City Council Hosts Annual Boards And Commissions Dinner:

Members of Santa Monica’s boards and commissions gathered at the Sheraton Delfina Hotel Penthouse in Santa Monica on Monday evening for an annual dinner that honored their service to the City this past year.The March 30 festivities included reports from each body featuring their recent accomplishments and future goals. Here are the highlights.Arts CommissionIs launching a new program this spring called “Stage Play” which is a partnership between local theaters and local restaurants.Library Board Hosted the first “Living Library” project last year and will do it again on April 18. They also will be hosting a house warming celebration at all the Santa Monica libraries called “The Living Room” on May 2.Landmarks CommissionDesignated six new landmarks and one structure of merit last year.Recreation and Parks CommissionOpened the City’s first Beach Green in 2008 and will be opening the first public beach club in the U.S., the Annenberg Beach House, on April 25.Planning CommissionContinued work on the ongoing update of the land use and circulation element of the City’s general plan, as well as traffic solutions. These solutions include a new traffic model, signal synchronization, and streetscape projects.Building and Safety Working this coming year on studying new state building codes that Santa Monica has adopted through our local municipal code.Santa Monica AirportWorking on helping the City grapple with the issues related to the City Council’s ban on C and D aircraft at the Airport.Housing CommissionOpened a new 46-unit complex that serves the mentally ill and the homeless population in partnership with Step Up on Second.Rent Control BoardHelped craft legislation to regulate smoking and non-smoking tenants.Sustainable City Task ForceConcentrated on the outreach efforts of its community liaison and completed two phases of the plan for a sustainable local economy. The final phase will go to the City Council in the summer.Task Force on the EnvironmentProvided technical and policy advice to the City on the ban of single use plastic bags, the Santa Monica Airport Sustainability Plan, and Santa Monica’s water management plan.Disabilities CommissionInitiated disabilities sensitivity training for all City staff and is making sure the city incorporates a playground suitable for children with disabilities into its plans.Personnel CommissionUpdated and modernized the language for the City’s statutes, regulations and ordinances.Santa Monica Convention and Visitors BureauLaunched a newly designed website: santamonica.com to showcase what is available in Santa Monica.Bayside District CorporationCreated a new property assessment district, restructured its Board of Directors, increased the district’s boundaries and enhanced its budget.Pier Restoration Corporation Is celebrating the Pier’s 100th anniversary, with some special events, along with replacing the landmark dome on the Pier. It is also constructing new restrooms, improving the Pier’s lighting, and adding more Pier seating.