San Carlos community celebrates local leaders and nonprofits at annual event

Vicci Mueller was honored as the 2025 San Carlan of the Year for her deep connection and involvement to the city for over six decades. Mueller was recognized as a “legendary educator” and spent 26 years teaching English, shaping young students’ minds. 

“I gave those — and I still do as a substitute — I gave those kids love and they gave it back,” Mueller said. 

To this day, Mueller substitutes at Tierra Linda Middle School, continuing her work of helping students find their voice. She has served in roles of the Kiwanis Club and volunteered at the Family Tree thrift store, and recently played a role on the city’s centennial committee. 

“If there’s an event that brings people together in San Carlos, chances are Vicci has been a part of it,” the announcement of her recognition as San Carlan of the year said. 

As Mueller stood in front of the room Thursday night, she looked out and realized she recognized more than 80% of the people in attendance.

“It gave me such a wonderful sense of joy, love, acceptance,” Mueller said. “I am truly honored. I’ve spent over 60 years in this town, loving every minute. Every minute I was in a classroom, in all the clubs I belonged to. The town has given me so much.”

The honored 2025 Business of the Year was TOWN, a restaurant led by San Carlos resident Greg St. Claire. It is located in the city’s historic Tivoli Building on Laurel Street. Though the food at TOWN is highly regarded, the restaurant’s work in the community is what made it worthy of the recognition. 

Through an annual event hosted at the restaurant, and in collaboration with the San Carlos Education Foundation, St. Claire and his team have helped raise more than $1 million for local public schools. St. Claire’s commitment to philanthropy extends to other fundraisers supporting youth as well. 

At the event, St. Claire shared his story about coming to San Carlos and making the intentional decision to stay and live in the community. 

His story echoes what many have experienced after moving to San Carlos, Love said. They may come for one reason, but they realize the beauty of the community and they stay, she said.

Some, like St. Claire’s children, were even lucky enough to have Mrs. Mueller as their sixth grade teacher. 

The Celebrating San Carlos event aimed to reflect exactly why residents are keen on establishing roots, raising their families and aging in The City of Good Living. 

Upon arrival, students from Carlmont High School welcomed guests, the local busking group, Streetlight Trio, performed music, and community volunteers helped out — and the community involvement didn’t stop there. 

“It really was all of San Carlos coming together,” Love said. 

The photographers for the event were two residents who started their own business, Twin Frame Photography, another did graphic design for the event and a local printing company did all the literature materials. Bianchini’s Market, a local family-owned grocer, catered the food, and beer was donated by Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company. 

“You looked around and could think, ‘wow, that’s pretty powerful,’” Love said. “San Carlos is a generous community with a lot of volunteerism and that was present in the event.” 

Mueller shared a similar sentiment. 

“This is a very special town,” she said. “I don’t know how many towns have this sense of community, of giving.”

The event, which was reintroduced last year after a lengthy hiatus, was in high demand by residents — some residents had to be turned away, unfortunately, but the event planners will take the interest into consideration going forward. Love said the goal is to revive the event annually. 

Proceeds from the event go toward organizations that support four pillars of San Carlos, including programs for children, safety net critical needs, seniors and arts and culture. The Community Foundation of San Carlos will direct 100% of the money raised through tickets, raffles and donations back into the community.