LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2022) -- Today, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Central City Association (CCA) celebrated the return of its 26th Annual Treasures of Los Angeles at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites. CCA recognized four distinguished honorees that represent industries that were heavily impacted by the pandemic and make Los Angeles a global destination: hospitality, food and beverage, and entertainment. The honorees have illustrated their dedication to enhancing the city's vibrancy and inspiring fellow Angelenos to go the distance to reach their goals -- even during unprecedented times. The 2022 honorees are:

• Jon Blanchard, Founder & CEO, BLVD Hospitality
• Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe, Owners, Bestia and Bavel
• Tim Robbins, Artistic Director, The Actors' Gang Theater

"Today, we recognized the resilience and diversity of our great city with the return of our signature event, Treasures of Los Angeles," said Jessica Lall, President & CEO of CCA. "We honored Jon Blanchard, a pioneer of the Downtown renaissance and gifted hospitality visionary; Genevieve Gergis and Ori Menashe, talented chefs who helped put the Arts District on the map as a premier culinary destination; and Tim Robbins, the celebrated actor who has warmed our hearts with his beloved characters in various films, and who continues to address social injustice through transformative advocacy."

Treasures of Los Angeles is CCA's signature event that celebrates the diversity, strength and excellence of our city. The event was presented by Bank of America and Brookfield Properties, and brought together over 600 of the region's business, political and civic leaders.

Elex Michaelson, Anchor of FOX 11 News Los Angeles, served as emcee for the event and acknowledged the elected and government officials in attendance. Stephanie Graves, President & CEO of Lee Andrews Group and CCA Board Chair helped open the program by recognizing the return of Treasures as a collective, renewed commitment to Los Angeles' future. Bert Dezzutti, Executive Vice President of Brookfield Properties (Western Region -- U.S. Office Division) and CCA Vice Chair; Raul Anaya, Head of Business Banking at Bank of America; and Tom Gilmore, CEO of Gilmore Associates and CCA Past Chair each introduced the honorees and recognized CCA's steadfast leadership and role as a convener during the pandemic and Los Angeles' ongoing recovery.  

Quotes from Honorees:
Jon Blanchard, Founder & CEO, BLVD Hospitality: "As a native Angeleno with a passion for hospitality and enlivening our great Downtown, I am deeply grateful that Central City Association has recognized me as a Treasure of Los Angeles. Los Angeles' rich, inspiring history will continue to drive our team's approach to creating unforgettable experiences that make LA more dynamic than ever before."

Genevieve Gergis, Owner, Bestia and Bavel: "It's an honor to have CCA recognize our work at Bestia and Bavel. Ori and I are passionate about showcasing creativity and culture through food. We feel grateful that we get to share this with fellow Angelenos." Ori Menashe, Owner, Bestia and Bavel: "We are glad to celebrate our city's perseverance after a challenging past few years, and are excited for the opening of Saffy's, which will bring new opportunities for Angelenos to make memories and reconnect over delicious food."

Tim Robbins, Artistic Director, The Actors' Gang Theater: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to showcase The Actors' Gang's transformative work to LA's business and civic leaders because coming together and sharing our vision for the future is the first step to creating true change. Thank you to Central City Association for honoring me as a Los Angeles Treasure and supporting the arts as a means for self-expression and rehabilitation."

For more information on Treasures of Los Angeles, visit www.ccala.org/treasures.

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