Palisades Joins the Santa Monica’s 4th Parade

Mia Ruhman (center) joined other singers on the Methodist Church float riding in the SM Parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

By CHAZ PLAGER

The clouds gave way to bright blue skies as this year’s 4th of July Palisades parade began. Due to certain circumstances, this year the residents of the Palisades were not swarming Via De La Paz and Sunset, but instead gathered in Santa Monica, joining forces with the Santa Monica parade for 2025.

This Post 283 Legion Auxiliary junior member walked in the parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

Held on Main Street in Santa Monica, this year’s parade is a special one, because it not only coincided with the 150th anniversary of Santa Monica, but welcomed Palisades residents, whose town and homes were destroyed in the January 7 Palisades Fire.

The parade began slightly behind schedule, and was led by the Santa Monica Police, flashing red white and blue lights as they slowly passed ahead of the Girl Scouts of America and their families, handing out candies as they passed.

Next was Swim with Heart, a Santa Monica swimming school, carrying banners and advertisements. Bringing up the rear of the first wave were the Santa Monica Fire Department’s trucks, whom the crowd was grateful to, and for good reason, that had been responders to the Palisades Fire.

Next, Ismaili Civic, a Muslim organization in Santa Monica, passed by dressed in green shirts and waving American flags. Following immediately after were Mayor Lana Negrete and State Senator Ben Allen, who lives in Santa Monica and whose 24th District includes both Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades.

Starting the next wave of marchers was UCLA Health, who passed out sunscreen to the audience. Students of Santa Monica Preparatory High School followed them.

Then the Palisades American Legion and the Oom Pa Pa brass band appeared, who were a crowd favorite as usual. The Legion stated the first 4^th of July Parade in the Palisades in 1948.

Backing them was the Palisades Recovery Coalition, who were met with chants of “Palisades Strong.” After a short pause, the Pacific Palisades Community Council appeared and its Citizen of the Year Cindi Young and its two Sparkplugs Carlos Rodriguez and Leslie Campbell. Chabad Palisades followed. The Palisades Strong chants increased in intensity as Palisades Strong, Resilient Palisades and Palisades YMCA appeared.

Palisades award winners were featured in the parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

“While I miss the Palisades, I’m very glad to be here celebrating here with my fellow residents on this day. I can’t wait to rebuild our home and join our community again,” said one Pali resident.

Another Palisades hallmark, members of the Community United Methodist Church, rode in a truck to offer their support. Palisades Scouts Troop 223 appeared shortly after.

There was then a lengthy delay before the SMPD appeared once again, this time riding atop their cavalry. Former Mayor and “Mr. Santa Monica” Nat Trives made an appearance. Today, he turns 90 years old.

Another appreciated part of the recovery efforts, the Salvation Army, followed with large speakers blasting soul music (many Palisadians whose homes were destroyed, received $1,000 gift card to Walmart from the Salvation Army and a Bible if one wanted it.)

The Santa Monica High School Viking Band appeared in impressive numbers, filling the street with color guard dancers and drum line as they walked through the streets. Jane Fonda’s SMASH music school followed after some delay, performing an excellent rendition of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club.

The next wave started with the Santa Monica Cheer Club, performing with Pom-poms. Then came the Santa Monica-Pacific Palisades Lions Club, followed by a large group of flag wavers (including a full-size one several yards long).

The Santa Monica History Partners followed, carrying signs which read “Our Stories Live Here.” Another delay before Dogtown Car Club’s line of several classic cars, such as the old Chevy Impala and Malibu, passed down the line.

Members of the Pacific Palisades OomPaPa performed in this parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

After a while came the Santa Monica Democratic Club— noticeably, there were no Republicans to join them this year.

Then the Red Cross passed by, celebrated for their work on the fires this year (they too, gave cash to people whose homes were destroyed in the fire – which was needed and much appreciated).

The Pico Neighborhood Association caused a stir with their anti-ICE signs. I then got hit by a pitch from the Santa Monica Little League— luckily, it was a piece of candy, so I found in my heart to forgive them. A large procession of signs and cars by Meals on Wheels advertising fire relief supplies danced their way down the boulevard. The parade’s rear was brought up by the Ocean Park Sound System, a local soul funk and reggae band. And that marked the end of Santa Monica’s 4th of July parade.

Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283, which started the Palisades parade, participated in Santa Monica’s parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

It was shorter in length and less in number than Pacific Palisades parade, but given the cancellation of events across California due to fears of ICE, it’s entirely understandable.

Still, we must remember, and especially on this 4th of July: our nation, our people, have overcome before, as they will again. We stand and march as a community in the hopes that this message will be understood. Happy 4th of July! Palisades Strong!

The tradition continued as members of the winning little league teams marched in the parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT