Menifee Wins State Award Recognizing Youth Program

The second group of students on the Youth Advisory Committee was introduced at the City Council Meeting Sept. 16. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

The City of Menifee was presented a Helen Putnam Award on Wednesday at the League of California Cities General Session in San Jose, recognizing its efforts in involving youth in the community.

The Helen Putnam Award program was established in 1982 in memory of Helen Putnam, who was a teacher, principal, mayor of Petaluma and Sonoma County Supervisor. Presented in 11 categories, it recognizes cities that have made outstanding contributions and achievements in local service.

The Putnam Award presented to Menifee is the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government. This is in recognition of Menifee's creation of a Youth Advisory Committee, formed in 2014. The 11-member committee meets monthly and is made up of local high school and college students. The committee is charged with providing input and feedback representing youth during the city's development of a Parks Master Plan and other parks and recreation projects.

"It's a great honor for Menifee to win this prestigious award, especially given we competed with cities of all sizes from thoughout California," said Rob Johnson, city manager, in a press release. "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."

Menifee's population has grown from 64,000 to more than 85,000 since its incorporation in 2008. During that time, the median age has changed from 58 years old to 37. The formation of the YAC was the city's response to that demographic change.

"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 Robert Lennox, community services director. "The committee reviews proposals for programs, projects and facilities as they pertain to youth."

The performance of the inaugural 2014-15 YAC was a factor in the Helen Putnam Award presented to the City of Menifee.