Dear City Council members,
Our Culver City community lost a valuable asset and wonderful human being when Rick Hudson died in August 2014. It is now time, and appropriate, that he be recognized for his commitment to our community. I knew Rick for over 15 years. He was about young people and our city. On a personal level I want you to know how great a man he was. Always looking for ways to improve and provide assistance for situations that he encountered, he became a tremendous mentor in many ways for our youth.
Just One of One Kind
It was a privilege to work with him as he became a volunteer like no other. There have been many people in Culver City who have given of their time and talents. Not many, however, have been as diverse as Coach Rick Hudson. He volunteered not only as a participant but took a leadership role in almost every activity. He was president of the Culver City Little League, worked as liaison for the Challenger Program, continued the development of the girls softball program. For good measure, he took on the role of manager and coach. He continued these efforts in the Culver City Babe Ruth program. He was responsible for bringing back the Culver City Bruins Pop Warner Youth Football program to Culver City where he served as a board member and coach.
While working with the Culver City Police Officers Assn., he annually volunteered to be Santa on the sleigh. When the sleigh needed an upgrade, he was there to make sure it happened, resulting in a new, improved version that all of us have enjoyed the last two Christmas seasons. While working with the Police Officers Assn., he again volunteered to be a mentor for at-risk youth. He made an impact with those in need.
Rick was also a devoted member of the Culver City Exchange Club. He worked tirelessly to make club activities such huge successes. As a board member, Car Show leader, 4th of July show, Fiesta La Ballona booth coordinator and finally the essence of what is now known as the Rick Hudson Beer and Wine Garden, he was more than a presence. He was a spearhead.
Identifying the Target
As Rick would advise all of us, the youth of our community are ours to mentor and guide no matter in what capacity they choose to participate. As such, he continued his commitment to our youth by moving from the youth programs to Culver City High School. Rick volunteered to help coach the girls varsity softball and frosh football teams. He was one of our volunteer coaches who helped many teens through difficult times. By the way, he was not a paid position coach. He would say that “it’s for the kids.” As a high school coach he volunteered to assist the fundraising for the CCHS Booster Club for both the Casino Night and Game Day Program sales at varsity football games.
Of his many accomplishments, he was proudest that the City Council chose to appoint him to the Human Services and Parks Commission. He served as chairperson until his death. This appointment sums up the feelings and recognition that our community had for all his participation and commitment.
Rick Hudson was a man for us all, yet most of all “for the kids.” In everything he did from his own children, grandchildren, Little League, Pop Warner Football, Santa, Exchange Club events, Culver City High School coach, and finally as a member of the Human Services and Parks Commission, it should be acknowledged that he was a leader who wanted nothing more than to give back to his community and the young people of Culver City.
It is with great pride that I am asking the City Council to agendize for discussion the recognition of Coach Rick Hudson for all his work by naming one of the three Little League fields at Culver City Park the
RICK HUDSON MEMORIAL FIELD
in tribute to a great man who truly knew the meaning of service to our city.
Sincerely,
Jerry Chabola
Retired athletic director, CCHS
