West Hills Resident Wins the Fernando Award

Walter W. Mosher Jr. of West Hills, president of Precision Dynamics Corp. in Pacoima, was named Friday night as winner of the 40th annual Fernando Award, given to the San Fernando Valley resident who best exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism.

Mosher, a regional advisor to the Southern California Assn. of Governments who has offered employment opportunities to local youth, was announced as the recipient of the award at a dinner at the Warner Center Marriott.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Mosher told the attendees. “To be singled out is almost unfair when so many here tonight are as deserving.”

The honoree receives a bronze statuette of Fernando, the spirit of the Valley represented as a young Native American, and his or her name is inscribed on a statue at the Van Nuys Civic Center and an obelisk at Warner Park in Woodland Hills.

Five finalists--nominated by previous winners and local chambers of commerce--were named at a luncheon in August in Universal City. They were selected from 13 nominees, including a doctor, an actress, business and community leaders and heads of charitable groups.

The other four finalists were:

* Herman Berman of Sherman Oaks, owner of a Van Nuys jewelry and trophy store who founded the Bagel Brigade, which collects and distributes baked goods to the needy.

* Rickey Gelb, an Encino real estate developer active in the LAPD-sponsored Jeopardy program for problem youths, and a founder of West Valley Neighborhood Watch programs.

* Bob Scott, a West Hills lawyer and Los Angeles city planning commissioner who co-founded the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley.

* Robert D. Voit of Balboa, a developer and community activist who built Warner Center in Woodland Hills and helped establish the West Valley Boys & Girls Club in Woodland Hills.