HALF-DOZEN LOCAL LEADERS RECEIVE `05 ARABIAN AWARDS 6 CHOSEN FOR WORK FOR 'PUBLIC GOOD'.

Byline: Lisa M. Sodders Staff Writer

VAN NUYS - A half-dozen civic and public officials were honored Friday for community service as recipients of Justice Armand Arabian Leaders in Public Service Awards, given by the Encino Chamber of Commerce.

More than 400 people attended the luncheon honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich of Glendale; retired Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Ron Bergmann of Winnetka; philanthropists Jane and Bert Boeckmann, owners of Galpin Motors in North Hills; City Controller Laura Chick of Silver Lake; and U.S. District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian of Pasadena.

``These are a tremendous collection of outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to working for the public good,'' said Arabian, a retired California Supreme Court justice for whom the awards are named.

``They could have done many other things, but they decided to serve the public, and that's what makes us proud of them.''

The award honors public- and private-sector leaders who have demonstrated outstanding volunteerism and used creativity in enhancing the areas they serve.

Tevrizian said it meant a lot to him to be honored by the Encino Chamber of Commerce.

``This is the pulse of the Valley,'' he said. ``They are the buffer between government and the people trying to bring high-quality jobs to the city.''

The Boeckmanns were honored for their philanthropic support of the community.

Jane Boeckmann said she started Valley Magazine, for which she is editor-in-chief and publisher, in order to shine a positive spotlight on the San Fernando Valley - ``to raise the image of the Valley - that there are people who not only have value, but are of value.''

In introducing Bergmann, who served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 32 years, including more than four years as commanding officer for the Valley, Arabian said, ``When you see the door of a police car that says `To protect and serve,' this is the poster boy for that message.''

Bergmann thanked the group for the honor and added, ``More than anything, the Valley is full of great people.''

Antonovich, whose Fifth District includes the San Fernando Valley, said the field of public service ``needs to have people who have the ability to say `no' when `no' is called for,'' and with the strength to pursue ideas and goals without being discouraged by naysayers.

And Chick talked about the potential for the city's residents, noting, ``We're in an extraordinary time of opportunity.''

Ruth Sepanian, 18, a graduate of North Hollywood High School, also was awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the event. She currently attends California State University, Northridge, where she is majoring in biology and aspires to become a doctor.

Lisa M. Sodders, [phone]

lisa.sodders(at)dailynews.com

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Four of the recipients of the Justice Armand Arabian Leaders in Public Service Awards are, from left, Judge Dickran Tevrizian, city Controller Laura Chick, county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and retired LAPD Deputy Chief Ron Bergmann.

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