SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) presented special awards to ten women, from the 30th Assembly District, as part of a ceremony honoring “Leading Ladies” in the Central Valley.

“Today’s event is a celebration of the tremendous sacrifices and contributions made by women in the Central Valley,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “I am honored to be in the company of such an exceptional group of women, whose actions always place others before themselves. Today’s honorees are public servants in the truest sense, because they continually give of themselves for the benefit and improvement of their communities.”

The following individuals were recognized for their community service efforts and achievements:
Leonor Lopez – Lamont, Labor Union Community Liaison
Manuela Ortega – Arvin, Valley Fever and Education Advocate
Yolanda Martinez – Shafter, Teacher and Literacy Advocate
Linda Hylton – Delano, Community Advocate
Essie Blue – Bakersfield, Executive Director, 4th Street Senior Center
Cloete Daniels – Bakersfield, Community Event and Coordinator
Mary Pritchard – Bakersfield, Korean War and World War II Veteran
Jan Hummel – Wasco, Teacher
Jean Flores – Delano, Community Advocate
Barbara Patrick – Supervisor, Kern County Board of Supervisors

This is the 1st Annual Garden Tea Party for the 30th Assembly District. Supporters of the event include State Farm Insurance; Ben Sacco of the Sierra Recycling Center; Attorney Milt Younger of Chain, Younger, Cohn, and Stiles Law; the Kern Oil Refinery; Attorney Daniel Rodriguez and Associates; Pelican Group Realty; and J.R. Hestor of Friggie’s Sportswear. Award recipients were selected based on their records of community service and involvement.

For more information on the Garden Tea Party Awards Presentation, please visit Assemblywoman Parra’s Bakersfield District Office, located at 601 24th Street, Bakersfield, or call (661) 334-3745.