January 22, 2010 -- The Rod Gould Era began Friday in Santa Monica, when the new City manager clocked in his first day of work. Gould was hired last month to replace P. Lamont Ewell, who retired after four years leading Santa Monica and 34 years in total of public service.

Gould’s last job was as city manager in Poway, a City of 50,000 in northern San Diego County. He also has experience as city manager and assistant city manager elsewhere in California. For more on Gould’s biography, see the article "City Gets New Manager", December 9, 2009.

The incoming and outgoing city managers spoke yesterday at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City event, which took place at the Broad Stage. Gould noted that Santa Monica, like the rest of the nation, is going through troubled economic times. But he spoke optimistically about a recovery.

“As a city manager I recognize the inextricable link between a diverse and strong local economy and the remarkable quality of life and innovative progressive programs and policies that is expected by Santa Monicans,” Gould said.

He continued, “I believe it is imperative that the City work with you in the business community to speed the recovery, which most prognosticators believe will be anemic and halting across California and the rest of the nation.”

The event also featured Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who was honored by the Chamber of Commerce. McCourt operates the Los Angeles Marathon.

The March 21 race will include a new course that ends at the Santa Monica Pier. Previous editions of the marathon have taken place only in Los Angeles. This one will go through four cities, including Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.

“Many, if not most, will see this, because it’s finishing here, as Santa Monica’s [race],” McCourt said. He added, “This race will become such a part of the fabric of this community and something that does great good for the businesses in this community and also for the citizens of this community.”

McCourt also provided some humor for those in attendance. The man who is going through a very public and brutal divorce joked, “It’s been a very quiet off-season for me.”

The keynote speaker was Bill Allen, the president and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. He spoke about the County’s current economic situation and the strategy to improve it. Most of Allen’s comments were focused on the County in general and the City of Los Angeles specifically.

Allen encouraged people to take part in the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Economic Development, which was approved last month by the Board of Supervisors. The plan focuses on five areas: Preparing an educated workforce, Creating a business friendly environment, Enhancing quality of life, Implementing smart land use and Building 21st Century infrastructure. To view the plan, go to http://www.lacountystrategicplan.com/.