- January 29, 2019
- 12:16 pm
Setalong miles of glistening coastline, bordered between Malibu andVenice, Santa Monica is a charming seaside town that includes all ofthe culture, events, and urban amenities one would find in a bustlingmetropolis. Santa Monica is one of California’s most recognizablestretches of shoreline. Just like any major city, Santa Monica hasearned a fair share of nicknames from localsto establish their city’s identify, to promote civic pride, and tobuild community unity. The list of nicknames below are a few of theslogans that have gained wide currency among residents and touristsalike.
Dogtown
Santa Monica first became known as ‘Dogtown’ to the teenage surf and skate team that helped shape skateboarding into an international sensation. In the 1970s, a group of outcasts started as surfers. Known as the Zephyr Team or Z-Boys, they started surfing in Dogtown, an area of southern Santa Monica, now a historical Santa Monica nickname, and western Los Angeles that covers Venice and Ocean Park beaches. Between Venice Beach and Santa Monica was an abandoned amusem*nt park on the water called the Pacific Ocean Park Pier. Huge wood pilings and rickety piers formed a U-shape that created a secret cove for the surfers.
HomeOf The Homeless
Four decades ago, Santa Monica was nicknamed ‘Home of the Homeless’ due to its then large and highly visible homeless population. With the unlikely help from the ACLU, Ronald Reagan closed numerous mental facilities in California. These actions led to the streets of Santa Monica being populated with the homeless almost overnight.
People’s Republic Of Santa Monica
When the seaside city turned so far to the left politically, critics dubbed it the ‘People’s Republic of Santa Monica’. For years, this beach city meant good living to the homeless, a place where they could beg freely for money, fill up Santa Monica’s pristine parks, wander its beaches, and bathe in its fountains.
SovietMonica
Thenickname ‘Soviet Monica’ came from conservatives after being fedup from the comfortable living afforded to the homeless and therelaxed living policies. For example, Santa Monica has been known forrent control and compassion for everyone but landlords anddevelopers.
SiliconBeach
In recent years, a wave of tech and Internet startup companies have set up shop in the city, earning the Santa Monica area the nickname of ‘Silicon Beach.’ The tech community includes 500 companies calling the area home, which includes the stretch of cities west of Los Angeles, spanning from Santa Monica to Venice. In 2016, Santa Monica startup Snap Inc. pulled in a staggering $1.2 billion.
VisitOne Of Santa Monica’s Oceanfront Cafes
No matter what nickname you call it, Santa Monica is known for its award-winning restaurants and oceanfront dining experiences. If you’re looking for rest and relaxation while enjoying great food, beer, wine, music, and sports TV on an outdoor patio overlooking the ocean, check out the world-famous Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café located on the Santa Monica Boardwalk. Come hang out with us and have a look at our menu for some of the best-tasting food in the area; like our grilled Mahi Mahi tacos, our world famous burgers and a nice cold, refreshing beer! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook!
1615Ocean Front Walk
SantaMonica, CA 90401
Phone:(310) 393-2666
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Santa Monica Nicknames and Their Meanings
Santa Monica, a charming seaside town in California, has earned several nicknames over the years, each reflecting different aspects of its history and culture. Here's a breakdown of the various nicknames and their meanings:
Dogtown: Santa Monica was first known as 'Dogtown' due to its association with the teenage surf and skate team that helped shape skateboarding into an international sensation. The Zephyr Team or Z-Boys, a group of outcasts turned surfers, started surfing in Dogtown, an area of southern Santa Monica, now a historical Santa Monica nickname.
Home of the Homeless: Four decades ago, Santa Monica was nicknamed the 'Home of the Homeless' due to its large and highly visible homeless population, a result of the closure of numerous mental facilities in California.
People’s Republic of Santa Monica: This nickname emerged when the city turned politically left-leaning, leading critics to dub it the 'People’s Republic of Santa Monica'.
Soviet Monica: 'Soviet Monica' was a nickname coined by conservatives who were critical of the city's policies, particularly its rent control and compassionate approach towards the homeless.
Silicon Beach: In recent years, Santa Monica has become a hub for tech and Internet startup companies, earning the area the nickname 'Silicon Beach'.
These nicknames reflect the diverse history and cultural identity of Santa Monica, showcasing its evolution from a surfing hotspot to a tech innovation center, while also shedding light on social and political aspects of the city's past.
For more detailed information, please refer to the relevant sources .
Conclusion
Santa Monica's nicknames reflect its rich history, cultural diversity, and evolving identity, encompassing aspects of surfing, homelessness, political leanings, and technological innovation. These nicknames provide insight into the city's past and present, showcasing its multifaceted nature.
