The City of Santa Ana, Calif., Finance Department Facilities-Fleet-Central Stores (FFCS) Division is the 2014 Green California Leadership Award winner in the Transportation category. The award is given by Green Technology Magazine, the e-magazine arm of a California non-profit initiative designed to provide a forum for connecting public and private leaders and resources to promote the development and distribution of sustainable green technologies.

FFCS Manager Rick Longobart noted this award is “FFCS staff’s contribution to attain one of Santa Ana’s expressed goals--to be the dynamic urban center of Orange County acclaimed for leadership among California cities.”

Santa Ana was recognized for developing and implementing a five-year Green Fleet Strategic Plan that reduced the city’s carbon footprint by downsizing the fleet inventory from 950 to 651 cars, trucks, and pieces of equipment by 2013. Also, in early 2014, 20% of the city fleet, or 125 vehicles, had been converted from running on conventional fuels to alternative energy sources.  The City is working toward a 75-80% percent alternative-fueled fleet in the next five to seven years.

City Manager David Cavazos applauded the division’s efforts, stating, “This award is a direct reflection of the innovative thinking that is required to receive such an honor.”

The award was presented on April 8 during the Green California Summit Leadership Awards Ceremony at the Sacramento Convention Center.