Regional Awards - Kern COG

	Regional Awards

	On March 6, 2008, Kern Council of Governments honored 17 individuals and organizations for making significant contributions to this area’s quality of life through innovative, cooperative efforts during its 18th annual Regional Awards of Merit Program. Kern COG celebrated its 38th anniversary in 2008, and it is the 18th year the agency has recognized those programs and people in our region whose ideas and hard work have made life in Kern County better for us all. The awards banquet was held Thursday, March 6, 2008 at the Petroleum Club in Bakersfield.

	2007 Regional Award Recipients

		Journalism

Laura Dobbins with The Ridgecrest Daily Independent, for her series on the Base Realignment and Closure program at China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, and another series on water rates in Ridgecrest.

		Community Involvement

Bakersfield High School CEO Academy and Kern Veterans Memorial Foundation for their work in establishing the Kern County Veterans Memorial at ‘S’ Street and Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield.

Elizabeth Babcock of Ridgecrest for her volunteerism with a variety of community-based organizations and non-profits in eastern Kern.

Barbara Lucas of Wasco for her role as that city’s unofficial historian and for her work in transporting elderly patients to and from medical appointments.

Roger Willams of Bakersfield for his volunteer service as a 4-H leader.

		Local Government

The City of Tehachapi for its community design charette process.

		Transportation

Ahron Hakimi, Caltrans District 6 engineer, for his work on the Route 58 Connectors Improvement Project at the State Route 58/99 interchange in Bakersfield.

		Ken Volpe Environmental Resources and Conservation Award

Lucinda Sue Crosby of the Indian Wells Valley Water District for her involvement in a variety of water conservation projects and activities.

		Richard A. Maxwell Award for Public Safety

Jim Grundt of Wasco for his service with the Kern County Search and Rescue Team.

Lt. Steve Colerick of the California City Police Department for designing and implementing the agency’s Special Enforcement Team and Desert Incident Response Team.

		Distinguished Leadership (Public Group or Individual)

Dennis Shoffner of Rosamond for his efforts to formalize the Rosamond Town Council from a social organization into an active voice for the community.

		Distinguished Leadership -Elected Official

Kern County Supervisor Michael Rubio for promoting regionalism through programs such as the Gang Violence Strategic Plan.

California City Councilman Mike Edmiston for his pervasive involvement with a wide range of community organizations and activities.

		Distinguished Leadership – Public Official

Chief Bert Pumphrey, Taft Police Department for his service to that agency.

		Lifetime Achievement – Public Official

Harvey Michael Rose, Ridgecrest city manager for his efforts to negotiate a fire protection agreement between Ridgecrest and the Kern County Fire Department, and for his 40+ years in the public sector.

Bob Jasper, former director of the Tehachapi-Cumming County Water District for his service to that agency.

		Lifetime Achievement – Private Citizen

David Mechtenberg, CEO of Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, for his generosity of time and service to the health care needs of Indian Wells Valley residents.

	Previous Regional Award Winners