September 4, 2024

Dear Editor,

Just writing to memorialize the folks that created and executed the ground game to save the Pier in the early 70’s when the City Council decided to tear it down to build an Island and luxury hotel in the Bay ("The Road in the Sea," September 28, 2003).

I was a waitress at Al’s Kitchen then just out of college and loving living in SM. We were shocked when the Council took this position and a few thoughtful people started a group to Save the Pier! Many of them are no longer with us. This is not to forget anybody because the City rallied around the cause and -- yep -- saved the Pier.

Today, remember the core of those folks who are no longer with us: Gary Schwedes; Samo high graduate and Parks and Rec Commissioner, Maynard and Sheila Ostrow -- who ran a Pier amusement businesses, Joan Crowne who owned Al’s Kitchen, Jack Sikking who managed Al’s, Jeff Solomon, a lifeguard.

Many other folks – Larry Barber, Julie Stone, myself –- are still around, but I’ll never forget those folks that strategized tactics to get the Council’s vote changed, financed the tiny campaign and endlessly spoke to neighbors and the public about the value the Pier had and would have in the future for Santa Monica.

I’ve accomplished a few cool things in Santa Monica since then but this was the first political steps I took. I learned from the best and I want them to be remembered as we celebrate the 115 Anniversary ("Pier to Celebrate 115th Birthday Friday," September 3, 2024).