To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution honoring Sue Farmer as 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year .
Recommendation: Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Resolution honoring Sue Farmer as 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
BACKGROUND:
Resolution honoring Sue Farmer as 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 Resolution honoring Sue Farmer as
2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year
WHEREAS, Sue Farmer has been named the 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to community service, philanthropic leadership, and unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others throughout Orinda and the greater Lamorinda community; and
WHEREAS, Sue has demonstrated exceptional leadership in arts and civic organizations, having served four terms as President of the Lamorinda Arts Council and was Past President of both the Orinda Rotary Club and the Music Teachers Association of California, fostering cultural enrichment, volunteerism, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, for more than three decades, Sue has generously devoted her time and talents to numerous charitable endeavors, including her longstanding membership in the Orinda Women's Club, volunteer service with local food banks and White Pony Express, and support for organizations addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals and families; and
WHEREAS, Sue's passion for music, education, and mentorship has inspired countless young people through her support of Lamorinda Idol, Cantare summer music camps helping underserved youth, and her personal commitment to mentoring students through SHECAN, helping create opportunities for learning, artistic expression, and personal growth; and
WHEREAS, Sue has opened both her heart and her home to advance meaningful causes, graciously hosting charitable gatherings benefiting Cantare, Pacific Chamber Orchestra, NAMI, and victims of the Palisades fire, while also organizing educational lectures and sharing her musical talents with seniors to bring joy, companionship, and connection; and
WHEREAS, Sue's compassion extends far beyond her own community, exemplified by her remarkable generosity in welcoming a Ukrainian family of five into her home for several years and previously hosting twelve international exchange students attending Miramonte High School, fostering friendship, understanding, and a spirit of global citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Sue Farmer embodies the very best of Orinda through her humility, kindness, boundless generosity, and remarkable ability to bring people together, demonstrating that one individual's dedication and leadership can create a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of countless others;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor and congratulate
Sue Farmer as the 2026 Orinda Citizen of the Year, and extends its deepest appreciation for her extraordinary contributions, compassionate leadership, and enduring commitment to making Orinda and Contra Costa County a stronger, more vibrant, and caring community.