Santa Clara City Council members honored community members with awards at this year’s State of the City Gala.
Each of the council members singled out a person in their district they believe makes the city a better place. Mayor Lisa Gillmor also gave an award for the citywide Santa Claran of the year.
Council Member Albert Gonzalez named Helen Narciso District 1’s award.
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As a Women’s Club volunteer, Gonzalez said Narciso is “unapologetic” in standing up for what she believes, a quality that has a “ripple effect” beyond his district.
“The kindness that you bring to the neighborhood and the energy that balance; I don’t know how you do it,” Gonzalez said.
The District 2 award went to Nelio and Teresa DeFreitas of Portuguese Tasty Desserts.
In a statement read by Gillmor, Council Member Raj Chahal wrote that the bakery serves as a “cultural anchor” for the city by participating in cultural fairs and neighborhood events as well as donating food to the needy.
“[The bakery] invites all residents to share in the flavors and heritage of Portugal, making it a sweet example of how small businesses can strengthen the community identity, pride and connection,” Chahal wrote.
Council Member Karen Hardy named Karen Hovey as District 3’s awardee.
For nearly 30 years, Hovey has been involved in education. She served on the parent teacher association for many years, even doing a stint as its president and earning parent volunteer of the year three years in a row.
But Hovey’s volunteering wasn’t limited to education. She also led scripture study at her local church, was the president of the Santa Clara congregation’s Relief Society and served as director for a Scout day camp.
“We always said it was a good year if no one lost a finger, a toe, or burned down the forest,” Hardy said of Hovey.
Council Member Kevin Park gave Big Mug Coffee Roaster owner GiYeong Yi the District 4 award.
He said her hard work and commitment to making the Korean community vibrant are invaluable to Santa Clara.
“I think that people who know about coffee know about Big Mug. I think that people who need a place to study know about Big Mug. I think that people who know about getting desserts and getting good things to eat don’t drink coffee, know about Big Mug,” Park said. “She named Big Mug Coffee to imply a big mug that you share with your family, with your friends, and that’s literally what we did.”
Matt Hartenstein received the District 5 award. Gillmor read a statement from Council Member Suds Jain singing the praises of Hartenstein’s bar, Tap Lands, with its old-world pub feel.
Vice Mayor Kelly Cox selected founder of A Slice of New York pizzeria Kirk Vartan the District 6 awardee.
Not only has Vartan’s pizzeria been a mainstay in Santa Clara for 18 years, his involvement in the city’s Agrihood development demonstrates his commitment to the city. Cox said Vartan has “grit,” noting his frequent presence at city council meetings despite not being a resident, adding that he “keeps showing up” for Santa Clara.
“When we are challenged and we have to get back to what our beliefs are, when we have to reconsider our choices, when somebody pushes us hard enough that it makes us uncomfortable, we become better,” Cox said.
Finally, Gillmor honored Daniel Woo with the Santa Claran of the year award.
Gillmor said what Woo does with his “deep roots” in Santa Clara, especially during the “darkest days” of the pandemic, sets him apart. During that time, Woo delivered 500 free meals to isolated and vulnerable residents. As a leader of multiple Korean-American organizations, Woo also created the county’s first Korean cultural festival, held in Santa Clara.
Gillmor called him a “bridge builder in the truest sense of the word.”
“What I admire most about Daniel is his approach. He’s not loud or attention-seeking. He simply sees what needs to be done, and he does it. He collaborates, he listens and he delivers results … Daniel leads with humility and effectiveness,” said Gillmor.
Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com
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