The Simi Valley City Council honored Gina Truncale Adams as the 2026 Community Volunteer of the Year for her tireless dedication to local arts and service organizations.
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Gina Truncale Adams stepped toward the podium at City Hall to receive an honorary resolution as family and peers cheered. The City Council presented the prestigious award during their April 6 meeting to celebrate her long record of local service. Office Specialist Candace Gray introduced the honoree by highlighting her unwavering spirit and diverse leadership roles across the valley. Gray noted that the city received several nominations this year from residents who feel Truncale Adams represents the best of the community. Every year the public submits names of residents who donate significant time to improve the city. Truncale Adams rose to the top of the list because she refuses to say no when a neighbor needs help.
Her service history spans several of the most active non-profit groups in the region. Truncale Adams currently serves as a member of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise and the Day of Peace planning committee. She also finished a three-year term as president of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board. During her tenure, she helped stabilize the foundation and expanded its reach within the local arts scene.
Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh spoke directly to the honoree about her specific impact on the venue. Cavanaugh said she constantly sees Truncale Adams working at local events and thanked her for making a visible difference at the cultural arts center.
“We just love having you here,” Cavanaugh said.
The award also recognizes her success in launching new cultural events that celebrate the city's diversity. According to the city's resolution read by Candace Gray, orrice specialist at the Simi senior center, Truncale Adams organized the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Festival and the first Hispanic Heritage Film Festival. These events brought hundreds of residents together to celebrate traditions and strengthen community pride. She also coordinated the Colors of India event to provide a platform for traditional art and performance. Her fellow volunteers describe her as a leader who finds a way to fill every gap. She frequently assists with the Happy Face Music Festival and the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Her work ensures these large gatherings run smoothly for thousands of annual attendees.
Truncale Adams accepted the resolution with a speech focused on the collective power of all local volunteers. She told the council she felt humble to stand alongside the many residents who give thousands of hours each year. She believes that volunteers act as the backbone that keeps Simi Valley a special place to live. Her remarks highlighted how service bridges gaps between people and creates a shared sense of belonging. She noted that working together for a common purpose unites the city despite individual differences. This philosophy mirrors the official mission statement of the city government which prioritizes community involvement and cooperation.
“I'm so blessed by the friendships I've made by becoming involved. And I encourage others to find a cause and sign up,” Truncale Adams said.
The new Volunteer of the Year credits her involvement for the many friendships she has found through her work. She views her service as a gift that provides as much to the volunteer as it does to the recipient. Truncale Adams encouraged residents to find a local cause and sign up to help. She believes even small acts of service build a stronger future for the entire valley.
