Dr. Sandra E.Thomas, a resident of Altadena for 30 years, is known as a leader who gets the job done. She is a community advocate who firmly believes that economic challenges should never overshadow achievement. Because of her dedication to her philosophy and love of community, she is considered to be one of the most highly regarded and respected voices in Altadena. As a citizen of Altadena, Dr. Thomas’s involvements have been immeasurable and imperative. In recent years (4) she was motivated to found the Quality of Life Center Inc., a multi-cultural center dedicated to educating urban communities on the availability of assistance to low-income, at risk youth and families, where she serves as President/CEO.

To list a few of her achievement, Dr. Thomas was chosen Altadena Elementary School’s “Outstanding Mother of the Year” in 1979 as well as Pasadena High School’s “Mother of the Year” in 1980. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. named her recipient of their “Community Political Awareness Award” and Congressman Adam Schiff selected Dr. Sandra E.Thomas 2005 “Congressional Woman of the Year.” Furthermore, in December 2007 she has been selected Altadena California “Citizen of the Year.”

Dr. Thomas serves as an Altadena Councilmember, is a life member of the Altadena NAACP and currently serving her third term as NAACP California State Director. For the 6th consecutive year, she is the host of the NAACP Today TV Show focusing on issues in Altadena and the surrounding areas. Other community involvements includes: Altadena Sheriff’s Clergy Council, Altadena Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters, Altadena Crown City Kiwanis-Past President and Altadena Community Center Board of Directors (past).

She is also the second African-American woman ever appointed to be Human Relations Commission and currently serves as Vice President. Her appointment as Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission is a culmination of a lifetime of service to the community.

Dr. Thomas is the wife of Pastor Emeritus A. Douglas Thomas, proud mother of three: Rosalyn, Vincent and Michael and the grandmother of six: Alexandria, Michael Jr., Victoria, Nicole, Ciera and Vincent Jr. Her educational background includes a BA in psychology, MA in engineering and a PhD in psychological counseling. Dr. Thomas’s professional talents have benefited all in the communication industry where she was employed as an engineer for 26 years. In 1968, she created what is now known as the 1-“800” toll free telephone system.

Dr. Thomas has often been the unseen force encouraging groups, community leaders and local business owners to unite and focus on saving our community. She is a visionary who has created and developed programs geared to improving the quality of life for all people. Dr. Thomas always has a smile, a big hug and a kind word for everyone who passes her way. She is a true example of how one committed person, dedicated to her community, with a heart for service, has made a difference for all citizens of Altadena.