Citizen of the Year Award

Overview

Citizen of the Year

This category recognizes a private citizen who participates and demonstrates leadership in public involvement activities of transportation, air quality, and/or land-use planning activities.

Selection Criteria

  • Contributions to the region through civic involvement and outreach and education to others in the community.
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Bob Smart

Bob Smart has spent his life as a public servant and has been involved in local politics in El Dorado County for over 20 years. A retired wildland firefighter, he has spent his retirement donating time and energy to increase mutli-modal options for residents. Mr. Smart is passionate about the enhancing and protecting the high quality of life in El Dorado County through the development of livable, walkable and bikeable communities.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of The Year

Caroline Peck
Safety Along Freeport for Everyone (SAFFE)

Caroline has worked to educate neighbors, students, local electeds and business about the safety issues facing bicyclists on Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento. She formed a grassroots coalition called, Safety Along Freeport for Everyone (SAFFE) as a means to organize her resident education and outreach efforts. Her efforts have resulted in the City adopting a new plan for that segment of Freeport Boulevard with construction funding likely occurring in the next few years.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Maria Contreras Tebbutt
Woodland Bicycle Campaign

Maria Contreras Tebbutt has dedicated her time to advancing safe and frequent bicycle trips for youth and adults in the City of Woodland. She has coordinated numerous activities in Woodland resulting in over 300 residents getting training in safe cycling and over 100 residents receiving free bicycles and helmets. Maria was instrumental in opening the bicycle workshop at Woodland Adult Education. This workshop is crucial to getting bicycles in the hands of residents who need them, and preparing new riders for the road.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Joanne Neft

Joanne Neft is a passionate advocate on behalf of local foods and the people who grow them. Over the past 20 years, Joanne has utilized a variety of strategies in her activism, including nutrition research, owning a gourmet café, and land preservation.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Terry Preston

For building safer routes to schools in the South Natomas community.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Ted Link-Oberstar

For building safer routes to schools in the South Natomas community.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Brooks Truitt

Citizen of the Year recognizes a private citizen who participates and demonstrates leadership in public involvement activities for transportation, land use planning and air quality. The 2007 SACOG Salutes! Citizen of the Year is Mr. Brooks Truitt.

For many years, Brooks Truitt has worked extensively in the community, and regularly attends public hearings and planning commission meetings. Mr. Truitt created Sustain Sacramento, an email newsletter of current information on public meetings and opportunities for civic engagement on the growth of Sacramento.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Jim Williams

For exemplary contribution and leadership in public involvement for the Blueprint Project.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Sarah Johnson

Private citizen who has dedicated considerable time, energy and effort to transportation planning in the region, for exemplary commitment to and consistent involvement in transit and transportation planning for the Sacramento Region.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Mary Brill

Responsible for recruiting others in the community to have a voice in regional decision-making.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Walt Seifert

Advocacy for improved bicycle facilities and conditions throughout the region.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Larry Welch

Outstanding leadership as chair of Valley Vision/Regional Action Partnership.

SACOG Salutes! Award Winner Citizen of the Year

Dain Domich
Developer

Major projects include infill developments near existing transit hubs.