A record number of California cities are awarded the Beacon Award for demonstrating measurable achievements in reducing energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions answering Governor Brown’s call to action to fight climate change. Eight California cities — American Canyon, Benicia, Davis, Emeryville, Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and the Town of Colma — were honored on October 6, 2016 at the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo for their comprehensive approach to addressing climate change. “Local actions are essential to meet the state’s aggressive goals,” said Chris McKenzie, executive director of the League of California Cities, “I applaud these California communities that are voluntarily taking action, sharing best practices and tracking results through the Beacon Program”. “The Beacon Program provides the framework and support to cities and counties throughout the state that are looking to create more sustainable and prosperous communities,” said Martin Gonzalez, executive director of the Institute for Local Government. “These eight communities are role models for all local governments pursuing climate action activities.” Emeryville was recognized overall with the Gold Level Beacon Award. This included a Silver Level Award for Government Agency GHG Reductions (7% reduction over baseline levels), Silver Level Award for Community GHG Reductions (7% reduction over baseline levels), Gold Level Government Agency Energy Savings (11% reduction over baseline levels), Silver Level Government Agency Natural Gas Savings (8% reduction over baseline levels), and Gold Level Award for Sustainability Best Practices. Currently 100 cities and counties throughout the state participate in the Beacon Program. To win a Beacon Award, participating cities are required to demonstrate achievement in five areas: Agency Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Community Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Agency Energy Savings, Natural Gas Savings and Sustainability Best Practices. A total of 45 cities received recognition in at least one of the five categories this year. For a complete list of 2016 achievements, please visit www.ca-ilg.org/award-winners. For detailed information about the winners’ sustainability activities, please visit http://www.ca-ilg.org/beacon-program-participants. About the Institute for Local Government The Institute for Local Government is the nonprofit research and education affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties and the California Special Districts Association. ILG created the Beacon Program in 2009. The Beacon Program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison, under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Visit www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconProgram for more information.