California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

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.

Menifee’s Youth Advisory Committee Boosts the Community

The committee advises the council and participates in local events.

Palmdale’s Season of Service Puts Volunteers to Work

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

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence Christina Vincent

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.

Sanger Collaborates to Prepare Its Workforce

The city worked with its major employers, the local transit agency and Reedley College to address a shortage of workers with needed skills.

Arts and Entertainment District Boosts Santa Clarita’s Economy

The city revitalized a historic neighborhood using public infrastructure improvements, economic development and the arts to attract new visitors, shoppers and businesses.

Cathedral City’s Garden Program Takes a Fresh Approach to Health

The program offers an enjoyable way for children and adults to learn organic gardening, be physically active, make smart food choices and work together.

Rocklin Matches Volunteers With Those in Need

A web-based volunteer recruitment tool meets the needs of the city’s residents and its community partners.

Clovis Builds Dry Creek Trailhead to Educate and Connect the Community

The City of Clovis transformed a three-acre unimproved lot into an educational community recreation area that protects natural resources and promotes healthy living.

La Mesa’s Seniors Help With Safe Routes to School

The city recruited seniors to supervise and support students as they walk or bike to and from school.

Salinas Fosters Ag Tech Innovation

Technology will soon be radically transforming agriculture and the Salinas Valley, home to an agricultural industry that generates over $8 billion annually.

Brea and Fullerton Merge Fire Command to Maximize Resources

The consolidation occurred without layoffs, demotions or loss of pay to the affected employees and provided immediate financial relief for both cities.

Menlo Park Builds Relationships for Safer Neighborhoods

The city is the first in the nation to have a full-time police officer position funded by a private company.

Restorative Peace Building Initiative Succeeds in Reedley

Mediators work with crime victims and offenders to help resolve conflict and make amends.

Rancho Cucamonga Involves Youth to Improve Community Health

Young people help inform and shape policies that improve healthy eating and active living.

Acknowledging Excellence in City Programs

Sponsored by the League Partners, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence recognizes cities’ efforts to creatively address local challenges.

San José’s “Bring Your Own Bag” Ordinance Cuts Plastic Bag Pollution

Plastic bag litter and increasingly stringent regulations signaled it was time to act.