SURVEY SAYS…SANTA MONICA LOVES THE ARTS!

A recent telephone survey of 492 city residents, conducted as part of the Creative Capital cultural planning process that will guide the development of arts and culture in Santa Monica over the next ten years, has found that nearly every adult in the city participates in the arts. Remarkably, 99% of Santa Monica’s adult population reported attending an arts or cultural event within the last two years: 82% going to concerts, 83% visiting art galleries, 61% going to museums, 69% seeing plays and participating in festivals—far more than the average American citizen.

Nearly 50% of all respondents said they had attended the summer Twilight Dance Series or concerts at the Civic Auditorium, while more than a third visited Bergamot Station and Santa Monica Museum of Art, and took in live local theatre. Not only do Santa Monicans enjoy the arts in their free time, 43% of residents indicated that they work in the arts for all or part of their living—a higher percentage of the population than in San Francisco, Chicago or even New York City! Santa Monica is home to many writers and visual artists, designers, film and TV industry professionals, musicians and dancers. Now we know why people say Santa Monicans march to a different drum—we’ve got our own band!

When it comes to the arts, Santa Monica is an enlightened community. Ninety percent of residents believe a high-quality arts scene is important; a large majority say that strong arts and cultural programs are a key element that keeps our city interesting and makes it a better place to raise kids.

These results demonstrate that our residents recognize and appreciate what the arts do for the city; in fact, a very high percentage indicated they want even more cultural opportunities. Favored concepts include a large venue for theatre or concerts, additional public art and cultural festivals, more small music venues and theatres, a major art museum and more galleries. To share your thoughts about arts and culture in the city, please visit the Creative Santa Monica website at www.smgov.net/creativesantamonica—we’re waiting to hear from you!

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MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY DONATIONS MORE MEANINGFUL

The holiday season is an ideal time to connect with the community and improve the lives of those around you. To make your giving more effective, please rethink well-meaning but short-lived responses such as leaving donated goods in parks or other public places, or giving handouts to people on the streets. These actions can inadvertently divert at-risk populations away from needed social services, resulting in more harm than good. Instead, consider donating your time, money or goods to local, nonprofit service providers (like those listed below), to make the holidays brighter for folks who could really use your help.

OPCC (310-264-6646, ext. 235 or e-mail dmiller@opcc.net) assists homeless individuals and families, the chronically mentally ill and battered women and their children. Here’s how you can help:
 

▲	“Adopt” a family from OPCC’s Family Services program or host a canned food drive.
▲	Collect and donate items such as sweatsocks, small hygiene items, rain ponchos and sweatshirts.
▲	Host or be a part of a holiday party for one of OPCC’s projects: Access Center, Family Services, Daybreak, Night Light, Safe Haven or Samoshel.

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EVEN BEACH-BOUND REINDEER
TAKE THE BIG BLUE BUS!

The Big Blue Bus says “Happy Holidays” to Santa Monica with the return of its annual Holiday Bus on Thanksgiving Day. The specially decorated bus, transformed into an old-style Woodie station wagon carrying happy reindeer to the beach with their surfboard, will travel all regular Big Blue Bus lines through New Year’s Day. For more information on the Holiday Bus or any Big Blue Bus line, visit BigBlueBus.com or call (310) 451-5444.