David Yelton Recognized For Service To Beverly Hills Community

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Long-time city employee David Yelton on Tuesday became the fourth-ever recipient of the Fred C. Cunningham Award for Distinguished Service, recognizing him for his over 20 years of civic service.

Yelton first started working with the city in 1998 as a building inspector, and rose through the ranks to his current role that oversees a six-division department, Mayor Lili Bosse said. He joins a short list of recipients that include: former Executive Director of Public Affairs Fred C. Cunningham, City Manager George Chavez and Fire Chief Greg Barton.

"As you see, you are really among the greats of the great," Bosse said.

Yelton is known for working round the clock with no sign of strain. He conducts himself with professionalism and is courteous to residents and coworkers, Bosse said. Yelton always says yes to challenges and he always follows through.

"This man literally puts in 240 hours in a 24 hour day, and he does it with such heart and selflessness," Bosse said.

Yelton is a problem-solver; he is everyone's first stop when they encounter a conflict, and he manages to find solutions with seeming ease, Bosse and Vice Mayor Julian Gold said. Council members on Tuesday offered examples of conflicts that only Yelton could solve, even after multiple city personnel had tried and failed.

"He is the secret word, the secret sauce. You've got a problem, this is the guy who will fix it. And he's done it for generations," Gold said.

Yelton perfectly exemplifies a dedicated civil servant, Gold said.

"I can't imagine anybody more deserving. You really are the epitome of somebody who believes in public service, who goes the extra mile to make the public satisfied and happy," Gold said.

Award recipients are chosen by a nine-person committee which includes Bosse and Gold.

"With this award, I will cherish it and it'll be a memory I'll never forget. Thank you, I'm truly honored," Yelton said.