California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence Archive

A Tale of Two Cities: Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek’s Community Service Days

These projects increase civic pride and produce remarkable results.

Cathedral City Takes Action on Energy Efficiency

Using a variety of partnerships and local initiatives, Cathedral City reduced its energy costs.

Redlands311: Smartphone App Serves Residents

The app provides a way to report a wide range of issues, including potholes, vandalism, water leaks and more, directly to city staff.

SmartRiverside Transforms Community and Fosters Innovation

SmartRiverside has helped transform the city by promoting high-tech businesses, encouraging collaboration and creating a forum for communication between students and high-tech organizations.

Lancaster’s Holistic Approach to Healthy Neighborhoods

The Neighborhood Impact Program uses neighborhood revitalization and partnerships to address health, safety and social issues.

Fontana Revitalizes Downtown With a Focus on Seniors

The city provided its senior population with high-quality, affordable housing close to the services they need.

Perris Reaches Out to Make Sewer System Upgrade Possible

How one city overcame significant community resistance.

Santa Clarita’s Neighborhood Approach Builds Trust and Community Involvement

San Carlos Adopts Innovative Contracting Techniques to Maintain Service Levels

Like many California cities, San Carlos has faced some serious budgetary challenges in recent years.

San Mateo Helps Residents "Be Ready, Be Safe, Be Involved!"