𝗡𝗢 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬: Thousands Rally in Santa Monica for Nationwide Day of Protest

Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Palisades Park in Santa Monica on Saturday, June 14, 2025, joining a nationwide protest known as “No Kings Day.” The local event, held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. near Ocean and Montana avenues, echoed similar demonstrations across the country calling attention to concerns over growing authoritarianism. In Washington, D.C., the protest coincided with a military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers of the “No Kings” campaign—coordinated by the 50501 Movement and supported by groups such as the ACLU and Indivisible—framed the protests as a contrast to what they described as increasing consolidation of political and economic power. Locally, Santa Monica officials implemented temporary street closures and deployed law enforcement to ensure the event remained peaceful. Authorities reported no major incidents, and traffic had returned to normal by early afternoon. Nationwide, protests were held in more than 2,000 U.S. cities, including large turnouts in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago. In San Diego alone, organizers estimated a crowd of 60,000. Demonstrators carried American flags and signs reading “Democracy, Not Dynasty,” voicing opposition to what they described as threats to free speech, civil rights, and judicial independence. While the majority of protests remained nonviolent, some cities saw heightened security. In Los Angeles, National Guard and U.S. Marines were deployed following a federal ruling blocking the federalization of California’s guard units. Organizers emphasized peaceful demonstration and urged participants to de-escalate any potential conflicts. In Santa Monica, the tone remained civil throughout the day. Many participants echoed a recurring slogan heard across the event: “The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.”

𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: June Peralta Marks 100 Years of Life and 24 Years of Volunteer Service at Santa Monica's Assistance League

SANTA MONICA, CA – Thursday, June 12, 2025 – June Peralta, beloved greeter and longtime volunteer at the Assistance League of Santa Monica, turned 100 and was celebrated with a heartfelt surprise party organized by her coworkers and friends at the resale shop she’s served for 24 years.

Clad in a white blouse, pearls, and a sash that read "100 Years Loved," Peralta stood at her usual post by the front counter—still doing what she’s known best for: warmly greeting customers and sharing sale information. As the festivities unfolded, guests sang “Happy Birthday,” sipped champagne, and toasted a century of resilience, humor, and service. Balloons, cupcakes, chocolate, and flowers completed the jubilant scene.

During an exclusive interview with Santa Monica Closeup, Peralta reflected on her extraordinary life, her longevity, and her enduring love for the community.

“I thank all of you so much,” she told the crowd. “It’s just unreal—all of this—and I appreciate it so much. I hope you get the same celebration when you reach 100.”

Peralta, who still drives herself to work from her longtime Mar Vista home, credits her active lifestyle, healthy diet, and sense of humor for her vitality. Her routine includes Zumba on Mondays, balance class on Tuesdays, and regular treadmill walks at home. She also enjoys Jeopardy, fiction novels, and a glass of wine with dinner.

Born in Stockton in 1925, Peralta moved to Southern California during childhood and has lived in the same home for 76 years. She began her volunteer work after retiring from a 23-year career as Director of Human Relations for an industrial lubricant firm. A chance modeling gig for the Goodwill introduced her to the Assistance League, where she’s remained a fixture ever since.

“All the money we raise here goes toward scholarships,” she explained. “We send about 70 kids to camp each summer with sleeping bags and backpacks full of school supplies.”

With two Emmy-winning sons in the entertainment industry and a passion for cruise travel—34 Princess Cruises and counting—Peralta’s life is as vibrant as ever. Asked about her plans for the future, she smiled and declared, “I hope to work until I’m 102.”

As one colleague noted, “She’s still working, still cracking jokes, and still everyone’s favorite part of this store.”

𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦: Tenants Rally to Save Rent-Controlled Homes in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — June 10, 2025 — More than a dozen tenants rallied outside Santa Monica City Hall on Tuesday evening ahead of the City Council meeting, urging local officials to prevent the potential demolition of their rent-controlled apartment building on Virginia Avenue. Carrying signs that read “Rehab, Not Demo,” “Rent Control Saves Lives,” and “Keep Families Together,” the residents expressed concern over the fate of their homes. The group said that Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), which purchased the building in January 2020, had initially promised to rehabilitate the aging property while allowing all current tenants to stay. Now, after years of failed efforts to secure funding for those improvements, tenants fear demolition is back on the table — a move that would displace more than 100 residents, many of whom have lived there for generations. “This isn’t just about a building — it’s about preserving a community,” said a spokesperson for Keep Santa Monica Local, the grassroots coalition supporting the tenants. “We’re workers, seniors, students. We’ve built our lives here.” The Virginia Avenue complex houses 103 residents across 36 units, with 34 designated as low-income housing. The community includes senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with children — 85% of whom work in Santa Monica. On February 25, 2025, the group requested a $10 million loan from the City Council to fund the rehabilitation. Councilmembers expressed interest but said a review of the city’s budget was necessary. With the budget process now underway, tenants are renewing their call for the city to follow through on its commitment. Supporters are encouraged to sign the petition, follow the campaign on social media, and write letters to the City Council in support of preserving the Virginia Avenue community. More information is available at www.keepsmlocal.org.

𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: LAFD & SMFD Knock Down RV Fire Before It Jumps the Block in Venice

VENICE, CA — Saturday, June 8, 2025 — Firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department and Santa Monica Fire Department worked in coordination early Saturday morning to extinguish a burning Jamboree motorhome on the 100 block of Pacific Avenue in Venice. The incident was reported at approximately 8:30 a.m. Responding units quickly arrived to find the RV fully engulfed in flames near a commercial building. The primary concern, officials said, was preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Several adjacent palm trees were scorched, but firefighters successfully contained the flames before the commercial property sustained damage. The owner of the RV was not present at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Traffic control officers from both jurisdictions coordinated closures around the incident. Santa Monica personnel closed the north side of Pacific Avenue at Marine Street, while Los Angeles crews shut down access from the south at Navy Street. Santa Monica Fire Department’s Truck 2 and Los Angeles Fire Department’s Truck 63 worked side-by-side to suppress the fire. After the incident was brought under control, firefighters from both departments took a moment to exchange tactics and discuss equipment—highlighting the strong inter-agency bond between crews. The scene was declared clear by 9:24 a.m.

𝗙𝗨𝗥-𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦: Santa Monica Shelter Throws a Paw-ty for Adoptions and Support

𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗦 & 𝗣𝗔𝗪𝗧𝗬: Santa Monica Animal Shelter Hosts Fourth Annual Open House Fundraiser with Raffle, Silent Auction, and Adoptions

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday, June 7, 2025 — The Santa Monica Animal Shelter welcomed the public for its fourth annual Open House Fundraiser on Saturday, turning a sunny afternoon into a celebration of community, compassion, and animal care. From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., guests toured the shelter, met adoptable pets, and enjoyed an array of family-friendly activities—while raising critical funds for the animals in the city’s care.

Former Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis helped kick off the adoption festivities by sponsoring the first adopted dog and cat. With many animals available at reduced fees, several found new homes by the day’s end.

The event featured an impressive slate of raffle prizes available in exchange for donation tickets. Prizes included:

• Four Knott’s Berry Farm tickets (valued at $399.96)

• Two LA Opera orchestra-level tickets for Rigoletto (6/21/25)

• Two unlimited ride passes to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

• A $300 gift certificate to BOA or Sushi Roku

• Dance lessons, grooming packages, fitness memberships, and more

• Gift baskets from businesses including Starbucks, Bodega Wine Bar, and the Santa Monica Police Chief’s office

• A luxury Tavo Maeve Pet Car Seat (valued at over $600)

Raffle winners not present at the drawing will be contacted, with items to be claimed by June 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

The silent auction offered equally exclusive experiences. Highlights included:

• A ride-along on the Santa Monica Harbor Patrol boat for up to 10 guests

• A half-day hands-on forensics lab experience with SMPD’s forensic science team

Children and families enjoyed face painting from The Magical Atelier, balloon animals by Wild About Balloons LA, music from a live DJ, and photo ops with the Santa Monica Police Department’s Mounted Unit. Attendees were also treated to food and drink from local supporters, including burgers by Troop 2 Santa Monica and refreshments donated by the Starbucks at 2200 Colorado Avenue.

All auction and raffle items were generously donated, with proceeds directly benefiting the shelter’s ongoing work. Organizers expressed deep gratitude to community sponsors and participants for making the event a success and reinforcing the city’s commitment to animal welfare.

𝗣𝗔𝗪𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘: Santa Monica Police and Animal Control Team Up to Save Stray Dog at the Pier

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday, June 7, 2025 — A lost puppy found wandering Santa Monica Beach was safely rescued today thanks to quick action by beachgoers and officers at the Santa Monica Police substation on the pier. Witnesses say the young dog was seen roaming unattended near the shoreline. Concerned members of the public gently brought the dog to the pier’s police substation, where officers secured the animal and contacted Santa Monica Animal Control. The handoff, captured at the substation, shows a Santa Monica Police officer transferring the playful pup to an Animal Control officer. During their brief exchange, officers noted the dog’s unique features—including a minor condition known as "cherry eye," which is common and treatable. “We’re going to check to see if he has a microchip,” said the responding Animal Control officer. “If not, he’ll be available for adoption in about five business days.” The dog, currently being held at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter located near 9th Street and Olympic Boulevard, will undergo standard intake procedures. If an owner cannot be identified, the dog will be placed for adoption—likely quickly, according to officers who praised the pup's friendly demeanor and charming appearance. Jokes about potential names were exchanged during the transfer, with one officer suggesting “Pick-Up” in honor of the dog’s dramatic beach rescue. Officials encourage pet owners to ensure their animals are microchipped and tagged, and anyone who recognizes the dog is urged to contact the Santa Monica Animal Shelter promptly.

𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧: Mayor Lana Negrete Joins Pali High Students for Downtown Santa Monica Cleanup

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday, June 7, 2025 — In a display of gratitude and community service, students from Palisades Charter High School’s Ambassador Program joined Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete and local organizers for a volunteer cleanup in downtown Santa Monica. The initiative, spearheaded by ninth-grade student Aaron and fellow Ambassador Ocean Silkman, was inspired by a desire to give back to a city that welcomed them following wildfire displacement. “We thought the most efficient way to show our appreciation was by cleaning up the city,” said Aaron, adding that the effort symbolized their thanks for Santa Monica serving as a temporary home. More than 30 Pali High students turned out early Saturday morning to collect litter, clear sidewalks, and engage directly with community members experiencing homelessness. Mayor Negrete personally assisted with trash collection and spoke with passersby and unhoused individuals while encouraging youth involvement in civic life. “These students are an outstanding representation of what it means to serve,” said Mayor Negrete. “They chose to turn their hardship into action, and that speaks volumes about their character.” The effort was made possible through collaboration with the Pico Neighborhood Association and Volunteers Cleaning Communities, a San Fernando Valley-based nonprofit that provided support and supplies for the event. Tony Huizar, representing the Pico Neighborhood Association, noted that the cleanup marked a broader push to involve all Santa Monica neighborhoods in environmental stewardship. After several hours of hands-on work, students were treated to free access to Two Bit Circus and the Santa Monica Art Museum, including a special exhibition on David Bowie. The day concluded with opportunities to explore local attractions supported by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and Outlandish Media. The collaboration exemplified a shared commitment to civic responsibility, environmental care, and intergenerational cooperation in shaping a cleaner, more unified community.