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Published on 01/26/1998 All articles from this issue

'Salute to mayors' banquet includes honoring of a longtime 'visionary'

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Amid a preponderance of black ties, cummerbunds and party dresses, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian referred to Los Altos and Los Altos Hills as "the hot bed of social rest" in Santa Clara County.

"We at the Board of Supervisors congratulate and thank you for this," he said.

Simitian, and other government representatives, saluted both community's mayors and Roy Lave, winner of the sixth Walter and Marie Singer Award, at the 15th annual Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Salute to the Mayors last Saturday night.

The event was held in the Palo Alto University Club.

"We've had a baker, a bean counter, artist, chef and a bookie for the past five recipients of the 'Order of the Bow,' and we now have a visionary as this year's winner," presenter Conrad Heintzelman said.

"Roy Lave has been involved in public service for many years and is still involved in improving the community with continuous input and involvement."

Previous Walter Singer Award recipients have included: Roger Brunello, Le Boulanger; Dennis Young, American Express Tax & Business Services; Ingrid Jackson-MacDonald, artist and owner of Sunbird Gallery; Larry Chu, Chef Chu's Restaurant; and Conrad Heintzelman, owner of Heintzelman's Bookstore.

The award is named after the well-liked former owners of Los Altos Stationers, who were heavily involved in community activities. Walter Singer died in 1992, and Marie died last year.

Lave said all previous winners were unselfish and worked hard for their community.

"I'm honored to have the Singer award," Lave said. "This community has the talent and the motivation to do anything it wants."

Los Altos Hills resident George Marcus led the salute for Los Altos Hills Mayor Toni Casey.

"Her view of public service is unique. She is an entrepreneurial person in public service and was the first public official in Los Altos Hills to do a survey on what the residents want," Marcus said.

Casey, who just returned from attending the Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C, answered the oft-asked question: Why would anybody want to be on a council?

"Because the benefits outweigh the negatives, and you have the opportunity to meet residents of Los Altos Hills," Casey said.

"We are the home for a wealth of executives and leaders in the electronic world. We are proud of the richness and the strength of diversity found in our homes. We don't have problems in Los Altos Hills, we just have issues."

Los Altos Mayor Kris Casto was introduced by former mayor Marge Bruno.

"Kris wants Los Altos to remain rural. She was born in Coshockton, Ohio, and that is rural," Bruno said. "By serving 10 years on the Los Altos Planning Commission, her intent is saving the environment."

"My world is here in Los Altos," Casto said, "because everyone in my life lives here, and they all try to help me. This city has a lot of friends.

"We have Friends of the Library, Friends of the History House and friends of Rosita, CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council) and CSA (Community Services Agency)."

The evening concluded with dancing to music provided by A Sound Investment.