State of the City Address Returns to Hult Center
On Jan. 4, the annual State of the City event returned to the Hult Center following a two-year COVID-19 pandemic-related absence.
The roughly 90-minute event opened with a performance of “Paso Doble” by Llarona before a land acknowledgement by Mayor Lucy Vinis. Following the acknowledgement, City Recorder Katie Lasala administered oaths of office for reelected city councilors Alan Zelenka; Jennifer Yeh; Mike Clark; and Greg Evans, and newly appointed interim councilor Lyndsie Leech.
Following City Council President Evans’ opening remarks and a short video featuring various city councilmembers talking about why they love the city and the issues they are focusing on, city awardees were recognized. This year’s two Bold Steps Awards, which highlight local sustainable businesses, were presented to Forrest Paint and Threadbare Print House. This year’s Community Service Awards were presented to the Laurel Hill Center, Kris Galago, and Beyond Toxics.
The State of the City video—highlighting such things as the opening of the Farmers Market Pavilion and the reopening of community centers and pools—was presented next before Mayor Vinis’ closing speech.
During her speech, Mayor Vinis shared stories about some of the community members she’s met, the necessity of increasing affordable housing, and said that the time has come for the city to create an economic development plan.
Closing out the event was another musical performance by Llarona, “Place Among the Stars.”
The 2023 State of the City event can be watched, in full, here.
