Last evening, the City of Santa Monica posted a video to its Twitter/X account with Mayor Lana Negrete addressing the state of the city. Next provides this transcript of the video for those preferring to read rather than watch or listen.
Good afternoon, everyone.
I’m so glad to be here with you today. My heart is with our region as we continue to navigate these difficult times.
First and foremost, we are fortunate to report that Santa Monica did not see any active fires within city limits. Our community is open strong and has been serving our neighbors who have been impacted. We are ready to welcome all with open arms.
Over the past week, it’s been truly uplifting to witness the outpouring of support from our residents, businesses and the region, while we’ve been spared and avoided any major damage in Santa Monica, we know that so many of our friends and family across the Los Angeles area are facing immense challenges right now, but in times like these, the power of community really shines, and we can lend a hand. Financial donations big and small make the biggest impact on getting those impacted back on their feet. There’s a list available of many vetted response organizations on our incident website that can be found at Santa monica.gov.
In response to the ongoing impact of the wildfires, Santa Monica Cares a nonprofit powered by the tourism community is gathering donations and other offers to support first responders, evacuees and wildfire relief efforts. Visit SantaMonicacares.org to donate or get involved.
It has been incredibly heartening to see how this community has stepped up to support our neighbors and those within our own community who have been impacted. Nearly 30 of our restaurants have donated 3000 meals to Santa Monica Travel and Tourism to deliver to the Santa Monica Police Department and National Guard, and that’s just the beginning.
More than 50 other businesses have also stepped up, offering free meals, experiences and essential services for first responders and evacuees. If your business would like to help, please visit SantaMonicacares.org. As we all know, housing for evacuees is a huge challenge right now. Our hotels are open and have availability. 25 local hotels, including the Ambrose, where we are today, have extended substantial discounts to first responders and evacuees who need a place to stay.
We’re doing everything we can to make sure those who are putting themselves at risk to help others have a safe place to eat. Stay and rest, please visit SantaMonicacares.org for current hotel availability and other information. Now more than ever, our businesses need your support.
Santa Monica is safe and continues to welcome residents and visitors. We encourage you to visit, dine, shop and enjoy everything our community has to offer, whether it’s having a meal, attending a workout class or just taking a mental break in our beautiful city, I continue to hear from people who want to find a way to help.
And while the need is great for fire victims, we also can’t forget about our local businesses who are seeing the impacts as well. If you can, please help your favorite Santa, Monica, restaurant or retailer purchase gift certificates for future use or provide them to friends and loved ones who have been displaced. Every bit helps.
We know it’s a long road ahead to getting back to any sense of normalcy. I’m proud of how our community comes together in tough times. So again, please consider supporting your local organizations, and let’s continue to show the world what a resilient, caring community we are Here in Santa Monica.
Thank you and stay safe.
