Year for 2013.

The Eden Valley Care Center would like to recognize and congratulate Rey Salguet for being selected as our Employee of the Year for 2013.

Hi, my name is Gloria Ortiz. I am seventeen years old and I am a senior at Soledad high school.

Rey Salguet is the Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor for the Health Care District and is responsible for Eden Valley Care Center, the Soledad Medical Clinic and the clinic’s downtown finance office.

Being in the forever friends program since September 2013 as a peer youth leader has helped me grow as a young adult.

Rey is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the physical plant, equipment and vehicles.

Being able to help children with differing needs has taught me not to take things for granted. There always happy even though things may not be so easy for them, we should all be happy because things come so easy to us.

Rey also manages an intensive preventative maintenance program that extends the life of assets and reduces costs for the District.

I’m so glad I chose to be in this program I love seeing my forever smile and laugh, I love seeing all the children we mentor have fun.

On a daily basis, Rey exhibits extraordinary abilities, skills and resourcefulness. His sense of commitment, concern and dedication is “unequaled”! Rey is a 5 STAR EMPLOYEE to match our 5 STAR National Recognition.

I encourage you please take the time to let kids with differing needs know it’s okay to be who they want to be and that they shouldn’t worry what others think because they are perfect just the way they are. Thank you for honoring me with such an immense award.

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SOUTH COUNTY AUTISM/FOREVER FRIENDS

SOUTH COUNTY YMCA

Edward J. Torres-Ochoa

Leo Arimas

The South County Autism/Forever Friends Organization would like to recognize and congratulate Edward J. Torres-Ochoa for being selected as our Peer Leader of the Year for 2013. My name is Edward J. Torres-Ochoa. I am sixteen and a junior at Soledad High School. I enjoy being in forever friends because it is not just another club where we play around and waste time. It's an organization that changes lives.

The South County YMCA would like to recognize and congratulate Leo Arimas for being selected as our Employee of the Year for 2013. Leo Arimas is the kind of community leader we need more of. He has enjoyed early retirement from the McCormack Spice Company by spending his time teaching Shotokan Karate at the South County YMCA for the past 19 years. Sensei Arimas is dedicated to travel from his home in Salinas to the South County YMCA three days a week to train his students for 2 to 3 hours.

I am very proud to be a peer youth leader and being part of that change. I am interested in going to UC Davis and majoring in science and technology studies

Sensei Arimas has dedicated his life to provide a positive environment in his classes. The discipline of Karate is directly connected to a building of friendships, which he grows and strengthens each and everyday he is at work at the South County YMCA. Sensei Arimas believes our youth need responsible leadership, and Sensei Arimas prides himself in being a shining example of leadership in our community.” The South County YMCA is honored to recognize Sensei Arimas for his contributions to our YMCA community, and it is with great pride that we all congratulate him on being selected as our Employee of the Year.

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SOUTH COUNTY YMCA

SOUTH COUNTY AUTISM/FOREVER FRIENDS

Joe Quijada

Candida Alfaro

The South County YMCA would like to recognize and congratulate Joe Quijada for being selected as our Volunteer of the Year for 2013. Joe Quijada has been a member of the South County YMCA since 2005, but his involvement with the Y goes way back to when he was only a teenager at the Salinas Community YMCA playing sports there and volunteering. Fast Forward years later, he now has children of his own and always knew he wanted to expose them to something as positive as he experienced while growing up, since 2007 he has volunteered as a youth sports coach for the South County YMCA. Apart from leading our youth in the community as a coach and mentor, for the last eight years he has donated his time in a leadership role as a Board Member and Campaigner. In 2013, Joe has done exemplary work ensuring the South County YMCA is always at its best while providing impactful and positive moments for our community. In 2013 he helped raise funds during our Community Support Campaign, coached three different sports, and was a key leader for our Board of Managers. Unquestionably, Joe set the standard very high for future volunteers by all of the time and energy he has donated to the South County YMCA in 2013. With that we would like to congratulate him on being selected as our 2013 Volunteer of the Year. 12

The South County Autism/Forever Friends Organization would like to recognize and congratulate Candida Alfaro for being selected as our Peer Leader of the Year for 2013. Currently Candida Alfaro is 16, attending Soledad High School and in 11th Grade. Future Aspirations: Graduate and Attend Columbia University in the City of New York. Major in Political Science and International Relations and minor in Spanish. I was given the lovely opportunity of joining Forever Friends my sophomore year, and since then I have been extremely grateful for the experiences and opportunities this program has offered me. What I enjoy about this program is the loving atmosphere that is present every week. Working with my forever these last 2 years has opened my eyes to the countless ways I can make a difference in somebody’s life. I enjoy seeing the smile of my forever every week after they have completed a difficult task and I feel immensely proud to be there with them. Forever Friends has taught me the value of friendship in one of the most unique ways possible and this program will always remain a part of me.

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