There is a particular kind of person in every community who shows up to every committee meeting and community gathering. Who knows where the old photographs and news clippings are kept, who can tell you the name of the original owner of homes in the Covenant (probably because she sold it to them), and who will kindly yet persistently make sure that the rest of us don’t forget where we came from. Holly Manion, a 70-year Covenant resident, is that person for Rancho Santa Fe.
This April, State Senator Catherine Blakespear recognized Holly with a Certificate of Recognition as an Outstanding Volunteer. She was nominated by the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society for her long-term, distinguished service safeguarding the historic and natural heritage of this remarkable place we call home. It is an honor she has earned many times over.
Her volunteerism isn’t the kind that gets community accolades. It’s the kind that fills in the gaps. Her work helped to preserve Osuna Ranch, and championed a community’s architectural identity so that the families who arrive here decades from now will have something beautiful to inherit. It is, in the truest sense, a gift to strangers she will never meet.
When I saw the photo of the award – gold seal and all – acknowledging Holly’s contributions to “strengthening community identity for future generations,” I found myself thinking: How apropos. While so many communities around us have slowly surrendered their identity (and land), Rancho Santa Fe is holding on to its story, and Holly is one of the reasons why.
We live in at a time where personal brand often wins over the community good, the self-serving over the selfless. Holly is the latter. She is faithful, knowledgeable, and committed to the Ranch in a way that is increasingly rare and valuable. The Ranch is lucky to have her. And this April, the California State Senate – thanks to the RSF Historical Society – said so, too.
Congratulations, Holly. It couldn’t have gone to a more deserving neighbor.