September 10, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Liebler, Director of Public Affairs & Member Services, 916-327-7500, ext 530

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) has announced the recipients of its 2019 Challenge Awards spotlighting the most innovative programs developed and implemented by California Counties.

A special award – the California Counties Innovation Award – is being presented to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for programs the judging panel deemed were the most innovative and effective out of the 284 entries received this year.

Beyond the Innovation Award, CSAC is honoring 16 programs from 13 counties with Challenge Awards, and another 33 programs from 17 counties with Merit Awards.

“CSAC is proud to spotlight county innovation and resiliency through these awards,” said CSAC Executive Director Graham Knaus. “As our counties continue to face new challenges, they are constantly developing solutions to best meet the needs of their communities. The programs receiving these annual awards exemplify the outstanding work that can be found throughout California’s 58 counties.”

The top overall recipients this year are: Riverside County, five awards; Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County, four awards each; Alameda County, Santa Barbara Countt and Santa Cruz County, three awards each.

The California Counties Innovation Award is being presented to San Bernardino County for two reports it produced following the 2015 terrorist attack. One report outlines an organizational review documenting the county’s response and recovery; the other is a legacy report designed as a resource for other agencies coping with or preparing for a similar incident. Neighboring Riverside County is being honored for its behavioral health mobile crisis teams that respond to law enforcement, emergency departments, schools, group homes and other locations where an individual is experiencing a mental health crisis.

For a complete list of award recipients, click here.

California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties at the state and federal level.

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