🏡 Community Impact Award: Ready for Life, Shasta County 

Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick was proud to recognize Ready for Life for their continued work supporting foster youth and young adults across Northern California. Through their programs, Ready for Life helps recruit and support resource families, provides mentorship and life-skills guidance, and offers transitional housing support for young adults working toward independence. Their work helps ensure vulnerable youth have safe homes, supportive relationships, and the tools needed to become successful and responsible adults.

The organization is led by Nena Panza, Chief Executive Officer, who brings more than twenty years of experience in foster family agency management and previously served as a foster parent for ten years. The program’s mission is carried forward by Megan Preller, MSW, Executive Director, who has more than a decade of experience in the foster care system and recently helped launch the Host Homes program supporting housing-unstable young adults in Shasta County.

Additional team members contributing to the organization’s work include Karin O’Coy, Operations Manager, Shelly Halverson, Host Homes Manager, Adele Earle, Administrative Assistant & Records Coordinator, and Sean Griffiths, Resource Center Coordinator, who help provide daily support, resources, and a welcoming environment for the youth and families served by Ready for Life.

Ready for Life continues to make a meaningful difference in the North State by providing stability, guidance, and opportunity to youth who need it most. Assemblywoman Hadwick’s office was honored to recognize their dedication and the positive impact they have on families throughout the region.

🌐Distinguished Service Award: Curtis Bortle, Lassen County

Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick’s Office was proud to present a Distinguished Service Award to Curtis Bortle of the Lassen City Council in recognition of his dedication to public service and his continued commitment to the Lassen community. His leadership and willingness to serve reflect the values of integrity, accountability, and community stewardship that help strengthen our local communities.

🏛️Public Safety Service Award: Morgan Gire, Placer County 

Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick was honored to present Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire with her February Public Safety Award in recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to justice.

Most recently, District Attorney Gire and his team filed new charges against convicted child predator David Allen Funston on the same day he was scheduled to be released under California’s Elderly Parole Program, ensuring he was taken into local custody instead of being released into the community. The swift action demonstrated the kind of steady, determined advocacy our communities depend on to protect public safety.

Protecting public safety is not just a responsibility. It is a promise to the families we serve.

Thank you, DA Gire, for your hard work not only on this case, but for the work you do year-round to uphold the law and keep the people of Placer County safe.

🚗 North State Small Business Excellence Award: Volz Automotive, Nevada County

Excited to announce Volz Automotive being awarded our Small Business Excellence Award for February.  Volz Automotive has proudly served Nevada County since 1982, building a reputation as a trusted, family-owned auto repair shop committed to quality work, honest communication, and fair prices. With highly trained technicians and the backing of the NAPA AutoCare network, they provide dealership-quality service while treating every customer like family. Beyond their work in the shop, Volz Automotive is known for its strong support of the local community and dedication to responsible, environmentally conscious business practices—demonstrating the kind of hometown commitment that helps Nevada County thrive.

🎓 Shaping the Future Award: South Lake Tahoe Community College, El Dorado County

We are proud to honor South Lake Tahoe Community College with our Shaping the Future Award as they continue to play a vital role in strengthening the Tahoe Basin through innovative education and workforce development programs. The college recently completed its new student housing facility—the first dormitory project in California built using state funding from a previous budget year—helping expand access and affordability for students in the region. The campus also recently broke ground on the new Tahoe Basin Public Safety Training Complex, which will provide hands-on training for firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders serving the Sierra. We are incredibly proud to have Lake Tahoe Community College in Assembly District 1 and grateful for the impact it continues to make for students, workforce development, and community resilience.

❤️ Heart of the Community Award: Clint Celio, Alpine County

Alpine County is fortunate to have dedicated community members like Clint Celio. Serving as the County’s Wildfire Project Coordinator, Clint plays a critical role in helping protect local communities and strengthen wildfire preparedness. Beyond his public service, he owns multiple businesses in Markleeville, serves on the Historical Society, and is always willing to volunteer wherever help is needed. In small, rural communities, it takes passionate and energetic people who step up and pitch in—and Alpine County is stronger because of Clint’s commitment and care for the place he calls home. 

🤝 Nonprofit Excellence Award: Amador Community Foundation, Amador County

The Amador Community Foundation (ACF) has been connecting generosity with local needs since its founding in 1999 by philanthropist Helen Fallis, whose vision was to create a lasting way for residents to give back to the community she loved. Officially incorporated in 2000, ACF serves as a trusted vehicle for charitable giving in Amador County.

Guided by a mission to enhance the lives and future of people in our unique community, the Foundation connects people who care deeply with causes that matter. Through thoughtful stewardship of donor gifts and endowments, ACF has granted more than $11 million to support local nonprofits and community initiatives throughout Amador County.

Today, the Foundation continues Helen’s legacy by helping neighbors support the causes they care about most. By connecting local generosity with local needs, ACF helps strengthen nonprofits, support community programs, and improve quality of life throughout Amador County—now and for generations to come.

🦅 Rising Star Award: Preston Sharp, Shasta County

Preston Sharp, founder of the Flags and Flowers for Veterans movement, began honoring fallen service members at just 10 years old by placing American flags and red carnations on veterans’ graves. What started as a simple act of gratitude has grown into a nationwide movement, with volunteers placing flags and flowers at veterans’ graves in all 50 states and even internationally. Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Preston’s dedication continues to inspire communities across the country to come together in remembrance and gratitude for those who served.