The city of Menifee’s was presented the prestigious Helen Putnam award at the annual League of California Cities conference ceremony held on September 30. Menifee’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) program was highlighted and was chosen from a large group of applications from competing cities throughout California.

The League of California Cities established this award in 1982 in memory of Helen Putnam. Putnam was a mother, schoolteacher, principal, mayor of Petaluma, and a Sonoma County supervisor. The Helen Putnam Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding achievements and innovative solutions by California cities that have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses.

“It’s a great honor for Menifee to win this prestigious award, especially given we competed with cities of all sizes, from throughout California,” said City Manager Rob Johnson. “This award illustrates the hard work and dedication city staff devotes to programs, events, projects and all city services provided to continually improve the quality of life for the Menifee community.” Since Menifee’s inception into cityhood in 2008, its population has grown from 64,000 to well over 85,000 people and the median age changed from 58 years old to 37 years old. In response to Menifee’s growth and changing demographics, the city’s new Community Services Department established the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) in 2014, to gain insight and perspective from the city’s youth. “The YAC was created to promote public service and community involvement, with, for and by youth, while providing the opportunity to participate in local government and the decision making process,” said Community Services Director Robert Lennox. “The committee reviews proposals for programs, projects, and facilities as they pertain to youth.”

The 11-member group meets monthly and is comprised of high school and college students from Menifee high schools, Mt. San Jacinto College and University of California, Riverside. An example of the YAC in action is their work on the Parks Master Plan. Early on, one of the group’s top priorities was to advocate for more recreational activities/opportunities for youth. This priority developed into their active role in providing input and feedback representing the voice of youth during the city’s Parks Master Plan process to provide guidance for future decisions about the city’s parks, recreation and open space. The group also regularly participates in volunteer and community service activities including the Menifee Better Together community clean-up and volunteering at city-sponsored events like the Spring Fest, Christmas Tree Lighting and Independence Day.