Citizen, Youth of Year honored in Westlake





At the March 14 meeting of the Westlake Village City Council, recipients of the Citizen and Youth Recognition Awards were honored for their dedication and service.


Karl Balke was selected as the Citizen of the Year.


A Westlake Village resident since 1986, Balke has served as president of the Oak Forest Homeowners’ Association. His primary interest is in the preservation of oak trees and he’s worked closely with his homeowners’ group to preserve trees.


The Youth of the Year award was presented to Raman Rajogopal.


Among Rajogopal’s many accomplishments: honor roll at Agoura High School, National Merit semifinalist, AP Scholar with Honors, president of the Junior State of America and president of the Agoura High School student union. He’s a boardmember of the Inter-Community Student Council and served as a youth representative on the city’s Park Advisory Committee.


Balke and Rajogopal each received a commemorative plaque from the city and will have their names displayed on a perpetual plaque in the lobby of city hall.


A $500 check will be donated to a charity of Balke’s choice for receiving the Citizen of the Year award and Rajagopal will receive a $500 scholarship.



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