To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: Honoring Clay Deanhardt 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year
Recommendation: Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Honoring Clay Deanhardt 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
BACKGROUND:
Honoring Clay Deanhardt 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
No negative action
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF HONORING CLAY DEANHARDT
2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is pleased to recognize Clay Deanhardt as the 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year, honoring his extraordinary dedication to community service, civic leadership, and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Clay has been a devoted member of the Orinda Rotary Club since August 2007, serving two terms as Club President from 2021-2022 and 2023-2024, and earning the distinguished honor of Rotarian of the Year twice in recognition of his exceptional leadership, generosity, and service; and
WHEREAS, Clay has demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement through his six years of service on the Orinda Parks and Recreation Commission from 2014 to 2020, including serving as Commission President, helping to enhance the recreational opportunities and quality of life enjoyed by Orinda residents; and
WHEREAS, a passionate supporter of education and youth, Clay served on the transition committee that brought together the Educational Foundation of Orinda and the Orinda Network for Education, while also generously volunteering his time with the parent clubs at Del Rey Elementary School, Orinda Intermediate School, and Miramonte High School; and
WHEREAS, Clay's enthusiasm for bringing people together is reflected in his many years of organizing beloved community traditions, including managing food vendors for Orinda's Fourth of July celebration for more than a decade, coordinating the Frank Isola Rotary Field Day since 2012, and overseeing the annual Spring Egg Hunt for ten years, creating cherished memories for generations of families; and
WHEREAS, Clay's spirit of compassion extends well beyond civic activities through his volunteer service with Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, as well as his global humanitarian efforts as General Counsel for Be My Eyes and a founding board member of its nonprofit foundation, advancing accessibility and opportunities for individuals who are blind or have low vision; and
WHEREAS, whether sharing updates at Orinda liaison meetings or participating in community events, Clay always brings an infectious enthusiasm, positive energy, and genuine warmth that uplift those around him; admired for his humility, kindness, and willingness to serve, Clay embodies the very best of community volunteerism, consistently stepping forward wherever help is needed and inspiring others through his quiet leadership, and remarkable generosity making Orinda a stronger and more welcoming community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby congratulate and honor
Clay Deanhardt
as the 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year, and extends its sincere appreciation for his outstanding contributions, exemplary volunteer spirit, and lasting positive impact on the Orinda community and throughout Contra Costa County.