To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution recognizing Moraga 2024 Citizen of the Year.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Accept resolution honoring 2024 Moraga Citizen of the Year.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
BACKGROUND:
Annual Citizen of the Year Award.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF RECOGNIZING WENDELL BAKER AS THE 2024 MORAGA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Whereas, Wendell Baker was unanimously selected as the 2024 Moraga Citizen of the Year; and
Whereas, Wendell Baker, known to many in town as the unassuming co-founder of the nonprofit Moraga iKind, is leaving a lasting impression on the children and the Town of Moraga; and
Whereas, Wendell is someone who doesn't seek the spotlight, but rather chooses to be a tour de force behind the scenes while spreading the iKind message, which is to "promote civility and compassion in the community, and to promote kindness and courtesy, to foster courage and bravery, based on the belief that empathy and inclusion constitute the foundation on which community is built."; and
Whereas, Moraga iKind was formed by Baker (while he served as a scoutmaster), former superintendent of the Moraga School District Bruce Burns, and Eric Andresen after a 2012 incident whereby the Boy Scouts of America denied Andresen's son the privilege of becoming an Eagle Scout because he is gay. In 2013, the BSA changed their ruling, but by then the iKind wheels were in motion, holding their first meeting at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School. As word began to spread about the organization, the community became involved; and
Whereas, Wendell’s involvement and dedication to iKind's message and vision does not go unnoticed by members of the community. He can always be spotted at public events such as 4th of July at Commons Park, the Pear and Wine Festival, and the Moraga Community Faire carrying boxes full of free message bracelets, posters, pens, and more; and
Whereas, Wendell is described as someone who makes Moraga a safer, kinder place to live, work and play; he is leaving a lasting impression on the children of Moraga and has made a tremendous impact on the students and local schools; he is committed to serving by promoting messages of equity, belonging, and kindness; and
Whereas, Wendell’s outstanding contributions to the community of Moraga have truly helped make it a better place for all.
Now, therefore be it resolved that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County does hereby thank Wendell Baker for his dedication to the Town of Moraga and it’s residents.
PASSED by a vote of the Board of Supervisors this 9th day of April, 2024.