The Gull's Call - Jul/Aug/Sep 2026

CommunityNews

Board President Gary Lym awards Mita Raval 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year Award by Jacqui Galvez Vasquez A T THIS YEAR’S BOARD MEMBER VOLUNTEER Appreciation Event, Mital Raval was named 2025 Volunteer of the Year. The announcement caught Ms. Raval off guard. “Yes, I was pleasantly surprised to be named Volunteer of the Year. Volunteering has never felt like an obligation — it’s felt like being part of a community I genuinely care about. To be recognized for that is especially meaningful,” says Mita. “I have been volunteering for a very long time, and the feeling comes from a mix of connection, purpose, and contribution,” comments Ms. Raval. “From the time I came to this country in 1991 I started volunteering at the public library in Houston and moved to the Bay Area in 1995 and started volunteering at a music college and kept volunteering for different places including associations before CHBIOA.” Mita first became a Harbor Bay homeowner in 2008. She has served over 10 years on the Sandpiper Cover Board of Directors as well as several years on the Community Architectural Committee, and most recently, was elected to serve as the Village 3-A Representative to the Master

Board this past March, 2026. Since retiring from her previous career a couple years ago, Mita has made herself available to the association countless times. In 2025, she attended 18 CAC meetings, 5 Sandpiper Cove board meetings, and 11 annual meetings as Inspector of Elections! Mita encourages volunteerism and a call to action. “A community association works best when it’s not just a few people carrying the load. Fresh ideas, different perspectives, and shared participation make the community better for everyone. Volunteering is also a great way to turn neighbors into friends.” Mita adds with a smile, “This is a great community and neighborhood. If we did not think so highly of it, we wouldn’t have lived on the same street in three different homes!” Mita appreciates the recognition but stresses she isn’t compelled by it. “I do not volunteer for the awards. I hope my efforts somehow encourage others to step forward and contribute.” She chuckles, “I don’t think I could do more unless I were living at the CHBIOA offices!”

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