SACRAMENTO, CA — Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Hollywood) honored extraordinary individuals and organizations across the 51st Assembly District this weekend during the 2025 AD51 Community Excellence Awards. Held at the historic Egyptian Theatre, recently restored by Netflix and operated by the American Cinematheque, the ceremony recognized local heroes, civic leaders, small businesses, and advocates who exemplify the values of service, inclusion, and community that define Los Angeles.
"Each of our awardees represents the best of California's 51st District — people who lead with compassion, courage, and a commitment to community," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "Their work reminds us what's possible when we look out for one another, whether it's fighting fires and saving lives, building healthy, safe communities, protecting our environment, or standing up to hate. I'm deeply proud to represent such an extraordinary district."
To request high-resolution photos, transcripts, or downloadable video from the ceremony, please contact Vienna Montague at vienna.montague@asm.ca.gov.
Click the image below to watch the full Awards Ceremony, featuring powerful stories of honorees who have led our community, the state, and the nation in a range of ways — including combating human trafficking, offering critical insights to millions of online followers, fighting to keep Hollywood in California, and serving as the longest-tenured LGBTQ+ elected official in the United States. Each of our awardees embodies, in their own way, what California can be: a state led by people who, in times of crisis, rise to serve their communities with compassion, courage, and heart.
2025 Assembly District 51 Awardees listed below:
Assembly District 51 People of the Year
- AD51 Firefighters (City and County of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica) [10:12]
Community Excellence Awards
- Civic Leadership: City of Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis, Councilmembers Jesse Zwick, Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya; City of Santa Monica Staff; and Dr. Lizzy Moore, SMC Foundation President [15:52]
- Legacy in Public Safety & Civic Leadership: Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Paul P. Jordan (posthumous) [22:50]
- National Advocacy: Political Commentator & Podcast/YouTube Host Brian Tyler Cohen [26:36]
- Community Care Partner of the Year: Saban Community Clinic [30:00]
- Community Institution of the Year: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center [35:20]
- Community Safety: Jewish Nonprofit Magen Am USA [38:30]
- Combating Antisemitism: Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Sharona R. Nazarian [42:30]
- Distinguished Service in Local Government: West Hollywood Councilmember Lauren Meister [47:00]
- Mobility & Sustainability Advocacy: Streets For All [51:25]
- Community Uplift and Advocacy: Thai Community Development Center [54:00]
- Small Business of the Year: Club Tempo [58:10]
- Environmental Protection & Climate Action: Environmental Advocate Wendy-Sue Rosen [59:40]
- Community & Worker Advocacy: Entertainment Union Coalition President Rebecca Rhine & SAG-AFTRA Board Member, Grey's Anatomy Star, and advocate Jason George [01:03:15]
Lifetime Achievement Award
- West Hollywood Vice Mayor John Heilman [01:12:55]
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov