Community Services and Economic Development

Hayward
Program Title:
Hayward Public Mural Art Program

The Hayward Public Mural Art Program was instituted as an anti-graffiti tool to combat the on-going and ever challenging graffiti problems on public and private properties. Since its inception over two years ago, residents, the City of Hayward and general public have enjoy beautiful works of art, seen a reduction in graffiti and a noticeable cost savings to property owners and the City's budget.

Contact:
Contact: Stacey Sorensen , Neighborhood Partnership Manager
Phone:
510-583-4233

Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, & Community Involvement

Concord
Program Title:
'Penny for Your Thoughts' Community Priorities Game

The City of Concord still had a $5 million structural budget deficit at the beginning of 2010 (the middle of the City's fiscal year) after reducing staff by 25 percent, instituting mandatory furloughs, attaining pay and retirement concessions from employees and reducing programs and services. Essential services were on the chopping block. Before decisions about these drastic cuts were made, the City Council wanted to get meaningful input from the public about which programs were of the highest priority. Staff designed an engaging, interactive and thought-provoking game entitled 'Penny For Your Thoughts,' where funding for City programs was put in the hands of the participants.

Contact:
Leslye Asera , Community Relations Manager
Phone:
925-671-3272

Health & Wellness Programs

Palo Alto
Program Title:
Project Safety Net

The Project Safety Net (PSN) Community Task Force is our community response to the tragic teen suicides the Palo Alto community experienced between May 2009 and January 2011. The PSN Community Task Force is broadly represented with parents, medical and other healthcare professionals from Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto Medical Foundation and private practice, youth-serving non-profits, city commissions, the Palo Alto Youth Council and many others. The mission of the PSN Community Task Force is to develop and implement an effective, comprehensive, community-based mental health plan for overall youth well-being in Palo Alto. For more information please visit www.PSNPaloAlto.org.

Contact:
Rob De Geus , Recreation Supervisor
Phone:
650-463-4908

Housing Programs & Innovations

Cathedral City
Program Title:
WaterSmart Landscapes Grant Program

The WaterSmart Landscapes Grant Program is an innovative source reduction program created to reduce green waste and excessive run-off water in Cathedral City housing developments. The program educates, encourages and assists homeowners in replacing green landscaping with Xeriscape, a more drought tolerant landscaping. This alternative landscaping method saves local homeowners time and money while preserving one of our most precious natural resources, water.

Contact:
Deanna Pressgrove , Environmental Conservation Manager
Phone:
760-770-0369

Internal Administration

Brea
Program Title:
Collaborative Problem-Solving Model/Budget Strategic Planning

The Collaborative Problem-solving model is and Internal Civic Engagement technique that breaks away from traditional, top down decision making. It is a change model that promotes engagement and involvement in and organization (or a community). To apply the collaborative model to the budget dilemma, the City formed the Budget Strategic Planning (BSP) group. All employees were invited to participate regardless of their positional authority. Employees from every department participated.

Contact:
Tim O'Donnell , City Manager
Phone:
714-990-7710

League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations

Gonzales
Program Title:
Gonzales Grows Green

Gonzales Grows Green involves long-term sustainability efforts to improve the entire community economically, environmentally, and with improved social equity. Small communities like Gonzales have many small businesses that have limited ability to invest in future planning activities or community involvement. Businesses need to remain profitable.

Contact:
Harold Wolgamott , Emergency Svc. Dir. / Special Projects Analyst
Phone:
831-580-7145

Planning & Environmental Quality

Hollister
Program Title:
Hollister Solar Power Plant

The City of Hollister partnered with ClearSpot Emergy Inc. to build a one megawatt solar power plant at the City's new wastewater treatment plant. Under a power purchase agreement, the City anticipates millions of dollars in savings and makes a valuable contribution to the environment for future generations.

Contact:
Doug Emerson , Council Member
Phone:
831-637-8399

Public Safety

Santa Cruz
Program Title:
Santa Cruz Police Department Smartphone App

The Santa Cruz Police Department, working with two recent UC Santa Cruz graduates, developed the first consumer-focused law enforcement iPhone application in the country. The free mobile application is available via iTunes and the Apple store. The mobile app provides access to the police department's scanner feed, online crime maps, videos, photos and a new departmental blog. In addition, consumers are able to submit crime tips from their mobile phone and view Nixle alerts.

Contact:
Zach Friend , Principal Management Analyst/Public Information Officer
Phone:
831-420-5810

Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation

La Mesa
Program Title:
Rides4Neighbors

Rides4Neighbors is an alternative transportation program providing eligible older and disabled transit dependent adults with rides to essential needs appointments, including but not limited to medical, dental, grocery and personal shopping, personal care or business, and social or civic engagements. The rides are provided by volunteer drivers, using their personal vehicles, who are compensated only by mileage reimbursement. In addition, a bi-weekly shopping shuttle provides door-to-door service to the local shopping center contracted through a local church; wheelchair accessible van service can be utilized by non-ambulatory wheelchair users; and, discounted taxi coupons can be purchased for use with Yellow Cab.

Contact:
Yvonne Garrett , Assistant City Manager/Director of Community Services
Phone:
619-667-1311

Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government

Cathedral City
Program Title:
ECD and Elementary Schools Partnership Program

For the past several years, the Environmental Conservation Division has been working directly with Elementary School administrators and children to create fun and worthwhile environmental programs. City youth eagerly participate in these recycling efforts, helping to divert waste from landfills. Youth-oriented programs give kids an active way to have a strong voice in their local government and become stewards for the environment.

Contact:
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation Manager
Phone:
760-770-0369
Santa Monica
Program Title:
Rosie's Girls Santa Monica

Rosie's Girls is a national program designed to build self-esteem, physical confidence, and leadership capacity for adolescent girls through an exploration of the trades and other non-traditional activities. During this intensive, three-week summer program, and a series of follow-up mentoring opportunities, girls learn and apply skills in the technical trades, such as carpentry, welding, firefighting, plumbing, automotive, and street maintenance. The program also includes creative expression, physical challenges, and critical thinking about gender equity. The RGSM core curriculum, and extended leadership opportunities include the development of political skills and financial literacy through a variety of hands-on activities in the civic arena.

Contact:
Carla Fantozzi, Principal Community Services Programs Supervisor
Phone:
310-458-8688