Here come the Community Awards - this time, it's virtual!

The Community Awards were held virtually on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. Congratulations to all the nominees and to the winners.

Watch the awards show by clicking here.

2019 Nominees and Winners 

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR — The business has made significant contributions to the community and shown initiative and innovation in the business affairs of the Pleasant Hill area. This year’s winner is Amy’s Hallmark Shop.

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR — The nonprofit shall have made significant contributions to the community and shown initiative and innovation in accomplishing its mission.  The 2019 winner is the Pleasant Hill Lions Club. Also nominated were the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library; Hillcrest Church UCC Outreach Ministry; and Bay Area Bike Project. 

TEEN OF THE YEAR — The candidate lives and/or goes to school in Pleasant Hill and has shown responsibility in his or her personal and school life. He or she should have a record of assisting and volunteering in the Pleasant Hill community and been involved in more than one area of community interest. This year’s winner is Olivia Llamas. Also nominated was Kai Arellano.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR — The candidate must be an educator in a Pleasant Hill school who has made unique contributions toward educating our children, demonstrating dedication, innovation, and enthusiasm. This award is sponsored by the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE). This year’s winner was Kirsten Tharalsen (Valley View Middle School). Also nominated were Valon Beriginn (College Park); Dylan Bland (College Park); Nicolette Bornstein (Fair Oaks Elementary); Laima Haider (College Park); Khoa Phan (College Park); and Jeanette Shearer (Valhalla Elementary). 

EDUCATION SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR - Schools thrive when parents and volunteers support teachers and students. This award honors an individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution in contributing to the ongoing success and student achievement at their school(s). This year’s winner is Mary Gray.

GREEN AWARD — This Award recognizes a person, organization or business that has shown outstanding leadership in sustainability and protecting the environment in one or more of the following areas: energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction and/or pollution prevention. This year’s winner is Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR — The candidate has made a significant contribution in the past year (2019) in supporting civic and/or community groups in Pleasant Hill, thereby improving our community. This year’s winner is Robert Goldner, Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library Book Sales Manager.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD — The candidate has a broad-based, multi-year record of assisting or supporting civic and/or community groups in Pleasant Hill, and has made substantial contributions toward improving our community. This year’s winner is Jill Scheidel. Also nominated were Nader Jazyeri; Buddy Scauzzo and Minako McMahon; and Susan Wood.

MAYORS AWARD —  Each year, the Mayor personally selects a person, persons or organization that exemplifies the best of what Pleasant Hill is all about. This year's recipient of the Mayor's Award is the Gregory Gardens Community Crew.

The awards are co-hosted by the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, the City, the Recreation & Park District, the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation and the Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education.

Questions? Call the City’s Community Relations Manager, Gayle Vassar, at 925-671-5229 or email her at gvassar@pleasanthillca.org