Santa Monica is an 8.3 square mile city situated at a gateway to the Pacific Ocean on the west side of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational and art venues. Recently named by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Beach Cities in the World, Santa Monica is home to three miles of wide beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, and attracts over 6 million visitors annually. Santa MonicaÍs residential population is approximately 90,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with visitors and employees. The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City has reduced water usage community-wide and is working toward water self-sufficiency by 2020, has increased solar capacity, and has adopted policies prohibiting single-use plastic bags and motorized leaf blowers to promote sustainable practices. Partnerships with local schools and Santa Monica Collage have created top-notch educational institutions, complemented by public libraries that are rated among the nationÍs best. Outstanding educational opportunities are a prime reason that families choose Santa Monica. Connect with the city of Santa Monica at their city home page (www.smgov.net), follow the City on Twitter (@santamonicacity), and view other city departments on social media sites.