Politics & Government
Kathy Khalifa Is Named Laguna Niguel's 2010 Citizen of the Year
The 12-year resident beat out 11 other nominees, including the late Mara Steves.
Kathy Khalifa, a 12-year resident, was stunned to learn she was the recipient of the city's 2010 Citizen of the Year award Saturday night at its annual volunteer appreciation dinner at
Her achievements include membership in the Moms4Marines and the Laguna Niguel Women’s Club.
Accepting her award, she tearfully said, “I found my heart and home in Laguna Niguel. I believe in Laguna Niguel, and I believe in the volunteer program. When I see a need, I try to fill it.”
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The ceremony attracted many of and city employees.
“No matter how much you give, you get back so much more,” said Mayor
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Hundreds of Citizen of the Year nomination forms had been submitted to the City Hall earlier this year, with each recognizing a different resident for his hard work and dedication to the community. The nomination forms were then given to the Citizen of the Year Committee, which is composed of past Citizen of the Year winners.
“The selection is based upon the time, effort, accomplishments, dedication and support the nominee has given to one or more organizations in Laguna Niguel for the purpose of the 'good of the people,' for which they have volunteered and have not received any compensation,” said committee member and past recipient Ron Perrella.
The committee narrows its choices to a handful of nominees. Then a secret ballot is cast and a winner selected.
This year, the committee whittled its list down to 11 nominees. One of those had been the late , who was killed in a car crash earlier this year while trying to save a stray dog in traffic.
The award was established in 1990 as a joint project of the Laguna Niguel service organizations to recognize residents who have demonstrated outstanding voluntary service to the community of Laguna Niguel.
Past recipients include Carole Bowman, Solveig Darner, Cheryl Moore, Don Beckenbaugh, Rice Brown, Chris Alexander, Ed Bieschke, Gail Turner, Bob and Linda Nelson, Barbara Speare, Jim and Jeanette Krembas, Bob Orozco, Denny Harris, Donna Mulvaney, Mike Whipple, Fredda Van Schmus, Darrell Burnett, Beverly Lee, David Graham, Carlo Matero, Elaine Gennawey, Jerry McCloskey and Dennis Mulvaney.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help in the community, please visit ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=429.
