Locals have plenty of reasons to be thankful this year. From city officials and education leaders to business owners and law enforcement, Santa Monicans pointed to friends and family as well as community as bright spots in 2024.
The season of thanks was also felt at St. Joseph Center in Venice last week, as the nonprofit hosted its annual drive-through turkey giveaway, providing more than 1,600 Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families in need. The center was also honored with a Neighborhood Builders award from Bank of America that day, presented with a $200,000 check to expand community efforts such as the giveaway.
The staff of the Daily Press wishes all of Santa Monica, Venice and the Westside a wonderful holiday, and leave you with Santa Monica locals’ own reasons for thankfulness this season.
“I'm grateful for the Samohi Theatre Department; the students are talented, quirky, hardworking and kind to each other and it's a joy to teach and direct them!”
Kate Barraza, Theater Director, Santa Monica High School
"I am particularly thankful for our business leaders who not only create good jobs in Santa Monica but give back and serve the community in so many ways creating a vibrant place to live, play, and work."
Judy Kruger, President/CEO, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
“I am grateful for love and friendship and their miraculous ability to heal in times of trouble.”
Rob Schwenker, Executive Director, Santa Monica History Museum
"I am thankful for the incredibly caring, compassionate, and collaborative community of Santa Monica. I have deep gratitude for the unbreakable partnership between our families and staff in ensuring all our students are provided with everything they need to be successful."
Christian Fuhrer, Principal, Grant Elementary School
“I saw the official City of Santa Monica's Instagram post on November 20th honoring transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of transgender violence, and it took my breath away. Thank you to my childhood hometown for creating a city that includes all; it's a place where I still want to be a resident, I love raising my children in our public schools, and I get to build a small business to give back to my own community that has given me these opportunities. I am grateful that I am in this particular place, right here, right now. #SaMoPride”
Nicole Blaine, Owner/CEO, The Crow
"I am so thankful to work in the Santa Monica-Malibu USD for 24 years as the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator as I plan to retire in June 2025. Also, I am so thankful for our dedicated visual, Performing Arts teachers, staff and students. I have had the pleasure of working with and watching the difference they make every day and the lives of our students! Lastly, I am thankful for such a supportive community that values arts education in our public schools! Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!"
Tom Whaley, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, SMMUSD
“I am so thankful for our beautiful beach. Tower 24 has been the backdrop for so many important moments over the last 30 years. It has warmed my soul in good times and held my tears in bad... and all the inbetweens. I am lucky for the privilege and grateful for the access to step on that sand and say, I live here.”
Meredith McCarthy, Director of Community Connection, Heal the Bay
"We are thankful for four years of competent and ethical leadership from the Biden Administration, Vice President Kamala Harris for stepping up to run a strong campaign against impossible prevailing headwinds, and our local Democratic candidates for providing Santa Monica with the opportunity to become a beacon of hope for progressive governance during the uncertain times ahead of us."
Santa Monica Democratic Club
"At Westside Food Bank, gratitude is at the heart of everything we do. I’m especially thankful for our 60+ partner agencies, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters who make our mission possible. From individuals to businesses, schools, and faith groups, our community comes together to fight hunger. I’m also deeply grateful for our passionate Board and staff, whose commitment ensures we can keep nourishing our neighbors in need. Together, we’re building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive — and that’s something to truly be thankful for."
Genevieve Riutort, President & CEO, Westside Food Bank
“I’m grateful to have a job I love that makes a difference. I am constantly inspired by our staff who work super hard for our mission, by our Board members who volunteer countless hours and share wisdom, by our residents who have overcome adversity and who share their gratitude with us, and to community members who advocate for no personal gain but to make our community better for everyone. Let’s all be the change we want to see in this world – together!”
Tara Barauskas, Executive Director, Community Corp. of Santa Monica
“I am thankful for many things right now. I am grateful to work with a team of dedicated, compassionate, and talented employees who truly care about the community they serve. I’m thankful for the members of this community, and how engaged and passionate they are about moving the city forward. I’m thankful for the natural beauty that surrounds us each day in Santa Monica. And I’m thankful to live and work in a city that takes very seriously and cares very deeply about its most vulnerable residents, the impacts of climate change, and building a sustainable and equitable future.”
David White, City Manager
“First and foremost, I am thankful for my daughter and husband and to have a safe place to call home. I am also grateful for all the Housing and Human Services Department staff for their tireless work to house and support members of our community. My hope is that someday every single member of our community will be stably and safely housed. Thank you to everyone in the city who is helping us get there.”
Heather Averick, Director of Housing and Human Services
“I am thankful for my amazing family, my wonderful friends, and the fact that I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful city like Santa Monica. However you spend the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope you find joy and peace.”
Gleam Davis, Councilmember
“I am blessed to have been able to serve the people of Santa Monica for the past four years as a City Council Member and the Mayor of this great city. It is a blessing to contribute to those in need through the great volunteer efforts of Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Elks, and the Salvation Army, among others. Above all, I am fortunate to know so many of you. Your presence has enriched my life tremendously and I give thanks to all of you every day.”
Phil Brock, Mayor
“I am incredibly thankful for my beautiful family, good health and the time spent with loved ones this holiday season. And I am also thankful for this wonderful community. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve them the past four years on the City Council, getting to meet and know so many wonderful people, and to make progress on critical issues. I look forward to continuing to dedicate myself to Santa Monica in the years to come. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!”
Christine Parra, Councilmember
“This is the time of year to reflect on gratitude and community. This season offers an opportunity to focus on the values that bring us together and the commitments we hold as a school district to our students, families, staff and broader communities we serve. I am thankful for our staff, students, parents, volunteers, and community members for your dedication and partnership. Your efforts help ensure that SMMUSD continues to thrive and that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically and socially-emotionally.”
Dr. Antonio Shelton, Superintendent, SMMUSD
“Thank you for being the heart of our schools. Your support, dedication, and partnership make all the difference for our students. Together, we’re creating opportunities, fostering growth, and building a brighter future. I’m grateful to serve such an incredible community.”
Dr. Stacy Williamson, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, SMMUSD
“I am thankful to be part of the Samohi community working alongside the collection of dedicated professionals that are committed to supporting our students as they learn and thrive. I am continually inspired by the enthusiasm, determination, and curiosity demonstrated by our students.”
Marae Cruce, Principal, Santa Monica High School
“During this season, I’m deeply thankful to be the principal of Lincoln Middle School and to serve such an incredible community. I’m inspired daily by our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Together, we make Lincoln a place of growth, inclusion, and achievement. Happy Thanksgiving!”
Jose Cuevas, Principal, Lincoln Middle School
“It is an honor to serve as principal of John Adams Middle School, where education, inclusivity, and excellence thrive. Students’ curiosity and determination inspire us daily, reinforcing our mission. Witnessing their growth, achievements, and resilience is the greatest reward.”
Martha Chacon, Principal, John Adams Middle School
“I’m grateful to be in my 17th year as principal of SMASH which is a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for kids and adults. I’m thankful to my family who fill me with unconditional love and commitment to humanitarian efforts and environmental stewardship. Our Santa Monica community generates so much that I appreciate including compassionate care for student interests and needs.”
Jessica Rishe, Principal, Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH)
“Teaching is a journey of the heart. As teachers, we get to experience the challenges and the triumphs our students experience by their side. Being able to share those moments has been the biggest joy and honor of my life. I am thankful for sharing the gift of those moments with our students and being there also to accept them exactly as they are each and every day.”
Claudia Bautista-Nicholas, President, Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association
“As we reflect on the past year, I remain thankful and grateful to live in a community like Santa Monica. As I walk my dog or look at the sunset from Palisade Park, I always remind myself that in spite of any problems we face on a daily basis, we are lucky enough to live in the most special city I have ever known.”
Jon Kean, Vice President, SMMUSD Board of Education
“This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for my family, the supportive community I am part of, and the opportunity to serve students in our public schools. My heart goes out to those facing hardships this season—may we all find comfort, hope, and the strength to support one another.”
Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Board Member, SMMUSD Board of Education
“This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for our families, educators, and community who make our schools thrive. Your dedication inspires us all. Wishing you a season filled with joy, connection, and gratitude. Thank you for all you do!”
Alicia Mignano, Board Member, SMMUSD Board of Education
“This Thanksgiving finds me in a contemplative state, reflecting on the profound challenges our City has weathered recently. My deepest gratitude extends to the extraordinary individuals who comprise the Santa Monica Police Department, whose unwavering dedication and commitment safeguards our community. My heart swells with particular thankfulness for the ongoing recovery of our officer who faced grave injuries while serving our city. The outpouring of support from both our community and the SMPD family - not only for him, but also for our Records Supervisor who lost everything in the Mountain fire - has been deeply moving. While my mood may not match the traditional holiday cheer, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and humility to serve alongside such extraordinary colleagues in this remarkable city.”
Ramon Batista, Santa Monica Chief of Police
“I’m grateful for so many of the usual things - family, friends, health, happiness.”
Lt. Erika Aklufi, Santa Monica Police Department
“I am thankful for the faith and support our Downtown stakeholders have put in me. It’s incredibly humbling and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. On a personal note, I’m thankful to live and work on the Westside of Los Angeles. This is the most beautiful corner of the world.”
Andrew Thomas, CEO, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
“At UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, we are so thankful to partner with our Community to provide the most comprehensive and integrative healthcare. It’s so gratifying to deliver acts of kindness, alleviate suffering, and care for our entire community across their whole life span from newborn to geriatrics. It is what we are here for every day, and we are so grateful to be part of the Santa Monica Community.”
Janet Rimicci, Senior Executive Director, UCLA Health Santa Monica
“I am grateful to have two healthy little rascals running amok at home, being married to a wonderful human and mother to our children, and living in a state and city that strives to safeguard the health of nature and all people.”
Benjamin Kay, Life & Environmental Sciences, Santa Monica High School
“As my first Thanksgiving as the Fire Chief here in Santa Monica, I’m thankful for my two families, my family at home and my family here in Santa Monica. I’m also thankful that my almost 90-year-old mother was able to witness another Dodgers World Series.”
Matthew Hallock, Chief, Santa Monica Fire Department
“This Thanksgiving, we are deeply grateful for the incredible community that has supported The Lobster for over 25 years. From the families who’ve celebrated milestones with us to the locals who’ve made us part of their weekly rituals, you’ve helped us create something truly special here at the entrance to the historic Santa Monica Pier. Sharing fresh, sustainable seafood with the best oceanfront view is a privilege we never take for granted. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your stories — here’s to many more years together!”
Govind Armstrong, Executive Chef, The Lobster
Santa Monica Daily Press Staff
