December 20, 2011 > Local heroes honored Local heroes honored Submitted By Jeff Barbosa Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) honored outstanding community heroes and organizations from throughout the 20th Assembly District during an Address and Awards Ceremony Thursday, December 15, at James Logan High School's Center for the Performing Arts, 1800 H Street in Union City. Wieckowski also reviewed his legislative accomplishments for his first year in the state Legislature, and highlighted priorities for the 2012 session. "In my first year I was able to pass some critical bills for cleaning up hazardous sites to protect our environment," Wieckowski said. "I also worked to eliminate barriers to job creation with my Made in California package and partnered with local chambers of commerce to provide forums on how to put more Californians back to work. There is a lot of work to be done to maintain California's stature as a global leader in innovation. I am looking forward to working on a number of issues to stimulate our economy, preserve our environment and better serve those who are struggling in these difficult times." Wieckowski honored key leaders in the 20th Assembly District who have dedicated themselves to improving the quality of life for local residents. "Each of these honorees has put in countless hours of their own time to help their neighbors," Wieckowski said. "They have stepped up to assist others and to make our community a better place to live and work." The honorees include: Traci Cross - Castro Valley Local Hero Obray Van Buren - Hayward Local Hero Makhan Singh Bains - Union City Local Hero Shirley Sisk - Newark Local Hero Rennu Dhillon - Fremont Local Hero Joyce and Robert M. Shapiro - Pleasanton Local Heroes Thelma Boac - San Jose Local Hero Milpitas Firefighters IAFF Local 1699 - Milpitas Local Heroes Avanzando (Newark) - Outstanding Organization Award Citizens for Better Community - Community Partner of the Year Jeevan Zutshi - Unity Award One Child - Non-Profit of the Year Steve Waterhouse - Distinguished Service Award