Christopher Rhodes, Santa Monica High School’s beloved Choral Director (above), is accustomed to receiving applause at the end of a concert, but at the end of his last concert Friday night, the applause was accompanied by tears, as it was Rhodes’ final appearance on the Barnum Hall stage at Samohi.
The students on stage and many people in the audience were tearful as Rhodes said goodbye and spoke of the need for the community to fight to preserve the schools’ music programs in the face of continuing budget cuts, adding that parents should never let anyone tell their children that they cannot sing.
At the end of the school year, Rhodes will move to Texas.
20 years ago, Dr. Mark Gold (left) founded Heal the Bay and he has worked from that time to this to make Southern California waters safe and healthy for people and marine life.
Last Thursday, supporters, ranging from Hollywood stars to business leaders, gathered in tents on the beach to celebrate Heal the Bay’s accomplishments and support its continuing work at its annual “Bring Back the Beach” fundraiser and dinner.
Hootie & The Blowfish and The Bangles performed, producer/director Garry Marshall was guest emcee, many actors were on hand, but Gold was the star of the show.Photos by Margaret Molloy
