The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica used its 2026 Yellow Rose Awards on Wednesday night to honor women whose work has shaped civic life, sustainability, and community care in Santa Monica, while delivering a clear message about the urgency of protecting democracy.
Held at Brookdale Ocean House during Women’s History Month, the event recognized former Mayor Gleam Davis, Growing Hope Gardens founder Carolyn Day, and former League president Angela Scott, with a fourth honoree, Dr. Monika White, also slated for recognition.
League President Maria Rodriguez framed the evening as both a celebration and a call to action. “Our honorees represent the very best of Santa Monica; women who have spent decades building a more resilient and equitable future for all of us,” Rodriguez said.
At the same time, she emphasized the stakes of the current moment. “We used to work on improving democracy,” she said. “But now, it’s an existential fight for survival.”
The program opened with a land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional lands of the Chumash, Tongva, and Kizh peoples, alongside a call for deeper partnership with Native communities. Attendees were also encouraged to advocate for the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, reinforcing the League’s focus on voter access and civic participation.
Santa Monica City Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya highlighted the importance of the event within the broader civic landscape. “We get to honor these incredible women who made Santa Monica what it is today and really celebrate their accomplishments," said Zernitskaya.
The Yellow Rose Award itself draws from the 1920 fight to ratify the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, when suffragists wore yellow roses and anti-suffragists wore red in what became known as the “War of Roses.” Speakers recounted how a single deciding vote helped secure women’s right to vote, reinforcing the night’s central theme that civic participation remains critical.
Former Mayor Gleam Davis was recognized for decades of civic leadership, including service on the Santa Monica City Council from 2009 to 2024 and two terms as mayor. “You don’t have to have a title to be a leader,” Davis said. “Every person can be a leader in their everyday life.”
Carolyn Day, founder of Growing Hope Gardens, was honored for building a model of local sustainability through food access and community driven agriculture. Her organization operates a regenerative free farm and manages gardens across affordable housing and shelter sites, donating more than 80,000 pounds of fresh produce last year. “The garden equalizes that, and everybody is equal in front of the garden," said Day.
Angela Scott, a U.S. Navy veteran and civic leader, was recognized for her work in voter education, public safety reform, and community advocacy, in addition to Activision's Senior Personalization & content manager. “Democracy is not permanent,” Scott said. “It is something that must be protected, strengthened, and renewed by every generation. Young people are not disengaged, but underestimated.”
Santa Monica City Councilmember Dan Hall reflected on the significance of the honorees’ contributions. “It’s always an honor to come and celebrate the women that make Santa Monica what it is. Being in their presence and continuing that with civic leadership and participation is what I hope to see going forward,” said Hall.
Throughout the evening, speakers returned to a consistent message: the work of democracy is ongoing, and local leadership plays a critical role in shaping its future. In Santa Monica, leadership is not defined by title, but by action, and the responsibility to protect democracy belongs to everyone.