HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Citizen of the Year 2015; Diane Hendersonarrr of . Agenda Item No: 3.b
no Meeting Date: March 2, 2015
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community Development
Prepared by: AVZ & ' City Manager ApprovaIDW- `d&
Paul Jensen, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Resolution of Appreciation to Recipient of the Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario
O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award - 2015; P14-016 (CD)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution.
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 "Citizen of the Year" 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 "Citizen of the Year' award program and
process. The procedures include the appointment of a Section 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 selection procedures call for nominations to be submitted at the beginning of the calendar year.
However, this year, the call for nominations was initiated in late 2014. Once the current year nominations
have been submitted, they are reviewed along with the nominations submitted over the past three years
(in this case 2012, 2013 and 2014). Last year's Citizen of the Year recipient (Hugo Landecker — 2014)
was eliminated from the pool of eligible candidates.
This year, a total of nine candidates were considered. Of this total, three nominations were submitted to
the City this year and seven were carried over from the past three years. On January 21, 2015, the
Selection Committee met to review and consider the nominations. The Committee selected Diane
Henderson as the fourteenth recipient of the award.
As summarized in the attached nomination materials, Diane Henderson has been selected as Citizen of
the Year due to her many years of volunteer work and civic involvement in the community. As a Marin
County native and 25 -year resident of San Rafael, Diane is known to be a passionate resident, but her
involvement and contributions are done with a "quiet touch." Diane's volunteer efforts and contributions
are endless. She has provided many years of service to the Rotary Club of San Rafael, which has
included numerous international trips serving as non-medical staff to Rotoplast, a Rotary -based charity.
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: �L�2
Council Meeting:
Disposition: ����-� i�o� /300%
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
If approved by the Council, Diane Henderson will be recognized at this year's State of the City Dinner,
which is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2015.
FISCAL IMPACT: As the Citizen of the Year 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
$2,500.00 from the Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the Year Fund, which is
administered by Marin Community Foundation.
OPTIONS:
Adopt the Resolution of Appreciation conferring the Citizen of the Year Award to Diane M.
Henderson
Return the recommendation to the Selection Committee for reconsideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
Nomination materials for Diane M. Henderson
CitizenW2015.Mpt 3 2 15
000
RESOLUTION NO. 13881
City of San Rafael
Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien
Citizen of the Year Award
Presented to
Diane M. Henderson
WHEREAS, Diane Henderson is a Marin County native and a 25 -year resident of San Rafael who is well
known for her volunteer work and civic involvement in the community. While known to be a
passionate resident, Diane has had a "quiet touch" in her involvement with and contribution to
many of the City's most respected events and activities; and
WHEREAS, Diane's volunteer efforts and contributions are endless. Through the years, Diane has
contributed her time to numerous community organizations, non -profits agencies and service
clubs that have a mission to help the underprivileged and to create a more livable community.
These organizations and agencies include, among others, the Rotary Club of San Rafael,
Hospice of Marin, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Further, Diane has devoted many volunteer
hours to assist local events such as San Rafael's Italian Street Painting Festival; and
WHEREAS, Diane has made a lasting impression on her continual work with Habitat for Humanity. Diane
has made several international trips with Habitat for Humanity, and is now one of a very few
non-medical staff members who travels with Roloplast, a Rotary -based charity. These travels
have involved Diane helping the neediest of needy — children born into poverty and/or
deformities requiring substantial medical treatment and
WHEREAS, Diane is an accomplished communicator, judging speech competitions for area high schools and
devotes countless hours to coaching teens on improving speech skills.
WHEREAS, lastly, Diane is well known for a smiling presence and positive outlook. These attributes cast a
lasting impression on many of our community members when she served as the President of the
Rotary Club of San Rafael.
NOW, iEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council expresses its appreciation for Diane
Hende n's effo n behalf of her community and hereby awards her the Richard P. O'Brien and the Mary Ferrario
"Brie Citizen of a Year Award.
M 'or
Councilmembers
City Manager
Attested by my hand this _ day of
City Clerk
Richard Pd O'Brien Citizen of the'Year Award
Nomination Form
Nominee
Name: TIME VENRE501V
Address:
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Phone: /
Nominator
Name:F�
Address:
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Phoned
Selection Criteria:
On an attached sheet, please answer as many of the questions below which
apply to the candidate you are nominating:
1. What contributions has this individual made to the community that are
beyond the scope of normal civic responsibilities?
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How
has this person made a difference?
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects
or efforts.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
5. To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the
community?
Nominations must be returned to the Community Development Department
(P.O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560 or FAX: 485-3184) no later
than Mondav, December 3, 2012 by 5:OOum. Questions may be directed to,the
Community Development Director at (415) 485-5064.
JI
Diane Henderson / 2013 Citizen of the Year
Nomination
1. What contributions has this individual made to the community that are
beyond the scope of normal civic responsibilities?
Diane Henderson is a Marin county native who jumped into community service when she
moved to San Rafael nearly 25 years ago and has yet to slow down. She is a tireless volunteer
and an unsung hero who has lent her time and talents to literally dozens of local nonprofit
organizations. She is a past president of Rotary Club of San Rafael; she raises money for
Hospice, Autism support, Big Brothers Big Sisters and local scholarship programs. She gives her
time for causes including World War II vets' efforts, San Rafael's Italian Street painting festival
and the Mountain Play and she is a lead volunteer for a BBQ for residents of Rotary Manor. She
picks up trash along hiking trails, walks precincts in support of important civic measures, and
provides a full Christmas to a local family every holiday season.
However, it is Diane's commitment to youth and her belief in the.importance of leading the way
for our next generation that show the depth of her character and passion. She has no children
of her own, yet has profoundly shaped the lives of hundreds of San Rafael and Marin kids.
When she joined Rotary Club of San Rafael she embraced the "Service Above Self" value with
determination. She chaired the group's youth effort, Roataract, where she did more than
organize local high schoolers to sell ice cream at Rotary's Marin County Fair booth. She took
her commitment further, volunteering to lead a contingent of local teens to Mexico over spring
break to build homes for residents of an impoverished community, Before leaving on the trek,
Diane gathered clothes and sports equipment to give away in the village (one young boy was so
destitute that although missing its mate, he was ecstatic to receive a single soccer shoe), Diane
loaded up a commercial van, armed herself with blueprints and headed to Mexico to lead 24
kids in a life -changing week that created a new home for a formerly cardboard shanty -trapped
family.
Her experience lit a fire that now carries her throughout the world. Diane has made several
international trips with Habitat for Humanity, and is now one of a very few non-medical staff
members who travels with Rotoplast, a Rotary based charity. Rotoplast surgical teams provide
cleft palate and burn repair for destitute children (children whose deformities have made them
village outcasts). Diane has traveled to the Philippines, India and most recently, Venezuela,
working round the clock in dire conditions to bring some relief to tremendously disabled
children and their desperate parents. Diane pays her own way and takes time out from her
own business to support Rotoplast, and when she returns, she speaks to groups about the
experience to help raise program funds and foster new volunteers to join in.
And there's more. Diane, an accomplished communicator, judges speech competitions for area
high schools and devotes time to coaching teens on speech skills. She opens her home to
Diane Henderson 2013 Citizen of the Yew-ATOlnination
foreign exchange students and introduces them to the character and values of San Rafael while
providing a blue chip tour of the Say Area. Years ago she trained with Team in Training and ran
the San Francisco Marathon, raising funds for a then -three year old San Rafael girl with
leukemia. The tiny cancer patient is today a healthy college student. Attend a hoop -a -thou
contest, bocce tournament, 24 hour relay or other youth fundraiser and Diane will be on the
sidelines as a volunteer.
Simply put, Diane's belief in the power of volunteerism to change lives at home and abroad is
Inspiring and produces tangible results.
2. What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How has this person made a
difference?
Diane loves San Rafael and lives her life promoting it. She has had a quiet touch on many of the
community's most revered events and activities and she has travelled the world as a living
example of civic spirit and generosity. Everywhere she goes people around her know about San
Rafael and can't help but see it as an inviting place of optimism and accomplishment wrapped
in compassion.
Diane's many volunteer activities have made life better for some of San Rafael's most needy
(and often unseen) residents, including seniors and the working poor. The most powerful
testament to Diane's lifetime of work, however, lies in the many young people she has helped
shape into next generation good citizens.
3. Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects or efforts.
Responses above and below address the amount of time and energy Diane has devoted to
community projects or efforts.
4. Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
Diane's thousands of hours of volunteer time have been donated to the community while she
maintained a daunting personal schedule. She is fiercely focused on family and always finds
time to attend niece and nephew events spread across two states. She is an indefatigable
family cheerleader and support system. Her late mother, a Novato resident, suffered with a
degenerative neurological disorder for thirty years and Diane was part of her care and support
system throughout the illness.
Diane Henderson 2013 Citizen of the Year Nomination 2
When Diane's brother in Seattle was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, she became one of his
most important caregivers, virtually commuting to Seattle to be with him for doctor
consultations, surgeries and chemo treatments, and ultimately for his passing in his own home.
She organized her brother's Seattle friends and neighbors to assist with transportation, meals
and other needed support.
While every family has likely worked through the difficulties of a seriously ill member, Diane is
notable in that her care and support were provided while she maintained a demanding
career—and, most notably, without a gap in her local volunteer work. The year she served as
Rotary president was also the last year of her Seattle brother's life, and she provided care to
him without missing a single weekly Rotary meeting. She seems to have boundless energy for
the things she finds important --which are many. Diane is an enviable "energizer bunny" who
puts her head down and gets things done.
5. To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the community?
Diane is an unselfish, quiet giver who does not seek attention for her efforts or recognition for
her success. She is the power behind others and as such, has not received public accolades or
formal recognition.
-end-
Diane Henderson 2013 Citizen of the Year Nomination
Cymmale4l-
129 Greenfield Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
November 29, 2012
City of San Rafael
Citizen of the Year 2013
c/o Community Development Department
P.O. Box 151560
San Rafael, CA 94915-1560
Dear Selection Committee Members:
It gives me great happiness to add my hearty endorsement to the
nomination of Diane Henderson as San Rafael Citizen of the Year for 2013.
Her many accomplishments and contributions are well documented in the
application.
I want to add my personal perspective as someone who today works actively
in the nonprofit community. I have seen firsthand what a difference one-
on-one support can make in a child or family's life. When a young person is
helped to achieve some modicum of success, it leads to more success and in
turn helps build a community full of productive people. Diane's hard work
shows fervor for the present, and her commitment to youth throughout the
world speaks volumes about her passion for the future of both our city and
the world.
Sincerely,
9 - ��...
Cyriller
rnP•1si:ltVn'i llrra� - aurt EARTH, ltup MISSrorl, null il�ll
November 29, 2012
`lb N1/holu It NIay Concern:
1t is -with a great deal of pleasure that I Nvrite this letter strongly supporting the nomination of
Dimic I-icndcl•son tfot• San Rnl,iel Citizen of (lie Yclit• 2013.
KnoWing Dlalle for many, malty years, I have observed as others will confirm, the tremendous
contribution Diane has Made not only to individuals ill need o:fmedical {attention -- where she
hits travelled to the 4 corners of the world to help —'bit( to the enhanced reputation of the City of
Stirs Rafael in the eyes of the international coninitulityl
Through her Nvork with I-fabitat for Humanity and using her own resources, Diane leas travelled
cxMisively and internationally -- a tribute to the term 'it lakes a village' —although Diane has
extended this terns to the world stage! Additionally, as a non-medical volunteei, slie ��'iliinsly
left her I l`e tend career in Sall Rafael to ]tell) the neediest of -the needy — children born into
povei:[Ni, children born with deformities like cleft palate, and burn victims hi desperate need of
medical attention. lVitll a smiling presence and a positive attitude, Diane's siippori of Roloplast
causes in dcstitutc'placcs ill Vellemela, .ludic and the Philipp'lnes, arc what would make any
Proud cointiluility say — "she is my neighbor and my.11erol"
Diane's,strellgth ofc!laracter, humility and heir selfless giving, of her tlllle and talents, are
OIIISlallClill,g exalllples to all of its hick)' enough to know Iter, live WiIll ]let• ill 'San Rtifael mid
follow in leer wake!
Sincerely,
Patricia D. Garbarino
i
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December 2, 2012
San Rafael Citizen of the Year
City of San Rafael
Community Development Department
PO Box 151560
San Rafael, CA 94915
Dear Citizen Selection Committee Members:
There may not be much that three generations of a family agree on, but the worthiness of Diane Henderson to
be selected 2013 San Rafael Citizen of the Year is a notable exception. We are 14 family members— Diane's Dad
and his wife, her siblings and their spouses and her six nieces and nephews --who are writing a shared letter in
support of Diane's nomination. Her role in our family mirrors her role in the community, she is selfless and
caring; hardworking and tireless; enthused and passionate; utterly devoted to our family and at the center of all
of our comings and goings. She is our touchstone.
Diane has had a profound effect on all of our lives and we are grateful to her for many reasons and on many
levels. We admire Diane's professional talents as an urban planner and we have watched her workforyears
with integrity, focus, and fairness on public and private sector projects. We have been on site at many of her
volunteer activities (when Diane's In it, everybody is), and we parents of her nieces and nephews treasure the
extra love and dedication she extends to bur children and the role model she offers them.
Each family member wrote a perspective on Diane, and rather than send you an exhaustingly long letter, we are
instead offering the excerpts noted below.
Father, Jim Henderson
"I believe the Citizen of the Year of -any city achieves the honor in recognition of years of dedicated and
committed service — without rewards or fanfare — to numerous community organizations and service
clubs whose missions are to help create a more livable community. My daughter Diane more than meets
these qualifications. I am fortunate to have seen my child grow up to be a caring, committed,
productive member of her community (and family). I am enormously proud of Diane and all she does,
and especially the heart she brings to it."
Brother, John Henderson
"With two young children of my own who adore their Auntie DI Di (Tyler, 6 and Charlotte, 4),1 take great
pride in telling them all about her trips and the wonderful things she does for those less fortunate
children and the sense of hope she brings to those families. It makes my family proud of her not
because she is our sister or sister- in-law or aunt, but because she is one of those individuals who bring
happiness and hope to people that often times have little of either. She truly makes a difference in
people's lives,"
Brother, Jlm Henderson, Jr.
"After following from afar the activities and exploits of my sister Diane, I am now convinced more than
ever that she has to be suffering not only from long-term Insomnia, but also extreme hyperactivity.
That is the only explanation that I can see for how she is able to do as much as she does. Herjob as an
urban planner by itself requires that she work long hours, attending planning and city council meetings
that often go well past midnight. But what is truly amazing is that she has not only the time, but also
the energy for the multitude of volunteer activities that she has undertaken over the years.
Diane demonstrates what every resident of San Rafael should strive to be: a person dedicated and
driven to respond for the betterment of people not only in San Rafael, but wherever people need help
or assistance. I hope San Rafael will acknowledge her many selfless contributions; however, I don't think
winning the award will cure her insomnia."
Sister, Maggie Cox
"I beat Diane into the world by four years, and on every other measure, she has easily trumped me. She
Is amazing. The accolades extended and accomplishments noted in this nomination speak to a life spent
in total service. That service includes her loving mentoring of my two now -grown daughters as well as
on site help in San Luis Obispo, where I live and where Diane has assisted me at fundraisers and charity
events. Diane is a living example of the idea of paying it forward. I am blessed to have her as a sister and
San Rafael. is equally blessed to have her as a resident."
Sister -in -Law, Nannette Henderson
"I have been very lucky to be Diane Henderson's sister-in-law. For over 25 years I have been a member
of an amazing family in which Diane is a member. She has been an inspiration in strength, courage and
giving. She has always been willing to step up to help others in need. This was displayed in her own
family when she was there for her brother when he was so ill, as well as for those so far away from here
and lacking the many advantages we take for granted. She opens her heart to those who need that
extra support and she is one who always puts someone else ahead of herself. I believe that honoring
Diane will give the City of San Rafael a role model that will inspire other citizens to step forward and get
involved."
Nieces, Caitlin and Lindsay Cox
"Our aunt has played an important role in our lives, much of which has centered around San Rafael. She
lives a strong work ethic and dedication that has even found us at the occasional planning meeting,
where we have seen government in action. She has involved us in a community we were not otherwise
a part of (we grew up in San Luis Obispo). We've climbed Mount Tam for the Mountain Play and
attended the Marin County Fair; enjoyed the street painting festival and San Rafael Farmer's Market,
Auntie Di weaves fun and community support together."
Sister -in -Law, Kristi Henderson
"My sister-in-law is one of the most generous people I know and she constantly puts the needs of others
ahead of her own. She is inspiring to me in the way she gives of her time and energy not only to friends
and family, but to individuals both locally and thousands of miles away."
Nephews, Brian and Matt Henderson
"We have become active volunteers and community members largely due to our Aunt Diane's fine
example. We have both participated in programs for the indigent who come seeking relief services from
our church, have volunteered in a program that involves sheltering and assisting homeless families, and
worked on food assistance programs. Aunt Diane's tireless efforts have been a constant presence in our
lives and have shown us that the completion of one task does not mean resting on one's laurels, but
instead turning to meet another. She is an example of the great good that can be done every day by
people who take it upon themselves to serve without rest and labor withoutthought for reward. "
Brother -In -Law, Dave Cox
"A giving nature, a bias toward helping those most in need and kindness In spirit are but a few ways to
describe Diane Henderson. I have known Diane for 30+ years and have watched her do both the small
things, like baking cookies for a sick neighbor, and the enormous acts of traveling 10,000 miles (at her
own expense) to administer polio vaccine to children. Both are common and frequent endeavors. And
when you peel away actions you find a person motivated by a deep and sincere belief that we have a
responsibility to help those in need, and particularly those who can't help themselves. I am inspired by
her energy and unselfish actions."
There you have it: 14 family members ranging in age from 4 to nearly 90, all in unanimous support of Diane
Henderson as San Rafael Citizen of the.Year. We hope you share our opinion. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
c..
Jim Henderson
John Henderson
C k aK (Di -=t -e ffeime r -&--k-)
Charlotte Henderson
Agnes Henderson Henderson, Jr.
I
Kuc,ebc-G�
Kristi Henderson
Nannette Henderson
t
Matthew Henderson Caitlin Cox
Dave Cox U Lindsay Cox
TY I P�r �,a, h 3P, 6-6h
Tyler Henderson
Maggie Cox
Brian Henderson
November 28, 2012
City of San Rnfael
CommunityDevelopment Department
P.O. Box 15160
San Rafael, CA 91915-1560
Re: Nomination of Diane Henderson
City of San Rafael 2013 Citizen of the Year
To Whom it Concerns:
This letter is being written in support of the nomination of Diane Henderson for the City of San
Rafael 2013 Citizen of the Year.
I have known Diane Henderson for approximately fifteen years, primarily in a social capaoity,
Diane shares an office with me in San Rafael so we often see each other in passing and in doing
so we often catch tip on recent events. To say that Diane is dedicated to the community would be
a large understatement. Her capacity to "give back" has no bounds.
She is not a passive member of any organization that she is involved with. Whether it is the
Rotary Club of San Rafael, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hospice, Rotary Manor, the Mountain Play
or Habitat for Humanity, Diane gives it her all. Indeed, she often puts self behind service by
giving much of her time traveling to far off places to hell) those in need through either Rotoplast
or Habitat for Humanity— ail at her own cost and expense.
Diane recently completed her role as President of the San Rafael Rotary and she did so with her
usual mild mannered, no frills approach by just getting the job done and making sure that she left
her position in a better standing then when site started.
I have been doing business in San Rafael since 1986 and I had the good fortune to personally
knowRieliard" Note' O'Brien and I feel confident that he would agree that Diane Henderson is
certainly most worthy of this award and recognition.
Thank you for your consideration and please let me. know if I can elaborate in any way on her
gaalifts tions')'worthiness.
\Sincely,
1
Dennis P. Fisch
980 FIFTH AVENUE - SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 04901
(415) 455-0300 - FAX (415) 453-2892
AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE
November 30, 2012
I haveibeen offered the opportunity to recommend a very special person, Diane Henderson for you to
consider as the San Rafael Citizen of the Year.
Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Jack L. Hunt III; I was raised in San Rafael, my family has been
In Marin for over 120 years, I am an owner of our family automotive dealership In San Rafael, a family
man and civically minded having participated; on the San Rafael Business Issues Committee, as a Vice
President and Board member of the San Rafael Business Improvement District, as a former Director of
Marin Sonoma Concours de Elegance and currently a member of the Rotary Club of San Rafael. I extend
these qualifications and experiences so that those that read this letter will realize that I am acquainted
with many people in San Rafael that are community leaders in both business, and voluntary service.
This year the Rotary Club of San Rafael picked me as their president, I've been in our Rotary club since
1986 and am proud of the community projects our club sponsors and the volunteerism our club
promotes. During the 26 years i have been involved with our club I can not remember a member more
focused on "Giving Back" than Diane Henderson, She Is a past President and Director of our club,
currently a member of the Board of Directors for Rotary Manor, Inc. (our low income seniors housing
complex in San Rafael) and she has worked like mad on Rotary projects at home, as a current board
member of our mini -grants program (funding special projects in San Rafael schools) and also
throughout the world with the Rotary Foundation. The projects she has participated In are numerous
and include: Polio immunization In Africa and ROTOPIAST (cleft palate repair) In India and South
America, She was even picked as Rotarian of the Month for our district which extends from San Jose to
the Oregon Border in recognition of her outstanding and selfless service to those less fortunate, People
In our club know that when Diane steps, up, things get done; she has a contagious force that motivates.
us all. Her ability to Inspire enthusiasm and participation is great for our club —and even better -for our
community.
In summary, I am sure that you will have several outstanding choices forthis honor as I know that within
San Rafael there exists a special community of selfless volunteers. I wholeheartedly and without
misgiving believe that Diane's acts toward bettering both our local community and those less fortunate
in the'third world should put her at the top of any list.
Sincerely yours,
ZiHunt III'
Tel: 415,453,1511
Fax: 415.453.9212
Web,. Iymyjackhuntnuto,net
SemingOur Customers5inre 1927'
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Ragghianti I FreitaS LLP
GARY T. RAGGH[ANTI
GTRAGGSOG RFLAWLLP.COM
November 29, 2012
Citizen of the Year
City of San Rafael
Community Development Department
P.O. Box 151560
San Rafael, CA 94915-1560
Re: Diane Henderson — Citizen of Year--: CSR
Dear Selection Committee Members:
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
874 FOURTH STREET, SUITE D
SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901-3246
TELEPHONE 415.453.9433
FACSI M I LE 415.453.8269
WWW.RFLAWLLP.COM
It is a pleasure to submit this letter about a woman I have respected and admired for
well over three decades: She has been a part of my professional life and a good friend as well
for over 30 years. I -enthusiastically -support the submittal of her name as a candidate to be
named San Rafael Citizen of the Year. Diane has been a longstanding resident of the west end
of San Rafael and has long maintained her business office in the city.
I first met Diane when I was appointed Corte Madera Town Attorney in the early 80's.
She was the Town .Planning Director. Over the many years that I have known Diane I have
worked with her on development projects and worked with her in cities where she was either
the Planning Director or filling in temporarily for a Director who had retired or gone on to
another position .She truly is an extraordinary professional. Her presentations of complex and
fact intensive staff reports on project applications are simply stunning to observe. It is
amazing to see that incredible photographic memory at work and to be in the presence of
such an exquisitely competent and articulate person. Her integrity is unquestioned and her
dedication to the tasks with which she is presented is always total. She possesses a work ethic
that is enviable.
Aside from her professional accomplishments and competence, it has also been my
pleasure to watch her many civic and charitable accomplishments over the years as well. Trips
to Latin America to assist in building homes and medical facilities, Rotary Club trips and
Ragghianti I F rei taS LLP
PAGE 2OF3
attendance at home, assistance to other charitable institutions too numerous to mention and
amazing devotion to family and friends. She is an involved energetic dedicated community
member having recently completed a year as President of the San Rafael Rotary Club. Her
many civic involvements both within and outside our city have punctuated her busy life for as
long as I have known her. it is the wide array of volunteer projects and involvement that set
Diane apart as an exceptional citizen.
It was my privilege to serve 23 years as San Rafael's City Attorney. During that period I
worked with and watched Diane represent countless applicants for permit entitlements before
the Planning Commission and City Council in San Rafael. Her work always took into account
not only the desires of her client but also what would well serve the residents of the City who
lived or worked near the proposed project being considered. In this way she has left a
welcome and indelible mark on the development of our City. We should all thank her in this
regard I respectfully submit.
1 could write a lot more about this wonderful woman but I close by stating that I can't
imagine a more suitable recipient for the Citizen of the Year award than Diane Henderson. I
unhesitatingly commend her to your consideration for this award.
Very u ly yo
AGary'r. Ragghianti, Esq.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
it t�' . HIGH SCHOOL
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ENTER TO LEARN, LEAVE TO SERVE
November 30, 2012
RE: Diane Henderson
Dear members of selection committee:
The ideal candidate for City of San Rafael's Citizen of theYear would possess high ethical standards,
work productively in a team environment, demonstrate in depth knowledge of the community, and
serve in a leadership role. You are fortunate that Diane Henderson brings all of these qualities to San
Rafael.
I have known Diane since high school when we competed on the policy debate team. Her ability to
conduct herself.in a public forum or hearing goes back to her award winning public speaking
competitions. While most graduates leave to advance their education and careers in the world, Diane
remains involved at St. Vincent de Paul High School. She served on the board of regents for many years
and she established a scholarship for a Marin County student in memory of her mother, Marge
Henderson.
As a fellow Rotarian, I know Diane's involvement in this service organization encompasses the youth of
San Rafael, the business leaders and key non-profit agencies in Marin. Diane falls into the traditional
"20%" of a group that gets "80%" of the work done. She accompanied a group of St. Vincent High
School students on a Mexico service trip in 2010. Since then, she's taken at least three other service
trips with Rotary's International Immunization Day and Rotoplast (providing cleft palate repair on
children in third world countries.)
Diane is an excellent role model for young business professionals. She has a gift that allows her to
connect with people of all ages and put them at ease in all circumstances. This ability to connect is so
valuable in today's hurried world.
While you have many outstanding citizens in San Rafafel in the running for this honor, I want to assure
you that Diane Henderson deserves serious consideration for Citizen of the Year.
Sincerely,
panne Ferris
Director of Advancement
St. Vincent de Paul High School • 849 Keokuk Street • Petaluma, CA 94952 • P:(707)763-1032 • F: (707) 763-9448
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM
INSTRUCTIONS: USE THIS FORM WITH EACH SUBMITTAL OF A CONTRACT, AGREEMENT,
ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION BEFORE APPROVAL BY COUNCIL / AGENCY.
SRSA / SRCC AGENDA ITEM NO. 3, b
DATE OF MEETING: March 2, 2015
FROM: PAUL A. JENSEN
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2015
TITLE OF DOCUMENT: RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RECIPIENT OF THE RICHARD P.
O'BRIEN AND MARY FERRARIO O'BRIEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD.
M26�
Department Head (ignature)
(LOWER HALF OF FORM FOR APPROVALS ONLY)
APPROVED AS COUNCIL / AGENCY
AGENDA ITEM:
City Manager (signature)
NOT APPROVED
REMARKS:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
F
City Attorney (signature)
aoaao
RESOLUTION NO. 13881
City of San Rafael
Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien
Citizen of the Year Award
Presented to
Diane M. Henderson
WHEREAS, Diane Henderson is a Matin County native and a 25 -year resident of San Rafael who is well
known for her volunteer work and civic involvement in the community. While known to be a
passionate resident, Diane has had a "quiet touch" in her involvement with and contribution to
many of the City's most respected events and activities; and
WHEREAS, Diane's volunteer efforts and contributions are endless. Through the years, Diane has
contributed her time to numerous community organizations, non -profits agencies and service
dubs that have a mission to help the underprivileged and to create a more livable community.
These organizations and agencies include, among others, the Rotary Club of San Rafael,
Hospice of Marin, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Further, Diane has devoted many volunteer
hours to assist local events such as San Rafael's Italian Street Painting Festival; and
WHEREAS, Diane has made a lasting impression an her continual work with Habitat for Humanity. Diane
has made several international trips with Habitat for Humanity, and is now one of a very few
non-medical staff members who travels with Rotoplast, a Rotary -based charity. These travels
have involved Diane helping the neediest of needy — children bom into poverty and/or
deformities requiring substantial medical treatment and
WHEREAS, Diane is an accomplished communicator, judging speech competitions for area high schools and
devotes countless hours to coaching teens an improving speech skills.
WHEREAS, lastly, Diane is well known for a smiling presence and positive outlook. These attributes cast a
lasting impression an many of our community members when she served as the President of the
Rotary Club of San Rafael.
NOW, EREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council expresses its appreciation for Diane
Hence n's effo n behalf of her community and hereby awards her the Richard P. O'Brien and the Mary Ferrario
O'Brie Citizen of 4e Year Award.
M or
Cmmcflmembers
bty Manager
Attested by my hand this _ day of
City Clerk