Avondale honors code-compliance team and names holiday Property All Star winners

The City of Avondale on Dec. 1 recognized its Code Compliance Team with the American Association of Code Enforcement’s National Code Enforcement Department of the Year award and presented the holiday edition of its Property All Star Awards to local homeowners.

Lieutenant Lopez told the council the code compliance team has led outreach and cleanup efforts across the city, created the Property All Star program and has collected "over 100 tons of trash since 2018" during neighborhood cleanup events. Mayor Peneva and several council members congratulated the team for blending education, enforcement and community engagement.

Josh (code staff) introduced individual Property All Star winners, saying the program received numerous submissions and highlighted recipients who developed displays that drew neighbors together. Winners included Johnny and Sarah Rendon (Del Rio Ranch), Janet and Everett Mansfield (historic Avondale), Jimmy Arbizu (Glenarm Farms) and others; some winners were unable to attend and will receive certificates.

Council members thanked staff for the programs and asked that pictures be taken of the award recipients with the council. The recognition underscores the city’s efforts to pair code enforcement with resident education and neighborhood pride.

The council moved on to subsequent agenda items after photos were scheduled.