California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence Archive

Palm Desert Capitalizes on Arts and Culture

First Weekend Palm Desert helps increase the city’s tax revenues and makes it a regional center for the arts by drawing crowds to lively events from November through May.

Rancho Cucamonga’s Kitten Nursery Steps Up

Animal shelters nationwide are inundated during “kitten season.”

Fairfield Reverses Crime and Neglect in Parkway Gardens

The city took legal action to help property owners effect change and address the shootings, illegal drug sales, traffic and other problems that plagued the complex.

Bakersfield Creates Jobs for Homeless People

The city and its partners created a model that helps communities use limited resources to solve multiple problems.

San Diego Focuses on Accountability, Transparency

After years of fiscal challenges, the city implemented innovative programs to boost efficiency and accountability.

Santa Clarita’s Special Needs Registry Provides Vital Information

The online registry provides an important public safety tool.

Concord Offers Support and Services to Victims of Domestic Violence

A one-stop center serves people who want to break the cycle of violence.

Palmdale’s Season of Service Puts Volunteers to Work

Palmdale gives residents a way to help address critical infrastructure challenges.

Menifee’s Youth Advisory Committee Boosts the Community

The committee advises the council and participates in local events.

Carlsbad Focuses on Economic Opportunities in High-Tech Sectors

A city biotech incubator, a talent attraction campaign and a higher education initiative for workforce development help foster economic growth.

by Christina Vincent