George Wolfberg, who at one point last year was chairman of two organizations in Pacific Palisades, will receive a special Civic Leadership Award at this year’s Citizen of the Year celebration April 14. He will be honored at the Riviera Country Club along with Citizen of the Year Stuart Muller and the new Sparkplug winners. As former chairman of the Pacific Palisades Community Council and current president of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association, Wolfberg ‘exemplifies how a resident, after retiring, can make valuable, ongoing contributions to our community,’ said Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta Donohue. ‘I’m so impressed by George’s work over the years,’ said Joan Graves, a canyon resident and former Citizen of the Year. ‘He attends meetings and hearings downtown, he works behind the scenes in many positive ways, and he leads with quiet dignity. He has been simply outstanding as a community leader.’ Wolfberg joined the Community Council in 2001 after reading in the Post that an alternate representative was needed to represent Santa Monica Canyon. Within a year, he was recruited as chairman. Under Wolfberg’s tenure, the Community Council lobbied successfully for increased police presence in the Palisades and a strong voice in the city’s decision-making process regarding completion of the massive Potrero Canyon project. ‘I consider him my mentor,’ said current council chairman Norman Kulla. ‘He’s a straight shooter with knowledge and good judgment about city government.’ ‘In a quiet but forceful way, George gave power and credibility to community discussions by bringing city officials to Community Council meetings to listen to our concerns,’ said chairman emeritus Harry Sondheim. ‘He strengthened the council’s position by building on what came before him and taking it to a new level.’ Raised in Hancock Park, Wolfberg received a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA and a master’s in public administration from USC before going to work for the City of Los Angeles, where he held a number of administrative positions, including being a key budget analyst. He also contributed to closing the final bid for the 1984 Olympics. In 1996, after 35 years with the city, Wolfberg retired, only to become involved in more volunteer activities. His earlier efforts with the No Oil! campaign in the Palisades had introduced him to the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association board, and when he stepped up to become president he helped bring about the organization’s revival. After his two-year Community Council term ended last July 1, Wolfberg remained on the board as chairman emeritus. Last month, in recognition of his non-partisan status and his leadership abilities, he was named chairman of the Potrero Canyon Citizens Advisory Committee by Kulla and City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski. Wolfberg and his wife Diane have lived in Santa Monica Canyon since 1972. Diane is also a community activist, having lobbied for the ‘No Leaf Blower!’ ordinance passed by City Council. The Wolfbergs have three children, Anya, David and Michael’three reasons why Wolfberg became a devoted AYSO volunteer long ago. He continues to referee for the organization, adding yet another commitment to his retirement.
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