Community members gathered on Thursday, February 7, to celebrate the unveiling by the City of Santa Monica of a monument marking a section of beach near Bay Street that was once referred to as the “Ink Well” – a restricted area of the beach available for African-Americans. Racial restrictions were eliminated on California’s beaches in 1927, but many African-Americans from Santa Monica and Venice felt more comfortable on this stretch of beach long after that time. Nicolas Gabaldon, a 1940s graduate of Santa Monica High School and the first documented African-American surfer, taught himself to surf there. The plaque is engraved with the words: “The Ink Well: A Place of Celebration and Pain,” and gives a brief history.
You might be interested in …

Southern California’s First Gap Retail Store Closes This Week in Santa Monica (Video)
The iconic store, once visited by celebrities like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, will shut its doors on July 23

As Santa Monica’s Only Homeless Shelter Closes, Locals Worry One is Coming Near Them
Closure of longtime shelter Samoshel sparks fears in Pico as Santa Monica repurposes motels for transitional housing. By Zach Armstrong An overhaul of Santa Monica’s approach to homelessness is generating anxiety among residents. Plans to […]

Santa Monica Planetarium August Shows to Feature Mars Rover, Great Observatories and Eclipses
Friday night shows and a family matinee will highlight current space missions, night sky viewing and solar system wonders. The Santa Monica College Planetarium will present a series of live-hosted shows in August exploring Mars […]

Main Street shuts down on Thursday for Santa Monica’s State of the City Festival
ESPN and Goldenvoice join Thursday’s Main Street event in Santa Monica. Main Street will transform into a “free, family-friendly celebration” this Thursday as Santa Monica hosts its annual State of the City address and a […]

Noteworthy 7/22-8/5/26: THEATRE, MUSIC, OUTDOORS OF COURSE!
By Charles Andrews NOTE: NOTEWORTHY is now spanning a two-week period. A little simpler for me, better for you (get those tickets early). Let me save you some more time and trouble. If you subscribe […]

Is the Cyclospora parasite outbreak in Los Angeles? Latest health update
As the nationwide outbreak continues to climb, Los Angeles public health officials have released new local data. Los Angeles County health officials are urging residents to take preventive measures against foodborne illness as a massive, […]
Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and events in Santa Monica and the surrounding areas!






