July 2, 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

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

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...