1975 Stanton 1990

Jeffrey Stanton Santa Monica Pier: A History from 1875 to 1990, Donahue Publishing: Los Angeles, CA, 1990, 1975

Chapter 6: City Owned Pier (1974-1990) 

     "Frank Gehry & Associates was chosen in January 1975 as the architect for the pier. The Beach Committee's choice was unanimous because Gehry's proposal showed the needed sensitivity to the special character of the pier and its environment. . . .

     " . . .

     "Meanwhile the group called the "Citizen's Initiative to Preserve the Piers" was campaigning on behalf of Proposition #1, the initiative to preserve both piers for all time. It took them two years to get the initiative placed on the April 8th ballot. . . . " p. 146

     "Prop # 1 won on April 8, 1975 by a 2 to 1 margin, assuring that both the Santa Monica Pier and the Newcomb pier would be preserved indefinitely. The measure permitted any resident of Santa Monica or its surrounding communities to file a lawsuit to stop a violation of the ordinance. [It] did not preempt enforcement of existing health and safety regulations . . .

     "Los Angeles County decided to dedicate the Santa Monica Pier as an official L.A. County Historical Landmark on Pier Day, Sunday May 18, 1975. It was the opening day event for Santa Monica's centennial year, and James Hayes, chairman of the L.A. Board of Supervisors did the honors. Thousands attended the event that included an art contest and a beachwear fashion show featuring styles from 1875 to 1975. The Jaycees sponsored pie eating, bubble gum bubble blowing, corn eating and whistling contests. Radio station KIIS broadcast the Jerry Mason show live from a 8 x 50 foot hot-air gondola tethered to the pier.

     "The pier hosted another large crowd in August for the city's 14th annual Sports and Arts Festival. The eleven day festival in late August featured swimming and paddleboard races, fishing contests, and life guard competition. A Keith Williams big band concert was held on the pier on August 24th."

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 Kelyn Roberts 2017