By Nat Trives

Most people can say “there’s no town quite like mine,” and they’d be right. But Santa Monica might be a little more different than most cities. As a former Mayor of Santa Monica and longtime resident I pay attention to the businesses around me. And as a  former boardmember of Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, I look for ways to market the city as a whole to tourists. Sometimes, I’m amazed myself at the diversity of shops, services, restaurants and activities we have going here.

How many cities can lay claim to a “Beach Butler” service like the one offered at Perry’s Beach Café, which allows guests to enjoy resort treatment on a public beach! And as they look out at the ocean, they just might see one of Santa Monica’s four surfing chefs catching a wave on their boards.

This is a town where you can start your day riding Segways on the bike paths or taking a trapeze class at the Pier, then hit the boutiques of Montana Ave. before a musical performance at Santa Monica College’s state-of-the-art Broad Stage and dinner downtown at Mélisse, Zagat Guide’s “No. 1 Top Food in Los Angeles” for three out of the last four years. Like to cook at home? Head to the Sunday Farmers Market, where you can valet your bike free of charge. (Yes, “bicycle valet” is one of Santa Monica’s 16,000 diverse hospitality jobs.) The city also offers this convenient and planet-friendly service at big events like the popular summer Twilight Dance Series at the Pier.

I have lived, worked and played in Santa Monica for many years, and I’m more proud than ever to be a part of this spectacular community. There’s so much creativity at work and every year brings new innovations and attractions. I can’t wait to see what’s next!