AAC’s Chris Aitken has been named 2024’s “Citizen of the Year” by The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
April 1, 2024
AAC’s Chris Aitken has been named 2024’s “Citizen of the Year” by The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding contributions to the community. A testament to his leadership and philanthropy, this honor highlights Aitken’s commitment to making a difference in San Clemente.
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SAN CLEMENTE, CA, March 30, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Aitken Aitken Cohn proudly announces that partner Chris Aitken has been honored with the prestigious title of 2024’s “Citizen of the Year” by The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce.
The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual installation and awards ceremony to celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals within the community. Among the recipients, Chris Aitken stood out for his unwavering dedication to uplifting the San Clemente community through various philanthropic endeavors.
The recognition of Chris Aitken as “Citizen of the Year” by The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce underscores Aitken’s exemplary leadership, compassion, and commitment to serving the community.
Aitken is the owner and operating partner of the renowned San Clemente restaurant H.H. Cotton’s. For several years running, Chris has been instrumental in organizing the Feed-Our-Marines Thanksgiving Fundraiser at the restaurant. The event provides a warm Thanksgiving meal and camaraderie to over 180 Camp Pendleton Marines.
Recognizing the sacrifice of these young service members who cannot be with their families during the holiday season, Aitken’s initiative has garnered heartfelt appreciation nationwide.
“It’s a way to show our appreciation to these service members who are sacrificing to serve this country,” said Chris Aitken. “After this event, we get letters and calls from moms and dads across our nation, really thankful that they had their first Thanksgiving here,” Aitken told ABC7.
Aitken’s community involvement extends beyond his restaurant endeavors. As the chairman of the Board of the San Clemente Downtown Business Association for 6 years, Chris was honored for his pivotal role in fostering economic growth and community development.
Additionally, his partnership with Project Youth OC for the “Feed the Need” fundraiser underscores his commitment to supporting needy families and providing opportunities for youth to thrive. Project Youth OC offers specialized services to empower young individuals to make positive life choices. Aitken’s involvement as a board member reflects his dedication to giving back and creating a brighter future for the next generation.
As the managing partner of AAC’s San Clemente office, Aitken most recently obtained a $2 million settlement involving a utility truck that crashed into a bicyclist with a rare pre-existing medical condition. In March 2022, as lead counsel on a multi-firm litigation team, Chris negotiated a $38.5 million settlement for several construction workers injured during the collapse of a 900-plus ton bridge deck on State Route 91 in Corona.
In May 2021, as the lead plaintiff attorney, Chris reached an $11 million settlement with a statewide political party to resolve a case involving a Riverside man left paralyzed after a freeway collision with an unlicensed election worker. Also, in May 2021, Chris obtained a $3.8 million settlement with a major international transportation company on behalf of a severely injured pedestrian struck by a truck driver.
One of California’s most respected personal injury law firms, Aitken * Aitken * Cohn is dedicated to serving injured and aggrieved consumers in a variety of legal conflicts. The firm enjoys a national reputation for the quality of its trial skills and the aggressive representation it provides on behalf of its personal injury clients. This reputation was built on a foundation of numerous settlements, trial victories and precedent-setting appellate decisions and is nurtured by the firm’s continuing commitment to each of its clients. The firm’s success has indeed translated into substantial recoveries for our clients, yet the firm derives equal satisfaction from the knowledge that these cases have also promoted a fair and safer society.