Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.– The Frontier Project Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the environmental challenges facing Southern California, has announced today that the City of Riverside has been selected as one of its 2010 Environmental Steward Award recipients.

The Environmental Steward Awards were established by the foundation to recognize and honor individuals and organizations that encourage responsible use of natural resources and show a commitment to environmental restoration and a sustainable future.

Riverside, led by Mayor Ronald Loveridge and the City Council, has long held a commitment toward creating a more sustainable city. In 2005, Loveridge organized the “Green & Clean Taskforce” a group of residents  and city personnel who worked on creating the city’s Green Action Plan which set goals for city-wide sustainable best practices such as improved air quality, more renewable energy resources, energy and water conservation, and waste reduction programs.

Through these efforts, Riverside was designated the state’s first “Emerald City,” by the California Department of Conservation in 2009. “It is vital to recognize our roles as stewards of our community,” Loveridge said.  “Rather than consume resources, we must use them wisely.  We have shown that we can make an immediate impact and set an example for other communities.”

In addition to Riverside, the foundation will also recognize fellow 2010 Environmental Steward recipients Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; Linda Ceballos, Environmental Programs Manager for the City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Casey Dailey, Assistant to the Mayor of San Bernardino, CA; and the City of Rancho Cucamonga at its “Green Tie” awards ceremony on October 6.