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79)r0damation <br />Honoring Bruce Utecht <br />WHEREAS, Bruce Utecht has dedicated forty years of outstanding service to the City of Redwood City, building a remarkable <br />career defined by leadership, compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the community; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce began his career serving the youth of Redwood City as a coach and later became a licensed daycare director <br />for the Kids Club at Roosevelt School, positively influencing the lives of countless children and families; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce subsequently brought his talents and dedication to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, where he served as <br />a supervisor before becoming the Center Manager, providing exceptional leadership and guidance throughout his tenure; and <br />WHEREAS, throughout his four decades of service, Bruce has consistently demonstrated genuine care and concern for the <br />residents he served, always going above and beyond to ensure that seniors, veterans, staff, and community members received the <br />support, resources, and assistance they needed; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce earned the trust, admiration, and gratitude of countless individuals through his willingness to listen, seek <br />answers, connect people with valuable resources, and personally follow up to ensure their needs were met; and <br />WHEREAS, as staff liaison to the Senior Affairs Commission, Bruce was essential in supporting the Commission's work to advance <br />services, opportunities, and advocacy that improved the lives of Redwood City's senior population; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce has maintained a profound respect for the men and women who served our nation and has worked tirelessly to <br />ensure that veterans feel valued, recognized, and supported within our community; and <br />WHEREAS, the seniors who have visited and participated in programs at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center have come to <br />know Bruce not only as a dedicated manager but also as a compassionate, approachable, and steadfast advocate who worked <br />every day to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce has been an exceptional mentor, teacher, and leader to generations of staff members, fostering professional <br />growth through thoughtful guidance, active listening, and a unique leadership style that challenged others to think critically, <br />develop innovative ideas, and advocate for programs that would strengthen and enrich the community; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce has consistently led by example, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves and do whatever necessary to support <br />the mission of the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the people it serves; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce's easy-going nature, approachable demeanor, and wealth of knowledge made him a beloved presence at the <br />Veterans Memorial Senior Center, where he took genuine joy in talking with everyone who walked through the doors, building <br />lasting relationships and creating a welcoming sense of community, and while his daily presence will be greatly missed by seniors, <br />veterans, staff, and visitors alike, the friendships he fostered and the positive impact he made will long be remembered; <br />WHEREAS, Bruce's influence extends far beyond the programs and services he managed, having shaped the careers of many <br />colleagues while positively impacting the lives of countless seniors, veterans, families, and community members throughout <br />Redwood City; and <br />WHEREAS, Bruce leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, compassion, and dedication that will continue to inspire others <br />and strengthen our community for years to come. <br />NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, ELMER MARTINEZ SABALLOS, MAYOR OF REDWOOD CITY, on <br />behalf of the City Council and the people of the City of Redwood City, do hereby recognize and honor Bruce Utecht for his <br />extraordinary 40 years of dedicated public service, and express their deepest appreciation for his lasting contributions to the <br />residents of Redwood City. <br />Dale: June 11, 2026 <br />E/mar rnnc Sabnllar, .SfnJ'ar <br />Aain Enkb,, V—Ma— <br />Di nner H—d, C., dJV—b- <br />.Varral/u Paddln, Counri/M—bnr <br />