July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Bob Holbrook Honored At His Final Santa Monica City Council Meeting:

Santa Monica’s longest serving council member Bob Holbrook spent his final session as a serving council member Tuesday night, receiving fitting tributes from the community and fellow council members for his 24 years of service.

Early on in the evening proceedings, a line of local residents paid tribute to Holbrook’s dedication and service.

“I don’t think that we’ve had anyone on the council who has been a more independent thinker than you sir, and that is commendable – someone that’s all Santa Monica,” said Santa Monica activist Jerry Rubin, adding with a smile that he hopes Holbrook’s suggestion of Santa Monica having its own float in the Rose Parade, comes to fruition.

Council members, past and present, also took turns in praising Holbrook’s contributions to the City, his suggestions, decorum, and strong beliefs.

Mayor Pam O’Connor said his common sense and good humor would be missed.

“Dr. Robert Holbrook, ‘Bob’ as we all know him, loves his hometown of Santa Monica and he leaves an unparalleled legacy of public service including eight years on the Santa Monica Malibu School Board, 24 years on the Santa Monica City Council and serving twice as Mayor,” O’Connor said. “We wish him well in his retirement from the Santa Monica City Council.”

Acknowledging Holbrook’s wife Jean Ann, the Mayor added that she expects Holbrook’s voice to continue to be heard.

“You are still in Santa Monica, we will see you around, we will hear from you and we just wish you a wonderful, wonderful time,” O’Connor said.

One of Holbrook’s passions is collecting and restoring radios from the 1920s and 1930s. He was presented with a tribute from the City read in succession, a plaque and a beautiful antique radio.

Holbrook took time to reflect on his decision, explaining that at that this time in his life, with four young grandchildren growing fast, he made the choice to spend time with his growing family.

“We’re having the time of our life, visiting with little kids and playing with them,” Holbrook said with a lump in his throat, before composing himself to continue.

“I have been privileged to serve Santa Monica and pleased to be part of city councils who brought so many new and wonderful things to our residents,” Holbrook said. “Just to mention a few things that occurred under ‘our watch’: Virginia Park, Airport Park, Tongva Park, Ken Genser Square, Annenberg Beach House, the total restoration of Palisades Park, which was huge, the main public library.” The list went on.

Fighting back tears and acknowledging the emotional impact of the moment, Holbrook thanked key staff and campaign members before paying tribute to his wife, Jean Ann, and strong supporters and voters of Santa Monica.

“It’s been a grand adventure, I have enjoyed every minute of it, I will miss you,” Holbrook said.

in News
<>Related Posts

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...