KING CITY — King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture recognized four top contributors to the community this past Saturday.
The audience gathered at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds’ Orradre Building to honor Debby Norman as the Citizen of the Year, King City Town Square as the Business of the Year, Rodolfo Tapia as Friend of the Community and Dalilah Reyes as the Hermie Robles Youth Award recipient for the year 2024.
COMMUNITY CITIZEN
Norman called King City an idyllic, beautiful community to raise her family, and said it was a privilege to be part of the community.
“Whatever I can do, I will do to ensure that King City continues to be just the perfect little town to live in,” Norman said.
Suzanne Krause spoke about Norman, a woman she said she was honored to call a longtime friend. She reflected on Norman’s family history, teaching career and impact on the community through her many volunteer efforts, committee memberships and general kindness.
“Debby taught 36 years altogether and retired in 2006, with 24 of those years in King City,” Krause said. “Everywhere Debby goes, she runs into former students who love to catch up. They call her Mrs. Norman, even if they’re 45.”
Krause estimated Norman taught at least 1,000 students in her career.
“She was strict and she impressed upon her students the desire to learn and be accountable,” she said. “Some of Debby’s favorite activities still involve children.”
Krause called Norman a friend to everyone and said rather than saying no, Norman typically responds by asking how she can help.
“When I ask her advice, she is full of good wisdom and is never patronizing,” Krause said. “Debby, we are so happy that you call King City home and chose to be here among your friends because we are a better community because of you.”
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez reflected upon how even when he is in Sacramento or Washington, D.C., he has been approached by people who asked if Norman was still teaching.
“Everything you do makes our city better,” added King City Mayor Mike LeBarre. “You continue day after day to find ways to give back to our community.”
CENTRAL BUSINESS
Chris Davis accepted the business award as owner of Town Square.
“I think I should be thanking the Chamber for all that they’ve done for me and my family,” Davis said. “King City’s been a great place to live.”
John Buttgereit presented the award to Davis, and recounted Davis’ life and involvement in King City, including partnership with himself and Tom Pettitt in the Buttgereit-Pettitt & Davis Agency. Davis made a joke about having the easiest name to spell in the group, and always having to help people spell the other partners’ names.
Even as owner of Town Square, Davis reflected on how he continues to rely on help, both from his families and his team of employees.
Buttgereit spoke about the long road for the 200 block of Broadway to become Town Square, and how Davis worked out the right mix of businesses.
“The family has always been quietly generous giving their time and money to local organizations, nonprofits and schools,” Buttgereit said. “They use Town Square as another tool for good.”
Buttgereit noted the Christmas parades, El Grito celebrations, winning soccer team parties, as well as providing space for the haunted houses, car shows, Blue Zone walks and Hartnell recruitment events.
“They have built a business they can be proud of,” Buttgereit said.
“What matters about the businesses that you manage is that they’re places we congregate,” added Lopez, noting the community aspect of Town Square.
MENTOR FRIEND
Andrea Wasson from the King City Recreation Department presented the Friend of the Community award to Tapia. Tapia’s past leading up to the formation of the San Ardo Boxing Club, and eventual 2011 formation of the King City Boxing Club, was discussed.
“He teaches boxing skills, but more importantly, he teaches the kids the importance of discipline, integrity, commitment, responsibility, respect for others and that hard work always pays off,” Wasson said. “He stresses doing well in school and giving back to your community.”
Wasson detailed the struggle to get the boxing club off the ground and the growth, which came with community response and recognition, instilling values in youth and coaching boxers to earn top honors.
“This is what I do it for, to be sure all these kids are doing the right thing,” Tapia said.
“Many of the kids that go to the gym could be considered at risk and many of them have very few positive opportunities open to them,” Wasson said.
She noted the many parents who show up to her office, eager to enroll their children in the boxing club.
“I’ve never met someone so dedicated to the youth of the community,” Wasson said. “He truly cares about these kids and helping them have better lives.”
Lopez added, “From the bottom of my heart, your story is absolutely inspiring. And, just as inspiring are those stories you’re helping to write every single day here in King City.”
“The main point is keep these kids out of the streets and busy,” Tapia said. “The goal isn’t to fight, but to do the right things.”
YOUTH LEADER
The third Hermie Robles Youth Award was bestowed upon Dalilah Reyes, a 17-year-old who has participated in Girl’s Inc., Interact and Future Farmers of America, among other groups and volunteer efforts.
“This moment is surreal for me as growing up I have never been someone who is social,” Reyes said. “I never believed myself to be anywhere close to a leader.”
Reyes noted her social anxiety prevented her from participation in activities, such as sports. She credited her parents and friends with helping her rise through youth service.
“They saw something in me before I was able to recognize what that was,” Reyes said. “My journey will not stop here, as I will continue to serve my community to the best of my abilities.”
Reyes’ friends, Andrea Solis and Sarahi Martinez, took the stage to present the award to Reyes. Solis commented on Reyes’ determination, which might come off as intimidating to others.
“She might look like she could bite your face off, but in reality, if you give her a cookie, she’s your best friend for life,” Solis said. “This girl works harder than anyone I know. She’s got this dedication that’s kind of annoying, because I’m trying to get her to go to Starbucks with me and she’s out there working hard.”
CEREMONY NIGHT
The April 5 night’s festivities included a boxing demonstration from members of King City Boxing Club, Andre Mosqueda and Bryan Cruz. Volunteers served popcorn from King City Cinemas after a dinner prepared by T&A Cafe from Salinas.
A silent auction featured various items, from art to street signs. More than a dozen items were part of the live auction, with top sellers being a photo shoot from Ivan Garcia, which had a top bid of $625, a $600 top bid for a coyote painting by Amy Burkman and a $500 bid for bouquets from Green Valley Floral. One joke item caused the crowd to consider the price of eggs, as 18 eggs from the Cullen family hens had a top bid of $100.
