Walnut Creek Residents Can Nominate Local Volunteers for Contra Costa Humanitarian Honors by November 20

WALNUT CREEK, Contra Costa County — October 31, 2026. A teacher who mentors students, a volunteer who helps neighbors, or a community organizer who brings people together could be nominated for Contra Costa County’s next Humanitarian of the Year honors. The County Board of Supervisors is accepting nominations in two categories ahead of its 49th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The deadline is November 20

The county’s official award page lists Friday, November 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. as the nomination deadline. It offers separate online forms for a high school student and an adult nominee. Self-nominations are permitted, and nominations may also come from teachers, colleagues, relatives, friends, coaches or other community members.

Who is eligible in Walnut Creek?

For the student category, the county lists any high school student in Contra Costa County. For the adult category, it says anyone who lives or works in the county may be nominated. That includes people based in Walnut Creek who are known for service, mentorship, education or work supporting their neighbors. The county has not limited adult nominations to elected officials, large nonprofit leaders or previous award recipients.

The award criteria focus on service, compassion, nonviolence, justice and leadership. The county says both adults and students can be recognized for consistent everyday actions as well as more visible community achievements.

When the honors will be presented

The county plans its 49th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration for Tuesday, January 19, 2027, at 11 a.m., in the Board Chambers in Martinez. It says awards will be announced in early January, with recipients invited to be honored at the ceremony.

What nominators should prepare

Before opening the appropriate form, gather concrete examples of the nominee’s work, how it benefited others, and why it reflects the county’s published criteria. The official page does not say that a nomination guarantees an award. For complete form requirements and submission, use the county nomination page.

Source: Contra Costa County, 49th Annual Celebration and Humanitarian of the Year nominations, verified October 31, 2026. California58 has not nominated a candidate or endorsed a specific applicant.

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