Gloria Sanchez honored as Menifee's Citizen of the Year

By Doug Spoon, Editor

One of the most active community volunteers in Menifee was honored by the City Council Wednesday night when Gloria Sanchez was recognized as the Citizen of the Year.

Sanchez, who was honored as Citizen of the Month in June, was selected from among the 12 monthly honorees of 2024. She is chair of the Menifee Senior Advisory Committee and advocates for seniors in various regional capacities.

Sanchez was appointed to the National Family Caregiver Advisory Council, where she advises the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services on family caregiver strategies. She also volunteers with the Lake Menifee Women’s Club. In addition, she serves on the Menifee Interfaith Council and coordinates the annual free Thanksgiving meal for local families.

“My favorite thing about you is, you speak up,” Mayor Ricky Estrada said in making the presentation. “You’re always willing to voice your opinions to the council.”

“I think of you as our Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” said Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin. “You guide our sleigh through the darkness. You make it a lot easier to run the city. I can’t think of a more deserving person.”

Sanchez was honored with proclamations from representatives of Assemblyman Bill Essayli, Senator Kelly Seyarto and Congressman Ken Calvert.