LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Mark Roberts Named Orinda's Citizen of the Year


A host of dignitaries were on hand to honor Mark Roberts as Orinda's Citizen of the Year March 20 at the Orinda Community Center. From left: Orinda Planning Commissioner Claire Roberts, Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, Mark Roberts, Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer. Photo Ohlen Alexander

Proving that nice guys can and do finish first, Orindan Mark Roberts was recently named Orinda's Citizen of the Year. He accepted the award in front of a room full of family members and other fellow Orindans at a special Orinda Rotary-sponsored celebration March 20. (To learn more about his volunteerism, read "Making a Difference: Orinda's Mark Roberts on the Value of Volunteerism" in the Lamorinda Weekly's online archives.)

A longtime Rotarian and board member of the California Autism Foundation, Roberts has also been actively working with local schools to help educate teens and their parents about the dangers of texting while driving. Although he and his wife, Claire (a current member of the Orinda Planning Commission), have been active volunteers in Orinda for more than two decades, he still expressed genuine surprise about his nomination. "It's a recognition I truly appreciate because this puts me among a number of people I have known and admired for their volunteer work in the past. I feel very grateful and honored."

In characteristically modest fashion, he quickly deflected attention away from himself and back toward a topic he adores - the many ways in which a single person can better his or her home town. He hopes more Orindans will volunteer locally - particularly residents who are new to the area. "A perfect opportunity would be Orinda Action Day on Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. It's an opportunity for people to really pitch in - to beautify parts of our city which need a little help and keep our creeks looking good and free from garbage. The activities are things which people of any age - kids, adults, parents, teens - can do. If you're new to town, it's a great way to meet others, and you'll feel like you're part of a group that's really accomplishing something really meaningful."

Roberts also announced that the Orinda Association will hold its first volunteer fair that same day. "After Orindans participate in Orinda Action Day, they'll be able to learn more about other ongoing activities available. The fair will be held right there in the library plaza." To volunteer, visit: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4baba629a02-orinda3.