La Luz honored for public service

Accepting the Jefferson Award for Public Service on behalf of La Luz are Juan Hernández, the nonprofit’s executive director; Ligia Booker, its founder; and Claudia Mendoza-Carruth, board president. The Sonoma Valley organization was honored last week by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for excellence in community leadership and civic engagement.

First District Supervisor Susan Goran read the accomplishments of La Luz as a beacon of service in the Valley, and of its partnerships, volunteerism and success as an agent of change. Mendoza-Carruth thanked Gorin for nominating La Luz for the award, the County for its support and partnership, and its generous donors, supportive board and compassionate and tireless staff.

“May this special acknowledgements fuel all of us with the ‘ganas’ to continue forging the success of the place we love so much and that serves so many in need,” Mendoza-Carruth said.