Commissioner is top citizen

When Ralph Rodheim got an invitation from the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, he thought he was going to give a presentation about how to restore wooden boats.

But the minute he peeked his head through the door at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, he knew something else was up.

“Just to be in the presence of these people is an honor,” Rodheim said.

Rodheim was selected by the chamber as Newport Beach Citizen of the Year. He was invited to the luncheon to give a presentation not knowing that he had been selected to be among those who are recognized for their contributions to the community.

“Newport Beach is a very special place, and that’s because people have been actively involved in their community for so many years, and Ralph exemplifies that involvement,” said Richard Luehrs, chamber president and chief executive.

Rodheim, who serves on the Newport Beach Harbor Commission, said to be selected among some of his city’s greatest is humbling.

His work over the years with the commission, the Chamber of Commerce, the chamber’s Commodores Club and the Balboa Homeowners Assn. was the reason Rodheim was selected for the award, Luehrs said.

The chamber has given the citizen award since 1949; 17 winners attended the luncheon Wednesday to congratulate Rodheim.

Rodheim will be presented with the award at 6 p.m. June 11 at the Newport Beach Marriott.

“Life has been very good to me, so I’ve always wanted to give back to my community,” Rodheim said.