December 1, 2006

D9 Stars shine brightly at council meeting

Councilmember Judy Chirco recognized four individuals at the Nov. 21 City Council meeting to receive the District 9 Stars Award. The four recipients are Carlo Pedron who was represented by Hank Lapachet and the San Jose Elks Highway Cleanup Crew; Breenu Sra, advocate and volunteer for special needs youth; and Vickie Johnson and Farnizaz Tavakoli, organizers and fund-raisers for the first annual Celebrate Cambrian Festival and Fun Walk.

Councilwoman Judy Chirco honors five stars in District 9. The five have provided significant contributions to the district and its inhabitants. Pictured, without their chocolate star awards are, from the left, Mayor Ron Gonzales, Hank Lapachet, Vicki Johnson and Breenu Sra. The fifth honoree, Farnizaz Tavakoli, is not pictured. She was unable to attend the Nov. 21 council meeting.

“Over the years, through service on the Cambrian School Board, and now on the San Jose City Council, community members have shared stories about the talent and heroes in Cambrian Park and its surrounding area. These stars and their stories fueled my decision, and desire, to serve in public office,” commented Chirco. Each D9 Star was recognized with a commendation and a chocolate D9 Star.

The intent of the Stars Program is to learn more about the extraordinary students, teachers, employees, employers, athletes, musicians, activists and parents who add courage, compassion and comfort to our community. Chirco looks forward to honoring more D9 Stars throughout the year. This program recognizes people who live, work, play, and learn in District 9. Their fellow community members nominate them by filling out a nomination form at the District 9 Web site (www.sanjoseca.gov/district9/).

Carlo Pedron and the San Jose Elks Highway Cleanup Crew
Every month for the past eight years, Pedron and his crew have picked up litter from Highway 85 to Highway 87. This faithful crew of volunteers has collected more than 3,000 bags of litter. Carlo has spent many additional hours organizing this great benefit to the community. Diane Mannina nominated Pedron.

Breenu Sra
Sra has quietly been a relentless advocate for our youth. Providing assistance for the children of community with special needs is her passion. She donates her time to tutor students in reading and donates her financial resources for the schools to buy needed equipment. Sra has dedicated her life to supporting children to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

The principal of Second Start School, Greg Zieman, nominated her for the award. His letter included “the fact that this true hero chooses to remain silent about her contributions speaks volumes.”

Vickie Johnson
Johnson came into the Camden Community Center in the fall of 2005 wanting to do a run to raise money for the Community Center. Through her initiative, this run evolved into a walk, actually more than a walk—a community event called Celebrate Cambrian. She brought the Cambrian Business Association and the rest of the community together for a fun and successful day. As a result of her leadership, nearly $7,000 was raised last May for the Camden Community Center.

Mary O’Meara, the director of the Camden Community Center, nominated Johnson.

Farnizaz Tavakoli
Tavakoli was the other key leader organizing the Celebrate Cambrian Fun Walk and Community Festival. She and Johnson went out into the community and signed up more than 40 businesses to be sponsors. Tavakoli also found a graphic arts company to design the logo for the Celebrate Cambrian event pro-bono. Her energy and commitment helped to make this a wonderful community celebration and raise money for the Camden Community Center.

She too was nominated by 0’Meara.