February 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Sustainable Awards Point to a Future of Quality in Santa Monica: Community Recognizes Sustainable Businesses

The 16th Annual Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) were held at the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica on April 27. The ceremony honored local businesses and organizations for their achievements in sustainability, economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the natural environment.

“We have come together today to honor those businesses whose achievements have become green paradigms for others to follow,” said Laurel Rosen, President and CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.

Two grand prizes were given at the awards luncheon to P.S. 1 Elementary School and LAcarGUY. P.S. 1 is a school that emphasizes a holistic approach to education with environmental sustainability incorporated into all aspects of the school, from curriculum to construction and renovations.

“We are a school that doesn’t call a lot of attention to ourselves, so that makes this award even more meaningful,” said Joel Pelcyger, founder and head of P.S. No. 1.

LAcarGUY is the top hybrid dealer in the world, selling a wide variety of car manufactures at a wide range of prices.

“Even though most people don’t think of the auto business as being eco-friendly and sustainable,” said Alisha Auringer, manager of the environment at LAcarGuy, “LAcarGuy has taken many steps in the last couple years to make it just that.”

Four Excellence Awards were given to Gorman and Miller, a law firm that participates in environmental programs and practices sustainability in its office operations; Lotus East-West Medical Center, a primary care center that offers acupuncture, oriental and naturopathic medicine, medical and osteopathic doctors, and was the first medical facility to receive Santa Monica Green Business Certification in 2007; MINARC, a design studio that offers sustainable design, environmentally conscious construction, and use of recycled materials; and Schaffer’s Genuine Foods, an environmentally conscious catering service.

Four out of the six SQA winners, including both of the grand prize winners, participated in the Sustainable Works Business Greening Program, a free service for businesses located in Santa Monica.

The theme for this year’s SQA was “sustainable food.” During the reception hour from 11 a.m. to noon, guests sampled culinary bites from executive chefs Collin Crannell of The Lobster; Nicholas Schipp of Upper West; Alex Moreno of Border Grill; and chefs from Locanda del LAGO and Whole Foods Market. Each chef partnered with a local farmer from the Santa Monica Farmers Market to prepare the all-sustainable menu. The luncheon (also sustainable) was prepared by Charlie and Kathleen Schaffer of Schaffer’s Genuine Foods and Octavio Sabado of the Sheraton Delfina.

In addition, Mary Sue Milliken, owner of Border Grill and former SQA winner, spoke as a local about the importance of sustainability in business and in restaurant operation.

“What it takes to win a Sustainable Quality Award here in Santa Monica is demonstrating you’re really making the changes and you’re meeting certain goals and criteria,” Milliken said. “What’s great about Santa Monica is that they really help you figure out what you can do.”

Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW’s “Good Food” and chef/owner of Angeli Caffe, was the keynote speaker. Kleiman told the story of how she got into the restaurant business and why she became an activist.

“If you really would like to live in a world that was more regenerative,” Kleiman said, “then you should really educate yourself and become an activist, because at this point, becoming a conscious eater means you have to become political.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...