Introducing Sonoma’s Alcalde for 2016: Patrick Garcia, Citizen Extraordinaire

Patrick Garcia, photo taken March 24, 2106 at Vintage House

The City of Sonoma and the Sonoma community paid tribute to Patrick Garcia, long-time resident and volunteer, as he was installed in the position of Alcalde for 2016 this past Thursday, March 24. The ceremony was open to the public and held at Vintage house starting at 5:30pm. Mayor Laurie Gallian officiated at the ceremony and oversaw the order of events which included a recitation about Patrick’s long history of civic service and the official transfer of the symbolic silver-tipped Alcalde cane.
The position of Alcalde was established by the City in 1975 as a yearly honor. As Mayor Gallian explained in her opening remarks, the term “Alcalde” was the title given to highest level municipal official in the cities of California during the time of Spanish rule before California became a part of the United States. Although the word itself equates to “mayor” in truth the Alcalde wore many hats, including that of recorder, judge, surveyor, and any other municipal function that needed getting done. The Alcalde was called “the town’s most useful citizen” because he accomplished so many vital tasks for the community.
About seventy-five people were in attendance and they heard from numerous speakers, including outgoing Alcaldesa Marcie Waldron, County Supervisor Susan Gorin, and a representative of Congressman Mike Thompson, who had read a statement about Patrick into the Congressional record earlier in the day.
The Sonoma Sister Cities Association applauded Patrick as well. He is currently chairperson of the Sonoma-Patzcuaro Sister Cities Committee, and in that capacity, he recently spearheaded the successful transfer of a retired city fire truck to a community in need in Mexico. Bill Boerum, Board Chairperson of Sister Cities International (SCI), spoke about Patrick’s many accomplishments. Hans Steuck also read a letter from SCI President and CEO Mary D. Kane that acknowledged Patrick’s contributions to the international community.
After listening to the many speakers, Patrick addressed the crowd about his philosophy regarding volunteering and civic service: “I can be your mentor but you can also be my mentor.” He stressed the importance of reaching out and connecting with the other person, and that volunteering is not a one-sided relationship.
The closing of the event was especially moving as Patrick acknowledged his son Diego, a world-renown musician, who in turn praised his father as a loving parent and strong influence.