Pedro A. Chavez

Santa Paula's Brian Yanez and United Way's Amy Fonzo & Pedro A. Chavez

Pedro A. Chavez

Santa Paula Police Department, United Way Supporters

The City of Santa Paula rallied together in support of their United Way of Ventura County and successfully concluded their annual charitable-giving campaign. City employees fundraised an impressive $13,358 dollars in support of vital United Way programs, including the Community Impact Fund, 211, United Womens Leadership Council and the Young Leaders Society . Employees also directly designated support to the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Boys Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley , Catholic Charities and the National Kidney Foundation.

On Monday, April 21st United Way s Campaign Division Director Pedro A. Chavez formally recognized the City of Santa Paula for being a partner with United Way in not only raising essential resources to help support these vital programs and services but also for creating an outlet to provide public education and awareness to the programs that many of the citys residents should access. With tough economic challenges on the rise, more families should be accessing services like Earn It Keep It Save It, a free tax preparation service that helps working families access the benefits of the earned income tax credit and 211, a one-call, free social service hotline that provides callers with referral information from employment resources to substance abuse.

Special tribute was given to Brian J. Yanez, Santa Paulas Community Service Director and United Way Campaign Chair who played a leadership role in running the campaign. Mr. Chavez also recognized City of Santa Paulas Chief of Police Steve MacKinnon for his commitment in encouraging his officers and staff to support United Ways charitable efforts. The Team Spirit award was given to the Santa Paula Police Department for demonstrating what community is truly all about. The spirit of giving was alive and well in the hearts and minds of these generous Santa Paulians. Their commitment to helping those in need is truly admirable., said United Way s Pedro A. Chavez .

The City of Santa Paula, California is located 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 14 miles east of Ventura and the coastline of the Pacific Ocean . Santa Paula is the geographical center of Ventura County, situated in the rich agricultural Santa Clara River Valley . The City is surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks in addition to orange, lemon and avocado groves. In fact, Santa Paula is referred to as the "Citrus Capital of the World."