July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica College Foundation Receives Private Donation Of $807,500:

The Santa Monica College Foundation announced Tuesday it had received one of its largest ever private donations — $807,500 — from the Estate of Peggy Bergmann of Pacific Palisades.

The gift will provide more than $40,000 in annual scholarships for SMC students.

Bergmann’s gift will establish the Lenore and John Elmer Bergmann Scholarship Fund in memory of her parents.

“At a time when colleges are struggling with limited funding and course offerings, this generous gift from Ms. Bergmann provides great assistance as our students pursue their dreams,” said SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang.

The donation was arranged by Santa Monica attorneys Sonya and Bruce Sultan, who recommended to Bergmann that the SMC Foundation be included in her estate.

“When we learned that she wanted to make gifts to local organizations – particularly for education, youth and music – Bruce immediately thought of SMC,” said Sonya Sultan. “We really appreciate the college and the great work it’s doing in our community and beyond. We were very pleased that Ms. Bergmann wanted to include SMC.”

Bruce Sultan has served on the SMC Citizens Bond Oversight Committee since 2009 and as its chair for two years.

Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Butler said the funds will most likely be distributed in more than 40 annual scholarships of $1,000 each from the interest earned on the fund.

The Bergmann donation marks the fourth largest gift ever received by the SMC Foundation, Butler said.

Bergmann died Dec. 10, 2011. Her $15 million estate also included substantial gifts to additional local organizations, including the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation, Pico Youth & Family Center, and Santa Monica/Westside YWCA.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...