This webpage is dedicated to present and past Don and Doña Honorees, and to provide information on future Don and Doña Presentation Events as it become available.
For 61 years, since the Pleasant Valley Historical Museum and Garden's inception in 1964, Don and Doña honors have been awarded to over 500 long-time local residents who are nominated by the community. These residents have made a difference in the community through their professional and volunteer efforts for at least twenty years. The designation harkens back to early California days as the title given to community leaders. (Adolfo Camarillo [1864–1958] was considered the “last of the Spanish Dons”.) The Society is pleased to acknowledge their contributions to this lovely valley.
Again for year 2025, the Pleasant Valley Historical Museum and Garden recognizeed individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. Once again, nominations were received and reviewed to determine this year’s group of worthy recipients. The individuals selected include a wide range of service to the community to make the Pleasant Valley area even a more special place. PVHM&G congratulates the following:
2025 Don and Doña Honors Recipients
Back row: Larry Kennedy, Darrin Parrent, Bob Taylor, Rick Pena, “Buddy” Kelley
Front row: Stephanie Zierhut, Mike Ritchie, Sheryl Gonzales, Dick Bellman, Kim Dallape
Dons and Doñas 2025:
Richard “Dick” Bellman
Kim Dallape
Sheryl Gonzalez
Robert “Buddy” Kelley
Larry Kennedy
Darrin Parrent
Rick Pena
Mike Ritchie
Robert Taylor
Stephanie Zierhut
The 2025 Annual Honers Event was held last August 30th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).
The 2025 Dons and Doñas Event Booklet contains the 2025 Dons and Doñas Biographies, and more. To download and view/save the booklet (.pdf) simply Click/Tap the button below:
Note: It may take a couple of minutes to download the booklet, but it is worth the wait!
2024 Don and Doña Honors Recipients
Back row: Craig Mason, Bruce Jochums, Ruff Smith, John McCoy, Eric Bergh
Front row: Linda Thayer-Gaboury, Joanne Kennedy, Al Fox, Linda Reynolds, Judith Wilcoxson
Dons and Doñas 2024:
Eric Bergh
Al Fox
Bruce Jochums
Joanne Kennedy
Craig Mason
John McCoy
Linda Reynolds
Ruff Smith
Linda Thayer-Gaboury
Judith Wilcoxson
The 2024 Annual Honers Event was held last September 16th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).
The 2024 Dons and Doñas Event Booklet contains the 2024 Dons and Doñas Biographies, and more. To download and view/save the booklet (.pdf) simply Click/Tap the button below:
Note: It may take a couple of minutes to download the booklet, but it is worth the wait!
2023 Don and Doña Honors Recipients
Standing: Allen Grizzard-Paul, Tony Trembley, Chuck Spence, Jo Spence, Phyllis Anderson, Lloyd Christie, Russ White, Karin Farrin, Greg Farrin
Seated: Mary Grizzard-Paul, Carl Anderson, Joni Berger
Dons and Doñas 2023:
Carl Anderson
Phyllis Anderson
Joni Berger
Lloyd Christie, D.V.M.
Greg Farrin
Karin Farrin
Allen Grizzard-Paul
Mary Grizzard-Paul
Charles Spence
Jo Spence
Tony Trembley
Russ White
The 2023 Annual Honers Event was held last September 16th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).
The 2023 Dons and Doñas Event Booklet contains the 2023 Dons and Doñas Biographies, and more. To download and view/save the booklet (.pdf) simply Click/Tap the button below:
Note: It may take a couple of minutes to download the booklet, but it is worth the wait!
2022 Don and Doña Honors Recipients
Left to right: Brenda Brueckner, Karen Gatchel, Wayne Brueckner, Mary Ann Novak, Betty Weyek, Helen Faul, David Tennessen, Curt Luft, Mary Goldberg, Gwen Speakes, Diana Hagen, Don Howald
Dons and Doñas 2022:
Brenda Brueckner
Wayne Brueckner
Helen Faul
Karen Gatchel
Mary Goldberg
Diana Hagen
Don Howald
Curt Luft
Mary Ann Novak
Gwen Speakes
David Tennessen
Betty Weyek
The 2022 Annual Honers Event was held last September 25th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).
The 2022 Dons and Doñas Event Booklet contains the 2022 Dons and Doñas Biographies, and more. To download and view/save the booklet (.pdf) simply Click/Tap the button below:
Note: It may take a couple of minutes to download the booklet, but it is worth the wait!
2021 Don and Doña Honors Recipients
Back Row: Mike Mishler, Dennis Gaiser, Neal Dixon, Virginia Wooten, Bob Fierro, Terry Taclett
Front Row: Linda Braunschweiger, Linda Packham, Helen Shields, Barbara Swetek, Cathy Trainer, Rachel Resnik Miles
Dons and Doñas 2021:
Linda Braunschweiger
Dr. Neal Dixon
Dennis Gaiser
Rachel Resnik Miles
Mike Mishler
Linda Packham
Helen Shields
Barbara Swetek
Terry Taclett
Cathy Trainer
Virginia Wooten
The 2021 Annual Honers Event was held last September 25th at the Camarillo Community Center (1605 E. Burnley St.).
The 2021 Dons and Doñas Event Booklet contains the 2021 Dons and Doñas Biographies, and more. To download and view/save the booklet (.pdf) simply Click/Tap the button below:
Note: It may take a couple of minutes to download the booklet, but it is worth the wait!
Don and Doña Honoree History and Archives
The Pleasant Valley Historical Museum and Garden displays six scrapbooks filled with information about previous Don and Doña Honor Awardees, beginning with the year 1965.
A complete listing of Don and Doña Honor Awardees, from 1965 through 2025, is also available in PDF form. To download and view/save the form (.pdf) simply Click/Tap the button below: