Others have recognized Maria’s strong devotion to community. She was honored with a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award three times, and was Rotarian of the Year 2001-2002.A native of Oxnard, Maria moved to Santa Paula in 1990; and in a previous interview she said joining Rotary was a benchmark in her growth as a community activist that “opened the doors to all the other organizations” Maria quickly embraced. Maria joined SCVB in September 2002 and found herself among of group of professionals that are also strong community supporters, including SCVB President/CEO Michael D. Hause.“When does she work Mike?” asked Hishmeh after reading the list of Maria’s activities. “I fire people like that!”“Maria does work, but she’s cloned!” said Supervisor Long, who presented the Citizen of the Year with a Board of Supervisors Proclamation. “Maria has a great love and heart for the community,” and two “wonderful sons.... I know Santa Paula will continue to be a great community because of you.”“You truly make this a great community to live and work,” said Brian Miller.John Nichols, owner of the John Nichols Gallery, presented Maria with a rare framed citrus label for the COY brand, asking, “Do you have a COY for the COY?”“I’m feeling a little guilty attending this event and having so much fun when I did not help plan it or set up,” said Maria. “Please put me on your committee next year so I can have the fun without the guilt!”Maria said there are three “very important persons I must especially thank. I could not participate at the level I do if I did not have their absolute support. They also love Santa Paula and are committed to making it a better place to live, work and play... my sons, Christopher and Stephen, and my best friend Elias Valdes.”
|
(Left) Maria Bombara was honored Sunday as the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year.” (Right) Chamber Chair Sam Hishmeh introduced Maria to the audience at the annual Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the Ironhorse and Glen Tavern Inn. (Photo by Don Johnson) |
Maria Bombara Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year”
February 25, 2009
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesAlthough there’s much “coy” in Maria Bombara’s personality, the self-effacing 2008 Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year is a diminutive dynamo whose community activism was lauded at Sunday’s 47th Annual Awards luncheon. Bombara was honored, along with Business of the Year Heritage Hardware and Beautification Award DoRight’s Nursery, at the luncheon held at Ironhorse Restaurant at the Glen Tavern Inn.The sold-out event was attended by elected officials such as Supervisor Kathy Long, Mayor Ralph Fernandez, Vice Mayor Jim Tovias and Councilmen Bob Gonzales and Fred Robinson, as well Brian Miller, chief aide to Representative Elton Gallegly, past chamber honorees, and others who turned out in force to show their support of the petite - and tireless - Maria.“It’s so great to see Maria and her fans here,” Chamber President/CEO John Blanchard told the crowd. “Often” when the selection of the Citizen of the Year is announced other names that also deserved the honor are mentioned, but “not this year.... When they heard it was Maria, people said ‘Of course.’”It was only fitting that awards were being presented on Oscar Sunday, said Past Chamber Chair Connie Tushla, as “we honor our own stars.”“Maria has been a very, very active member of the community,” noted Mayor Fernandez during his State of the City Address.“Santa Paula has to be one of the coolest cities,” said Chamber Chair Sam Hishmeh, who noted the city is led by a strong Council, and “We have Maria... and we’re just proud to be your friend.”There is not a service club or organization that hasn’t benefited from Maria’s - who finds community service as natural as breathing even while juggling a banking career and family - friendship.Marketing vice president of Santa Clara Valley Bank, Maria, a Rotarian since 1989, served as club president (2003-2004), is current secretary, serves the executive committee for the Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch, and chairs the Family of Rotary events, website, Children’s Christmas party and Junior Achievement. She is past chair of the New Teacher BBQ, serves on many committees, and previously was chair and editor of the district newsletter, as well as the district awards chair.The Downtown Merchants Association, Soroptimist International of Santa Paula and Fillmore, Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation/Santa Paula Hospital, SPTC Ghost Walk, Moonlight at the Ranch, Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce, Citrus Classic Hot Air Balloon Festival, Santa Clara Valley Hospice, Relay for Life, Blanchard Community Library, Flair Spelling Bee, Aviation Museum of Santa Paula Aviation Museum, Santa Paula Art Museum - well, you get the picture - and others have all benefited from Maria’s direct involvement or support.With two sons, Christopher, 16, and Stephen, 14, single parent Maria is involved with St. Bonaventure High School as vice president of the PTG (Parent Teacher Guild), serves the Fiesta Committee, and is a Drama Club Mom. At St. Sebastian School she is an active PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) board member and auction chair.
