February 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Gets a New Community Development Director

Experienced City Manager Chaparyan Takes Over Community Development Leadership

The City of Santa Monica has named Arminé Chaparyan as its new director of the Community Development Department, effective February 3, City Manager David White announced on Wednesday.

Chaparyan holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a master’s in public administration from USC. She will assume her new position with an annual salary of $273,384.

Chaparyan steps into the role previously held by interim director Jing Yeo, who took over after David Martin announced his retirement last September. Yeo managed the department through the challenges of the recent Palisades Fire emergency.

“I want to express my gratitude to Jing for stepping up to lead the department in the interim role, particularly amid the local and regional impacts from the Palisades Fire emergency,” White stated. He praised Chaparyan’s extensive experience, suggesting her appointment would greatly benefit the city’s residents, businesses, and visitors.

Chaparyan brings over 20 years of local government experience to Santa Monica. She most recently served as the city manager for South Pasadena and has previously held positions such as assistant city manager/community development director in San Gabriel and redevelopment and community preservation manager/city clerk in Santa Clarita.

Having grown up in Southern California and educated in the region, Chaparyan expressed her enthusiasm for the role. 

“Having grown up in Southern California and gone to school in the area, Santa Monica was always a dream city. I am honored to be selected for this position and look forward to bringing my skills and energy to be a part of such a dynamic team,” she said. She aims to continue the department’s excellent work in collaboration with staff, the executive team, management, and the City Council.

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

Palisades Athletic Community Seek to Rebuild Programs, Fundraise for New Equipment

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

Local teams and organizations have launched fundraising efforts to help restore normalcy for affected players and ensure they can return...

SMMUSD Announces Malibu Schools to Reopen and New Bus Schedules

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

The Opening of Malibu Canyon Road and Better Weather Signals Changes All four Malibu schools will reopen on Tuesday, Feb....

The Department of Public Health to Hold Virtual Town Hall on Post-Fire Air, Soil, and Water Safety

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

LA County Officials Will Discuss Environmental Testing, Recovery Efforts The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will hold a...

Los Angeles County Launches $32.2 Million Relief Grant for Wildfire Victims

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

Eligible Households Affected by the Palisades Fires Can Apply Soon The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs...

Inglewood Man Arrested in January Homicide in Santa Monica

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

Month-Long Investigation Leads to Arrest A suspect has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month...

(Video) Enjoy Beach Proximity and Prime Amenities at Ocean View Hotel

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

For More Info, Go To Oceanviewsantamonica.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/dzMk6XI2dr pic.twitter.com/lpsA0jG5dd — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) February 17,...

County Launches Opt-Out Permit for Fire Debris Removal

February 17, 2025

February 17, 2025

The permit allows homeowners and business owners to oversee their own cleanup efforts Los Angeles County has introduced an Opt-Out...

Post-Storm Cleanup Continues as Topanga Canyon Remains Buried in Mud

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

Iconic PCH Restaurant Takes Heavy Damage During Mudslides Pacific Coast Highway has partially reopened following the Palisades Fire and subsequent...

State Farm Faces Scrutiny Over Emergency Rate Hike Request From State Official

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

Commissioner Lara Demands Answers on Financial Stability and Consumer Impact California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has responded to State Farm’s...

Deadly Stabbing Outside Popular Santa Monica Bar on Saturday

February 16, 2025

February 16, 2025

One Man Killed, Another Injured in Early Morning Attack The Bungalow, a popular restaurant and bar in Santa Monica, was...

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...