GOLDWATER WINS FERNANDO THREE DECADES OF VOLUNTEERISM EARN AWARD.

Byline: Mariel Garza Staff Writer

WOODLAND HIllS - Rose Goldwater of Woodland Hills took home the prestigious Fernando Award for Civic Accomplishment at the 43rd annual celebration Friday night at the Warner Center Marriott at Woodland Hills.

Los Angeles Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich and Zev Yaroslavsky presented the award to Goldwater, one of five nominees for the San Fernando Valley's highest tribute for contributions to community service and volunteerism.

``It's such an honor to be honored by my peers,'' said Goldwater after accepting the award at the black-tie gala. ``We're all winners.''

Goldwater, joined by friends and family, including her two daughters and son-in-law, was recognized for her three decades of service with such organizations as the West Valley Boys & Girls Club, Pacific Lodge and Pierce College.

In a video presentation of all five nominees shown before the award was handed out, Goldwater said volunteerism came naturally to her.

``It's a way of life,'' Goldwater said. ``I grew up volunteering.''

About 350 people attended the event, including Los Angeles City Council members Jack Weiss, Dennis Zine, Cindy Miscikowski and Hal Bernson; Assemblymen Tony Cardenas, D-Mission Hills, and Tony Strickland, R-Camarillo; Jolene Koester, president of California State University, Northridge; and Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan made a surprise appearance after Goldwater accepted the award to give a quick salute to the Valley.

``Thank you, San Fernando Valley. You're the greatest,'' Riordan said. ``Thanks to the nominees and winner - you're the best of L.A.''

The other four 2001 Fernando Award finalists are:

--Stanley Bryant of Northridge, who has volunteered for the North Valley Family YMCA and Tierra del Sol.

--William F. Powers Jr. of Northridge, who serves on several boards, including those of the Valley Cultural Center and the Chatsworth Depot Foundation.

--Ruth Richter of Winnetka, who has contributed half a century to volunteerism, including helping to promote and expand Valley bus service.

--Bob Scott of West Hills, vice chairman of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, who is involved with the Valley Information Project and the Los Angeles Planning Commission, among other agencies.

Master of ceremonies duties were shared by two former award recipients, David Fleming and Lee Kanon Alpert.

The Fernando Award was created in 1959 to honor Valley civic volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the community. Winners receive a statuette of an American Indian brave that symbolizes the qualities of strength, courage, dedication and leadership.

About $5,000 was raised at this year's event, which goes toward the $12,000 the organization raises annually for 11 scholarships to Valley students, said 2000-01 Fernando Award Foundation President Tom Soule.