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# Diversity celebration and conservation
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/diversity-celebration-and-conservation/
- Published: 2005-10-05T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:51:21.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Pico, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

It’s going to be a party in the P-block this weekend. A block party is planned for Saturday to celebrate Santa Monica’s diversity and to discuss how Virginia Avenue Park can help sustain it.

“Virginia Avenue Park is a tremendous resource for the community,” said Pico Youth & Family Center executive director Oscar de la Torre. “The Pico neighborhood is home to the highest number of youth and low-income families.”

Pico Neighborhood Association co-chair Maria Loya said the Pico neighborhood is the most ethnically diverse in Santa Monica, but declining employment and affordable housing opportunities threaten its diversity.

The block party starts at noon and ends at 5 p.m. on 22nd St. between Delaware Avenue and Virginia Avenue.

There will be a cook-out with free food, awards for community leaders, games, music and entertainment.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 5, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/100505.pdf?ref=smdp.com)