Legends and Heroes Luncheon 

December 1, 2009

Thank you for honoring this year’s Legends & Heroes by being a sponsor at the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Annual Legends & Heroes Luncheon.

It is a privilege to live beside you in a community that cares.

Click here to view event's photos.

Congratulations to each of our 2009 Legends & Heroes!

Michael De La Barcena - Award accepted by Geoffrey Maye on behalf of Michael.

FFPM Michael De La Barcena has served the citizens of LA for 32 years.  Throughout his career, Michael performed his duties faithfully, with great skill and courage. Recently he was struck with illness, likely unable to return to full duty.  Fighting valiantly to recover, he is determined to improve his health sufficiently and return to Fire Station 8, where he can resume his service to the community and retire as an active Fireman.

Robert Chavira

Robert Chavira is a 15 year veteran officer with LAPD.  Robert has a passion for the community that he exhibits by being a mentor for the local youth as a baseball/basketball coach for the Valley area and as a volunteer instructor for the Robotics, Fire and Justice Academies. He is also a role model as an Adult Friend with Students Run LA and as a speaker at Pacoima Middle School, where his message is ‘work hard to achieve your goals and anything is possible’.

Lorraine New  

Lorraine New has been the catalyst to transform communities known for drug & gang related problems into education-oriented neighborhoods with affordable housing, such as the Park Parthenia Apartments and the Community Family Center.  Lorraine has assisted families by offering them job opportunities so they can earn their own way.  After the Northridge earthquake, she helped arrange 6-month temporary housing at Park Parthenia for over 50 victim families.

Lorraine Zitlin

Lorraine Zitlin began her philanthropic career merely 11 years ago. She became president of the local chapter of Jewish Woman International (JWI), doing fundraising to benefit abused woman & children. Since 2005, Lorraine has been opening her heart to the Center for Assault Treatment Services (CATS) program, dedicating herself to educating her peers about raising awareness and funds for children who are victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault.

 William F. Powers, Jr.

Bill Powers gives back to the community by way of time, effort, and money.  He has joined & led numerous community organizations and serves on many non-profit Boards. He played Santa Claus & Easter Bunny for UCLA Children’s Hospital and coached Little League for the Booster Club. Throughout his involvement, Bill works diligently to strengthen the Chatsworth/ Porter Ranch economic & political base, leveraging his legal expertise to draft key positions papers.