2nd Annual 2026

Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Awards

Dear Community Members,

Thank you to our guests, sponsors, community partners, and awardees for being part of the 2nd Annual Supervisorial Leadership and Excellence awards! It was an honor to recognize the “Great Navigators” of District 2 — leaders whose service, compassion, and dedication continue to strengthen and inspire our communities. Please check out the videos below to learn more about the 2026 recipients!

Thank you,

Jeff

Jeff Gorell

Chair of the Board of Supervisors

THE GREAT NAVIGATORS

Lifetime Achievement Award - Robert "Bob" M. Taylor

Robert "Bob" M. Taylor was a proud Camarillo resident, World War II Veteran, and D-Day survivor who recently celebrated his 102nd birthday. He unfortunately passed away in April. We are grateful to have captured a video of his life story. My thoughts are with his daughter Debra and their entire family. Bob’s life was defined by courage, resilience, service, and dedication to family and country.

Sgt. Dillon Alvarez - Public Safety

With 26 years of service in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Alvarez has dedicated his career to protecting our communities and keeping families safe. Today, he leads the East County Special Enforcement Unit, overseeing complex investigations focused on violent criminals —helping ensure Ventura County remains one of the safest places to live. But his impact goes far beyond enforcement. Sergeant Alvarez has been a driving force behind programs like MANDO (Mentors Against Negative Decision Outreach) and the Gang Awareness Partnership, working directly with youth to prevent gang involvement and create positive pathways forward. His leadership brings together schools, law enforcement, and community partners to support at-risk youth and strengthen our neighborhoods. He leads with integrity, mentors the next generation of officers, and builds trust within the community every day. Sergeant Alvarez represents the very best of public service—commitment, courage, and compassion.

Dr. Jesus Vaca - Education

With more than 35 years in education, Dr. Vaca has dedicated his career to uplifting students and opening doors of opportunity that shape their futures. Today, as Superintendent and Principal of the Somis Union School District, he continues to lead with a clear purpose—ensuring every student is seen, supported, and prepared to succeed not just in school, but in life. Dr. Vaca leads with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping students reach their full potential. His work is not only impacting classrooms today—it’s helping build confident, capable young people who will carry that success into their futures. His influence is lasting, and our community is stronger because of it.

Rosemary Allison - Community Leadership

For decades, Rosemary has made a huge impact in our community— she is someone who not only sees a need, but brings people together to meet it. From going door-to-door to save the City of Thousand Oaks’ 4th of July fireworks in 1978, to leading major fundraising efforts for organizations like the American Cancer Society, YMCA, and For The Troops, her impact has been both lasting and far-reaching. In public service, Rosemary has served on the Santa Rosa Valley Municipal Advisory Council since 2003, where she has supported emergency preparedness and wildfire prevention efforts—including clearance work to reduce risk—and helped coordinate emergency housing for large animals during emergencies. Rosemary leads with selflessness, determination, and a deep commitment to others—bringing people together and strengthening our community every step of the way.

Dr. Youping Gao - Prosperity

Dr. Youping Gao is a globally recognized engineering innovator and aerospace manufacturing leader whose groundbreaking work in additive manufacturing has helped advance space exploration, hypersonics, and rocket propulsion. As founder of Castheon Inc. in Thousand Oaks and Chief Technology Officer of ADDMAN, Dr. Gao pioneered mission-critical 3D printed aerospace components, including technology that helped power the first private moon lander to successfully reach the moon’s surface in 2025. His products have quite literally made it to the moon and back!

Oak Park Community Garden - Environmentalism

What started as a vision to transform a vacant lot has become a thriving community space dedicated to sustainability, education, and connection. For more than 20 years, the garden has brought people together—growing fresh food, hosting community events, and inspiring the next generation through hands-on environmental education. From school field trips to a certified Monarch Waystation, their impact continues to grow. This is what community leadership and environmental stewardship look like in action.

SELECTED NONPROFIT

GOLD COAST VETERANS FOUNDATION

All proceeds from the event went to support the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation's Mobile Veteran Outreach Unit! Click the play button to watch a brief spotlight on Gold Coast.