Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association Honors Local Efforts at Annual Meeting

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association hosted its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 9, at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center—gathering in person for the first time in three years.

Founded in 1947, SMCCA is one of California’s oldest civic organizations, according to its website.

“SMCCA is a neighborhood association representing the general Santa Monica Canyon area incorporating more than 1,000 households and several businesses,” the website read. “We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity and an all-volunteer organization committed to organize on behalf of Canyon residents—or ‘Canyonites’ as we’re fondly referred to.”

SMCCA President Marilyn Wexler led the May 9 meeting, which invited Los Angeles CD 11 City Councilmember Traci Park and Randy Young, a lifelong resident and historian, to speak.

SMCCA shared that Park’s priorities are to “tackle housing and homelessness, restore public safety, promote economic recovery, improve infrastructure, strengthen climate resilience, and prioritize social rights.”

Park presented Kenneth “Kenny” Sly a certificate of appreciation for his beautification efforts and services in Santa Monica Canyon.

“Kenny was homeless and recently housed by [the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness’] efforts,” PPTFH Co-President Sharon Kilbride shared with the Palisadian-Post. “When Kenny was homeless, he cleaned the two pedestrian tunnels in Santa Monica Canyon and beautified two island medians … [one] on Entrada and another on West Channel.”

LAPD Officers Adam Margin and Jose Bermudez were also presented with certificates from Park for their work. Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin accepted the award for Margin in his absence.

“Thank you to the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association for acknowledging our Beach Detail officers at their annual in-person meeting,” Espin shared. “[Officer] Jose Bermudez and former Beach Unit [Officer] Adam Margin were honored … for their hard work and dedication in keeping the Palisades area and beach as safe as possible … A huge appreciation for these well-deserving officers.”

Young was presented a certificate for his efforts keeping the town’s history alive and work in the community. Young, who grew up in Rustic Canyon, has served as a curator for the Pacific Palisades Historical Society.

“Had a wonderful time at the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association’s annual meeting, where I honored some local heroes,” Park shared to social media on May 9.

Ahead of Rustic Canyon Recreation Center’s 100th anniversary, Young gave attendees a glimpse of the time capsule that will be opened on May 30 during a celebration starting at 9:30 a.m.

SMCCA also donated a check for $1,000 to PPTFH at the meeting.

“It was a great meeting,” Kilbride shared with the Post.