Santa Monica Brings Back New Heroes Celebration to Honor Educators and First Responders

Free October 21 community gathering at Sandbourne Santa Monica will welcome new school and public safety staff and recognize experienced local leaders.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Santa MoniCARES will hold the New Heroes Celebration on October 21, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sandbourne Santa Monica.
• New hires from local schools, police and fire services will be recognized alongside three established community leaders.
• Admission is free but advance registration is requested because space is limited.
• A post-ceremony reception will feature local nonprofit, business and municipal exhibitors.

Santa Monica is bringing back a community celebration devoted to the people who work in its schools, police department and fire service. The New Heroes Celebration, organized by Santa MoniCARES, will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sandbourne Santa Monica, a coastal hotel on Ocean Avenue.

The free event offers residents and visitors an opportunity to meet and acknowledge local educators and first responders, while highlighting the relationship between Santa Monica’s visitor economy and the wider community. Places are limited and advance registration is requested through the New Heroes registration page.

Welcoming new faces and recognizing established leaders

Organizers plan to introduce and recognize employees who joined Santa Monica’s public and private schools, police department and fire department during the past year. The ceremony will also present special awards to three experienced leaders representing the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica Fire Department. The awards are intended to acknowledge leadership marked by endurance, empathy and dedication to others.

Misti Kerns, president and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, described the revival as a chance to thank people whose work helps sustain the destination’s everyday life. The occasion is as much about community ties as it is about individual service, bringing tourism organizations together with educators, public safety personnel and local residents.

A reception connecting tourism and the community

After the awards, attendees can join a reception with light refreshments and meet exhibitors from local nonprofits, municipal departments, community organizations and businesses. According to the organizers, the gathering is designed to connect the people who serve Santa Monica with those who live in and visit the coastal city.

Presenting sponsor Sandbourne Santa Monica will host the gathering in its Sea Palm Rooms and Courtyard at 1740 Ocean Avenue. Other named supporters include Warner Bros. Discovery, Pacific Park and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., with the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce serving as a promotional partner.

The event is part of Santa MoniCARES’ broader effort to connect Santa Monica’s hospitality and tourism sector with local nonprofits and community initiatives. The coalition works with partners across hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail to contribute volunteer time, funding and other resources to community programs. Further information is available from Santa MoniCARES and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

For anyone planning to attend, the essential details are straightforward: Wednesday, October 21, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Sandbourne Santa Monica, 1740 Ocean Avenue. Admission is free, but registration is required because space is limited.