Cerritos Awards
and Honors
Updated February 10, 2022
2021
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 24th consecutive year
2020
Government Programming Award (NATOA)
Performing Arts, Award of Distinction—
“British Rock Royalty in Concert at the CCPA”
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 23rd consecutive year
2019
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Performing Arts, 3rd Place—
“In the Mood in Concert at the CCPA”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 3rd Place—
Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 22nd consecutive year
2018
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Performing Arts, 2nd Place—
“Benise in Concert at the CCPA”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 2nd Place—
Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 21st consecutive year
2017
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Performing Arts, 1st Place—
“Estampas Porteñas Tango at the CCPA”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Documentary, 1st Place—
“City of Cerritos 60th Anniversary”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 2nd Place—
Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Public Safety—3rd Place—
"Pedestrian Safety"
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 20th consecutive year
2016
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
Government Programming Award (NATOA)
Bulletin Boards, 1st Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
Government Programming Award (NATOA)
Performing Arts, 2nd Place—“Te Vaka in Concert at the CCPA”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
City Meetings, 1st Place—City of Cerritos City Meetings
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Performing Arts, 2nd Place—“Te Vaka in Concert at the CCPA”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 3rd Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
Emerald Awards for Greenest City (Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County)
2015 Congressional Recognition of Excellence Award for ensuring ADA compliance at City park playground areas through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to remove physical barriers (sand/wood chips) and replace them with rubberized materials (2016)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 19th consecutive year
2015
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 3rd Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 18th consecutive year
2014
Cerritos Library named a Four-Star Library (Library Journal)
Government Programming Award (NATOA)
Bulletin Boards, 1st Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 1st Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
2013 Silver International Aquatic Safety Award (Ellis and Associates)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 17th consecutive year
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
2013
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 16th consecutive year
2012
Savvy Award for Graphic Design: Art & Photography for the 3.11 Japan Relief Concert Logo (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 1st Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 15th consecutive year
2011
Government Programming Award (NATOA)
Library, 1st Place—“Cerritos Library: Experience America ’s Best Public Library”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Documentary, 1st Place—“Cerritos Library: Experience America ’s Best Public Library"
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Public/Community Meetings, 1st Place—City Council and Commission meeting coverage
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Performing Arts, 2nd Place—“Cirque D ’Or at the CCPA”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 3rd Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Overall Channel, 3rd Place—Cerritos TV3
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 14th consecutive year
2010
“Most Business-Friendly City” Eddy Award (LAEDC)
Finalist for the National League of Cities 2010 Awards for Municipal Excellence for the project “Cerritos Towne Center: Public-Private Collaboration for Community Enhancement”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Special Audiences, 1st Place—“S.P.I.C.E.”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Economic Development, 2nd Place—“Cerritos Towne Center’s Crowning Success”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Performing Arts, 2nd Place—“Lula Washington Dance Theatre”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 2nd Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Overall Production, 3rd Place—Cerritos TV3
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
President’s Trophy for “Most Effective Floral Use & Presentation”—“City of Dreams” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Award of Excellence for the City’s Athletic Field Preservation Program (California Parks and Recreation Society)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 13th consecutive year
2009
Cerritos Library attained a five-star rating in the LJ Index of Public Library Service (Library Journal), Round 2
Cerritos named a “Playful City USA” (KABOOM!)
“Playful City USA” designation honors the City’s efforts to provide outstanding recreation programs and facilities for children from KABOOM!
City Livability Outstanding Achievement Award for the Cerritos Recycled Water Distribution System (U.S. Conference of Mayors)
“Team Accomplishment Award” for the Adaptive Recreation Program received at the Public Service Recognition Week Award Luncheon. The event was hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board and the Combined Federal Campaigns of Greater Los Angeles and Orange/San Bernardino
Cerritos Library attained a five-star rating in the LJ Index of Public Library Service (Library Journal)
LJ Index of Public Library Service rates national public libraries
Grand Marshal’s Trophy for “Excellence in Creative Concept & Design”—“Camelot—A Knight’s Tale” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 12th consecutive year
2008
All-America City Award (National Civic League)
“Most Business-Friendly City” Eddy Award Finalist (LAEDC)
Honor Award for the Cerritos Sculpture Garden (Southern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects)
Cerritos Library’s Children’s area named “Best Library for Children” (Los Angeles Magazine)
City Livability Outstanding Achievement Award for the Vintage Cerritos (currently The Grove at Cerritos) affordable senior housing project (U.S. Conference of Mayors)
Award of Merit Winner for the City’s Business Retention and Expansion Program (California Association for Local Economic Development)
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 1st Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Overall Programming, 2nd Place—Cerritos TV3
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy for the Most Beautiful Non-Commercial Float—
“Festival of Lanterns—Illuminating the Way” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 11th consecutive year
2007
“Most Business-Friendly City” Eddy Award Finalist (LAEDC)
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Public/Community Meetings, 2nd Place—Cerritos TV3
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Documentary, 2nd Place—“From Dairy Valley to Cerritos”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 2nd Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Best Overall Channel, 2nd Place—Cerritos TV3
Bob Hope Humor Award for “Nature Rocks” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 10th consecutive year
2006
2005 Municipal Water Conservation Achievement Award (U.S. Conference of Mayors Urban Water Council)
Bronze Telly Award for Video Production—“Trees”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Documentary, 3rd Place—“Art in Public Places”
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Video Text/Bulletin Board, 3rd Place—Cerritos TV3 Community Bulletin Board
STAR Award in Video Programming (SCAN NATOA)
Best Overall Government Access Channel, 1st Place—Cerritos TV3
Animation Trophy for “Magical Musical Machine” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 9th consecutive year
2005
2005 Spirit of Accessibility Award for Cerritos on Wheels (COW) and Cerritos Dial-A-Ride (Access Services)
Community Problem Solving/Team Building Award to the Parks and Recreation Commission for Adaptive Programs (National Recreation and Parks Association)
California State Assembly Recognition for the Re-dedication of Liberty Park
Government Programming Award (NATOA)
Documentary Profile and Library, 2nd Place—“The Art of the Cerritos Library”
Bronze Telly Award for Video Production “The Art of the Cerritos Library”
Helen Putnam Award (League of California Cities)
Public Works, Infrastructure, and Transportation, Honorable Mention—Cerritos Transit Services (COW and Dial-A-Ride)
Tournament Special Trophy for “Families Make A Community” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 8th consecutive year
2004
Best Public Library for Cerritos Library (Reader’s Digest Best of America issue)
Craftsman Trophy for “Rhapsody in Blue” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 7th consecutive year
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
2003
EXPY Award (Experience Stager of the Year) for Cerritos Library
Cerritos Library designated Best Public Library (Los Angeles Magazine)
Thea Award for Cerritos Library (Themed Entertainment Association)
Judges’ Special Trophy for “Learning Can Be Magical” float (Tournament of Roses Parade)
Special Congressional Recognition for Service to the Community by the Let Freedom Ring Committee
Outstanding New Sports Program Award for the Cerritos Sports Extravaganza (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Outstanding New Sports Facility Award for the Cerritos Sports Complex (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
California State Assembly Recognition for the Festival of Friendship
Golden Shield Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Federation (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 6th consecutive year
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
2002
California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners and Board Members Special Award
Senior Achievement and General Excellence (SAGE) Award for Avalon at Cerritos (Seniors Housing Council of the Building Industry Association of Southern California)
Achievement Award for the Family Entertainment Showcase (California Parks and Recreation Society)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 5th consecutive year
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
2001
Innovative Sports Program Award for the Cerritos Skatefest Series (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Outstanding New Sports Facility Award for the Cerritos Skate Park ( Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the for Senior Housing (covering all senior housing projects and programs) (League of California Cities)
Recognition from the California State Assembly for the Cerritos Saturday Marketplace
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 4th consecutive year
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
2000
Merit Award for Facility Design of the Cerritos Skate Park (California Parks and Recreation Society)
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 3rd consecutive year
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1999
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” for the 2nd consecutive year
Savvy Award for Best Technology Services for World Wide Web (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
Savvy Award for Best Video for “Every 15 Minutes” (City-County Communications and Marketing Association)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1998
Cerritos named a “Tree City USA”
(Arbor Day Foundation)
“Tree City USA” recognition honors the City’s commitment to urban forest management from the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Outstanding Sports Facility Award for the Whitney High School Community Gymnasium (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Innovative Sports Program Award for the Cerritos Mayor ’s Cup (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Golden Shield Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Federation (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1997
Helen Putnam Award for Excelence for IMPACT, Public Safety (League of California Cities)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1996
Grand Award for Outstanding Video Production Achievement “Cerritos: The Place To Be” (City Hall Public Information Awards Competition)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1995
“Theater of the Year” for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (Performance Magazine)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1994
United States Institute of Theater Technology Honor Award for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Los Angeles Business Council Kaufman and Broad Award for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
1993
Amusement Business Magazine Top 10 Venues in the United States with 5,000 seats or less for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Concrete Industry Paving Award for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cabrillo Chapter of American Institute of Architects Design Award for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Golden Shield Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Federation (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1992
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1991
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1990
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1989
Special Award of Excellence&mdsh;Best Community Park in the State for Liberty Park (California Parks and Recreation Society and ARCO)
Environmental Planning Award for Liberty Park (California Parks and Recreation Society)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1988
Golden Shield Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Federation (Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation)
Merit Award for Excellence in Handicap Accessibility for Rosewood Park (California Department of Rehabilitation)
Award of Honor for Cerritos Public Library (Southern California Institute of Architecture)
National Award of Excellence for Cerritos Public Library (AIA and ALA)
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1987
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1986
Certificate of Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting (California Society of Municipal Finance Officers)
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada)
1982
Program Excellence Award for the Leisure Fair (California Parks and Recreation Society)
1975
Energy Conservation Award for the Planning Division
Award of Merit for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management (National Sports Foundation)
Best Community Park in the State for Liberty Park
1973
Award for Comprehensive Planning, Financial and Management Program (USC)
Environmental Planning Award for Bettencourt Park
