Gala Honors Local Leaders

Palisadian Rob Weber was honored as the 2013 Citizen of the Year on April 24 at the Riviera Country Club. 

Weber said he was surprised and a little embarrassed when he found out he won.

“Frankly, I don’t think I’ve done things that many of the people before me have done, and I haven’t been here very long,” he said. “I feel very fortunate that I have been welcomed into the community that already existed.”

In a musical skit, the “Just Off Via” Dance Troupe praised Weber for his volunteer efforts.

He and his wife, Karyn, moved to the Palisades in 2001 and quickly became involved in the community.

Weber’s many community efforts, including being past president of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association, were detailed in a profile in the Feb. 27 issue of the Palisadian-Post.

During his speech, Weber spoke directly to his two young children about the importance of volunteering.

“It’s nice to be recognized, but the reason you do it is because it’s important work, it’s fun to do and it makes the place you live a better place to live. People won’t do it for you,” he said.

Citizen of the Year, Sparkplug Gala Honors Palisadians

Pacific Palisades Community Council President Barbara Kohn said 256 people attended this year’s dinner.

Honorary Mayor Jake Steinfeld took the stage as Master of Ceremonies for the occasion.

Also in attendance were several prominent city and state officials, including State Senator Ted Lieu, Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Councilmember Mike Bonin and former Councilmember Bill Rosendahl.

“Government can’t be everywhere, nor should we be,” Lieu said. “We rely on the good works of individuals who make the quality of life for all of us better.”

Assemblymember Bloom said he has always admired Pacific Palisades.

“I really just want to solute you for having one of America’s great small towns,” Bloom said. “But the Palisades would be nothing without the effort that year after year after year you all put into it.”

Former Palisadian-Post Editor-in-Chief Bill Bruns received the ‘Pride of the Palisades’ award.

Bruns, who was editor for 20 years, said his goal was to produce a newspaper that bolstered the community. He thanked the council for organizing the dinner.

“Everybody has rallied around this tradition and the community council in a beautiful way,” Bruns said.

Councilmember Bonin also praised the PPCC for hosting the event, which he called a cornerstone of the community.

The Palisades Recreation Center’s Park Advisory Board Vice Chair Bob Harter and Susan Corwin were awarded the Golden Sparkplug Awards during the festivities.

Harter’s many accomplishments were detailed in a front-page article in the March 20 issue of the Post.

Corwin, who founded Vista Inspired Teens, which provides support for children with autism and their families, was profiled in the March 27 issue of the Post.

“I’m very grateful to the Palisades for having teenagers who are open and willing to come and be a part of an extraordinary group like the Inspired Teens,” Corwin said.