The Santa Monica Pier Corporation invites the public to support the nonprofit organization on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, as its longtime leader Jim Harris is honored with the 2025 President's Award by the Santa Monica Conservancy.
The Santa Monica Conservancy recognized Harris for his "exemplary stewardship of local history and commitment to hosting community-centered events at the Pier" during a ceremony at the Miles Playhouse on Nov. 13. As executive director and historian of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, Harris has been instrumental in preserving the pier's authentic spirit while championing its cultural evolution through concerts, exhibitions, festivals, historical programs and more during his 21 years of service.
"When people visit Santa Monica, they always ask, 'Where is the real Santa Monica?'" said Mario Fonda-Bonardi, board president of the Santa Monica Conservancy, in his remarks introducing Harris at the award ceremony. "That question is answered the moment they arrive at the Pier. It's our Eiffel Tower — our signature. And the man most responsible for keeping it real, relevant and beloved is Jim Harris."
Harris began his journey on the pier working at the legendary waterfront dive, the Boathouse, before becoming one of the pier's most passionate advocates. Along the way, he's written a definitive book, "Santa Monica, America's Last Great Pleasure Pier," staged historical plays, built museum-quality displays and transformed the pier into a place of discovery, memory and magic for locals and visitors alike.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Santa Monica Pier Corporation curates community-driven programming that is free and accessible to the public year-round. From Youth Day at the Pier to Locals' Night and the popular Wellness & Waves series, these offerings are made possible through public donations, not city funding.
Donations help keep the pier free and fun for everyone, support inclusive programs for local youth and families, preserve landmark history through exhibits, archives and storytelling, and maintain the Santa Monica Pier's cultural heartbeat for generations to come.
Every contribution, large or small, helps maintain the magic of this historic seaside treasure. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit santamonicapier.org/donate.
The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A. The pier is accessible by rideshare, Metro, bus or bike.
Edited by SMDP Staff