On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, the Santa Monica Pier hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day ceremony, marking the event's most significant year yet. The free, public event, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army, drew crowds to celebrate and honor the nation’s veterans.
The ceremony commenced at 11 a.m. on the western half of the pier parking deck. Attendees were treated to impressive visual displays, including flyovers by Blackhawks, Chinook helicopters, and the Condor Squadron. A military convoy, led by former NFL stars Andrew Whitworth, Cade McNown, and Nate Boyer, showcased Army vehicles from the California Army National Guard.
The program featured the Posting of Colors by UCLA ROTC cadets and a dynamic drill demonstration by the West Point Drill Team. Music filled the air as the 300th Army Band performed, and Miss USO, Heidi-Marie Ferren, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.” Military Humvees and LMTVs were on display, adding to the event’s atmosphere of patriotic pride.
One of the day's highlights was the swearing-in ceremony for future soldiers, led by Major General Dianne Del Rosso. Keynote speaker General Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command, delivered a compelling address. Additional remarks were shared by former NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock, and Councilmember Gleam Davis.
The event was made lively with music and entertainment provided by 95.5 KLOS, courtesy of Meruelo Media. To further honor service members and their families, complimentary meals and ride tickets were distributed.
This Veterans Day gathering at the Santa Monica Pier showcased the community’s deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel, blending tradition, heartfelt tributes, and memorable performances.
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered in a show of celebration along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The event, which featured a procession of vehicles decked out in American flags and pro-Trump signs, marked a symbolic victory lap following the presidential election results. Participants, many honking their car horns in solidarity, created a spectacle of red, white, and blue that made its way from Los Angeles to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The convoy, which commenced from the Los Angeles Zoo at 9:30 a.m., continued its cruise at 11 a.m. and culminated in a "MAGA Swarm" at Santa Monica Pier's Beach Parking Lot 1 North at 1 p.m. The demonstration highlighted the continued fervor among Trump supporters, resonating through waves of patriotism and celebratory enthusiasm along the coastal route.
Republican Donald Trump secured victory in the United States presidential election with 312 electoral votes, surpassing Democrat Kamala Harris, who received 226 electoral votes. Trump successfully won the pivotal states of Georgia (16 electoral votes), North Carolina (16), Arizona (11), Nevada (6), Wisconsin (10), Michigan (15), and Pennsylvania (19). Additionally, Trump achieved a win in the popular vote.
On November 9, 2024, the Oasis Network continued its vital work on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, distributing groceries to the unhoused community. Now under the leadership of Mark, who has stepped in to oversee operations while founder Dan Hubbard is ill, the nonprofit has maintained its mission of providing nourishment and support.
Mark, who is also homeless, starts his day at 5:30 AM, driving to four markets in the South Bay—three Whole Foods locations and one Vons—to collect donations. “We transfer the food from their red plastic totes into boxes and categorize it to make setup easier,” Mark explained, emphasizing the importance of organization in ensuring a smooth distribution process. He noted that he and fellow volunteer Ruben handle these tasks on both Saturdays and Sundays, describing them as “my two favorite days of the week.”
Beyond coordinating food pickup and distribution, Mark brings a sense of community and spiritual guidance to those waiting in line. Before handing out food, he often leads a prayer, encouraging everyone to open themselves up to gratitude and hope. “I smell some joy in the air today,” Mark said. “Let’s feel the joy of giving and receiving.”
The food distributions are orderly, thanks in part to Mark’s leadership and the cooperation of volunteers. “We try to make sure that people aren’t really jumping in with their hands, and we hand everything out to individuals,” he stated, underscoring the effort to maintain fairness.
Despite challenges, Mark remains committed to growing the organization’s outreach. He mentioned that more donations and support would be welcome to enhance their services. “We’re hoping the line gets bigger and the food gets greater,” Mark said. He also expressed a need for more resources, including a vehicle to help with transportation. “Right now, there’s no 501(c)(3); everything’s out of pocket. But with help, we can really grow.”
Mark’s dedication and positive spirit have made him a pillar within the Oasis Network and the Venice Beach community. “I used to stand in this line. Now I’m fortunate to be on the other side,” he reflected. “Trust me, when you change the frequency, everything changes.”
On November 9, 2024, volunteers from Oasis Network continued their vital work of distributing groceries on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, extending their support to the unhoused community. Oasis, founded by Dan Hubbard, is renowned for providing food, emotional, and spiritual assistance. Although Hubbard, the former CEO, is currently unable to oversee operations due to illness, volunteers have maintained the organization's commitment to uplifting those in need. Among them is Tom, who is unhoused himself but exemplifies resilience and leadership.
The Oasis team starts their mornings early, collecting food from four different markets in the South Bay, including three Whole Foods locations and one Vons. Tom plays a critical role in preparing for the food distribution, sweeping the area before the food truck arrives and assisting with unloading and organizing. “I try to clean all the debris from the night before so that everything is ready when people show up,” he shared while sweeping the grounds and speaking with Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz. The truck typically arrives between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, bringing the generous food donations that sustain the effort.
Tom also manages the line of people waiting for food, ensuring fairness amidst the crowd. However, the task comes with challenges. “We’re supposed to have some added security because there have been a couple of fights up here,” Tom mentioned. He recounted incidents involving altercations and noted the presence of law enforcement teams like the Circle and SAFE teams to maintain order.
Despite difficulties, Tom takes pride in the community effort. “This is for the needy, not the greedy,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among those waiting for food. “Some people line up at 4:00 in the morning to secure their place, and it’s not fair when others show up later and try to cut ahead.”
Tom’s dedication goes beyond managing food lines; he also cleans and maintains public spaces, including the boardwalk bathrooms. “I buy my own bleach and alcohol to sanitize the area. At the end of the day, this is our home,” he said.
A military veteran, Tom’s journey to this point has been marked by personal battles, including overcoming addiction and health challenges related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). He shared, “I was diagnosed with stage 4 CKD. Insurance only covered so much, so I chose to fight it on my own terms, even if it meant living out here.” Despite adversity, Tom continues to lead by example, inspiring others in the community to maintain cleanliness and order.
Tom also highlighted the underlying struggles that contribute to addiction among the unhoused. “It’s easy to say, ‘I’m an addict,’ but harder to admit, ‘I gave up on myself.’ Many out here have given up on life and use drugs as a way to cope,” he reflected. Yet, he remains steadfast in his recovery, acknowledging the support from friends, fellow veterans, and even some police officers who encourage him.
His commitment to positive change has earned him respect, even among those who may not always agree with him. “Some people hate me for standing out, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to take the good with the bad,” Tom said before resuming his volunteer duties.
Santa Monica, November 8, 2024 – The Santa Monica Police Department’s Mounted Unit was actively patrolling Palisades Park on Friday, November 8, 2024, reinforcing the city’s commitment to public safety.
The Mounted Unit is integral to maintaining a visible and effective law enforcement presence in the community. Their expertise in navigating crowded areas makes them essential for managing the bustling beachfront and ensuring rapid responses to emergencies.
Community members greatly appreciate the Mounted Unit, valuing not only their law enforcement efforts but also the sense of security and trust they foster. The presence of mounted officers in Palisades Park highlights Santa Monica’s dedication to creating safe and welcoming public spaces for all residents and visitors.
The Santa Monica Police Department continues to prioritize innovative approaches to public safety, with the Mounted Unit playing a pivotal role in these initiatives.
Santa Monica, November 8, 2024 – The iconic bowling alley at 234 Pico Boulevard has been demolished, making way for a new mixed-use development. According to an article by Steven Sharp in *Urbanize Los Angeles*, Cypress Equity Investments, which acquired the property in 2020, is leading the project that will introduce four- and five-story buildings. The planned development includes 186 residential units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, alongside approximately 11,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The project will also feature a three-level, partially underground parking structure with 346 parking spaces.
The revised project leverages updates to the state density bonus law, which allows for 19 deed-restricted affordable units and grants waivers for height and zoning limitations. KFA Architecture is overseeing the design, which has evolved since its last presentation to the Architectural Review Board in August 2022. The updated plans notably include the retention and reinstallation of the original “BOWL” sign to maintain a connection to the site's history.
Santa Monica’s cherished winter tradition, *Ice at Santa Monica*, has made its grand return, promising an unforgettable holiday season for residents and visitors alike. The seasonal rink, spanning 8,000 square feet at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, opened on Friday, November 8, 2024, and will run through January 20, 2025. Presented by Disney+, the grand opening event featured a special evening of complimentary skating under the stars from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., accompanied by live music from a DJ and performances by skilled on-ice entertainers. Guests flocked to enjoy free skate sessions, with the excitement setting the tone for the months to come.The rink will host themed nights and events throughout the season, including a Taylor Swift-themed skate and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Admission is set at $22 for 60-minute sessions, and a smaller “tot rink” caters to younger skaters.With its festive atmosphere and community-centered activities, *Ice at Santa Monica* is poised to be the city’s holiday highlight. Visitors are encouraged to join in on the winter fun and create lasting memories right in the heart of Santa Monica.
