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Council recognizes student artists, declares Pride Month and honors public works staff
Summary
At the May 20 meeting the council presented the 2026 Student Creative Artist awards to Sienna Kelly and Cassandra Castile, proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month, and recognized Public Works Week and staff promotions.
The council used the presentations portion of the May 20 meeting to honor arts, community and city staff achievements.
The Cultural & Fine Arts Commission announced Sienna Kelly as the 2026 Student Creative Artist of the Year and awarded her a $4,000 honorarium to support her media/film work; Cassandra Castile received a $1,000 merit award for character design and storytelling. Connie Shayen described a record 19 student portfolios from four local high schools and praised the selection process.
Mayor Ron Wellander read a proclamation designating June 2026 as Pride Month; Sonoma Valley Pride representatives including Lisa Stormant and Matthew Long thanked the council and outlined a weekend of Pride events, including a family‑friendly plaza event and a concert at the Sebastiani Theatre. Speakers stressed that Pride activities in Sonoma are intended to celebrate community and inclusion amid a national context of pushback against public recognitions in some jurisdictions.
Public Works Director Mike Burgerer recognized five promoted and long‑serving public‑works staff members (Tommy Plume, Alif Meyers, Mac, Terrence Ericson and Ashley Carter) and highlighted recent projects including sidewalk and ADA ramp work, waterline repairs, mitigation planting and plaza landscaping.
These items required no council action and were presented for recognition and public information.
