To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Report Title: ADOPT Resolution honoring Cathy McRoberts for International Women’s Day, as recommended by Supervisor Carlson. .
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution honoring Cathy McRoberts for International Women’s Day.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
See resolution text
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF Recognizing Cathy McRoberts for International Women’s Day, and for her services to better our community
WHEREAS, Cathy McRoberts embodies the true spirit of service, having dedicated her life to uplifting others through generosity, advocacy, and action; and
WHEREAS, Cathy’s commitment to helping others began in childhood when she witnessed her grandmother welcome a man in need with a warm meal, a seat on the porch, and a cup of coffee; a simple but powerful act of dignity that shaped Cathy’s lifelong belief that we must always care for one another; and
WHEREAS, after growing up in Albuquerque, NM, Cathy moved to San Francisco in 1967 to explore the world and build a life of purpose; and
WHEREAS, as a flight attendant during the Vietnam War, she flew troops in and out during the war, volunteered in military hospitals in Honolulu, visiting wounded service members, writing letters, and offering comfort. Experiences that deepened her understanding of service and strengthened her commitment to civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, since settling in Contra Costa County in 1974, Cathy has been a pillar of community leadership; serving as Co-Chair for her sons All Night Grad Night and PTA, volunteering with Network of Care, supporting community events and crab feeds, and working alongside leaders such as Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, Supervisor Ken Carlson and Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston; and
WHEREAS, for 37 years, Cathy has helped lead “Christmas for Everyone” in Martinez, serving approximately 1,500 individuals each Christmas Day with a fresh holiday meal, clothing, and new gifts; creating not just an event, but a tradition of dignity, joy, and belonging for families across the community; and
WHEREAS, her service has been recognized through honors including Volunteer of the Year by the Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee and received the Diablo Valley College President’s Exemplary Service Award in 2011; and
WHEREAS, above all, Cathy’s proudest role is that of grandmother, and her work continues to be guided by her desire to leave a better, kinder community for her children and grandchildren.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Cathy McRoberts not only for her decades of leadership and volunteerism, but for her inclusiveness, integrity, and the genuine care she shows to every person she meets.
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