July 11, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Pacific Park Joins Effort to Support Wildfire Relief

Although the devastating Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires that took lives and scorched over 40,000 acres didn’t touch Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier, the impact was close to home for the amusement park.

Nearly two miles from the Pacific Palisades, evacuations wereclose to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

Although still open, Pacific Park has turned its focus on helping wildfire victims and spreading the word on how to donate to the American Red Cross, The California Community Foundation and Santa MoniCARES — three organizations that are helping Southern California wildfire victims find relief.

In addition, they are assisting Palisades Charter High School to raise funds for building replacement and repairs. Immediate needs include restoring the tech infrastructure, finding temporary space for in-person instruction, funding additional buses for sports and team competitions (none can happen on campus), and replacing lost equipment. To donate directly to Pali High, please go to go.PaliHigh.org/RaisePali

Looking toward the Ferris wheel, Pacific Park has activated a campaign to support wildfire relief in view of thousands of amusement park visitors. The nine-story-tall Pacific Wheelilluminates withdirect contact information on how to donate to relief organizations and find resources and information about the wildfires.

“That’s the most important thing for us right now, we want to help the community, that is so important to the Pier. These are people who grew up coming to the Pier and people who work here. The biggest thing we can do for them is raise money,” said Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing and Business Developmentfor Pacific Park.

Residents and guests are invited to a special “Locals’ Night for Fire Relief”on Thursday, January 23 from 3:30-10 p.m. The Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and KTLA will host a fundraiser for LA fire relief to support Palisades Charter High School, Red Cross, Santa MoniCARES and other local efforts during the evening. In addition to much needed fundraising, it’s a night of music, connection, and care for the community. Guests will enjoy amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and so much more. 

“Non-profit organizations are on the front lines working directly with schools, businesses, and families who have lost so much”, Smithson said, “We hope to amplify the message that the most impactful way to help our neighbors is through monetary contributions to the organizations on the ground directly helping those affected by this disaster.”

Working over the weekend with Trumpia, an automated texting software company, messages were activatedon the Ferris wheel this week to ensure maximum exposure.

“Trumpia’s sales manager was very helpful in making this happen, they offered tremendous support for us and this fundraising campaign,” Smithson said. “Usually, text codes take up to 14 weeks to create, but we had to expedite the process because of the fires and Trumpia was understanding of that.”

While setting up this campaign, Pacific Park is also working with Santa Monica Travel and Tourism on additional resources. Updating often, the organization compiles a list of resources available to those in need, including special hotel rates for wildfire victims and first responders. The list can be found here.

“We’re going to try to make this campaign as citywide as possible.” Smithson said. “There are incredible organizations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica doing food and clothing donations for victims and we’re thankful to see the community, nonprofits and businesses stepping up and supporting one another.”

Pacific Park recommends a few trusted resources for information including the City of Santa Monica and Los Angeles County, regularly updated with information on closures, impacts and resources, as well as critical updates and summaries of activity related to the fires.

“As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, there will be more opportunities to collect and distribute in-kind donations and services. At this time, the most impactful way to help those in need is through monetary contributions to organizations with the infrastructure to get those funds to those in need quickly and efficiently,” Smithson added.

in News
Related Posts

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Jack Kirby Exhibit Opens at Skirball Cultural Center

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The display features original comic illustrations, fine art, and commercial works, many shown publicly for the first time A new...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Change in LAPD Coverage for Brentwood Residents as Officer Kirk Takes Leave

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Officer Kirk on Vacation Until Late July—Here’s Who to Contact Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk will...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Governor Newsom Unveils Fast-Track Rebuilding Plan on Six-Month Anniversary of Palisades Fire

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

State Clears Over 5.5 Billion Pounds of Debris From Fires Ahead of Schedule Marking six months since the devastating Eaton...