Sunshine, colorful streamers, a live jazz band, and dozens of warm, familiar faces welcomed Roger Palomino back to the place he called “home” for over a decade. A retirement celebration, honoring Palomino’s 40 years of service to the Agency went off without a hitch.

Board Commissioners, staff members, and employees alike took over the 1900 courtyard where they enjoyed mouth savoring appetizers including chips with a fresh, yet spicy, mango salsa, shrimp skewers, and limeade. For many, this was the first time they had seen Palomino since he officially stepped down in December; some wished him well on his retirement, some thanked him for his vision and leadership to the Agency and our community, and some simply shared their favorite memories with him.

During a brief program, Board Chair Vong Mouanoutoua, Interim Executive Director George Egawa, Assistant Executive Director Naomi Quiring-Mizumoto, SOUL Lead Workshop Facilitator Sam Hairston, and Gilda Arreguin, Health Services Director, presented Palomino with a plaque, certificate to the Monterey Jazz Festival, and a photo memory book. The audience was surprised when it was announced that, with the help of friends and supporters, our Agency had established the Roger Palomino Scholarship Fund which offers SOUL students the opportunity to apply for a $250 scholarship to be used toward costs associated with attending a college, university, or other institute of higher education.

Palomino, who was appointed to serve as one of our Board of Commissioners in 1969 and was hired as our Executive Director in 1994, will be greatly missed!