Cities and counties throughout California are participating in the Institute for Local Government’s sustainability and climate change recognition program, the Beacon Award: Local Leadership toward Solving Climate Change.

Debuted in August 2010 as the first of its kind in California, the Beacon Award recognizes and celebrates cities and counties that:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• Save energy;
• Adopt policies and programs to address climate change; and
• Promote sustainability.

Participants working to achieving one of three award levels include to date: 

• Chula Vista
• Citrus Heights
• Hayward, Livermore
• Palm Springs
• Pleasanton
• San Rafael
• San Ramon
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Cruz
• Simi Valley
• Tulare
• Ventura
• Woodland
• Town of Apple Valley
• Yolo County