header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
November 7
1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
American Theater


The City of Santa Clarita is the recipient of the League of California Cities’ highest honor – the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence – for its “Granada Villa Neighborhood Committee,” as announced Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the League’s annual conference in Sacramento.

The “Granada Villa Neighborhood Committee” was the winner in the Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics and Community Involvement category.  The City created the civic engagement program for the Granada Villa Mobile Home Park to build community trust, enhance public safety, increase resident involvement, and bridge communication gaps with City staff, law enforcement, and local service agencies.

In recent years concerns were mounting in this neighborhood where safety for youth and families was in jeopardy due to gang activity and crime and unfortunately residents in the neighborhood were not reaching out to the City to help combat these issues.  As a result, the program was designed to solve problems by opening lines of communications between residents, City staff, and other public agencies while finding creative ways to address challenges like crime, gangs, graffiti, and blight.

In collaboration with other public agencies, Santa Clarita provided positive alternatives to the gang lifestyle, including tutoring services and job skills programs.  Regular patrols by the City’s Graffiti Task Force were also increased to help improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, and law enforcement noted a decrease in gang-related crime and violence after the inception of these specific outreach efforts.

Youth and families learned new skills to help them succeed in school and life, connected with the City, law enforcement and other agencies, received ample support facilitating problem-solving, and were empowered to take back their community by creating a stronger neighborhood.  Additionally, the Granada Villa Neighborhood Committee’s efforts and collaboration with the City and local agencies helped create a strong neighborhood by instilling pride and ownership among its residents and restoring safety in a once troubled community.

“The City of Santa Clarita is honored to have been recognized by the League for excellence in developing a program that enhanced the quality of life for residents,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.  “This hands-on, collaborative approach to addressing critical issues helped unify the residents of Granada Villa, and Santa Clarita will continue to provide resources and support to encourage community engagement with City staff and partners.”

The Helen Putnam awards program holds a long tradition with all California cities as being a coveted and premier award, recognizing outstanding achievements in a variety of categories that deliver the highest quality service in the most effective manner possible.

Helen Putnam was a mother, school teacher, principal, mayor and county supervisor.   But most of all, Helen Putnam was a person who viewed meeting one’s potential as the measure of success.  Excellence to Helen Putnam was shown by someone who did his or her very best.  To the League and to California Cities, Helen Putnam defined excellence.

For more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s Granada Villa Neighborhood Committee, please contact Communications Manager Gail Ortiz, at  (661) 255-4314.

 

helenputnam2013

 

ALL WINNERS

 

The 2013 Helen Putnam Winners Have Been Selected

Congratulations to the following winning cities:

CCS Partnership Intergovernmental Collaboration Award

Ontario and Montclair

Program Title: Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars Initiative
The Ontario-Montclair Promise Scholars Initiative is a partnership between the cities of Ontario and Montclair, County of San Bernardino, Ontario-Montclair School District (OMSD), Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Chaffey Community College, CSU San Bernardino, Inland Empire United Way, and local businesses to provide early awareness and access to college for all students in the community. The program began as a pilot in 1999 and is in its second year of expanding from six schools to thirty-five.

Contact: Leslie Sorensen, Resource Development Administrator
Phone:  (909) 418-6331 or email: leslie.sorensen@omsd.net

Community Services and Economic Development

Eureka

Program Title: “G.U.L.C.H.” (Growing Unity, Leadership, Community & Health)
The G.U.L.C.H. (Growing Unity, Leadership, Community & Health), is an innovative, youth driven teen program designed to provide an enjoyable, safe and nurturing environment through adventure, self-discovery, and mentorship.
Contact: Donna Wood, Recreation and Facilities Manager
Phone:  (707) 268-1858

Economic Development through the Arts

Eureka

Program Title: Cultural Arts Resource District
Eureka, the Humboldt County seat, is a historic city of 28,000 nestled between the majestic redwoods, and California’s rugged North Coast. The City has experienced economic problems since the early 1990’s. Construction of a regional mall on the City’s perimeter in 1988 hastened the flight of business from Eureka’s commercial core area, which was already suffering from the decline of the region’s natural resource-based economy.
Contact: Charlotte McDonald, Executive Director
Phone: (707) 442-3054 or email: ekamainst@aol.com

Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, & Community Involvement

Santa Clarita

Program Title: Granada Villa Neighborhood Committee
The Granada Villa Neighborhood Committee is a great example of how a grassroots effort can flourish into a successful community partnership despite challenging economic times and limited City resources. It has measurable, far-reaching results. Utilizing existing resources, the City partnered with residents and local agencies to facilitate problem-solving, open lines of communication, build trust, and find creative ways to address challenges and meet needs. Residents were empowered to take their community back and create a stronger neighborhood; connect with law enforcement and service agencies; and learn new skills. Youth found positive activities and the help they need to succeed in school and in life. The quality of life in the Granada Villa mobile home park has significantly improved.

Contact:  Tess Simgen, Administrative Analyst
Phone: (661) 286-4157 or email: tsimgen@santa-clarita.com

Health & Wellness Programs

San Clemente

Program Title: Fun on the Run Fitness Programs
Fun on the Run Fitness Program is a community based childhood obesity prevention program, providing underserved youth with free mobile recreation, affordable afterschool sports, swim lessons and nutrition education to improve children’s health and lifestyles.

Contact: Pamela Passow, Recreation Manager
Phone: (949) 429-8875 or email: passowp@san-clemente.org

Housing Programs & Innovations

Ontario

Program Title: Homeless Services Continuum of Care
The City of Ontario implemented a full service Homeless Services Continuum of Care that transitions homeless individuals and families into permanent housing while creating a reliable source of funding for the program with new long term affordable housing units. The City was able to seize the opportunities created through the housing crisis to acquire foreclosed multi-family properties at reasonable costs to create an inventory of 62 housing units for this program. To date, thousands of people have been served through this full service program.
Contact: Brent Schultz, Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Director
Phone: (909) 395-2317 or email: jbjork@ci.ontario.ca.us

Internal Administration

Walnut Creek

Program Title: A Community Connected: The 2012-14 Budget Story
“A Community Connected: The 2012-14 Budget Story” seeks to engage and educate the community about Walnut Creek’s fiscal challenge by tossing aside traditional dense budget documents in favor of a colorful story full of photos, graphics and a compelling narrative.

Contact: Gayle Vassar, Communications & Outreach Manager
Phone: (925) 943-5895 or email: vassar@walnut-creek.org

League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations

Mammoth Lakes

Program Title: Mammoth Gateway Community Project
The Mammoth Gateway Community Project illustrates how cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies as well as business and community volunteers can help make a lasting first impression on visitors in a town where the local economy is highly dependent on tourism.

Contact: Jessica Morris, Transportation Planner
Phone:  (760) 934-8989 x2 or email: jmorriss@ci.mammoth-lakes.ca.us

Planning & Environmental Quality

Elk Grove

Program Title: Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza
The City of Elk Grove transformed a blighted one-acre parcel into an inspiring, educational and recreational Project that mimics a natural approach to retain and cleanse urban stormwater runoff while protecting the environment and promoting future sustainable practices. The Elk Grove Rain Garden Project demonstrates the connection between a small urban space and innovative storm water management practices and is the first large-scale rain garden in California. The Project provides a community gathering area with picnic tables/benches and features an art sculpture for interactive play. Colorful interpretive signs help explain the functions of the Project, with its water harvesting features, wildlife attracting plants and fitness equipment. The Project is connected to a corridor of residential homes, businesses, parks and trails. The beautiful, inviting open space inspires visitors of all ages to have fun as they learn easy ways to prevent stormwater pollution and preserve the environment for future generations.

Contact: Darren Wilson, Engineering Services Manager
Phone: (916) 627-3446 or email: dwilson@elkgrovecity.org

Public Safety

Santa Maria

Program Title: Listos
By means of an innovative disaster preparedness program, the City of Santa Maria is effectively engaging its non-English speaking Hispanic/Latino population through an education program designed to promote trust in local government, enhancing public safety and disaster preparedness, and fostering better civic participation. Community trust and involvement are taking hold with hundreds of families and individuals who experience the City’s willingness to invest in meaningful outreach efforts through the “Listos” emergency preparedness program. This collaborative effort is intended to engage the City’s non-English speaking Hispanic/Latino community, whose numbers now represent more than 70 percent of the City residents.

Contact: Mark van de Kamp, Management Analyst II
Phone: (805) 925-0951 or email: mvandekamp@ci.santa-maria.ca.us

Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation

 

Malibu

Program Title: Legacy Park
The City of Malibu’s Legacy Park is one of the most protective and innovative stormwater management projects in California, if not the nation, due to its scope and treatment capacity. Legacy Park is an integrated multi-benefit project that 1) improves water quality by capturing, detaining, screening, filtering and treating stormwater runoff to remove pollutants, 2) beneficially reuses treated stormwater, and 3) creates a public amenity that will provides valuable habitat, education and passive recreation opportunities.

Contact: Robert Brager, Public Works Director
Phone: (310) 456-2489 or email: eshavelson@malibucity.org

Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government

Monrovia

Program Title: Youth Employment Service
The Youth Employment Service (YES) Program provides job training, mentoring and internship opportunities to Monrovia-area at-risk youth.

Contact: Danielle Tellez, Human Resources Director
Phone: (626) 932-5518 or email: jmclain@ci.monrovia.ca.us

 

Award categories include:

CCS Partnership Intergovernmental Collaboration Award

Community Services and Economic Development

Economic Development through the Arts-NEW Category

Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement

Health and Wellness Programs

Housing Programs and Innovations

Internal Administration

League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations

Planning and Environmental Quality

Public Safety

Public Works, Infrastructure, Transportation

Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government

Additionally, the winning city can receive the President’s Advocacy Award. This prestigious award honors a distinguished program or individual that best advocates for the League’s annual strategic priorities. One outstanding winner may be chosen from the 12 categories.

Cities must be a member of the League of California Cities to apply. Particular attention and credit is given to applications specifically advancing the League’s strategic priorities at www.cacities.org/priorities, which are determined each year by the Board of Directors.

What is the Helen Putnam Award?

Established in 1982 by the League of California Cities, the California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program recognizes outstanding achievements by California’s 482 cities. These winning cities have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses, contributions which have resulted in lower costs or more effective delivery of services. The purpose of the California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program is to recognize and promote the outstanding efforts and innovative solutions by city governments to:

  • Improve the quality of life in local communities.
  • Implement efficiencies in service delivery and operations.
  • Provide services responsive to the local community.

Sponsored by the League Partners, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program was designed to recognize and promote the outstanding efforts and innovative solutions made by city governments each year. For a complete list of this year’s categories, please view this year’s program brochure.

Award winners are recognized at the League’s Annual Conference, in Western City magazine and press release notifications, on the League’s website, and in presentations made to city council meetings.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

No Comments

    Leave a Comment


    LATEST CITY HEADLINES
    Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
    The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
    Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
    The city of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2026 Notice of Funding Availability and has scheduled informational meetings for organizations interested in applying for 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant funding.
    Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
    The MAIN and Hope Theatre Arts presents "Yellow Face" from the mind of Obi and Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang, beginning the weekend of Nov.15-17 at the MAIN, 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
    Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024
    Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf and other Frozen favorites at the 4th annual Holiday Skate Show featuring the beloved Disney movie, Frozen, on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 14 with two separate times to attend, noon and 5 p.m. at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center | Powered by FivePoint Valencia.
    Monday, Nov 4, 2024
    The College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center present the Doo Wop Project Holiday Show, Friday, Dec. 6 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

    Keep Up With Our Facebook
    Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
    The close race for Santa Clarita City Council shows Patsy Ayala increasing her slim lead from yesterday over Tim Burkhart by 96 votes at the close of business Thursday, 3,469 to 3,376
    UPDATE: Local Election Results as of Thursday Evening
    The Child & Family Center has announced its Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event Monday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
    Dec. 2: Merry Mocktail Winter Wonderland Event
    All For Kids is celebrating National Adoption Month by seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
    Nov. 21: All For Kids Offering Virtual Orientations for National Adoption Month
    Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.
    Jason Gibbs | Get Your Passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library
    Parents and caregivers are invited to Empowered Families Workshops hosted by the Child & Family Center’s Prevention and Outreach team in collaboration with First Presbyterian Church of Newhall beginning 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 with a workshop on Social Media and mental health.
    Nov. 10: Child & Family Center, First Presbyterian Church Collab for Workshops
    Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. has announced that it was awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration to add new services that will include substance use disorder treatment programs.
    Samuel Dixon Awarded 1.1 Million Grant for SUD Program
    The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will host its annual holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church
    Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique
    The Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative has announced the "Bringing it Home" fundraiser, an exclusive wine and hors d'oeuvre event hosted by Salt Creek Grille, will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
    Nov. 21: Salt Creek Grille, Veteran Services Collaborative Host Fundraiser
    The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages. The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25.
    USPS Announces Holiday Mailing, Shipping Dates
    1940 - William S. Hart deeds land for theater at Spruce & 11th Street to American Legion [story]
    American Theater
    Due to projected power shutoffs related to the current wind advisory, the Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy location, will be closed for in-person services beginning 5 pm Wednesday
    Child & Family Center’s Centre Pointe Pkwy Location Closes Due to Power Shutoffs
    Beginning Wednesday, November 13, crews will begin the construction of median modifications, paving, grinding and overlay operations along portions of McBean Parkway at Newhall Ranch Road.
    Upcoming Lane Closures on McBean Parkway and Newhall Ranch Road
    The California Highway Patrol is proud to announce it received a $350,000 grant to address the growing issue of distracted driving on California roads.  
    CHP Receives Grant to Combat Adult Distracted Driving in California
    The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has once again recognized the city of Santa Clarita as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 "Most Business-Friendly City" award in the category of large cities (population over 60,000).
    City of Santa Clarita Named 2024 Most Business-Friendly City Finalist
    The County of Los Angeles is experiencing critical fire weather and is under a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag advisory from now until Friday evening. .
    Animal Care and Control Urges Emergency Pet Preparedness
    The city of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2026 Notice of Funding Availability and has scheduled informational meetings for organizations interested in applying for 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant funding.
    Santa Clarita Non-Profits Invited to Apply for 2025-2026 Funding Cycle
    California State University, Northridge’s CSUN-al Gardening series returns this month just in time to prepare for fall planting.
    CSUN-al Garden Class to Get Ready for Fall Planting
    The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath
    Supes Support Expansion of Tax Credit Program for Entertainment Sector
    Local educational performing arts charity Mission Opera, together with Oksana Foundation and Bella Cucina Italian Restaurant, is excited to announce “Bella Notte,” a new monthly event starting this Fall that blends the worlds of Italian fine dining, live opera, and community support.
    Nov. 23: “Bella Notte” Italian Night Comes to Santa Clarita
    For the fourth year in a row, California State University, Northridge has been named a Fulbright HSI Leader by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
    CSUN Named a Fulbright HSI Leader For a Fourth Year in a Row
    Thompson Von Tungeln Trust and Estate Lawyers will host a free successor trustee training workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, Calif. 91355.
    Nov. 9: Free Successor Trustee Training Workshop
    No. 12 College of the Canyons football scored 24 points, highlighted by a 95-yard kickoff return from sophomore Da'Marrie Smith, in what turned out to be a decisive second quarter to outlast visiting Moorpark College 27-21 on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Cougar Stadium.
    No. 12 Canyons Outlasts Moorpark College 27-21
    Unofficial election results for the 2024 General Election as of Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 11:21 p.m.
    2024 General Election Santa Clarita Races
    SCVNews.com