On March 1,1983, the second of two overwhelming storms left the Santa Monica Pier a shell of itself with but a bleak outlook for its future. It was much like the same fate the Palisades Fires delivered to the Westside weeks ago.
Resilience and hope prevailed for the Pier after its devastation as the community rallied around the place that charmed generations and inspired countless memories for those who knew and enjoyed it. I know that the Pacific Palisades will follow suit.
A couple of months ago, I had planned to highlight the Santa Monica Pier Corporation’s first-ever annual fundraising event, A PIERfect Benefit, which was to take place at the end of this month. That will have to wait, of course, as there are more important causes to raise funds for. In the meantime, we at the Pier are doing our part to support our neighbors to the north.
At our January Locals’ Night event, the Pier Corporation alongside KTLA and our partners at Pacific Park amusement park, added a fundraising element to our traditional monthly gathering by collecting donations for Palisades Charter High School. The result was a heartwarming and inspiring get-together for the displaced students, their families, and our local community. It felt like a much needed first step forward after weeks of stunned sorrow and pain.
In February, we continued with the Palisades fundraising spirit at Locals’ Night and will continue to do so for the remainder of our Locals’ Night season, every third Thursday of the month through May 15.
The Pier is more than an assemblage of deck boards hovering over the ocean – supporting shops, restaurants, and an amusement park. I often refer to the Pier as an escape – a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. But, the Pier is more than that, too, isn’t it? The Pier is, and always has been, a place to come together and have fun with friends, family, and neighbors. It is a place of community, where we can all turn to help each other, to be there for one another.
We’re here for you, Pacific Palisades, in honor of your people, your places, and the memories that they have inspired.
By Jim Harris
Jim Harris is the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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