SVBC is thrilled to announce Summit awardees for 2021! We would like to applaud the amazing work that these folks have accomplished in the past year in spite of the challenges brought forth by the pandemic. The nominations for the awards were open in June, while the voting took place in July. We received over 250 responses. Without further ado, let’s meet the awardees:

PERSON OF THE YEAR

Rafael Avendaño – Current ED, Redwood City Together and Former Director, Siena Youth Center – Rafael is a community leader and advocate, mentor, problem-solver, collaborator, and a great source of inspiration. His vast list of impacts includes: hundreds of helmets fitted to kids, mountain biking and camping trips with youth, a much-needed crosswalk in front of the Siena Youth Center, annual community health fairs featuring bike rodeos and community resources like vaccines, empowerment of youth, and community members, advocating for the community as a North Fair Oaks community council member, mentor to hundreds of youth. He’s an invaluable leader and partner, and of course a fellow bike enthusiast. Most importantly, he cares deeply about the community, knowing when to put biking aside to focus on health equity and transportation safety for youth and families.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

Eastside Connect Farm Box by Bike – In March 2020, Veggielution launched Eastside Connect, a program through which they distribute fresh produce to low-income East San José initially as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program serves more than 300 people per week. Produce food boxes are delivered by bike to families in East San Jose who aren’t able to pick them up themselves. In partnership with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, they plan to organize and train volunteers to deliver farm boxes. Switching to bike delivery will reduce and, ultimately, eliminate carbon emissions from the use of our farm truck. It will also be an opportunity to engage with a new audience and encourage them to learn more about Veggielution, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods of East San José.

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

There was a cut-throat competition between our nominees for this award – we have a tie between two very significant projects for this award.

Paved trail connection between University Avenue and Ravenswood Open Space Preserve – In August 2020, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District opened a new trail segment at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve that closed a 0.6-mile critical gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail on the peninsula. Completing this gap connected 80 miles of continuous Bay Trail from Menlo Park to Sunnyvale and across the Dumbarton Bridge to the East Bay. Find out more at https://www.openspace.org/ravenswood.

Slow Streets, Redwood City, San Mateo County - In May 2020, Redwood City met the moment by opening 5.5 miles of neighborhood streets and restricting vehicle traffic so that residents would have more space. The Redwood City Slow Streets Pilot Program increases the safety of walking, biking, and rolling on the designated streets. In May 2021, the city developed next steps for the program and is considering permanent improvements on some of the streets. https://www.redwoodcity.org/about-the-city/slow-streets-pilot-program

Hearty congratulations to all the award winners and we hope all of you can make it to the Summit to interact with these wonderful people!