Bob Perez receives proclamation from city

Newly retired educator Bob Perez was recognized by the City Council at its Aug. 21 meeting.

Mayor Virginia Gurrola, a personal friend of Perez, read the proclamation, presented to Perez for his years as an educator, mentor and leader. According to the document, Perez has participated in numerous community service projects, as well as city boards and committees.

His efforts, not just as a teacher but in these other capacities, the proclamation continued, have made a lasting impact on the community.

“His passion for making a difference in the lives of others is demonstrated in his long-term commitment to community services,” Gurrola read.

Perez has been recognized at other times in the past: In 1969 as Burton Elementary School Outstanding Teacher, in 1990 as the Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, and in 2004 as the Tulare County Office of Education Administrator of the Year.

The City Hall Chambers, packed with those who had turned out to hear this and the other proclamation made that day, filled with applause once the mayor had finished reading. Perez, who had taken the podium, said a few words of thanks.

“I see a lot of my colleagues out in the audience, and I know why they are here. They wanted to see if I was really going to show up,” Perez joked.

Along with the city, City Council, people from Porterville Unified School District, the police and fire departments, Perez also recognized his mother, who was in the audience.