CITY HALL —City Council honored two members of the Santa Monica community who'd died at the ages of 35 and 41.
Kate Levy, 35, who died suddenly in a car crash in November, was remembered for her fight against homelessness as a senior administrative analyst in City Hall's Human Services Division.
"Kate was an enthusiastic employee. She embraced her responsibilities with great passion and enthusiasm," said Mayor Kevin McKeown at council's meeting. "She was committed to alleviating the suffering of people experiencing homelessness. She brought together people in different departments and areas of expertise to do whatever it took to house the most vulnerable and chronically-ill individuals in Santa Monica."
Levy is survived by her husband Alex and her infant son August.
"She'll be missed by her family, her friends, and the entire Human Services Division staff and all of us here at City Hall," McKeown said.
Brandon Cramer
Brandon Cramer, a regular on the Third Street Promenade, died in his sleep in November at the age of 41.
"Brandon Cramer loved the promenade, befriending and running errands for many of the shop owners, cart vendors, and street performers," McKeown said. "Mr. Cramer was always the first to volunteer his help and his enthusiasm whenever he was asked. He cared about our community and he gave to the community tirelessly."
Cramer's mother, Amalia Starr, wrote a book called "Raising Brandon" about Cramer and his Asperger syndrome diagnosis, according to local promenade regular Jerry Rubin. He also suffered from epilepsy, according to Rubin.
Cramer was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, though he strongly disliked their former owner Donald Sterling, Rubin said.
He was featured by Aljazeera American as an example of an adult living independently with autism — something he did successfully for more than a decade and half.
Cramer was honored in a memorial tribute on the promenade earlier this month.
Dozens of residents, business-owners, and city workers showed up to talk about Cramer.
Many speakers mentioned his infectious smile and his laugh.
Several members of the Santa Monica Fire Department and Police Department told stories about Cramer's interaction with officers and fire fighters.
One woman, noting his welcoming nature and positivity, called Cramer an ambassador for the promenade.
"Brandon was never one to be sad," Starr said at the memorial, as music from street performers played in the distance, "neither would he want anyone to feel that way. I don't remember Brandon crying much. I do remember him smiling."
dave@www.smdp.com
