Mayor Mike Rotkin's Proclamation that September 28, 2010 be "Ken Kimes Day" in Santa Cruz

(Pictured here: Sandra Ward, Ken Kimes, and Mayor Mike Rotkin of Santa Cruz, California.)

WHEREAS For over twenty-five years, Ken Kimes and his wife, Sandra Ward, have been organic farmers, and in 1983, together they founded New Natives, a sprout and wheatgrass farm in Corralitos, and

WHEREAS Ken Kimes has been extremely dedicated to supporting the local organic agricultural community and formal organizations with his knowledge, physical skills, and passion for fellow farmers, and

WHEREAS Ken Kimes has served on the board of many community non-profits such as the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, and the Monterey Bay Farmers Markets, and

WHEREAS Ken Kimes and Sandra Ward were founding members of the Downtown Farmers Market following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and

WHEREAS during the last two decades, Ken Kimes has been instrumental in the creation and growth of the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Market, and

WHEREAS on August 16, 2010, Ken Kimes suffered a traumatic accident while working on his farm, which resulted in the loss of his right hand and caused serious injuries to his left hand, and

WHEREAS with his wife by his side, Ken Kimes has responded to this life-changing event with a remarkable "can do" attitude that has inspired an entire community, and

WHEREAS Ken Kimes and Sandra Ward demonstrate that it is possible to view tragedy as opportunity and to recognize what is truly important in life, and

WHEREAS Ken Kimes and Sandra Ward exemplify the importance of the individual to the community as well as the importance of the community to the individual

NOW, THEREFORE I, Mike Rotkin, Mayor of the City of Santa Cruz, do hereby proclaim September 28, 2010 "Ken Kimes Day" in the city of Santa Cruz, and urge the entire community to join me in expressing heartfelt appreciation for his inspiring attitude during a time of adversity, showing us that humor, willpower, and the wisdom of a seasoned farmer can embrace the bounty of his life and in return, enrich the lives of those around him.