February 7, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Leaders Honored At 2014 Santa Monica State Of The City:

Sometimes the politics of Santa Monica can be described as a circus. Then again, this year’s State of the City, hosted by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, was quite an efficient affair as key dignitaries and leaders filled Cirque du Soleil’s big top tent Monday morning to honor business, economic, and political trendsetters.

Over the course of about one hour, an estimated crowd of 800 people collectively congratulated four people who were honored for various contributions to Santa Monica, including outgoing County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. In addition to the awards, Santa Monica Mayor Pam O’Connor delivered her State of the City address.

A key proponent of the development of the Expo Light Rail, Yaroslavsky was honored with the Community Excellence Award for his efforts to expand public transit in Santa Monica and the surrounding region.

Honored with the Economic Excellence Award was Cirque du Soleil’s Guy Laliberté. Laliberté was not in attendance – the award was accepted by Jerry Nadal, Cirque’s senior vice president of resident shows. The acrobatic themed circus has been a Santa Monica mainstay since 1984 and has been an economic boon to the City.

Also receiving acclaim were Adam Miller of Cornerstone OnDemand and Richard Chacker of Perry’s At The Beach. Miller was the recipient of the Innovation Award for Large Business, while Chacker was given the Innovation Award for Small Business.

Cornerstone OnDemand is a key player in the tech industry, offering cloud-based talent management software solutions. Most recently, Cornerstone OnDemand launched the inaugural L.A. Tech Summit at the Fairmont Miramar in November 2013.

Perry’s At The Beach has various locations on Ocean Front Walk and offers beach rentals as well as cafés.

The award recipients reflected overall theme of this year’s State of the City: Santa Monica is home to a storied past and a bright future.

In her address, O’Connor reminded people the key issues facing Santa Monica’s businesses and residents, as reflected by the many headlines in the local newspapers of the day, was airport noise, traffic, and parking.

Nearly 30 years later, those same issues still make headlines in Santa Monica.

Still, O’Connor said Santa Monica’s future remains bright. For example, she cited the role of the City’s business community in providing a large tax base as the reason why Santa Monica is a leader in primary education and services to residents.

She said Santa Monica is “poised for growth” in key industries such as entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, and healthcare.

Also the wave of the future: transit-oriented development, such as the proposed Hines project at Bergamot Station. Coincidentally, a council vote on the Hines proposal was delayed until Feb. 4.

At the outset of the event, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Laurel Rosen, and Chairman, Brad Cox, provided welcoming remarks.

in News
<>Related Posts

Student Protest Over Immigration Policies Leads to Walkouts Across the Westside

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Walkout Turns Tense as Counter-Protester Confronts Teen in Video From Venice Students from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI), Culver City...

10-Year-Old Palisades Girl Wins Martial Arts Medals Weeks After Losing Home to Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Savoian, a green belt in Yoshukai karate, trained at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center in Pacific Palisades Just weeks after...

Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Mar. 22 in Burbank

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Opening Exhibition Saturday Feb. 8 from 12 to 8p.m. More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an...

Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique and Sweet July

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla...

Santa Monica Waives Outdoor Dining Fees After Wildfires

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

101 businesses participate in Santa Monica’s outdoor dining programs, which began as a temporary measure during COVID-19 In an effort...

(Photos) Kamala Harris Visits Destruction of Palisades Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Harris spoke with first responders, service providers, and evacuees about recovery efforts and resources Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined...

Film Review: Companion

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

FILM REVIEWCOMPANIONRated R97 MinutesReleased January 31st Companion is like an O. Henry short story, moving at a breezy clip, with...

Best Spots to Celebrate Valentines, Galentines, or Have a Super Bowl Party on the Westside

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Cocktails, Game Day Grub, Valentine’s Pasta, and a Lonely Heart’s Tea Service You will find many excellent ways to celebrate...

Dead Body Found on Sands of Venice Beach, Investigation Underway

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

A death investigation is underway By Zach Armstrong A death investigation is underway after local officials discovered a dead body...

Will Rogers State Beach to Become Temporary Hazardous Waste Site

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

The site, located on flat, open land near the burn zone, will serve as a staging area where materials will...

FDA Issues High-Risk Recall for Pre-Packaged Broccoli Florets Sold at Walmart

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Recall Is Now Classified as Class I Due to Seriousness Of Contamination The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified...

Matū Kai Brings Its Signature Wagyu and Famous Cheesesteak to Brentwood

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Team Behind Beverly Hills’ Acclaimed Matū Is Opening a Second Location One of Beverly Hills’s newest and most popular restaurants,...

SaMoHi Science Teacher Arrested for Alleged Student Relationship

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Ingo Gaida Faces Misdemeanor Charges After Investigation into Inappropriate Conduct A Santa Monica High School science teacher was arrested Wednesday,...

Supermarket Reopens in Palisades Following Wildfire Damage

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

The store is currently operating on a generator until power is fully restored The Vons supermarket at 17380 W Sunset...

State Farm Seeks Emergency Rate Hike, Citing Wildfire Losses—Consumer Advocates Push Back

February 4, 2025

February 4, 2025

Insurer Requests up to a 38% Rate Increase, but Critics Call It an Unjustified Cash Grab In a press release...