Washington, DC – In the US Capitol this morning, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) congratulated Mayor Bob Blanchard and City Manager Jeff Kolin as they received an ‘All-American City’ award on behalf of the City of Santa Rosa.  The award was presented by the National Civic League, and is considered to be the most prestigious community recognition competition in the United States today.  Santa Rosa was honored for its effective programs to improve after-school programs and protect public safety, and for creating its successful Downtown Arts Program.

“You know a city is really special when it's been named an All-America City twice,” Woolsey said.  “Santa Rosa won in 1983, and now here we are, nearly a quarter century later, and Santa Rosa is winning this great title again.

“What I particularly like about this award is that it’s an award for cities that have had problems, but where the community has come together to tackle and solve those problems,” said Woolsey.  “Santa Rosa is an All-American city because it has that all-American ‘can-do’ spirit.  You've made everyone back home proud.”