Woman of the Year Barbara Bigby and Assemblymember Anthony Portantino

During a special session of the State Assembly Monday morning, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino honored Altadena NAACP activist and lifelong educator Barbara Bigby as his 2012 Woman of the Year for the 44th Assembly District.

“It gives me great pleasure to name Barbara Bigby as Woman of the Year for the 44th Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Portantino. “Mrs. Bigby’s lifelong mentorship of children demonstrates her passion for the safety and welfare of young people and her leadership of the Altadena NAACP shows a long-standing commitment to improving the community. “

In over 30 years as the owner and director of the Bright Eyed Day Care Center, Bigby nurtured hundreds of young children. She also worked for twenty years as a youth counselor at her church becoming a strong advocate for young people.

Bigby has been a tireless volunteer throughout her life for various community organizations and served two terms as President of the Altadena chapter of the NAACP where she again focused on education advocacy. She has been a member of the YWCA, DeVeal Family Services Foundation, Sybil Brand Commission, numerous advisory councils and committees.

Bigby has received numerous awards for community service including YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year, Community Leader Award for John Muir High School’s Mentor and Partnership program, and the NAACP State Conference Outstanding Freedom Fund Service Award.

“Mrs. Bigby has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to educating its children and to civil rights. Her mentorship of young people through her church and the many volunteer organizations shows just how dedicated she is. I am extremely pleased to add a State Assembly honor to her list of accomplishments,” concluded Assemblymember Portantino.

Pappalardo has held his position as chief finance officer for PUSD for 3 years, and has dealt with more than $20 million in state budget cuts. Currently, he is working to keep PUSD afloat in the face of an estimated $17 million budget cut for the coming school year.

Capo Unified will prove a challenge to Pappalardo as well, with Capistrano officials recently announcing the need to make over $50 million in cuts next year. This wouldn’t be Pappalardo’s first time working in Orange County, having previously worked as business services manager and director of data processing for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.

In the meantime, Pasadena spokesperson Adam Wolfson says Pasadena officials have begun searching for Pappalardo’s replacement, both on a full-time and temporary basis. With the budget decisions coming up in May, a finance officer is expected to be in place by then.

William (Bill) Paparian, a former Mayor of Pasadena who has been a criminal defense attorney for more than 31 years, was appointed President of the nonprofit organization Men Educating Men About Health (MEMAH) in February, 2012. [Photo: Bill Paparian]

Last week the Board of Directors of the nonprofit organization Men Educating Men About Health (MEMAH) appointed Bill Paparian as its new President.

Paparian, a former Mayor of Pasadena who has been a criminal defense attorney for more than 31 years, said he is proud to take the reins of this important organization for the two year designated term.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve on the MEMAH Board of Directors, and I am looking forward to provide leadership as the President,” he said.

As Paparian transitions into his newest leadership position to build on the Pasadena-based health organization’s foundation, his focus is on preparing for MEMAH’s “Get Healthy Pasadena Expo,” which last year provided over $600 worth of health screenings to more than 1,000 people. This year the event will be held on Saturday, June 2, again at the Pasadena Senior Center, located at 85 East Holly Street.

Founded in 2010, MEMAH’s purpose has been to encourage an open discussion about all aspects of men’s health, including quality of life. The organization strives to spread awareness and empower men to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and health care choices.

For more information visit www.memah.org or send an email to info@memah.org.