FAREWELL TO A TRUE PATRIOT
The Monterey Peninsula and our League have lost one of its best, brightest, and most energetic. Ruth M. Vreeland, who tirelessly served on the Monterey City Council for more than 20 years, was killed January 25th in an auto accident. She lived on the Monterey Peninsula for 47 years -- 44 in Monterey. She entered the city's political world in 1983 in her first bid for City Council. She ran on a platform of limiting development, particularly along the bay -- a stance she firmly held onto throughout her career.
Ruth was also involved with various organizations including:
- the League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula,
- the Monterey Vista Homeowners Association,
- Community of Caring,
- American Association of University Women,
- California Teachers Association,
- Monterey Bay Teachers Association,
- Responsible Hospitality,
- California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research,
- Monterey Main Street Program,
- National Organization of Women,
- Old Monterey Preservation Society,
- Sierra Club,
- ACLU,
- State Theater Preservation Group,
- Monterey Civic Club, Monterey History and Art Association,
- American Association for Retired Persons,
- California Retired Teachers' Association, and
- the Unitarian Church.
Throughout her life, many of these organizations honored Ruth's outstanding commitment and service to our Bay community with awards.
- The Volunteers in Action honored her community service.
- The Sierra Club honored her for outstanding achievement.
- Planned Parenthood named her an Outstanding Woman in Politics.
- The Monterey Rotary named her an Outstanding Teacher.
- The Fisherman's Wharf named her the Wharf Rat of the Year in 1995.
- The California Democratic Party recognized her for outstanding services.
- J.C. Penney gave her the Golden Rule Award.
- The Old Monterey Business Association recognized her for exceptional dedication.
- The Monterey Civic Club honored her for being a community volunteer.
- Finally, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments recognized her for 20 years of service.
All of these organizations will miss Ruth's active, constructive participation in their causes. Ruth Vreeland was a patriot and a citizen in the truest sense of the words. And everyone on the Peninsula will miss her indomitable spirit.
--Extract from Sam Farr's tribute to Ruth Vreeland,
Congressional Record, Volume 150 (2004)
