Union City Honors Community Servants

The Union City Human Relations Commission recognized seven Union City community servants for their contributions in improving the lives of Union City residents Wednesday night.

The commission paid tribute to the civic leaders during their first annual Make A Difference in the Community Awards.

“This new award program recognizes those in the community who, through their volunteer and/or vocational efforts, make a positive difference in the lives of others, thereby making Union City a better place in which to live, work, and play,” the HRC said in a statement.

Each awardee was nominated by an individual Human Relations Commissioner, and was presented with an engraved plaque to commemorate their contributions to the community.

Commissioner Carmen Smeester presented the first award to Chris Valuckas, the recreation supervisor for and manager of the . Valuckas has served the community for 14 years, according to the commission.

“Without reservation, Chris Valukas paved the way to ... [give] those residents with special needs an opportunity to participate in sports and social events that are inclusive, sensitive and fun,” Smeester said. 

Other honorees included a local minister, a restaurateur and a recycling entrepreneur, among others.

Honorees:

• Cindy Alonso-Sierra: Alonso-Sierra was recognized for her more than 20 years of service and activism in Union City. She has been an activist in New Haven schools and mentors young Latino women. The HRC noted her skills as a counselor and her command of Spanish and English as her biggest assets in helping Union City’s Hispanic community. “She has been committed to continually inspire average citizens to get involved and make a difference in our city,” the HRC said.

• Makhan Singh Bains: Though Bains could not attend Wednesday's ceremony, HRC Commissioner Harpreet Kaur, who nominated Bains, said he has never said "no" whenever someone or an organization in the community has asked for help. Bains owns , one of the largest Indo-American restaurants and catering companies in the Bay Area. He has also served on the board of directors for Union City’s 50th Anniversary Committee and donated to the UC50 and other local causes.

• Marvin Bowerman: Bowerman wears many hats in the local community. He serves as a staff counselor at the Fremont Family Resource Center, the Administrative Director of the La Honda Music Camp and a Cub Scout den leader. The HRC also cited Bowerman's contributions to the city’s Youth Violence Prevention and Intervention Advisory Board process as one of his many accomplishments.

• Juan Gomez: Gomez serves as the president of the board of directors for , a community health center founded in Union City. The center, which has provided health services for more than 40 years in Southern Alameda County, has clinics in Decoto and at James Logan High School.

• Jim Soltau: A youth minister at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Soltau's leadership has helped St. Anne's youth ministry become one of the largest in the East Bay, the HRC said.

• Richard Valle: Valle is the president and CEO of , the largest non-profit community recycling company in the state. Though Valle was not present to accept the award, commission chairperson Jean Harper said, “The list of events and organizations that [Valle] is involved in is pretty much equal to all the events in the city. Richard is a leader in our community who doesn’t seek recognition for his many accomplishments ...  He is a true humanitarian who is always looking to help and improve the quality of life for residents in the community — especially veterans, at-risk youth, unemployed workers and students."