Santa Monica is a city in western Los Angeles County, California, US. Situated on Santa Monica Bay. The Census Bureau 2010 population for Santa Monica is 89,736. Santa Monica is named for Saint Monica of Hippo because the area on which the city is now located was first visited by Spaniards on her feast day.
Because of its agreeable climate, Santa Monica had become a famed resort town by the early 20th century. The city has experienced a boom since the late 1980s through the revitalization of its downtown core with significant job growth and increased tourism.
Around town:
Santa Monica has three shopping districts, Montana Avenue on the north side of the city, the Downtown District in the city's core, and Main Street on the south end of the city. Each of these districts has its own unique feel and personality. Montana Avenue is a stretch of boutique stores, restaurants, and small offices that generally features more upscale shopping. The Main Street district offers an eclectic mix of clothing, restaurants, and other specialty retail.
Ink Well Beach:
A section of the beach was referred to as "Ink Well" and "Negro Beach" in the early 20th century when it was one of the few areas in California where African Americans were allowed to enjoy beach access in a largely segregated society. Other areas for blacks were Bruce's Beach in Manhattan Beach and the Pacific Beach Club in Orange County. Nick Gabaldon, one of the first black surfers in California, lived in Santa Monica, and used the 200 foot roped off stretch of beach demarcated for blacks. He died after crashing into the Malibu Pier.
According to a 2009 estimate, the median income for a household in the city is $71,095, and the median income for a family is $109,410 . Males have a median income of $55,689 versus $42,948 for females. The per capita income for the city is $42,874. 10.4% of the population and 5.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.9% of those under the age of 18 and 10.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Climate:
Classified as a moderate Mediterranean climate, Santa Monica enjoys an average of 310 days of sunshine a year. Because of its location, nestled on the vast and open Santa Monica Bay, morning fog is a common phenomenon in May, June and early July (caused by ocean temperature variations and currents). Locals have a particular terminology for this phenomenon: the "May Gray" and the "June Gloom". Overcast skies are common for June mornings, but usually the strong sun burns the fog off by noon. Nonetheless, it will sometimes stay cloudy and cool all day during June, even as other parts of the Los Angeles area enjoy sunny skies and warmer temperatures. At times, the sun can be shining east of 20th Street, while the beach area is overcast. As a general rule, the beach temperature is from 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (3 to 6 degrees Celsius) cooler than it is inland.
Radio Stations
KKJZ 88.1 FM Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Jazz
KDAY 93.5 FM Redondo Beach, CA Hip Hop
KTWV 94.7 FM Los Angeles, CA Smooth Jazz
KJLH 102.3 FM Compton, CA Urban Contemporary
KIIS 102.7 FM Los Angeles, CA Top-40
KPWR 105.9 FM Los Angeles, CA Hip Hop
KSPN 710 AM Los Angeles, CA Sports
Because Hispanics could be counted in other races, the totals above could possibly be more than 100%. If you would like a detailed listing of all ethnic groups in the U.S., please Click Here.
A small percentage of the businesses listed on BlackCityInfo.com may not necessarily be black owned and operated but have received favorable reviews from users who have visited the establishment, or from the owners themselves who warmly seek out African American patronage.
BEAUTY CARE - BLACK HAIR SALONS - MULTICULTURAL
Ouidad Salon - Category: Hair Salons - 1230 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403-1778 (310) 393-3542 - (visit website)
CULTURE
M. Hanks Gallery - Category: Black Art Gallery - REVIEW: "This gallery exhibits works of renowned & emerging artists of color. I passed by here frequently when I lived nearby & never failed to be impressed." - 3008 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 392-8820 - (visit website)
DINING - CATERING
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company - Category: Seafood, American and Southern & Soul - 301 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 393-0458 - (visit website)
Cajun & Grill - Category: Cajun - 395 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, 90401 (310) 393-2088
VIDEO CONNECTION
Surfing documentary "Soul on a Wave" footage of Plaque Dedication in Santa Monica at "Inkwell" beach. Santa Monica dedicates plaque to tribute west coast first documented black surfer Nick Gabaldon. Dedication day same as super Tuesday Feb. 2008 as spoken by Hill Harper on the parallel between Barack Obama and surfing, now President Elect Barack Obama.
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