By Carl La Russa Sunny Kreis Santa Monica
We were at the end of the Santa Monica Pier Sunday when we observed a street entertainer peddling a typical juggling performance. He had the attention of the 12 or so people gathered there until a fisherman to the right and on the lower level let out a delighted yelp as he reeled in a large crab. The entire crowd immediately deserted the juggler and leaned against the railing to enjoy the great catch.
The moral we believe is that both locals and tourists who visit the pier could be at least equally intrigued by the plant and animal life of the sea as they are by the street performers and mundane concessions that distract from the peace and beauty of a seaside setting. (Could their venues not be moved to the beach boardwalk, al la Venice?) The solution? In their stead, create a visible world-class aquarium on the pier, supported in part by souvenir shops containing books and artifacts related to the sea. Children and adults alike would be educated and uplifted by this type of pier establishment. Santa Monica City Council, Heal the Bay and Ted Danson’s save-the-ocean organization, please note.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 10, 2004. Read the original PDF.