July 1, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Oil Protest at the Pier: Locals and Elected Officials Unite in Offshore Drilling Action

By Sam Skopp

Local Senator Ben Allen hosted a protest on the end of the Santa Monica pier in conjunction with a number elected officials and environmental advocacy groups, Feb. 3, in opposition to a new government proposal that would open up offshore drilling off the coast of Santa Monica.

Hundreds gathered to lend their support to the movement, creating a strong showing of unity.

“We’re asking people to register statements with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management…opposed to offshore drilling,” Craig Cadwallader, Policy Coordinator for the Surfrider Foundation South Bay Chapter, explained.

The idea behind gathering these individual statements, which Sen. Allen later stressed as he kicked off a series of speakers, was that a mass of individual statements would have a greater impact than one statement co-signed by many.

Two bills have been drafted in protest to the government proposal: Assembly member Al Muratsuchi’s AB-1775 and SB-834 co-authored by Santa Barbara’s Hannah Beth Jackson and protest organizer Sen. Allen, both of which would strengthen the ability of the state to protect its land, according to Cadwaller. Muratsuchi was also among those in attendance at the event.

“Those [bills] go in tandem with trying to protect the state right to control their own future,” said Cadwallader. “We’ve been fighting oil for decades.”

The Pier protest included musical performances led by AnMarie Mendoza and Jessa Calderon – including both a traditional Tongva song and a rap song performed by Calderon; statements by Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tempore Gleam Davis, and Santa Monica and L.A. Councilmembers Sue Himmelrich and Mike Bonin; remarks by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congressman Ted Lieu, and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán; with a number of other elected officials and community leaders taking part, before concluding with a call and response from Maggie Wheeler and the Golden Bridge Choir.

Protesters at the Pier.
Senator Ben Allen leading the action.

Protesting offshore drilling.

Photos: Sam Skopp
<>Related Posts

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...