From left: Antonovich, Weste, Yaroslavsky

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky presented City of Santa Clarita Councilwoman Laurene Weste with the prestigious “Volunteer of the Year” award for the Fifth District at the County’s annual Volunteer Program event hosted earlier this month.

Weste was recognized alongside Corrina Serrano as “Volunteers of the Year” from the Fifth District.

Weste has served as a member of the Santa Clarita City Council since 1998.   For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her time and strengths to the betterment of the Santa Clarita Valley through her service on numerous non-profit boards.  Supervisors Antonovich and Yaroslavsky commended her efforts in spearheading of transformational legislation and her work on behalf of abused and abandoned animals.

“I am honored and humbled by this award,” said Weste.  “There are so many wonderful people in Los Angeles County who continually give of their time, resources, and spirit to make our County one of the best in the United States.  I am passionate about our region and believe every resident has the power to make a difference in their community, which is exactly what I plan to do for decades to come.”

Since 1981, Los Angeles County has hosted its Volunteer Program to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers who have played a key role in enriching the lives of Los Angeles County residents.  This year’s theme, “Volunteer: America’s Heroes,” underscored the County’s diverse volunteers who range in age from 14 to 94.  In 2011, 49,663 volunteers donated 2.2 million hours, saving $47 million to taxpayers.