Happy New Year, Event Invitations and Reflections || January 2025

Bay Street Beach Historic District Update

The California State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC) voted unanimously to recommend to the California State Historic Preservation Officer listing the Bay Street Beach Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places on May 8 at their quarterly meeting in Palm Springs. The NR nomination recognizes this Santa Monica area as a significant site of African American seaside recreation, leisure, and contestation during the Jim Crow era.More than 40 letters and almost 350 signatures on an online petition of support were part of the nomination package. Many thanks to Michael Blum, and everyone at Sea of Clouds, for the partnership to get this project accomplished. Also thanks to all of you who supported the work.

Next, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) will review the nomination and consider the SHRC’s recommendation. If she approves, the nomination will be sent to the National Park Service and the Keeper of the National Register. This review by the Keeper represents the final review before a possible listing.

More to come on the Bay Street Historic District soon.

Join us at Nick Gabaldón Day 2019

Youngster experiencing the joy of wave riding. Photograph courtesy of Elizabeth Pepin Silva, 2018.

Join the Santa Monica Conservancy, Heal the Bay, and the Black Surfers Collective on June 1 for Nick Gabaldón Day 2019, an innovative celebration that provides amazing opportunities to connect Angelenos with cultural, historical and natural heritage and for broadening outreach, action, and education intersecting with beach recreation at Santa Monica’s Lifeguard Tower 20 (end of Bay Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405)

Participants can take a free introductory surfing lesson for enjoyment of the seaside with learning experiences about local history, ocean stewardship, ocean safety and marine biology. Learn more about the day’s activities and sign up for free surf lessons here.

Pre-order my book, Living the California Dream

New York City-based artist Derrick Adams graciously allowed his artwork to be used for the cover of my book being published by University of Nebraska Press. Done in 2016, the artwork is titled Floater 21 (face) and is from his “Culture Club” series. Learn more about my book, Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era, and how to pre-order it at a discount here.

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