Mayor Charles and Melissa Bourbeau announce new 'Barbie Butz Junior Award' honoring a legacy of service

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Mar 19 2026

ATASCADERO — In celebration of a lifetime devoted to community service, Atascadero Mayor Charles  Bourbeau and his wife, Melissa Bourbeau, have established a new annual community honor: the Barbie Butz Junior Award. The award recognizes a member of the community who exemplifies the same extraordinary dedication, compassion, and impact that have defined the life of beloved local leader Barbie Butz.  

The Barbie Butz Junior Award will be presented annually to a community servant following in Barbie’s path — making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through service, leadership, and volunteerism. In addition to the recognition, the recipient will receive  $5,000 to donate to the charity of their choice, further extending the beneficial work that  Barbie has modeled for decades.  

The inaugural award was presented during Barbie’s 90th birthday celebration, held at the historic Atascadero Printery. The afternoon was filled with gratitude and reflection, honoring Barbie’s remarkable contributions to the Atascadero community and region.  

The first recipient of the Barbie Butz Junior Award is Karen McNamara, president of the  Atascadero Printery Foundation and a multiple-year chair of Atascadero Colony Days, along with her extensive involvement in numerous other local organizations. McNamara was recognized for her volunteer efforts, leadership, and commitment to preserving  Atascadero’s history and restoring the Printery into a valuable resource for the community.  

“Barbie Butz has set a very high standard of service,” said Mayor Bourbeau. “This award  ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and volunteers in our community.”

The Barbie Butz Junior Award stands as a lasting tribute to a life of generosity and civic dedication, and as a beacon encouraging others to serve with heart,  humility, and purpose.  

A permanent plaque with recipients' names will hang in the Atascadero Printery — the upcoming public Community Center that will provide space for events and programming in arts and culture, education, wellness, entertainment, and much more for the entire region to use.  

For more information about the award or future nominations, contact Charles Bourbeau at (805) 703-3809