𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧: Firefighters, City Leaders Mark 150th Anniversary at Santa Monica State of the City

SANTA MONICA, CA — Thursday, July 17, 2025 — Community members gathered at Christine Emerson Reed Park and the newly reopened Miles Memorial Playhouse for this year’s State of the City event, marking both a civic milestone and the kickoff of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary celebration. Billed as “A Celebration of Resilience and Growth,” the evening featured a fresh format with an opening reception hosted by Mayor Lana Negrete and incoming City Manager Oliver Chi. Held inside the historic Playhouse from 4 to 5 p.m., the reception included refreshments, informational displays, and opportunities for attendees to speak directly with city leadership. Outside in the park, DJ Bukue One provided the musical backdrop as city departments and community partners offered interactive booths, trivia games, and giveaways. The family-friendly event invited residents to bring blankets and picnic gear while enjoying art, food, and live performances. Following welcome remarks by Mayor Negrete and a poem by Santa Monica Poet Laureate Annelyse Carmack, the evening program included performances by youth talent from Downbeat 720, the multimedia ensemble String Theory, and artists from Los Angeles Performance Practice’s “Bridge the Gaps” residency initiative. Docents from the Santa Monica Conservancy led 15-minute guided tours of the Miles Memorial Playhouse throughout the evening, highlighting the venue’s architectural and cultural significance. Food vendors such as Border Grill and Hot Dog on a Stick provided local fare, while a beer garden hosted by Santa Monica Brew Works served guests in the park. The event also served as the official start to Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary campaign, a months-long celebration set to continue through December 2025 with additional community events and tributes to the city’s history. To reduce traffic and promote accessibility, the City offered complimentary Big Blue Bus rides for those attending the event. Bicycle valet services were provided along California Avenue by Santa Monica Spoke, and drop-off zones were designated for rideshare users on Lincoln Boulevard.