This summer, four students gained firsthand experience in local government through the City of Rolling Hills’ 2026 Summer Internship Program. The program was supported by a $5,000 award from the California City Management Foundation’s Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund.
The Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund supports internship opportunities in California local government, helping cities introduce students and emerging professionals to careers in public service. Funding from the grant was used entirely to provide stipends for the Rolling Hills interns. The Rolling Hills Community Association contributed an additional $1,666.67, allowing the city to expand the program and support four participants.
The interns had the opportunity to work across several areas of city government. Their assignments ranged from policy research and emergency preparedness to planning, public information and community outreach. Throughout the summer, interns helped consolidate city council policies into a centralized handbook, reviewed and updated website content, revamped Planning Department webpages and cataloged department records. They also inventoried Emergency Operations Center supplies, updated emergency contact information and researched fireworks ordinances and enforcement practices used by other jurisdictions.
Other projects connected interns directly with issues affecting the Rolling Hills community. They assisted with public information about El Niño conditions and stormwater preparedness, supported outreach regarding the proposed addition of two poles to the city’s Emergency Outdoor Siren System and researched automated clearing house payment policies and procedures.
“The City sincerely appreciates the California City Management Foundation’s support and the opportunity to provide this valuable experience to the next generation of local government professionals,” said City Manager Karina Bañales.
The 2026 program also marked another step in the growth of Rolling Hills’ internship initiative. Since the program began, the city has hosted seven interns, including four Rolling Hills residents, one Rolling Hills Estates resident and two Torrance residents. This year’s group included two high school students, along with a sophomore and a senior.
For a small city, the program demonstrates how internships can give students meaningful exposure to a wide range of municipal responsibilities while providing additional support for projects that benefit the community.
For more information about Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund, visit the Judy L. Kelsey Memorial Fund webpage.
