City of San Rafael
Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien
Public Service Award for 2026
Presented to
Karla Valdez
WHEREAS, Karla Valdez is a dedicated community leader and active civic participant in San Rafael, currently serving as a member of the San Rafael Police Advisory and Accountability Committee and volunteering three times a week at the Marin Community Clinics food bank, where she has faithfully served for the past five years; and
WHEREAS, Karla also volunteered with the Raising a Reader program from 2021-2025, where she read to children under the age of five and created engaging activities that promoted early literacy and a lifelong love of learning; and WHEREAS, since 2009, Karla has been actively involved with Vecinos del Canal, a community group focused on improving conditions in the Canal neighborhood, where she helped successfully advocate for changes to the City’s street sweeping enforcement practices to end the disproportionate impacts of vehicle towing on economically burdened residents; and
WHEREAS, through her leadership, Karla and fellow community members organized monthly neighborhood cleanups, helping to maintain a clean and safe environment while fostering shared responsibility and pride in the community; and
WHEREAS, Karla continues her advocacy through her involvement with the Marin Organizing Committee, supporting efforts to improve youth mental health services, and by participating in City housing workshops to better understand and share important information about local housing policies; and WHEREAS, through her trusted relationships and deep community connections, Karla serves as a vital resource for residents, regularly connecting individuals and families to critical services, programs, and opportunities, including food assistance, holiday support, and City initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Karla’s work has resulted in meaningful and lasting impacts, from advancing equitable policy changes and strengthening community trust, to promoting early childhood education and improving access to essential resources for underserved populations; and
WHEREAS, Karla’s dedication, compassion, and resilience are evident in her lifelong commitment to service, including overcoming language and cultural barriers to become a strong and effective advocate, while also raising her children with the same values of civic engagement and community care; and WHEREAS, Karla Valdez’s tireless efforts, leadership, and unwavering commitment to uplifting her community exemplify the highest ideals of public service.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council expresses its appreciation to Karla Valdez on behalf of her community and hereby awards her the Richard O’Brien and the Mary Ferrario O’Brien Public Service Award for 2026 on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Kate Colin, Mayor