Towing Co. Owner is 2008 Citizen of the Year in CA City

Here's The Sun story:

San Dimas' 2008 Citizen of the Year learned from father

Imani Tate, Staff Writer

Article Launched: 08/12/2008 08:27:48 PM PDT

SAN DIMAS - Service is a lifetime habit for Scott Dilley, the 2008 San Dimas Citizen of the Year who was spoon-fed activism and charity during his formative years.

Dilley and his younger brother Chris didn't have time to get in trouble as children growing up in San Dimas and La Verne. Their days were filled with youth sports, school and community activities and public-service projects.

Scott and Chris inherited more than ownership of Sanders Towing, Lock and Key and Automotive Shop from their dad, Ron Dilley. The examples of their father, mother Julie Dilley Hector and grandmother Pearl Dilley convinced the Dilley boys there was more to life than breathing air and taking up space.

Ron's record of service include La Verne Planning Commission, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce and philanthropic projects in San Dimas and La Verne. Pearl, retired chief baker for Bonita Unified School District, helped children in crisis with grandmotherly care and cookies. Hector volunteered with numerous community and children's programs before remarrying and moving to Texas where she continues to live a service-oriented life.

Family and community remain Scott's top priorities. His attraction to his wife, Ekstrand Elementary School teacher Kerry Dilley, was about more than her physical beauty. He chose a life partner equally committed to philanthropic work.

Scott is teaching older son Matt, 16, to recognize and respond to the needs of others.

Matt picks up trash, sells tickets, cooks, fills balloons and performs whatever tasks help others at the San Dimas rodeo, Western Days and birthday party, usually working side-by-side with Scott and Kerry.

"We are not alone" and the Golden Rule were the messages Scott constantly heard growing up and remain constant in his life today, he said.

Sanders' tow truck today also carry Girl and Boy Scouts, Little League, Pop Warner and Girls Softball Association athletes, church and community floats, professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, musicians, youth advocates, elected officials, military banners, costumed characters and public safety agents for parades and community events in San Dimas and La Verne.

Scott is a Bonita High School and Citrus College graduate.

Sanders Towing was started by Scott's great- uncle Leonard Stevenson and later owned by Ken Sanders before Ron Dilley bought it.

Young Scott was promoted to tow-truck washer before he and Chris began more serious tasks to prepare them for ultimately assuming ownership of the business in 2001 when Ron retired.

Fairplex Education Director Dan Harden, a retired Bonita teacher and La Verne councilman, said the Dilleys never stand on the sidelines when help is needed.

"Anytime the community needs support for anything at any time, Scott and Chris step up," Harden said. "Scott is the kind of person you like to be around, because he's positive, friendly, gentle, giving and caring. And so are his brother, his wife, his dad and his stepmom. The Dilley boys were good kids and now they're great, generous men."