Santa Maria proclaims July Recreation and Parks Month; honors summer Hometown Heroes

The Santa Maria City Council on July 1 proclaimed July 2025 as Recreation and Parks Month and presented certificates to eight local "Hometown Heroes," whose commemorative banners will be displayed along South College Drive for six months.

The proclamation, read by Council Member Flores and adopted by Mayor Alice Patino, said the city’s Recreation and Parks Department advances health, wellness and community engagement through parks, trails, pools and programming. The council then presented the Hometown Heroes awards; honorees include veterans and two fallen Santa Maria firefighters whose families accepted awards.

The nut graf: The events highlight the city’s seasonal programming and ceremonial recognition of residents whose military service or community work the city said exemplifies public service. The Recreation and Parks Division will continue outreach and — according to staff — expects nominations for future classes beginning with winter 2026.

City staff said the Hometown Heroes program began in 2016 and expanded in 2021 to include local frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic; more than 200 people have been recognized since its inception. Recreation Division Manager Dennis Smitherman was singled out by staff for longtime work running the program. The council, Mayor Patino and attendees thanked volunteers and presenters.

Among the honorees announced were George Joseph Amaral, Daniel Raymond Mendoza, Chief Master Sergeant Donald E. Getty (represented by his granddaughter), William Alvin Newton (represented by family), and others. The council noted that the banners will remain on display for six months and that the program includes certificates and photo opportunities.

The item was ceremonial; no formal council action beyond the proclamation and presentation was required.