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May 30, 2025 - June 5, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
Former Irvine City Manager Tapped as New One For Santa Monica Oliver Chi to take over July 14, pending council approval
The Santa Monica City Council announced Friday the selection of Oliver Chi as the city’s next manager, concluding a nationwide search to fill the top administrative role. Chi, who has served as city manager of Irvine since 2021, brings over two decades of municipal leadership experience, including roles in Huntington Beach, Monrovia, Rosemead and Barstow. He is expected to officially begin his new position on July 14 with an annual salary of \$410,604, pending council approval of his contract at its May 27 meeting. “We are thrilled to welcome Oliver Chi to Santa Monica,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “He has the talent, skills and vision to address the city’s most pressing needs and lead us into the future.” Chi will succeed Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek, who has led the city since former City Manager David White resigned in February to take a deputy city
manager position in Berkeley. As Irvine’s top executive, Chi oversaw major initiatives, including the $1.2 billion expansion of the Great Park, the Irvine Cares affordable housing program, and the city-led development of the $600 million Gateway Village project. In his new role, Chi will oversee Santa Monica’s nearly $790 million budget and more than 2,000 municipal employees. He described the opportunity as “an absolute honor.” “Santa Monica has an unmatched legacy of civic innovation and a commitment to progressive human values that truly matter,” Chi said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with the City Council, city staff and the community to help shape a thriving future for all.” Chi holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s in political science from UCLA. He lives with his wife, Bobbie Jo, and their two children. The appointment concludes a public recruitment process launched in March, which included a national job posting and multiple rounds of interviews.
Bay Cities Italian Deli Responds to Health Code Closure, Commits to Corrective Action Santa Monica Landmark Disputes Rodent Claims but Acknowledges Violations Bay Cities Italian Deli, a Santa Monica staple renowned for its Godmother sandwich and long-standing community roots, is working to regain public trust following a temporary closure by Los Angeles County health officials over multiple code violations, including a cited vermin infestation. The deli, located at 1517 Lincoln Blvd., was ordered closed on May 21 along with its affiliated business, Bay Cities Importing, Inc., according to inspection records posted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The report identified a major violation in the category of “no rodents, insects, birds, or animals,” with vermin infestation explicitly listed as the reason for the shutdown.
Other violations noted in the inspection included improper hot and cold food storage, failure to clean and sanitize foodcontact surfaces adequately, and issues with employee handwashing and glove use. A total of 10 standards were cited as unmet. A public health alert now appears on the business’s Yelp page, flagging a “Low Health Score” and listing key violations such as improper food storage and unsanitary equipment. In a written statement to its customers on social media, Bay Cities acknowledged full responsibility for the infractions, stating that the violations “do not reflect the standards we uphold” and emphasizing that the business is working closely with the Health Department and third-party specialists to address the issues. The deli also responded to what it described as inaccurate reporting on social media and in certain press outlets. While confirming the Health Department’s findings, Bay Cities disputed specific claims that rodents were found inside the store, saying no such detail appears in the official report.
“This is a difficult time for us all, but one of reflection and recommitment,” the Bay Cities team stated, pledging transparency and accountability as they move forward. “We are doing the work to come back better.” The business expressed gratitude for
continued customer support and indicated that significant operational improvements are already underway to meet compliance standards and restore public confidence. No official reopening date has been announced.