July 3, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s 91st Annual Installation Dinner:

By Sebastian Lopez

At the upcoming Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s 91st Annual Installation Dinner on June 15 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalow, Dorothy (Dee) Menzies and Iao Katagiri will receive awards for their commitment and contributions to the Santa Monica Community.

Menzies will receive the Bob Gabriel Community Service Business Award and Katagiri will receive the Roy E. Naylor Achievement Award.

“These awards are given to thank and showcase Santa Monica chamber member businesses and professionals that do exemplary service for the betterment of the community of Santa Monica,” Gigi de Pourtales, Director of Events and Marketing for the Santa Monica Chamber said. “This year, two women who have made an enormous difference to Santa Monica and in that in that to the community at large are retiring”.

Gabriel was a successful businessman in insurance and real estate, served on the city council and led many community nonprofit agencies. The Bob Gabriel Community Service Award honors organizations that show commitment to supporting the needy within the community.

Menzies was born in Santa Monica and after receiving her Bachelor of Science, Life Teaching Credential and Master of Education degrees from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, went on to become the head of school at Carlthorp School, first woman president of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica, served on the Board of the Santa Monica YWCA and YMCA, serves as a member of the Santa Monica College Associates, serves on the Education Committee for the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and more.

“Participating in the activities of the Chamber of Commerce has been extremely meaningful to me for several reasons,” Menzies told The Mirror. “First, it is an honor to serve the City that I love and hold in high regard, second, I enjoy enriching the experience for the Santa Monica business owners, and finally, serving the Chamber and the City is a family tradition that dates back to my father who was a Chamber Board Chair in the 1960s.”

Naylor was president of Naylor Paints and an active participant in Santa Monica Service Organizations including the chamber of commerce.

Katagiri is Deputy Vice President, External Affairs and Director of Community Relations for RAND Corporation, President of the Board for Connections for Children, long-time board member of WISE & Healthy Aging, serves on the boards of Westside Food Bank, Santa Monica Police Activities League, The Santa Monica College Associates and more.

“Whether we need thoughtful people to address problems or can-do people to implement solutions, Iao has been there for the Chamber and the community for decades,” Chamber President Laurel Rosen said. “She chaired the board of directors in 2009-2010, during the recession, and helped keep the Chamber moving forward.”

This is Katagiri’s second Naylor award, which is the first time anyone has been recognized twice for lifetime achievement.

“Just as important, she has shared her wisdom and insights, mentoring many community leaders,” Rosen said. “We are fortunate that she may be retiring from RAND, but not from all of us.”

 

For more information on the awards and the installation dinner, head to: smchamber.com. 

in News
<>Related Posts

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles. Go...

(Video) Gladstone’s Malibu Prepares for Reopening after Surviving Palisades Fires

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

With One Half of its Structure Slightly Charred and Undergoing Repairs, Gladstone’s Malibu is Reopening its Patio Space Just in...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The initiative aims to shape the library’s programs and services to better meet community needs, fostering an inclusive and accessible...

Third Street Promenade Loses Bibibop Asian Grill

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Bibibop opened at the Santa Monica location in 2017 after taking over a former ShopHouse space Bibibop Asian Grill, a...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...