Left: Al Strunk, who passed away in 2024, was also honored as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. Photo submitted. Right: Dean Sullivan, owner/publisher of the Estero Bay News, is the Los Osos Citizen of the Year for 2024. Photo by Marcia Wright
The votes are in. Dean Sullivan, publisher of the Estero Bay News, and the late Al Strunk were both named Los Osos Citizens of the Year for 2024.
“I was stunned when they told me,” Dean told Estero Bay News. “My wife, Shari, was standing off to the side tearing up when I got the call. She was on pins and needles waiting to hear about the outcome. I got completely choked up.”
Past Los Osos Citizens of the Year select the incoming honorees, this year from an outstanding pool of 36 nominations, the most ever received.
“The public was invited to nominate any Los Osos resident or business owner who they consider to be a true ‘Hero of Los Osos,’” said officials with the Citizen of the Year Committee (CYC). The nominations were long and impressive and included many people who will certainly be future Citizens of the Year.”
The award is given based on outstanding service and proven dedication to benefit Los Osos over a sustained period, involvement in multiple community efforts is support of the town where they must also live, work, or own a business.
Dean Sullivan
“In an era dominated by the flashing headlines of national news outlets and the rapid-fire tempo of social media updates,” CYC said, “the humble local newspaper remains a steadfast pillar in small communities across America — Dean Sullivan and his Estero Bay News have been committed to preserving local stories. In the expansive landscape of news, the milestones of small communities are often overlooked and overshadowed. While it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of global events, the stories from our own backyard often have the most profound impact on our daily lives. To Los Osos, the Estero Bay News is more than just a publication. It is a chronicle of history, the very essence of our town, a platform for dialogue and most importantly, a binding force that weaves the fabric of the community together.”
Dean was one of the founders and owners of the long-standing Bay News until 2005 and brought the newspaper back as the Estero Bay News in 2019.
Although she did not nominate Dean, during the nomination process, CYC reached out to Shari Sullivan for information about his involvement in the community beyond what the newspaper provides.
“Dean has always been involved with the community – often in unofficial ways like helping with a school event or creating a program for an event,” Shari said. “He’s also been involved with several service organizations, been on the board of directors of more than one chamber of commerce, served on boards and committees for organizations like the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, and others. But most of his work is quiet – just an offer to help a neighbor, family, or business in need. He started the Baywood car show which is now the Oktoberfest car show, and he worked on the Holiday Parade for years. But really, I think his life’s work has been the slow-but-steady work of a local newspaper and the community-building it supports.”
For Dean, Los Osos has been home since 1970. More than five decades later, it still holds a special place in his heart. He lives with Shari, a dog, and a cat, his three adult children remain close by and his mother, uncle and one of his sisters also call our community home.
“There are so many things that are special about Los Osos — the people, weather, beautiful scenery.” Dean said. “I love the fact that as I drive down the street, people are not afraid to just smile as they pass by.
“I have raised my kids here and think how lucky they are to have been able to grow up in this area. I think about how lucky I was that my mom found Los Osos 55 years ago. I still thank her for moving here when she did.”
Al Strunk
Al was known to many as a photographer and writer. He sold cards and images of his work and self- published two novels, the high seas saga, “Pacific Sail,” and the murder mystery/love letter to New Orleans, “French Market Mayhem: An Early Times New Orleans Murder Mystery.” He was active in the Kiwanis Club, serving in several roles including Bay Osos Club president and district lieutenant governor.
“It is fitting that Al Strunk be posthumously recognized for his extraordinary contributions to our community,” CYC said. “While his loss is deeply felt, honoring him as Citizen of the Year is a meaningful tribute to the life he lived and the love he shared with Los Osos. His contributions were not limited to visible acts of service; Al was a quiet encourager, lifting others with his words and actions. He believed deeply in the power of community and worked tirelessly to nurture the connections that bind us together. His legacy of care and compassion will continue to influence Los Osos for years to come.”
Dean said that he is honored to share the award with Al, a longtime friend.
“Al was a wonderful man who gave so much for his community,” he said. “It was a pleasure working with him on projects. He is very missed.”
A celebration honoring Al Strunk and Dean Sullivan will be held this spring, and the public is invited.
