Chamber of Commerce Honors San Ramon's Stars

Maybe they don't have the most recognizable faces in the city, but they are some of the people San Ramon can be most proud of.

The honored five individuals and one company for their actions that have made San Ramon a better place in 2011.

The awards dinner took place at Thursday night, with some of the attendees including San Ramon's new mayor Bill Clarkson, San Ramon Police Chief Scott Holder, San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent Steven Enoch and number of other community leaders from the San Ramon Valley.

Shirley Ernest was name Citizen of the Year for her endless volunteering for organizations in the city.

"If you ever need her for anything, she will be there," said former councilmember Carol Rowley. "She never seeks attention for it either. She really is a hero."

Middle school teacher Christy Tyler beat out two principals in the Educator of the Year category.

"When people ask me what I do I tell them I'm a stand-up comedian with seven sold out shows a day," Tyler told the audience after receiving her award. "I laugh every day and I learn every moment."

Also winning awards were: Kari Gardella (Employee of the Year, ), Steve Wilcox (Business Person of the Year, Summit Financial Group), Art Peterson (Hero Award, violin instructor) and Food Service Technology Center (Green Business of the Year).

"They have all done some much for city," San Ramon Chamber of Commerce president Stewart Bambino said. "It just shows we have a fantastic community."