San Ramon honors San Ramon Valley Islamic Center and proclaims April 2025 National Volunteer Week; Carol Rowley honored by California Park & Recreation Society

At the April 22 meeting the San Ramon City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center (SRVIC) and the San Ramon American Muslim community in line with the state designation of American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. Farida Barra, SRVIC president, and congregation members accepted the proclamation and described the centeras a long-standing community partner that provides food drives, blood drives and other charitable services; council members thanked the organization for volunteerism and community service.

The council also recognized Carol Rowley with the California Park & Recreation Society's Champion of the Community award. Staff noted Rowleyhelped preserve Forest Home Farms, served on the Parks and Community Services Commission and on the San Ramon City Council, and led major fundraising efforts that support historic-park restorations and educational programs reaching thousands of local students. The council then proclaimed April 2025 as National Volunteer Week, citing more than 500 volunteers contributing over 10,000 hours of service to the city in 2024.

Carol Rowley accepted the award on behalf of San Ramon volunteers and encouraged residents to attend upcoming events at Forest Home Farms, including the sheep-shearing event scheduled for April 26. Council members reiterated thanks to faith-based and volunteer organizations for their charitable work and community-building contributions.