Spring 1999
Thanks, Leslee!!
by Lynn DeAsis and Linda Abundiz
How do you say goodbye to our friend who had patience and understanding for all of us? It’s not really goodbye; after all, she’s just across the street—and what better place to have our friend than in the mayor’s office?
Leslee Hamilton came to work with us about 8 years ago. She had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, a director for Campaign California, and an organizer for CLEC (a canvass organization). She has served on many boards including the California League of Conservation Voters (Santa Clara County chapter), the New Realities Task Force, with former Mayor Susan Hammer, and BAYMEC, to name just a few. She received an award in honor of her work from the Human Relations Commission of Santa Clara County. It is in her blood to work whole-heartedly for what she believes in and we know she will continue to fight for the environment and racial and social justice.
Little did we know just how much she would come to mean to us, how valuable she is as a friend, an administrator, a financial whiz, a political advisor, a spell checker, a computer fixer and a lawn service! Ted Smith calls her a “sticky brain” because of her incredible ability to recall everything that is said to her. There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t do for us. Oh! How she inspired and empowered us!
Leslee was honored by the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition and a huge room full of friends at our annual benefit that took place at De Anza College. We awarded her for her years of outstanding community service. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and State Senator Byron Sher also awarded Leslee’s hard work.
Leslee is now the Communications Director for the Office of Mayor Ron Gonzales of San Jose, California. It didn’t take him long to recognize her many talents. She ran his campaign for mayor and he won. You know what they say...”Behind every good man is one hell-of-a woman!” We are so proud of you. Thanks Leslee for everything, and for everything yet to come!
Lynn DeAsis is SVTC Board President and Linda Abundiz is SVTC Office Manager
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