Santa Cruz has become the first county to win a Gold Beacon Award for environmental responsibility and conservation efforts. The award, given by the non-profit Institute for Local Government to recognize voluntary work to improve the environment.
Santa Cruz County has reduced greenhouse emissions by 17 percent and cut its energy usage by 28 percent since 2005, the Institute of Local Government said.
Six California cities have received the Gold Beacon award since 2015. Santa Cruz is the first county to earn the honor.
