HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Public Service Award 2025____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: 04/07/2025
Disposition: Resolution 15387
Agenda Item No: 4.c
Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager
Prepared by: Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD 2025
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RECIPIENT OF THE RICHARD P.
O’BRIEN AND MARY FERRARIO O’BRIEN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD FOR
2025
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution of Appreciation to recipient of the Richard P. O’Brien
and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Public Service Award for 2025.
BACKGROUND: In March 2001, J. Michael Mahoney established an endowment in honor of
former Planning Commissioner Richard O’Brien and his wife, Mary Ferrario O’Brien . The
endowment funds an annual Public Service Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize
an individual in the San Rafael community who has made exceptional contributions to the City,
making it a better place to live or work. In addition to public recognition, the endowment provides
a cash award to the recipient.
In September 2001, the City Council adopted procedures for the Public Service Award program
and process. The procedures include the appointment of a Se lection Committee to review
nominations from the public and recommend an award recipient to the City Council. The
Selection Committee includes two City Council members, two Planning Commissioners, a
member of the O’Brien family, a representative from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce,
and neighborhood community representatives (e.g., Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods).
The call for nominations was initiated in December 2024. Once the current year nominations
have been submitted, they are reviewed along with the nominations submitted over the past
three years (in this case 2022, 2023 and 2024). Last year’s award recipient (Tom Harrison –
2024) was eliminated from the pool of eligible candidates.
ANALYSIS:
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
This year, a total of 14 candidates were considered. On March 5, 2025, the Selection Committee
met to review and consider the nominations. The Committee selected John Chung as the twenty-
fifth recipient of the award.
As summarized in the attached Resolution and nomination materials, John Chung was selected
as the recipient of the Public Service Award due to his consistent level of selflessness
demonstrated through decades of service to the San Rafael community. A retired San Francisco
Fire Department Lieutenant, John has dedicated his life to public service and continues to do so
in his role as a San Rafael Fire Commissioner. His leadership was instrumental in organizing six
open house events in 2024 to celebrate the Fire Department’s 150th anniversary, providing the
community with an opportunity to tour fire stations, engage with firefighters, and learn about fire
safety. Beyond event planning, John volunteers alongside the department, participating in ride-
alongs and assisting during major operations. His commitment has helped bridge the gap
between first responders and the residents they serve, reinforcing a strong sense of community
trust and appreciation.
John’s dedication extends beyond fire service to supporting music education in San Rafael.
Alongside his wife, Dr. Cindy Chung, he has spent over a decade enhancing music programs at
Glenwood Elementary, Davidson Middle School, and San Rafael High School. Their
contributions have included donating sound equipment, providing technical support, and
organizing fundraisers to sustain these vital programs. For ten years, John managed and
supplied the sound system for the HeadsUp Summerfest/Carnival at Davidson M iddle School
and hosted major fundraising events at the Elks Lodge and B Street Community Center. His
unwavering support has enriched the lives of countless students, ensuring music remains a
thriving and accessible part of the local educational experience.
John’s generosity and leadership also shine through his work with the San Rafael High School
golf teams, where he has coached the boys’ team for three seasons and the girls’ team for one.
Recognizing the financial barriers that often prevent students from participating in golf, John took
it upon himself to launch creative fundraising initiatives, including a Living Room Concert series
featuring his family’s band and a speaker series, “A Second Cup of Coffee.” Through these
efforts, he raised thousands of do llars, ensuring students had access to proper equipment,
instruction, and playing opportunities. Under his guidance, a team that initially struggled to win
a single match found motivation, discipline, and successfully finished their second season with
four victories.
John Chung embodies the true spirit of public service —always asking, “How can I help?”
Whether strengthening community ties through fire service, enhancing music education, or
mentoring young athletes, John’s impact on San Rafael is immeasurable. His ability to lead with
heart, inspire those around him, and bring joy to every endeavor makes him the perfect recipient
of this year’s Public Service Award. John's efforts and accomplishments have bettered our
community in many ways, which has earned him the nomination and selection to be the recipient
of the City of San Rafael’s Public Service Award for 2025.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: The call for nominations for Public Service Award was advertised
in Snapshot (the City Manager’s e-newsletter), the City website, NextDoor social media, and
with neighborhood associations.
FISCAL IMPACT: As the Public Service Award program is privately funded, there is no financial
impact to the City of San Rafael. However, the recipient of this award receives a check in the
amount of $2,500 from the Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Citizen of the Year
Fund, which is administered by the Marin Community Foundation.
OPTIONS:
1. Adopt the Resolution of Appreciation presenting the 2025 Public Service Award to John
Chung.
2. Return the recommendation to the Selection Committee for reconsideration.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution of Appreciation.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution of Appreciation
2. Nomination materials and letters of support for John Chung.
City of San Rafael
Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien
Public Service Award for 2025
Presented to
John Chung
WHEREAS, John Chung, a longtime resident of San Rafael and retired Lieutenant of the
San Francisco Fire Department, has dedicated his life to public service and
continues to serve the community with unwavering commitment; and
WHEREAS, John Chung has been an invaluable member of the San Rafael Fire
Commission, where he played a pivotal role in organizing six open house
events in 2024 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the San Rafael Fire
Department, providing the community with opportunities to tour fire
stations, interact with firefighters, and learn about fire safety; and
WHEREAS, John Chung actively volunteers with the San Rafael Fire Department,
participating in ride-alongs and assisting during major operations,
strengthening the relationship between the department and the community
they serve; and
WHEREAS, John Chung and his wife, Dr. Cindy Chung, have dedicated over a decade
to supporting music programs at Glenwood Elementary, Davidson Middle
School, and San Rafael High School, providing sound equipment, technical
support, and organizing fundraisers to sustain these vital programs,
including ten years of managing and supplying the sound system for the
HeadsUp Summerfest/Carnival at Davidson Middle School; and
WHEREAS, John Chung has made a significant impact as the coach of the San Rafael
High School boys’ golf team for three seasons and the girls’ team for one
season, ensuring that students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have
access to the sport by organizing creative fundraising initiatives, such as the
Living Room Concert series and the speaker series “A Second Cup of
Coffee,” raising thousands of dollars to support the team’s needs; and
WHEREAS, through his leadership, mentorship, and dedication, John Chung has
fostered a culture of perseverance and growth among student-athletes,
guiding them through challenging seasons and instilling values of
discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement; and
WHEREAS, John Chung’s tireless efforts, selfless contributions, and passion for
strengthening the San Rafael community exemplify the highest ideals of
public service.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council expresses its
appreciation to John Chung on behalf of his community and hereby awards him the Richard
O’Brien and the Mary Ferrario O’Brien Public Service Award for 2025 on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Kate Colin, Mayor
Resolution 15387
Outlook
New submission from Public Service Award
From notify=proudcity.com@getproudcity.com <notify=proudcity.com@getproudcity.com>
on behalf of
Forms Admin <notify@proudcity.com>
Date Thu 1/23/2025 2:05 PM
To Lindsay Lara <lindsay.lara@cityofsanrafael.org>
Date
01/23/2025
Nominee for Public Service Award
John Chung
Nominee's Home Address
San Rafael 94901
Does this nominee live within San Rafael City Limits?
Yes
Nominee's Phone
Nominee's Email
Your Name
Thomas Wong
Your Address
Your Phone
Your Email
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What contributions has this individual made to the community that are beyond the scope of normal civic
responsibilities?
John Chung, current San Rafael Fire Commissioner and longtime resident of San Rafael is most deserving of San
Rafael's Citizen of the Year. A retired San Francisco Fire Department Lieutenant, John has dedicated his life to public
service and even in retirement continues to do so. As a Fire Commissioner in San Rafael, John was instrumental in
helping the department organize six open house events in 2024 to celebrate the department's 150th anniversary.
These open house events at each of the six San Rafael fire stations, allowed the community to tour the new facilities,
get up and close to our apparatus, and meet our crews. In addition to organizing these events, John actively
volunteers with the department in a support role, joining on ride-alongs and even assisting our firefighters during larger
operations. John's passion for helping the San Rafael Fire Department has provided tremendous value strengthen the
relationship between the department and community they serve.
When John is not wearing his firefighter hat, you've probably seen him volunteering for the music programs at
Davidson Middle School (DMS) and San Rafael High School (SRHS), were his two children attended. He has coached
the SRHS Boys golf team for the past three seasons as well as the Girls team last year. He's volunteered at SRHS
annual tree lot fundraiser for 9 years, many of those years using his skills as a firefighter operating the chainsaw crew.
Without a doubt, John has exemplified what it means to be a public servant and give back to the San Rafael
community.
What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How has this person made a difference?
John has personally made a huge impact in San Rafael, both for individuals and the community as a whole. His work
on the Fire Commission and volunteer work to help open the doors to the community benefit all. His volunteer work for
the local school music programs has enriched the lives of hundreds of students. His dedication to coaching and
mentoring golf students at SRHS ensures that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have the same
opportunities to play a sport that is so often out of reach for underserved students.
John does all these activities with the same positive attitude and infectious smile. His first question on anything is
always, “how can I help.” Even with all this volunteer work, if you know John, you know that he’s a dedicated family
man.
This is all in addition to his service as a Lieutenant in the San Francisco Fire Department where his impacts in that
department and community were profound.
Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects or efforts.
John, along with his wife Dr. Cindy Chung, a long-time pediatric doctor at San Rafael Kaiser both share a love of
music. Through this passion, they have volunteered hundreds if not thousands of hours over the past decade at
Glendwood Elementary, DMS, and SRHS's music programs. Everything from providing sounds tech support, donating
sound equipment, and hosting fundraisers. This includes 10 years of managing and supplying the sound system for
the HeadsUp Summerfest/Carnival at DMS. They have also put on two large fundraisers for DMS and SRHS at the
Elks lodge and B Street Community Center. Helping fundraise takes time and energy and John has committed himself
to ensure music is a vibrant part of the community and in the lives of many young San Rafael residents.
Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
SRHS Golf Team
Golf is one of the most expensive sports in high school. There is not home field at school or balls the school owns.
Every practice requires balls. Every match requires tee times. A lot of the practices require professional instruction
which costs money.
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When John took over for the golf team he found that San Rafael High had a very limited budget for golf. Furthermore,
the closest golf club – Peacock Gap would not sponsor SRHS. They were already sponsoring 2 private high schools
who could afford their $10,000 fee. Other golf clubs in the county were also already sponsoring high schools that were
in their neighborhood. SRHS ended up using McGinnis as their home base which was only a 9 hole course. They still
had to pay for balls for practice and private lessons and even tee times (at least with the youth discount).
Fundraising became exceptionally critical for John and the golf team(s). Most other sports teams would sell popcorn,
or Sees candy or coupon books – this would suffice as the amount they were trying to raise and the # of athletes
helped make the math work. However for golf, there are only a handful on the team (~6-8 students).
John came up with 2 ideas to help fundraise for SRHS golf.
The first was to do a Living Room Concert at our house. We have a band that consists of our family along with 10-12
others (4-5 vocals, 4-5 horns, 5 rhythm section). We did 3 shows in our small living room – holding 29 per show,
charged $20 suggested donation. Because of some extremely generous donations – John was able to raise over $2k.
The second was his idea to do a ‘speaker’s series’ – he called it “A Second Cup of Coffee”. Our first speaker was a
fellow SFFD colleague’s dad who was one of the first African American US Naval Officers to come speak. We invited
friends and family, again suggested donation was $20. Our second speaker was a friend (Colin Lynch) who was 539th
person to climb Mt Everest. He had a slide show and many amazing stories. And our 3rd speaker was a friend, Tom
Thompson, who was the Marin Catholic history and English teacher for 45 years. He grew up in San Rafael and had
many stories of the area to tell. Again because of extremely generous donations from our friends who came to the
event – John raised $5k.
John’s first season – his team won ZERO matches. Most of the kids had never played golf before high school (unlike
many other high schools with students of higher socioeconomic status). As the coach, he talked to his students about
not winning matches but working towards personal improvement at each match. He was able to keep these kids
engaged and even have them return the next year.
Season 2 started the same, still losing matches. Then in the middle of the season came their first win. They finished
with 4 wins. This year several students who have now stuck with John for several years are seniors. The ability as a
coach to encourage, inspire, and motivate students through difficult seasons with good work ethic and discipline will be
remembered by these students.
To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the community?
SRHS Music Boosters (parent run group that supports the music program) recognized John’s contributions to the
music program in 2023 when his youngest daughter graduated from SRHS.
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