5 Finalists Are Named for Fernando Awards

As they awaited the announcement of the five finalists for one of the San Fernando Valley’s most prestigious awards, about 250 people sat hushed on the edge of their chairs Thursday.

“Regardless of who among these 13 nominees finally receives this award, their stories and dedication are amazing,” said David Fleming, master of ceremonies at the Fernando Award Foundation Jesse McHam luncheon at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. “They are living proof that there is so much good in every part of our Valley.”

Since 1958, the Fernando Award, a bronze statuette of a young Native American, has been given annually to San Fernando Valley residents who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism.

The first finalist announced was Herman Berman, the founder of a Van Nuys trophy and award design company who has helped those in need for more than 50 years.

“I’m proud and delighted on behalf of the 50 volunteers I have working with me,” said Berman, referring to people who help him deliver food and blankets to children in impoverished areas as part of the Bagel Brigade.

Bob Scott, a Los Angeles city planning commissioner, was also named a finalist.

“It’s a little surprising because you feel humbled among these people,” said Scott, vice chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn. and a co-founder of the San Fernando Valley Economic Alliance.

A third finalist was Rickey M. Gelb, a member of the LAPD-sponsored JEOPARDY program for at-risk youths and a founder of West Valley Neighborhood Watch programs.

Also named finalists were Walter W. Mosher, a board member of the San Fernando Mission Preservation Committee and a regional advisor to the Southern California Assn. of Governments, and Robert D. Voit, a founder of the West Valley Boys & Girls Club and developer of the 2.5-million-square-foot Warner Center business complex.

Three Valley students received academic scholarships at the luncheon. Giovanni Giusti, a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, received $2,000; Naomi Santa Maria, a graduate of Cleveland High School in Reseda who plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania, received $1,000, and David Ehrenberg, a graduate of Birmingham High School in Van Nuys who plans to go to UCLA, received $1,000.