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SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula has been honored by the League of California Cities as one of only 11 cities statewide to receive the distinguished 2025 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence. Santa Paula earned this recognition in the category of Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement for its innovative efforts to strengthen civic engagement, transparency, and ethical governance.
The City was recognized for several key initiatives, including the launch of the Santa Paula Future Leaders Academy, the creation of the Your Santa Paula Connection bilingual newsletter, the implementation of the Zencity community feedback platform, and the hosting of inclusive public workshops and business roundtables — all of which help foster open dialogue between residents, businesses, and City leadership.
Presented annually by the League of California Cities, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence celebrates outstanding achievements that enhance the quality of life in local communities across California. The League is a nonprofit statewide association that supports local governments through education, resources, and training services for city officials.
The award was presented last week during the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, held in Long Beach, California. The event brought together city leaders from across the state to share best practices and celebrate innovation in local government. Members of the City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, and Management Fellows proudly represented Santa Paula’s accomplishments and ongoing commitment to civic engagement and transparency.
“This recognition honors the collaborative spirit of Team Santa Paula — the ecosystem that exists to serve the public good,” said Mayor Chavez. “Together, we remain committed to transparency, fostering participation, and strengthening the bonds between residents, businesses, and local leadership.”
To learn more about the City’s award-winning initiatives, visit the League of California Cities website to view Santa Paula’s award recognition video. Residents interested in developing leadership skills and civic knowledge can learn more about Santa Paula Future Leader’s Academy and sign up for program updates. To stay informed about City news, events, and updates, subscribe to Your Santa Paula Connection bilingual newsletter – free and delivered monthly to your inbox. Past editions are also available www.spcity.org.
About the City of Santa Paula
The City of Santa Paula is Ventura County’s Hidden Gem—a vibrant, culturally rich community located in the heart of the county. Incorporated in 1902, Santa Paula spans approximately 5.7 square miles and is home to more than 31,700 residents. The City delivers a full range of services through six departments and proudly preserves its small-town charm while advancing economic growth, public safety, and community engagement. Just 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles, Santa Paula offers convenient access to a wide variety of recreational, cultural, and business opportunities.
From vintage planes at our local airport to scenic railcar adventures and classic car Cruise Nights that draw thousands to our historic downtown, Santa Paula brings planes, trains, and automobiles to life. Learn more at www.spcity.org