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

Remembering Margarita Gomez: One Of Five Santa Monica Shooting Victims:

On any given weekday morning, Margarita Gomez could be seen rolling her cart through Santa Monica College, collecting bottles and cans.

On campus, she was known as “The Recycle Lady.”

Many assumed she was homeless, in need of money.

The truth is Gomez was diabetic and just following her doctor’s orders to exercise.

The money she made from recycling was always donated a portion to non-profits.

“That’s the worst thing,” said her granddaughter Janette Torres, 21. “She didn’t need to collect bottles; it was more like a hobby. This is her neighborhood.”

On Friday, June 7, Gomez left her home across the street of Pico Boulevard and broke her weekly ritual, visiting the campus on a Friday.

“She never, never, never came here on a Friday,” said Torres.

Still in a state of shock, her family, along with friends and neighbors, gathered Sunday at SMC to mourn their loss.

Her eldest son, Gabriel Torres, appeared distraught and confused, looking for answers. Soon, Santa Monica College Police Sgt. Jere Romano approached the group, supplying as many details as possible, giving his undivided attention to the grieving family.

Sgt. Romano led the family (from the point where Gomez was hit) across Pearl Street where Margarita’s body was taken out of harm’s way.

According to Romano and many others, Gomez was a familiar, welcome presence on the campus.

The Sergeant pointed to the flag in front of the SMC police station which stood at half mast in honor of all those in the community who fell.

He exchanged information with eldest son Gabriel and then made a promise.

“We want you to know that we are with you,” he said. “We really mean this, we are here for you. All counseling services are available for you and your family.”

According to SMC President Dr. Chui Tsang, Gomez was also active in the Senior Latino Club that meets every Thursday at Virginia Avenue Park.

She regularly donated a portion of the money from her recycling activities to the club, which contributes support to organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Saint Anne Catholic Church and Shrine held a vigil and prayers for Gomez last weekend.

The Santa Monica College Foundation has established The Margarita Gomez Family Memorial Fund in her honor.

Visit foundation.smc.edu/GomezMemorial for additional information or to make a donation.

in News
<>Related Posts

Justice Served by the Slice: L.A. Chefs Rally for Pies for Justice Fundraiser

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Sweet, Savory, and Pizza Pies to Support Foster Youth and Civil Rights Chefs and restaurants from across Los Angeles and...

What to Expect at This Weekend’s ‘Venice Summer Fest’ in Mar Vista

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Attendees Can Expect More Than Two Dozen Bands, a Classic Car Show, Food Trucks, Vendors and More The Venice Summer...

Santa Monica’s Tourism Report Reveals Economic Gains, Industry Optimism for 2024

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

City Welcomes 4.2M Visitors, Celebrates Local Heroes at Annual Tourism Summit Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) hosted its 16th...

Here’s The Pride Events Coming to Santa Monica This Weekend

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

They offer a mix of entertainment, sports, family activities, and community resources Santa Monica will mark Pride Month with a...

Santa Monica Police Arrest Man in Attempted Sexual Assault of 84-Year-Old Woman

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Suspect Charged With Multiple Felonies After Attack Near 6th and Wilshire Police have arrested a Long Beach man in connection...

Multiple Injuries Reported in Windward Ave Collision: REPORT

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Emergency crews closed the affected intersection to secure the area and began cleanup efforts A vehicle collision involving at least...

Florida Congressman to Visit American Legion Palisades for Relief Fundraiser

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The event aims to support the post’s relief efforts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the cause Congressman Brian Mast, a...

Malibu to Host Dual Webinars June 17 on Fire Recovery and Wildfire Safety

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Sessions to Inform and Support Residents Facing Fire-Related Challenges Homeowners recovering from the Palisades Fire and residents seeking to prepare...

City of Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for City Boards and Commissions

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Deadline is June 17 for Open Civic Roles on Key City Advisory Boards The deadline is approaching for residents interested...

Second Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case, Faces Up to 40 Years

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Doctor Admits to Illegally Supplying Ketamine to the Actor and His Assistant One of the physicians charged in connection with...

Santa Monica Releases 2024 Crime Stats, Highlights Safety Advances in New Report

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

The city claims the department launched a 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on innovative policing and staff wellness The City of...

Army Corps Reaches Milestone in Completing in Palisades Debris Removal

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

As of June 15, the effort has cleared debris from an estimated 13,579 eligible parcels The U.S. Army Corps of...

Renovated Riviera Estate Hits Market for $25M

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light, with nearly every room opening to a private deck or patio...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/Ssb4O7uZdu pic.twitter.com/XspARQcKcb — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) June 16,...

(Video Recap) “No Kings” Protest Comes to Downtown Santa Monica

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Palisades Park was one of a dozen LA locations where protestors took to the streets on Saturday to challenge ICE...