Over 300 guests danced the night away Sept. 9 at Terranea Resort for the city of Rancho Palos Verdes’ 50th Anniversary Gala. The black-tie affair was attended by a who’s who of RPV’s past, present, and future, including Councilmembers spanning all five decades of the city’s history.
The night featured musical performances by William “Billy” Hevener on ukulele, the Coast Jazz Band, MEGG & The Benedicts, and Hanatsuka Takashi, Mayor of RPV’s sister city, Sakura City, Japan, on a traditional taiko drum. RPV and Sakura City exchanged gifts and RPV founder Ken Dyda reflected on the fight for incorporation and the early days of cityhood before guests enjoyed cake and a celebratory toast to the next 50 years.
RPV expressed its gratitude to everyone who helped the city celebrate its golden anniversary over the past year, including special thanks to the all the gala sponsors who helped make the evening possible.
Takashi Hanatsuka, mayor of RPV’s sister city, Sakura City, Japan, plays a traditional taiko drum for the crowdGuests dance the night away to the sounds of MEGG & The BenedictsFrom left, Sakura City Superintendent Keiji Hashimoto, Sakura City Councilmember Chiaki Okawara, Sakura City Mayor Takashi Hanatsuka, RPV Mayor Barbara Ferraro, and Sakura City Councilmembers Hiromasa Okamura and Yuji Ishioka pose with a pair of framed wooden maps of Sakura City and Rancho Palos VerdesFormer longtime Rancho Palos Verdes Councilmember and city founder Ken Dyda (center) greets Dr. Allen Ginsburg (left) and Charlotte Ginsburg (right)Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Barbara Ferraro speaks to the crowdRancho Palos Verdes City Manager Ara Mihranian gives opening remarksMEGG & The Benedicts entertain guestsThe Coast Jazz Band performs as guests arriveFrom left, Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Barara Ferraro, Councilmember Eric Alegria, Councilmember Dave Bradley, Mayor Pro Tem John Cruikshank, and City Manager Ara Mihranian toast to the city’s 50th anniversary aFrom left, current Rancho Palos Verdes Councilmember Dave Bradley and former Councilmember Jim Knight (rear); former Councilmembers Ann Shaw, Ken Dyda, and Susan Brooks, current Mayor Barabara Ferraro and current Councilmember Eric Alegria; former Councilmember Jerry Duhovic and current Mayor Pro Tem John Cruikshank (rear), and former Councilmembers Jacki Bacharach, Anthony Misetich, and Thomas Long pose with the cakeFormer Rancho Palos Verdes Councilmembers Jim Knight, Ken Dyda and Susan Brooks (left) and current Councilmember Eric Alegria, Mayor Pro Tem John Cruikshank and former Councilmember Jacki Bacharach (right) watch as Mayor Barbara Ferraro (center) cuts the first slice of cakeA souvenir champagne flute and lapel pin rest on tableFormer longtime Rancho Palos Verdes Councilmember and city founder Ken Dyda reflects on the fight for incorporation and the early days of RPV’s cityhoodA table is set for guests in the ballroom
