SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, announced March 5, 2009 that the California State Assembly will recognize Paula Cracium, Director of Development for the Shepherd of the Hills Church and Vice President of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council, as the 2009 "Woman of the Year" for the 38th Assembly District.

"I am very proud to present Paula as my 2009 Woman of the Year," said Smyth. "I have had the pleasure of working with Paula and Shepherd of the Hills before my election to the State Assembly. The work she does benefits the entire community."

2008 was a trying year for many in the San Fernando Valley. In September, immediately following the tragic Metrolink accident, Ms. Cracium offered help and support and delivered 30 cases of water to the rescue workers at the crash site. The Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council on which she serves also provided funds for meals for workers on the scene.

The following month, when the Sesnon fire burned around Porter Ranch and neighboring communities, Paula organized and ran a four day emergency shelter for the fire evacuees and their pets at Shepherd of the Hills - the first partnership of its kind with the American Red Cross.

Ms. Cracium stated, "Those affected by the accident and fires were friends and neighbors. I just wanted to be there for them."

Assemblyman Smyth added, "I can think of no more fitting way to put 2008 in perspective and behind us than to honor one of its heroes, and I'm pleased that Paula has accepted this honor."