Utility boxes are usually as boring as their names, but thanks to Maggie Boscoe, Orinda’s are colorful and fun. But Boscoe was named Citizen of the Year for much more than spearheading the painting of utility boxes, as she has spent more than 40 years making Orinda a better place to live.
Each fall, the Orinda Community Foundation continues one of the city’s most cherished traditions: honoring residents whose dedication and service have shaped the spirit and beauty of the community.
Since 1948, the Orinda Citizen of the Year award has recognized outstanding local leadership, civic engagement and community impact. In 2025, that honor goes to Maggie Boscoe, whose artistic vision has transformed Orinda’s public spaces through color and creativity.
The Orinda Volunteer Award was presented to Carlos Baltodano, whose decades of civic leadership have strengthened Orinda’s infrastructure and community life.
Citizen of the Year: Maggie Boscoe – transforming Orinda through art
For over 40 years, Maggie Boscoe has called Orinda home, moving here in 1984 from El Cerrito, but born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A lifelong music and art educator, she taught music for 25 years at Del Rey Elementary and other schools across the country before devoting herself full-time to the arts and community projects.
Six years ago, Boscoe launched Artify Orinda, a program that turns ordinary utility boxes into colorful works of public art.
“I saw painted utility boxes in Walnut Creek and Berkeley and thought we should have them in Orinda,” she said. “The most rewarding part is seeing those ugly brown boxes and Bigbelly smart waste bins become delightful, colorful art painted by local artists.”
Boscoe’s roots in education and creativity run deep.
“Music and art were always my favorite subjects in school,” she said. “I’ve taken many art classes in watercolor, acrylic, oils and ceramics, and I love creating art and going to galleries.”
Her commitment extends beyond Artify Orinda.
For over 30 years, she has volunteered with the Lamorinda Arts Council, serving as co-curator of the Orinda Library Art Gallery for 17 years. During that time, under her leadership and along with other co-curators, the gallery has added new lighting, security cameras, poster holders and an improved hanging system, making it one of the region’s most vibrant community art spaces.
Boscoe’s service also includes the Rotary Club of Orinda, the Arts Ambassadors program, the Firewise Committee, the Singing Messengers, St. Stephen’s Church and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
“I love being in Rotary because it’s a global service organization that does so much good,” she said. “Its motto, ‘service above self,’ truly guides me.”
Looking around town, Boscoe takes pride in how Orinda’s art scene has grown.
“I’m most proud of the many exhibits at the Orinda Library Art Gallery and the Artify Orinda project,” she said.
Her message to the community is simple: “Volunteering brings great satisfaction. I would encourage others to get involved – the Arts Council could always use more volunteers and board members.”
Carlos Baltodano learned the importance of giving back as a child, and he has spent the past 30-plus years giving back to Orinda – which is why he was honored with the 2025 Volunteer Award. His various volunteer activities include the Orinda Association, the Orinda Community Foundation and the City of Orinda Planning Commission.
Orinda Volunteer Award: Carlos Baltodano – a lifetime of civic leadership
For Carlos Baltodano, being named Orinda’s 2025 Volunteer Award winner is both an honor and a reflection of lifelong values.
“I grew up in a family that emphasized giving back,” he said. “This recognition is meaningful because it reflects those values, and I hope it inspires my children – and others – to do the same.”
Baltodano has called Orinda home for 32 years and has served in numerous local roles, including the Orinda Association, Orinda Community Foundation and Planning Commission, where he spent six years – one as chair.
Among his proudest accomplishments were guiding downtown development discussions and helping approve the Housing Element, which identified sites for affordable housing.
“We had to balance preserving Orinda’s semi-rural character while encouraging thoughtful growth,” he said. “It was challenging but deeply rewarding.”
Professionally, Baltodano served as Director of the Contra Costa County Building Department for a decade, overseeing plan reviews and inspections for 14 cities.
“That experience reinforced a simple idea: government works best when it’s accessible, efficient and responsive,” he said. “I’ve carried that mindset into all my volunteer work.”
Beyond Orinda, Baltodano also chaired the East Oakland Youth Development Center, helping empower young people with skills and character to contribute to society.
“That experience deepened my belief that strong communities grow by developing the next generation of leaders,” he said.
Building community through group effort – is what it’s all about for Baltodano.
“Volunteering allows me to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “Progress isn’t made alone, it’s built through collective effort, one project and one relationship at a time.”
His advice to new volunteers?
“Start small – but start,” he said. “Visit the Volunteer Center at 26 Orinda Way, bring your family and find a project that speaks to you. Every hour you give strengthens our community.”
A tradition of service
The awards are part of a legacy that dates back nearly 80 years, said Sue Severson, co-host of the event and board member of the Orinda Community Foundation.
“The Citizen of the Year is a longstanding community event since 1948,” she said. “Orinda is blessed with many dedicated volunteers who give so much time and effort to enhance our community with vibrant spirit and beauty.”
Originally hosted by the Orinda Rotary Club and Lamorinda Sun newspaper, the program is now presented by the Orinda Community Foundation (OCF), also its sole sponsor. These honors celebrate civic engagement and community pride – hallmarks of life in Orinda.
This year’s recipients, Maggie Boscoe and Carlos Baltodano, embody those ideals. Through art, leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service, both have helped keep Orinda’s small-town spirit thriving.
The Citizen of the Year celebration dinner (catered by Shelby’s) is Sunday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m., held at the Orinda Community Center Founders’ Auditorium. Tickets are $75. Register to attend the event honoring this year’s winners at orindafoundation.org.
