Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete Kicks Off ‘Mocha with the Mayor’ at Starbucks

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, newly elected and eager to engage with the community, held her first “Mocha with the Mayor” event at Starbucks across from City Hall on Tuesday, December 23, 2024. The casual gathering, just days before Christmas, allowed residents to meet their new leader, share ideas, and enjoy live music. "I'm super honored and proud to be the mayor of the city that I was born and raised in," Negrete shared. A lifelong Santa Monican, she highlighted her deep roots in the community, noting she grew up near Fourth and Ashland, attended local public schools, and now raises her own children in the city. Negrete also operates the Santa Monica Music Center, a family business founded 52 years ago. In her remarks, the mayor emphasized her commitment to community outreach. "I really want to use this year to reach all different corners of the city, all the different zip codes, and knock on people's doors," she said. Negrete plans to host the monthly “Mocha with the Mayor” events at various coffee shops around the city to connect with as many residents as possible. The event featured live music by Music Mentors, a student band from Santa Monica High School, creating a lively atmosphere. Negrete encouraged residents to join her future gatherings, promising that every session will include music and an open forum for community dialogue. "Come join me at ‘Mocha with the Mayor,’" Negrete urged. "I'm just here to listen to you."