Santa Monica-based electric car firm CODA Automotive said today that it has named K. Forrest Beanum as its Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications. Beanum joins the firm from CityView, where he was VP of Communications and Investor Relations, and also served at Cerrell Associates, Schwartz Communications, ExcitePR, and The Loomis Group. The firm said Beanum specifically has significant experience working with international and domestic elected officials, and that he will help the firm generate awareness and galvanize political support for its electric cars.