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

Kate Vernez Named To The Bay Foundation Board Of Directors:

Kathryn Vernez, longtime City of Santa Monica government and community relations leader, has been named to the Board of the Directors of The Bay Foundation.

Vernez’ 35-plus years in urban planning and project management, first in New York City followed by 27 years in Santa Monica, required leading interdisciplinary teams, in collaboration with the public, and officials, through the complex landscape of solving urban issues. Her experiences include public transportation, water restoration and an array of public works improvements.

“Our Board and the Foundation’s Executive Director Tom Ford are honored and excited to welcome someone of Kate’s stature. “Her connections and accomplishments will be directly beneficial to TBF’s Board,” states Laurie Newman. “Her love for Santa Monica Bay, her understanding of public works projects, and her community engagement and education experience, tie in perfectly with The Bay Foundation’s mission and collaborative way of working to improve the health of the Bay and all life within it.”

Vernez last served as the City of Santa Monica’s Deputy City Manager, Special Projects. In this role, she was the point person on the city’s Expo Light Rail team managing complex real estate, design and operational issues to bring the line to the Westside.

She also oversaw citywide communication campaigns on issues ranging from public works construction projects, LA Marathon, and pedestrian safety issues. Prior as Assistant to the City Manager, she worked to secure landmark legislation; federal, state and regional involvement to resolve the MtBE contamination of Santa Monica’s drinking water wells.

She was responsible for the city’s federal and state advocacy program; worked on Santa Monica Airport issues; updating the Utility Tax on telecommunications; federal funding of public works projects; earthquake recovery efforts; and formation of the Westside Cities Council of Governments.

“I am truly impressed by the far-reaching work of The Bay Foundation to protect and restore the health of Santa Monica Bay and the entire Watershed,” says Vernez. “I am very honored to work with the board and staff to advance their mission.”

As science-based advocates for the Bay, which stretches from the LA-Ventura county line in the north to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the south, TBF is involved in high-profile projects throughout the region, including (but not limited to) kelp forest restoration, scientific monitoring of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, clean boating programs and education, monitoring of MPAs, multiple projects that address stormwater runoff, and climate change adaptation planning.

The State of the Bay Conference on Sept. 9, 2015, occurs once every five years and offers presentations on the progress of restoring and protecting Santa Monica Bay and its watershed. More information at www.santamonicabay.org.

in News
<>Related Posts

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...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...