The All-America City Celebrated 30 Years in 2012

Dublin, the only California city named an "All-America City" in 2011

In June 2011, the City of Dublin was recognized as an "All-America City" by the National Civic League.  This prestigious award is given to towns, cities, counties, neighborhoods, and metropolitan regions that demonstrate outstanding civic accomplishments.  Dublin was chosen as one of just ten cities, and the only city in California, to receive the award. 

Dublin's application documented three community projects that addressed the City's most pressing challenges - the integration of diversity and creating community unification following a period of significant growth.  The three projects that the City submitted for consideration were the community's efforts to build the School of Imagination; the City's affordable housing programs; and the sustainability programs and activities that preserve our history, engage the community, and create a greener future for Dublin.  A delegation of 31 residents and City staff members traveled to Kansas City for the competition.  The City's presentation included a skit based on "The Wizard of Oz," where Dublin was depicted as The Emerald City, full of "wisdom, courage, and heart." 

To view Dublin's award-winning "All-America City" presentation, click http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15417678

In order to enable residents to show off their Dublin pride, the City has opened its own online store.  Go to: http://www.cafepress.com/DublinsAllAmericaCityShop  and choose from a wide variety of "All-America City" merchandise.  All profits will benefit Dublin's Youth Fee Assistance Program.  

Dublin's 30th Year and "All-America City" Celebrations
While the history of Dublin dates back to 1772, it was just 30 years ago, in February 1982, that the City of Dublin incorporated.  In honor of the City's 30 years, as well as the "All-America City" recognition, the City put together a series of celebrations throughout the year, beginning with an "All-America" tree lighting ceremony in December 2011.  Other events included:

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival
Residents came out in droves for Dublin's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival, held March 17 and 18, 2012.   During the parade, Mayor Sbranti and our City Councilmembers rode in a star-spangled float (a motorized San Francisco cable car), representing our "All-America City" status.  There was also a special "30th Year" float, featuring some dignitaries who've represented Dublin very well over the course of the last thirty years.  

"Dublin: An All-American Anniversary"
To celebrate both the "All-America City" honor and Dublin's 30th Anniversary of Incorporation, the City of Dublin held a special event at the Heritage Park and Museums on Saturday, July 21, 2012. It was a truly quintessential American experience!  In addition to providing a feast of All-American foods, such as hot dogs, apple pie, and root beer, there were activities such as sack races, a watermelon-eating contest, and water balloon tosses; kid-friendly activities like face painting, inflatables, and wagon and tractor rides; and a variety of music, with performances by both folk musicians and a local blues band, featuring Zakiya Hooker, daughter of blues legend John Lee Hooker.  Dignitaries from Dublin's past, including former mayors Linda Jeffery-Sailors, Guy Houston, and Janet Lockhart, and City Historian Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold also shared fond recollections from Dublin's history.  Mayor Sbranti also unveiled a recently-discovered piece of Dublin's past -- a chalkboard, detailing the votes for the City of Dublin's incorporation.  The chalkboard is now on display at the Heritage Park and Museums.

"splatter"
Dublin's newest event, "splatter," took place at Emerald Glen Park on Saturday, September 22. This unconventional celebration of the outstanding wine, diverse cuisine, and the unique creative culture of the Tri-Valley Region concluded with a concert featuring the hit band, Double Funk Crunch, followed by a special fireworks display at dusk -- all to commemorate the City's 30th Anniversary and our "All-America City" honor.  

"All-America" Tree Lighting Ceremony 
The City's special year-long celebration of our "All-America City" honor concluded with our annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29, 2012.  Special thanks to the Dublin Unified School District Children's Choir, the Dublin High School Jazz Band, and Santa Claus, who all provided entertainment at our tree lighting event.