November 6, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Candy Cane Driving

By Sam Skopp

 

Saturday, Dec. 9 saw the Santa Monica Firefighters’ and Police Officers’ Associations co-sponsored Santa Monica’s annual Candy Cane Drive for the 25th year in a row. Vehicles from both the local fire department and police department, many of which were adorned with Christmas decorations, escort Santa Claus and a team of volunteers to parks across Santa Monica.

At each of the six locations, which included Douglas Park, Christine Reed Park, Virginia Avenue Park, Marine Park and Clover Park, kids could get their pictures taken with Santa Claus, who rode at the front of the motorcade as it arrived at each park, as well as with the decorated vehicles. Additionally, volunteers both from the fire and police departments, alongside civilian volunteers of all ages handed out candy canes to attendees of this event.

“This is Police and Fire’s way of being part of our community,” said Santa Monica Police Captain Wendell Shirley, “and to take time out to be thankful for what we have.”

As Captain Shirley was discussing the importance of engaging with the community he and his police department are sworn to protect, a child approached him and handed him a note thanking him for his service to the city, along with a small gift, wishing him a Merry Christmas.

“This is true community policing right here,” Shirley said. “The support the community gives to public safety is great.”

Captain Shirley has been a member of the Santa Monica Police Department for 24 years, and participated in the event every year since he joined.

“I’ve been doing this every year. It’s just a great event,” he said.

At its first stop, at Douglas Park, of the dozens of families, while some were walking from their cars, having driven their children to the park to get a photo alongside emergency vehicles and Santa Claus, many of those attending came from homes in the surrounding neighborhood. Each visit to each park gave members of the surrounding local areas a chance to join in on the holiday cheer.

For more information about upcoming Santa Monica City events, visit smgov.net.

A child poses with Santa alongside representatives from the Fire and Police Departments.

Photos: Sam Skopp

A vehicle decorated for Christmas.

A banner on the back of one of the police cars.
Tags: , , , , in News
<>Related Posts

Police Seek Suspect in Vandalism of Jewish-Owned Businesses in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson Neighborhood

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Authorities Investigate Series of Early Morning Attacks as Hate Crime Police are actively searching for a suspect accused of vandalizing...

Latest Santa Monica Election Results as Votes Are Counted in National, State, and Local Races

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Preliminary Results From Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, and National Elections Here are the latest election results, as votes are...

Topanga Canyon Blvd Closed to Non-Residents Due to High Fire Danger

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Closures Run From Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed to non-residents from Mulholland Drive...

Big Blue Bus Gets $53M for Electrification, Service Improvement

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Grant to fund zero-emission fleet conversion, expanded transit service, and workforce training initiatives The California State Transportation Agency announced Wednesday...

High Alert: L.A. County Braces for Extreme Fire Weather and Powerful Winds

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Residents Urged To Prepare as Red Flag Warning Goes into Effect  The Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and...

The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

DuPont Clinic Issues a Statement After City of Beverly Hills is Held Accountable By CA Attorney General Bonta

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

AG Rob Bonta Intervenes in Unprecedented Case, Defending Abortion Access Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an investigation after reports that...

“The Oakwood Residence” in Venice Beach Hits Market at $4.3M

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

The Home’s Design Focuses on Organic, Monochromatic Elements A newly listed property at 1008 Oakwood Avenue, priced at $4.3 million,...

SMFD Contain Apartment Blaze on Bay Street

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

An Investigation Has Been Launched Into the Fire’s Origin The Santa Monica Fire Department quickly contained a fire that broke...

City of Santa Monica to Host Its Fifth Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Pier

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Event to Honor Service Members With Special Performances, Community Tributes Santa Monica will host its fifth annual Veterans Day ceremony...

Coast Guard Completes Marina del Rey Yacht Fire Fuel Cleanup

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

The Vessel No Longer Poses a Pollution Threat After Weeks of Recovery Operations Cleanup efforts have concluded in Marina del...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...

Brentwood’s Beloved New York Bagel Co. to Close After 21 Years at Topa Town & Country Center

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Local Favorite, Designed by Renowned Architect Fred Gehry, Must Vacate by December 31 By Dolores Quintana New York Bagel Co.,...

Activist Named 24th Senate District’s “2024 Woman of the Year”

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

In Addition to Working With the Alzheimer’s Association, She Has Been Active in the Stop Asian Hate Movement Senator Ben...

Santa Monica Pier Bridge to be Replaced in $29M Project

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

The Updated Design Includes Expanded Walkways, Modern Lighting, and New Railings Santa Monica has finalized the design for a new...