Citizen Advisory Commission recommends Lions Club, Anna Bolo and longtime school volunteer for 2025 Hueneme Hero awards

The Port Hueneme Citizen Advisory Commission voted unanimously at its special meeting to recommend the Port Hueneme Lions Club as an organizational Hueneme Hero and to recommend two individuals — Anna Bolo and a longtime elementary school volunteer — for the 2025 Hueneme Hero recognitions.

City staff said the Hueneme Hero Award, established in the Heroes History and Heritage Policy, honors people or groups who have made extraordinary contributions to the community in areas such as public safety, community development, cultural heritage, community service, the environment and economic development. The policy specifies recognized contributions should have occurred between May 1 of the prior year and April 30 of the current year and that nominations are due by June 1.

Staff told the commission the city promoted the award beginning April 14 via social media, the city website, the newsletter and council announcements. A total of 13 applications nominating seven different individuals or groups were received; nominations and full submissions were included in the meeting packet. Staff noted the Hueneme Beach Festival is scheduled for July and City Council action is tentatively set for Monday, June 16 to finalize award recipients before the festival.

Public comment included remarks from Stephen Agama, who identified himself as a resident and said he was speaking "on my own behalf as a resident who happens to be a city council member." Agama urged support for Anna Bolo’s nomination, praising her leadership in restoring Little League play and improving Bubbling Springs Park facilities. A written comment from Topi Sanchez on behalf of E. O. Green Junior High School thanked the Port Hueneme Lions Club for a $500 donation to the Hive Wellness Center; the letter states E. O. Green serves 939 students and described the donation’s impact on student wellbeing and attendance.

Commission discussion noted several nominees for different types of service: the Lions Club’s multiple nominations and recent community event volunteering; Anna Bolo’s work with Hueneme Little League and park improvements at Bubbling Springs Park; a nomination for a resident who performed life‑saving actions; and longstanding volunteer service in local schools. Commissioners discussed that the award can recognize more than one recipient and that the commission has recognized groups in the past. After deliberation Vice Chair Burke moved — and the motion was seconded — that the commission recommend the Port Hueneme Lions Club (organization) and two individuals (Anna Bolo and a longtime school volunteer) for the Hueneme Hero recognitions; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff noted a logistical detail raised during deliberation: the City Hall plaque and photo display have two photo slots. Staff proposed using one slot for the organization (with a group photo) and using two photos for the individual awardees so that the council can accommodate the three approved recognitions. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval prior to the Hueneme Beach Festival.