Courtesy of Angelina Lue
Angelina Lue gives a thumbs-up after delivering masks to a worker at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation’s Los Altos offices. Lue organized an effort to collect and distribute more than 40,000 masks to medical personnel.
Modeled after Time Magazine’s annual honor, the Town Crier’s Los Altans of the Year, now in its 26th year, recognizes local residents who have spread goodwill through their good deeds, enhancing Los Altos’ reputation as a community.
Typically, the honors have gone to older recipients with a long, demonstrated record of volunteerism and impact. But 2020 was no typical year. It has forced us to see and do things differently.
Written by Town Crier Staff Report
The year 2020 has prompted change on a large scale as local residents and the community adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The year was also marked by nationwide protests against racism. In response, the Town Crier is switching things up with regard to its annual Los Altans of the Year honor.
In the past, the Town Crier has honored older recipients, most with a long history of philanthropy. This year, the paper turns the spotlight on a younger demographic: youth who have stepped up to help out during the pandemic.
The staff is honoring five such recipients among the many deserving of the award. They are: Kenan Moos and Kiyoshi Taylor for their efforts in the area of racial justice; Riley Simonsen and Kelly Lam for highlighting the importance of teens’ mental health; and Angelina Lue for organizing a wide-ranging