Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS Assemblyman Robert Rivas speaks at the 22nd annual Cesar Chavez Awards ceremony Thursday night in Watsonville.

On March 28, local artist Judy Stabile was among seven people who were honored for community service during the annual Cesar Chavez Awards ceremony.

Stabile, who volunteers with Pajaro Valley Arts, said she was honored to receive the award.

“The awardees were nominated for community service,” she said. “It was interesting: I had just received an award as part of women of the 28th assembly from Gail Pllerin, so this was a total shock. It was very heartfelt.”

The ceremony, now in its 22nd year, was held at the Civic Plaza Building in Watsonville. Put on by the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services, more than 150 people showed up for the upbeat event that included a buffet dinner.

The awards will recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses who help contribute to the Watsonville community with a special, free, in-person buffet and award ceremony.

The awards were presented to:

  • Andrea Carlos Willy
  • Pajaro Middle School
  • Monarch Services
  • Judy Stabile
  • Patsy Grasca
  • Monica Galvan
  • Jesus Ayala

Keynote speaker Assemblyman Robert Rivas spoke of the importance of the community working together and continuing the legacy of his civil rights efforts of Cesar Chavez and reminded the crowd that March 31 was Cesar Chavez Day.

“I am so proud to say I represent Watsonville in the State Legislature,” he said.

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Tarmo Hannula has been the lead photographer with The Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville since 1997. More recently Good Times & Press Banner. He also reports on a wide range of topics, including police, fire, environment, schools, the arts and events. A fifth generation Californian, Tarmo was born in the Mother Lode of the Sierra (Columbia) and has lived in Santa Cruz County since the late 1970s. He earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz and has traveled to 33 countries.

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