RIO LINDA, CA — Whether it’s raising money for local families in need, coaching youth on the ball fields, or organizing decades-old charity traditions, volunteers in Sacramento County make a profound difference. This year, Sacramento County’s Adult and Aging Commission is celebrating five compassionate individuals who, instead of slowing down as they aged, decided to double down on their civic involvement.
To honor these dedicated community leaders, the commission has awarded them the prestigious 2026 5 Over 50 Award. To qualify, each recipient must be over the age of 50 and nominated by at least two people who have witnessed their standout contributions firsthand.
For Rio Linda residents, the most notable name on this year’s list is our very own District 4 winner, Ed Valencia, who was selected for the honor under Sacramento County Fourth District Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez.
As publishers of Rio Linda Online, ViAnn and I had the distinct privilege of submitting a letter of endorsement to the county selection committee. To put it simply: Ed is the living embodiment of Rio Linda’s spirit.
Dear selection committee, It is our privilege to introduce you to Ed Valencia.
As the publishers of RioLindaOnline.com and lifelong members of this community, we are honored to submit this nomination for Ed Valencia for the 5 Over 50 Awards.
Ed is the living embodiment of Rio Linda’s spirit. For over four decades, he has served our town with a level of commitment that is truly immeasurable. Since joining the Rio Linda Lions Club in 1979 at the age of 24, Ed has never treated service as a hobby—it is his calling.
His impact spans generations and touchpoints across our community:
- Youth Mentorship: Through decades of coaching and board leadership for Rio Linda Little League and Rio Linda Falcons youth football, Ed has been a steady, positive force for countless local families.
- Compassionate Leadership: As a multi-time President of the Lions Club, he has spearheaded the Ruby’s Baskets Christmas Project, ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors are cared for with dignity during the holidays.
- Community Stewardship: Ed serves as the quiet caretaker of Troy Graham Park, a highly visible memorial to former Lion Troy Graham located on the main street of the community. He takes personal pride in its upkeep, ensuring this small, public space, seen by hundreds daily, is a constant symbol of community commitment.
- Global & Local Health: He manages the Lions Club’s Vision Service Program locally while facilitating eyeglass donations for the Folsom Project, restoring sight to those in need both here and abroad.
What makes Ed truly remarkable is his humility. He does not seek the spotlight; he simply shows up, season after season, to do the work that matters.
His love for Rio Linda is woven into the very fabric of our community, and we can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than a man who has given so much of his life to others.
Sincerely,
John and ViAnn Todd
Publishers, RioLindaOnline.com
Ed Valencia, a lifelong Rio Linda resident, has dedicated nearly five decades to local community service. His journey began back in 1979 when he joined the Lions Club of Rio Linda at the age of 24—marking an incredible 47 years of continuous volunteer work. Ed has never treated service as a hobby; it is his calling. Over the decades, Lion Ed has stepped up to serve in numerous vital leadership roles within the organization, including serving as a multi-time President and his current ongoing tenure as Club Secretary.
Valencia’s work is deeply woven into the fabric of the community. He has been a driving force behind major local initiatives, most notably leading the long-running Ruby’s Baskets Christmas Program. The holiday tradition, which coordinates closely with local entities like the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District to utilize space at the Depot Building, has been operating for more than 70 years to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors are cared for with dignity and holiday cheer.
A Steady Force for Generations of Youth
In addition to his charitable work with the Lions, Valencia has a rich history of investing in the community’s youth through local sports, acting as a steady, positive force for countless local families. For many years, he was a massive figure in the Rio Linda Little League, dedicating his time to coaching youth sports and serving as the league’s President. His mentorship also extended to the gridiron, where he provided years of coaching and board leadership for the Rio Linda Falcons youth football program.
On a personal note, that neighborly care has always been paired with a classic sense of humor. During the Rio Linda High School Knights football championship celebration, when I jokingly complained about data charges while trying to upload live coverage, Ed immediately cracked a smile, reached into his pocket, and handed over a single dollar bill to “cover the costs.” It’s a perfect example of the quick-witted, generous spirit he brings to everything he does.
Quiet Stewardship and Global Impact
What makes Ed truly remarkable is his humility. He does not seek the spotlight; he simply shows up, season after season, to do the work that matters.
For instance, many residents might not know that Ed serves as the quiet caretaker of Troy Graham Park, the highly visible memorial located on our town’s main street. He takes immense personal pride in its upkeep, ensuring this small public space—seen by hundreds of daily commuters—remains a constant, beautiful symbol of community commitment.
His work also extends to critical healthcare initiatives. Locally, Ed manages the Lions Club’s Vision Service Program, ensuring residents have access to eye care. He pairs that local effort with global stewardship, facilitating regional eyeglass donations for the Folsom Project to help restore sight to those in need both here at home and abroad.
Furthermore, Valencia’s signature “dogmatic tenacity” has left a permanent physical mark on the town. Alongside fellow Lion Larry George, Valencia served as a primary point of contact coordinating with Sacramento County to design, orchestrate, and construct the massive new “Welcome to Rio Linda” archway community signs. His efforts on the project earned him official proclamations of appreciation from county leadership during the historic sign dedications.
Valencia remains a firm believer in pouring love and resources right back into the neighborhood where he grew up. For him, the mission of the Lions Club of Rio Linda is entirely hyper-local.
“Any money we raise in the community has to go back into the community, so we try to help out however we can,” Valencia said.
A Reminder to Give Back
Sacramento County’s 5 Over 50 Volunteer Award winners represent the vital importance of staying active, finding your passion, and lifting up those around you.
Valencia’s extraordinary, 47-year legacy reminds us all that we can work together to make a grassroots difference right here where we live. We can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than a man who has given so much of his life to others. You don’t have to be over the age of 50 or retired to give back—reach out to a local service organization today to find out how you can get involved and volunteer.
Special thanks to Tanya Haddix for supplying the photos. I must have a thousand photos of Ed at various events, but for the life of me I couldn’t find a single one. Thanks you Tanya and Thank you Lions!
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