At Wednesday’s William S. Hart Union High School District board meeting, former Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar was honored as the recipient of the One Hart Award, recognizing his decades of service and dedication to the community.

The One Hart Award celebrates individuals who exemplify the values of community, caring, courage, and creativity. Kellar, a longtime public servant and civic leader, was praised for embodying all four qualities.

“Tonight, as I present the One Hart Award, we celebrate not just Bob’s remarkable achievements, but the example he sets for us all,” said Area 1 Trustee Dr. Aakash Ahuja. “He reminds us that true leadership is about service, and that the heart of Santa Clarita beats strongest when we all come together as one.”

Kellar’s path to public service began long before his political career. In 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years. Though he considered extending his military service, one of his mother’s weekly letters changed his mind.

One letter included a newspaper clipping about the death of a high school friend who had been shot and killed after joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). This left an impression on the young Kellar, and he determined he would join the LAPD.

Following his military service, Kellar joined the LAPD, where he served for 25 years. His roles included time on the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in the early 1970s. He retired in 1993 as the Supervisor in Charge of Reserve Officer Training at the Police Academy, where he spent the last decade of his career.

In 1986, while still with the LAPD, Kellar was invited to assist with the Frontier Days Rodeo through the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce. That call marked the beginning of his extensive involvement with local organizations, including the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, the American Red Cross, and the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce, where he eventually served as chairman.

Kellar’s civic engagement deepened when he was appointed to the Santa Clarita Planning Commission by then-Mayor Jo Anne Darcy. In 1999, community leaders—including SCV Woman of the Year Connie Roberts and HMNH Foundation President Marlee Lauffer—encouraged him to run for City Council.

He was elected in 2000 with over 38% of the vote and went on to serve on the Santa Clarita City Council for 20 years until his retirement in 2020.

“I gotta tell you, as I reflect back over the years, I can’t tell you the great people that I’ve had the privilege to be involved with from various charitable organizations and activities,” Kellar said. “I love this town. I can’t say enough good things about all of the people that have made the success. I invite you—don’t be shy—when the time is right, get involved. You’ll meet some of the most phenomenal people and be part of some of the most phenomenal activities for the betterment of our community.”

Board members each shared personal reflections on Kellar’s influence, describing him as a dedicated, compassionate leader whose commitment has positively shaped Santa Clarita.

“He is a patriot and a statesman,” said Area 4 Trustee Erin Wilson. “The things that he does, he will work tirelessly for the benefit of our community.”“There have been times in this community where he’s among the first to step up—helping families, making the connections they need,” said Area 5 Trustee Joe Messina. “When you live in the Valley for 107 years, you have a lot of friends that help make those things happen.”

Area 2 Trustee Bob Jensen shared a personal story about how Kellar offered support and guidance when Jensen was first considering a run for the school board.

“He didn’t know me, and I didn’t know him, but he was gracious enough to have breakfast with me and offer advice,” Jensen said. “That was 20 years ago, and it meant a lot. Thank you, Bob. This award is very well earned.”

Dr. Ahuja summed up, “Bob Kellar is a symbol of unity, compassion, and community spirit.”

The One Hart Award stands as a celebration of Kellar’s lifelong commitment to public service both in and out of office, and his unwavering dedication to the betterment of Santa Clarita.

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