Over the years, the Peninsula Coalition has recognized citizens who have contributed to our community. The Annual Community Honors Dinner honors two unique individuals whose commitment to the greater Peninsula region can be described as exemplary. Past honorees for Lifetime Achievement include Al Teglia, Joe Cotchett, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Robert Batinovich, Honorable Quentin L. Kopp and Honorable Paul N (Pete) McCloskey.

Past honorees for Community Leadership include Mike Nevin, Sue Lempert, Lennie Roberts, Dave Miller, Shelley Kessler and Supervisor Adrienne J. Tissier.

On May 5, 2011, we presented our Lifetime Achievement Award to Paul Shepherd. Paul is an MIT graduate, affordable housing advocate, SeaBee, environmentalist, civic leader and longtime Peninsula resident. Paul has served in various leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity, HEART, SAMCEDA and the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks. He served as a trustee and board president of the Hillsborough School District, as president of the Hillsborough Schools Foundation and as a trustee of MIT. As the land manager for Cargill's real estate assets in the Bay Area he has advised on Cargill's awarding of over $1 million to various charities.

Our annual Community Leadership Award was presented to San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley.

As the former San Mateo County sheriff, board president of the Sequoia Healthcare District and chair of the San Mateo County standing Committee on Environmental Quality, Don has proven to be a valuable leader in our community. His work with the Sheriff's department dramatically improved the quality of service provided by deputies and the quality of life of all San Mateo County residents. Under his leadership the Sequoia Healthcare District increased funding to the North Fair Oaks Clinic and the Community grant Program. The Peninsula Coalition is honored to count Don as a longtime friend.

Speakers included leaders from the public and private sectors. The event also featured a biopic of the Lifetime Achievement honoree Paul Shepherd. An important element of our celebration was a commemorative program that highlighted the honorees and recognized the many important businesses, unions, officials and organizations so vital to this area.

The Peninsula Coalition is delighted to commemorate the work of our honorees, whose policies reflect our mission. If you would like to learn more about the event, contact us.