Local news- Press Release
Santa Paula California - Santa Paula Mayor Crosswhite Celebrates Santa Paula s Resilience During State of the City Address 20 May 2022 ( news )
Santa Paula , state California ( By Press Release office)
May 20,2022
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Santa Paula , CA – On May 19 , Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce hosted its 60th Annual Santa Paula Chamber Awards , where Mayor Jenny Crosswhite presented her State of the City address . The event was themed “Resiliency Realized , ” celebrating several public service acts and private enterprises that have demonstrated resilience throughout the COVID - 19 pandemic .
“Over the past two years , our community has faced exceptional challenges , ” said Mayor Jenny Crosswhite . “Yet , today , I can proudly say that we are stronger than ever , and we are prepared to create a better future for the City of Santa Paula . I would like to thank our City staff , residents and businesses for their ongoing patience and resilience that helped us get here . ”
During Mayor Crosswhite’s State of the City address , she emphasized Santa Paula’s resiliency and showcased the City’s progress over the past year . By increasing the City’s General Fund Reserves and securing $7 . 1 million in federal grant funding through the
American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA )
, the City of Santa Paula remains in a stable financial position . The City used the first half of its ARPA funding to create several grant opportunities for local nonprofits , small businesses and residents to overcome obstacles caused by the pandemic .
In addition , Mayor Crosswhite highlighted additional state and federal funding opportunities that keep important community programs and projects alive , including
tree planting efforts
, the
Downtown Property Business Improvement District
, Santa Paula Beautiful events and the
Pavement Management Plan
.
Mayor Crosswhite also shared what’s on the horizon as the City heads into the next fiscal year:
Finishing the Housing Element
Creating a community Cultural Arts Commission
Expansion plans for the regions new rail operator , Sierra Northern , for tourism operations
Beginning the Harvard Boulevard Water and Sewer Pipeline Replacement and Paving Rehabilitation Project
Moving to district - based elections
The biggest upcoming project is the Harvard Boulevard rehabilitation , which will include replacing the subterranean water and sewer main lines beneath the street , constructing pedestrian access ramps and completely repaving the street’s surface .
Mayor Crosswhite also shared news of City Council’s allocation of Measure T funds to accelerate street improvements , support the
Parks and Recreation Department’s youth programs
, improve the City’s urban forestry and hire additional youth through the
City Corp program
.
The event wrapped up with the Chamber of Commerce recognizing their annual award recipients:
Citizen of the Year
- Elvia Hernandez
Business of the Year
- Anna ' s Cider
Non - Profit of the Year
- Poder Popular
Community Service
- Paul Belgum
The City also honored Santa Paula Police Officer Jason Abboud with the Public Safety Award for 2021 - 2022 .
Congratulations to all recipients on your achievements . The City of Santa Paula is looking forward to continuing on this path of resiliency and implementing innovative ways to improve the quality of life for residents , businesses and City staff .
Read the full bilingual press release . . .
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