California Massage Therapy Council honors Santa Rosa as 2025 City of the Year

The Santa Rosa City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted significant community achievements, including the presentation of the "City of the Year" award and a proclamation for Water Awareness Month.

Mark Dixon from the California Massage Therapy Council presented the award to Santa Rosa, recognizing the city's collaborative efforts to enhance public safety and support the massage therapy profession. This award was a result of a year-long initiative that began on Valentine's Day, where community members, including Mayor Mark Stapp and Police Chief Cregan, engaged with local businesses and stakeholders to create a new ordinance aimed at improving safety and professionalism in massage therapy. Dixon emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating it was a rare and commendable achievement that brought together various sectors of the community.

In addition to the award presentation, the council proclaimed May 2025 as Water Awareness Month. The proclamation underscored the importance of water conservation and recognized the city's efforts in promoting water efficiency. Claire Nordli from the water use efficiency team shared upcoming activities, including a recent eco-friendly garden tour that attracted over 3,000 attendees.

The meeting also featured the presentation of the 2025 Water Use Efficiency Awards, honoring residents who made significant contributions to water conservation. Award recipients included Alfredo Valencia, Deborah DeBray, and Richard Dobbins, who implemented various water-saving measures in their homes, collectively saving tens of thousands of gallons of water annually.

The council's discussions and recognitions during this meeting reflect Santa Rosa's commitment to community collaboration and environmental stewardship, setting a positive example for other cities.