The honorees represented communities throughout the district (Photo – Office of Judy Chu)
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) hosted her annual Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 15, honoring individuals and organizations for their service and contributions across California’s 28th Congressional District.
By News Desk
“This year’s honorees are our everyday leaders—the educators, volunteers, activists and small business owners who have made a real difference in the San Gabriel Valley,” Chu said. “I’m proud to recognize them all, not only for their accomplishments, but for the lasting impact they make every single day.”
The honorees represented communities throughout the district and were recognized for work ranging from disaster recovery and education to volunteerism, advocacy and small-business leadership.
Ringo Chiu of Temple City received the Building Bridges Award. The Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist was recognized for his work documenting events including California wildfires, Black Lives Matter protests and ICE raids. Through his photojournalism, Chiu has connected people, inspired empathy and strengthened communities during times of crisis.
In Altadena, Fair Oaks Burger, owned by Christy and Janet Lee, received Business of the Year honors for its service to the community following the Eaton Fire. The restaurant has hosted farmers markets, food giveaways and community events, providing residents with a place to gather and support one another.
Also receiving Business of the Year honors was Webster’s Community Pharmacy, owned by pharmacists Michael Miller and his wife, Meredith. The Altadena pharmacy was recognized for 100 years of service and for remaining a community resource through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and Eaton Fire. The business also supports local artists and businesses, operates Altadena’s Village Post Office and has raised funds for local business recovery through its “Beautiful Altadena 91101” merchandise.
Javier Arellano, owner of Taco Bout Good in Upland, received Community Activist of the Year honors. Arellano has donated meals to first responders and essential workers, advocated for men’s mental health and used his personal experiences to create a place focused on connection, hope and service. He was named the Upland Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year in 2020, and his restaurant received the BusinessRate Upland Best of 2025 award.
Ruben Karapetian of La Crescenta was also named Community Activist of the Year. As executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, Karapetian advocates at the local, state and federal levels for Armenian American priorities, recognition of Armenian American history and identity, and human rights overseas.
Altadena Meals on Wheels, along with Shannon Anderson and Shelley Mitchell, received Nonprofit of the Year honors. The organization was recognized for more than 53 years of providing nutritious meals and support to seniors and individuals in need. Anderson and Mitchell helped rebuild the organization following the Eaton Fire, restoring meal delivery services for vulnerable Altadena residents.
In South Pasadena, Dean Sheldon Serwin received Volunteer of the Year honors for more than a decade of service supporting youth development, education, the arts and civic initiatives. His volunteer work has included Scouting, school programs, the South Pasadena Arts Council and The Oneonta Club Foundation, as well as efforts involving local funding measures for education, public safety, library services and infrastructure.
Otis Triplett of Pasadena and Altadena was also recognized as Volunteer of the Year. An 88-year-old U.S. Army veteran and business owner, Triplett has spent nearly three decades serving the Pasadena community through volunteerism, mentorship and civic leadership. He continues to volunteer with the Pasadena Police Department’s Community Assisting Pasadena Police program.
Mikaela Hong of La Cañada-Flintridge received Youth of the Year honors. A senior at La Cañada High School and a stage IV pediatric cancer patient for seven years, Hong founded and serves as executive director of the Pediatric Hope Project, a youth-led nonprofit that provides free virtual tutoring and emotional support to children battling serious illnesses. She has also advocated for a resolution designating Sept. 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day.
Robert “Bob” L. Gin of Alhambra and Monterey Park received the Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of service in public education. Gin served more than 24 years on the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education, helping lead the district’s unification into a TK–12 system and expand educational opportunities for more than 14,000 students. He also helped mentor young leaders through student leadership programs.
As Gin concludes his final term on the board, Chu recognized his legacy of leadership, collaboration, mentorship and service to the Alhambra and Monterey Park communities.
The awards ceremony highlighted Chu’s recognition of individuals and organizations whose work has made a lasting impact throughout the communities of the 28th Congressional District.
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