April 29, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Rebecca Abano Selected as New City Architect

Public Works Director Susan Cline announced the selection of Rebecca Abano as Santa Monica’s new City Architect. Abano comes to Santa Monica from the City of Los Angeles where she successfully managed a number of major capital programs.

Abano will oversee the 18-member team in the Architecture Services Division of the Public Works Department in providing planning, design and construction services for a multi-year capital improvement program of almost $500 million. Signature projects include the City Services Building, for which staff is pursuing the Living Building Challenge, as well as the Civic Center Multipurpose Sports Field, City Yards Modernization and Memorial Park Expansion.

“Rebecca’s demonstrated experience overseeing the design of Los Angeles’ first net zero energy projects and delivering several LEED certified buildings made her stand out from the rest of the candidates,” said Public Works Director Susan Cline. “Her commitment to sustainable practices and high design standards are consistent with our goals and values, and we are thrilled to have her join our team as a seasoned leader.”

Abano’s career in the municipal sector spans nearly 30 years. She worked her way up the ranks at the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works where she served as an architectural associate and architect before being promoted to senior architect. She oversaw major projects including the $417 million Citywide Public Safety Capital Program funded by Proposition Q, the $172 million Zoo Capital Improvement Program and the implementation of the Supportive Housing Program funded by Proposition HHH.

“I’m very excited to join the progressive City of Santa Monica, and I look forward to being part of the Public Works team,” said Abano.

Abano earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of the Philippines. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architecture and the Living Building Institute.

Abano is passionate about sustainability and greener living, and enjoys skiing and nature walks. She is married and has a daughter who attends the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Abano will begin her role on Monday, March 26, 2018, with a starting annual salary of $177,804.

Rebecca Abano.
<>Related Posts

Chamber Music Palisades to Present Premiere and Classical Works at April Concert

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

The performance will feature compositions by French composers Jacques Ibert, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Francis Poulenc, alongside the world...

Palisades Will Rogers 5K Moves to Venice Beach After Fire Damage

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Proceeds from this year’s race will help fund the rebuilding of the community center, a longstanding gathering place for local...

A vocal flower blooms in Beverly Canon Gardens

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Soprano Golda Zahra comes home to put on a free concert in her old neighborhood “Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa…” The young couple was...

Culver City Baseball and Softball Teams Gear Up for Crucial Santa Monica Matchups

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Centaur Baseball Seeks Revenge After Last Year’s Setback Against Santa Monica Culver City High School’s varsity, junior varsity, and softball...

Kids Learn Season of Science, Biomimicry in Heal the Bay Science Camp

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

This summer, kids have the opportunity to engage in science in Heal the Bay’s Aquarium Summer Science Camp.  Heal the...

Los Angeles Residents Accused of Defrauding FEMA After Devastating Wildfires

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Defendants Faked Damage and Residency to Illegally Collect FEMA Aid Five individuals have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly...

Santa Monicans Petition Waymo to Reduce Charging Station Noise

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Residents say the constant beeping — described as a non-stop “beep-beep-beep” from vehicles backing out — has created a public...

SMC Symphony to Perform Bernstein, Gershwin, and Beethoven

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

The concert will showcase musical styles, from Broadway-inspired rhythms to the traditional drama The Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra will...

Hacienda-Style Palisades Home Sells for $12M After Wildfires

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

The home and its immediate surroundings remained virtually untouched by the fires A modern hacienda-style home in Pacific Palisades has...

Performing Arts Workshops Summer Camp Open for Registration

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) has something for everyone this summer. They offer four two-week musical theater camps and eight one-week...

Spring Brewery Artwalk & Open Art Studios

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Where Art Lives. If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, the Brewery Artwalk is holding its Spring...

Sarah Paulson’s Malibu “Jewel Box” Trailer Finds Buyer After Price Drops

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

“American Horror Story” Star Still Turned a Profit Despite  Actress Sarah Paulson has sold her renovated trailer home in Malibu’s...

Open Alcohol Consumption on 3rd Street Promenade Could be Allowed by Summer

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

The entertainment zone plan builds on a bill signed by Gov. Newsom, which allows public drinking areas Santa Monica officials...

Mayor Issues Emergency Order to Waive Permit Fees for Palisades Residents

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

City Departments Ordered to Suspend Collection of Fees for Rebuilding Mayor Karen Bass on Friday issued an Emergency Executive Order...

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...