What’s going on around Samo?
Pier bridge to undergo construction
Eugene Naruse / The Samohi
The Santa Monica Pier Bridge where construction is set to take place.
The Santa Monica Pier bridge is set to be replaced in a $29 million project, with construction expected to start in late fall of 2025. The new design will feature a wider walkway, increased functionality and accessibility, upgraded lighting and rails, reinstallation of the iconic blue pier sign, and seismic safety upgrades ahead of the 2028 LA Olympics.
Alison Mitrovith (‘26), a long-time resident of Santa Monica, talked more about her feelings toward the construction.
“I’m definitely excited for more changes to happen for the Olympics and I’m looking forward to the events being held in Santa Monica as well, ” she said.
During construction, the pier will still be accessible through a temporary pedestrian bridge to ensure minimal impact on visitors and businesses and a small replica sign will be installed to compensate for the removal of the pier sign for its rehabilitation. The city anticipates that construction will last between 18-24 months, with the full completion to be in 2027. Funding for the project is expected to come from the federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP).
Annual ice rink opens in Santa Monica
Located on the corner of Arizona Avenue and 5th Street, Ice at Santa Monica officially opened on Nov. 8, kicking off the winter festivities in the city. The nearly 8,000-foot rink will be in operation until Jan. 20, with special events ranging from classical music Sunday skate sessions, a Taylor Swift music night, and a New Year’s Eve celebration expected to take place during this time. With an updated layout from prior years, new seating areas and a small Shake Shack have been added near the rink, creating a more enjoyable atmosphere for skaters. Admission is $22 an hour, with skate rentals included. The rink will be open until 9:30 pm every day, except on Fridays and Saturdays when it will be open until 11 pm.
Roman Nicodemus (’26), who has gone to the rink regularly since he was a child, shared his excitement for the rink.
“I really enjoy the rink especially because it’s a great seasonal place to spend time with friends and it definitely gets you in the Christmassy spirit.“
First Samo “Thriving Thursday” wellness fair
Eugene Naruse / The Samohi
Students talk in front of a booth, part of the wellness fairs that took place on Nov. 21.
Starting this school year, Samo is introducing a monthly Wellness Fair on “Thriving Thursdays” to support student mental and physical well-being, with the first event taking place on Nov. 21. The fair offers a variety of resources, including events with community partners, games, activities, and the popular therapy dogs, all aimed at fostering a healthier school environment.
Carla Nunez, a specialist on-site at Samo part of the LACOE (Los Angeles County Office of Education) Community Schools Initiative, which aims to promote individual and community well-being explained more about the resource fairs.
“There are so many students who need mental health care, and what that tells us is that there is a need for wider care within the school, which is why we decided to start these fairs. I think one thing we really need to focus on and try and achieve through these events is destigmatizing mental health, and also fostering a community where we can all rely on each other.”
In addition to the fair, the school has offered and hopes to continue featured flex-times like sound baths and yoga to promote relaxation and mindfulness.
“With initiatives like the wellness fairs that focus on big groups, we also try and do smaller scale events, with things like flex-times, which are usually really heavy on academics, so we try and offer different enrichment opportunities for students,” said Nunez.
Big Blue Bus to implement new law for safety
Emmanuel Lopez / The Samohi
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus 7 on its usual route throughout Pico going Westbound.
SB 1417, a bill pitched by former Samo alumni Sen. Ben Allen (’96) was recently signed into law, allowing Santa Monica’s Department of Transportation to prohibit certain individuals from Big Blue Bus services.
The bill aims to improve safety measures on the buses by authorizing the department to ban those who violate policy on the bus and any affiliated facilities, as well as “jeopardize the safety and comfort of Big Blue Bus passengers and employees,” per the City of Santa Monica website. Prohibition orders can last from 30 days up to a year, and a new committee will be tasked to serve as oversight for the new law. This bill can be seen as part of several initiatives to improve safety on city transportation, including ones such as the Transit Safety Officer Program, which has trained officers placed on buses and select bus stops.
Eddie Martinez (’26), a student who regularly takes the bus, gave his take on the new law.
“I feel that buses felt safer in the past and it’s definitely gotten more dangerous in recent years. These new laws are a good step towards making the buses safe again, but I think they can do better, and I hope more preventive actions are taken in the future.”
The new bill is set to take effect in January.