Santa Monica City Councilmember Richard Bloom has been elected Chair of the Westside Cities Council of Governments for a one-year term through July 2007. The Council represents the five Westside cities of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and the western portions of Los Angeles (council districts 5 and 11) partnered in a voluntary endeavor to forge a consensus on policies and programs of regional significance. Bloom said “the complicated issues of homelessness and transportation have convinced me of the necessity and power of regional action.” The Council’s combined area represents over 710,000 persons and 50,000 businesses; its priorities are economic health, transportation and improved mobility, homelessness, environmental issues and land use. http://westsidecities.org
Chrysalis Enterprises, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to providing employment training and resources to homeless and economically disadvantaged adults, with Santa Monica facilities on Lincoln Blvd., has launched the Chrysalis Recycling Program for small and medium-sized businesses. The program will supply collection receptacles and schedule regular pick-ups for not only the usual paper, glass and aluminum, but also virtually all plastics and foams, even those ineligible for most other recycling programs (like shrink wrap) – all at no cost to the business owner. The program, which will provide jobs for Chrysalis beneficiaries, is funded by the City of Los Angeles, and is beginning operations within 10-mile radii of Chrysalis centers in downtown L.A. and Pacoima. Project Manager Becky O’Brien hopes to expand that reach in the near future. Interested businesses should call 213.895.7777 x749. www.ChrysalisEnterprises.com and www. ChangeLives.org
Bond Companies, a Santa Monica-based real estate development firm focused on smart growth and revitalizing urban communities, was honored in May with two Los Angeles Architecture Awards for its Sunset+Vine mixed-use development. The 750,000-square-foot development in Hollywood was honored at the 36th annual awards ceremony hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council, a nonprofit association of more than 300 businesses, agencies and individuals working to address critical issues and concerns that impact the business climate and economic health of Los Angeles. Bond chairman Larry Bond said the selection “for these awards by our peers is a huge honor.” And Bond president Rob Bond said, “These awards are particularly significant because we believe strongly in fortifying urban communities.” www.bondcompanies.com
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