Community Pride
By Irvine City News staff
One of the many things that make Irvine such a special place to live is how passionate citizens are about the city they call home. To honor civic participation, the city of Irvine recognizes community leaders, volunteers, city staff, activists, organizations and others on the Wall of Recognition in Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park.
Dedicated in 2008, the wall includes hundreds of names from A (Dan Aldrich, first chancellor at UCI) to Z (Andy Zelinko, a community leader and a driving force behind the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial).
Honorees are from all walks of life, points of view and political perspectives in the city, including 15 new ones added this year.
Tim Burt
For his dedicated service since 1984 as a sports writer with the Irvine World News and Orange County Register, highlighting Irvine sports and athletes.
Deanna Choi
For over 20 years of volunteer service with Irvine Senior Services and as an active member of the Irvine Global Village Festival Steering Committee since 1999.
Boot Camp for New Dads
Founded by Greg Bishop in 1990, the organization now has 200 locations and has helped more than 400,000 new fathers.
Boot Camp for New Moms
Founded by Alison Bishop in 2012, it provides first-time moms with support and tools to start a family.
Bradley Erdosi
For providing pro bono consultation and educational services to older adults through Irvine Senior Services.
George Faas
For service to Irvine Multicultural Association and for his pro bono financial services through Irvine Senior Services.
Felicity Figueroa
For her commitment to volunteerism through OC Equality Coalition, Irvine United Congregational Church’s Advocates for Peace and Justice, and with Women for: OC.
Mike Filia
For his leadership as president of the Irvine Chargers Youth football for 11 years, and for encouraging and honoring young athletes who excel in the classroom.
Omid Gohardani
For his exceptional academic accomplishments and as co-founder of the nonprofit Springs of Dreams, which is dedicated to enriching lives through knowledge and education.
Carolyn Inmon
For her service to the Irvine community since 1975, including a 40-year career in education, reaching over 10,000 students, from kindergarten to community college.
Michael O’Connell
For his vision and stewardship of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy that manages 50,000 acres of protected wildlands and parks, including Irvine’s open space reserve.
Lissa Pestolesi
For her leadership, dedication and passion as the chairwoman of Host Town Irvine for the 2015 Special Olympic World Games.
Barbara Quinlan
For her dedicated service of more than 25 years as the “volunteer in charge” of the Christmas Adopt-A-Family program at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
PK Wong
For his valuable leadership and volunteer work with multiple organizations, committees and programs supporting seniors, the cultural community and the Chinese community.
David Maggard
While Irvine’s chief of police from 2003 to 2015, the city was named “America’s Safest City” eight consecutive years. He received the Ambassador of Peace Award from the Violence Prevention Coalition of OC and the Department of Defense Freedom Award on behalf of the police department.
For a complete list of honorees on the Wall of Recognition, and for more information on eligibility guidelines and how to nominate future honorees, go to:
legacy.cityofirvine.org/services/public_recognition/honorees/wall_of_recognition.asp
Dedicated in 2008, the wall includes hundreds of names from A (Dan Aldrich, first chancellor at UCI) to Z (Andy Zelinko, a community leader and a driving force behind the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial).
Honorees are from all walks of life, points of view and political perspectives in the city, including 15 new ones added this year.
Tim Burt
For his dedicated service since 1984 as a sports writer with the Irvine World News and Orange County Register, highlighting Irvine sports and athletes.
Deanna Choi
For over 20 years of volunteer service with Irvine Senior Services and as an active member of the Irvine Global Village Festival Steering Committee since 1999.
Boot Camp for New Dads
Founded by Greg Bishop in 1990, the organization now has 200 locations and has helped more than 400,000 new fathers.
Boot Camp for New Moms
Founded by Alison Bishop in 2012, it provides first-time moms with support and tools to start a family.
Bradley Erdosi
For providing pro bono consultation and educational services to older adults through Irvine Senior Services.
George Faas
For service to Irvine Multicultural Association and for his pro bono financial services through Irvine Senior Services.
Felicity Figueroa
For her commitment to volunteerism through OC Equality Coalition, Irvine United Congregational Church’s Advocates for Peace and Justice, and with Women for: OC.
Mike Filia
For his leadership as president of the Irvine Chargers Youth football for 11 years, and for encouraging and honoring young athletes who excel in the classroom.
Omid Gohardani
For his exceptional academic accomplishments and as co-founder of the nonprofit Springs of Dreams, which is dedicated to enriching lives through knowledge and education.
Carolyn Inmon
For her service to the Irvine community since 1975, including a 40-year career in education, reaching over 10,000 students, from kindergarten to community college.
Michael O’Connell
For his vision and stewardship of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy that manages 50,000 acres of protected wildlands and parks, including Irvine’s open space reserve.
Lissa Pestolesi
For her leadership, dedication and passion as the chairwoman of Host Town Irvine for the 2015 Special Olympic World Games.
Barbara Quinlan
For her dedicated service of more than 25 years as the “volunteer in charge” of the Christmas Adopt-A-Family program at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
PK Wong
For his valuable leadership and volunteer work with multiple organizations, committees and programs supporting seniors, the cultural community and the Chinese community.
David Maggard
While Irvine’s chief of police from 2003 to 2015, the city was named “America’s Safest City” eight consecutive years. He received the Ambassador of Peace Award from the Violence Prevention Coalition of OC and the Department of Defense Freedom Award on behalf of the police department.
For a complete list of honorees on the Wall of Recognition, and for more information on eligibility guidelines and how to nominate future honorees, go to:
legacy.cityofirvine.org/services/public_recognition/honorees/wall_of_recognition.asp
