Culver City Observer -

Culver City Mayor Thomas Small was beaming as he delivered his "State of the City" address to more than 600 members of the community.

"Our city remains socially, culturally and economically diverse while our school district was recently named the fourth most diverse in the country," Small said during last week's address, which was presented in the evening at the newly-remodeled Robert Frost Auditorium.

Small talked about his tenure on the Council and the city's accomplishments and major projects and reiterated the importance of mobility in civic planning.

He stressed the need for plans to get around the developments in areas like Washington and National Boulevard, where a transit-based development is adding stores, restaurants, offices, housing and a hotel. The mayor said that mobility will be a core issue when the city starts updating its general plan.

Quoting from a book written about the changes in Italy at the turn of the last century, the mayor said: "If we want everything to stay the same, then everything must change."

Several speakers at the "State of the City" event spoke about the need of Culver City to preserve its small down feel in the middle of a growing metropolitan area.

CCUSD Superintendent Leslie Lockhart commented that "Culver City gets it, the connection between great schools and a great city."

During his speech, Mayor Small also mentioned that the growth of the city is being spurred by the technological revolution.

"Can we have this growth that's fueled by this incredible technological economic engine and still have a community that respects its history?" he asked. "Can we and how can we have growth that is inclusive?"

He strove his point by suggesting that city officials and the stakeholders take a new and exciting direction. "The inclusion of all community members will ensure that Culver City remains a city for all generations to come," he said.

The revival of Ballona Creek was also mentioned during the address. Small pointed out that the creek was a major bikeway from Culver City to the ocean. He also told the crowd the Fox Hills area is poised for growth with the projects coming on line.

The evening began with a piano rendition of Duke Ellington's The Single Petal of a Rose by renowned pianist Althea Waites.

Observer Staff Photo

Citizen of the Year presentation to Diana and David Hauptman.

The audience was delighted when Mayor Small had his daughter Lyra Brody Small lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

The audience was also treated to a short film, called "Culver City Forward Motion," which reviewed the history of Culver City from the early days of the film industry to today's arrival of the high-tech firms.

At the end of the program, Joanna Brody presented the "Citizen of the Year Award" to Diana and David Hauptman. Both have spent countless hours volunteering in the city. David served one term on the Council and one year as Mayor.

To watch the mayor's address, go to: https://www.culvercity.org/Home/Components/News/News/3008/722?backlist=%2f