By Jorge Casuso

July 22, 2025 -- Santa Monica kicked off its 150th anniversary celebration last week with a State of the City address that was less a formal policy speech than a pep talk on the City's resiliency.

The event, which is usually addressed to a hall filled with civic and business stakeholders, was held outdoors at a park that is widely seen as ground zero for the city's battle against homelessness.

"Reed Park’s story is still being written, and tonight is part of its next chapter," Mayor Lana Negrete said in her address to a crowd of some 700.

"Seeing the Miles (Playhouse) reopen, seeing Reed Park full of life -- today is a symbol of the optimism I hope you join me in feeling," Negrete said.

Reed, the mayor said in a speech that touched on her personal challenges, was "my childhood park" and "a place where my dad’s music once filled the air."

"The Miles has been through a lot -- earthquakes, a pandemic, closure and rebirth," Negrete said. "It reminds us: it’s not about whether you get knocked down.

"It’s truly about how you get back up. And that rings deeply true for me personally," said Negrete, who over the past year faced "cancer, surgeries, chemo, radiation (and) the devastating loss of my father."

Santa Monica, which "is at an inflection point," faces its own "complex challenges," the Mayor said.

"Our traditional revenue streams of tourism, retail sales, and entertainment have all seen fundamental shifts. The fact is that the world has changed, and so must Santa Monica.

"(L)ike the Miles, our city will rise, rebuild, and reimagine itself, because I have deep faith in where we are headed."

Like the mayor's speech, the State of the City event was atypical, with residents joining City staff and partners, as well as civic and business leaders, for a tour of the "newly revived and reopened" playhouse.

There were interactive city booths, activities, games and giveaways, as well as musical performances.

The event kicks off six months of celebrations as the City commemorates its birth on July 14, 1875 "when the town of Santa Monica was first mapped out and the initial plots of land were sold," City officials said.

"Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary is a powerful opportunity to reflect not only on our history and our progress, but also on the stories and voices that haven’t always been heard," Negrete said in a statement on June 30.

“The next six months provide a chance for all of us to listen, learn and lead with compassion as we celebrate the people and stories that make Santa Monica special.”

For more information on the celebrations click here

For the Mayor Lana Negrete's speech click here