A note from the city of Santa Monica’s new director of Recreation and Arts

April 23, 2024 8:25 AM
by Jenny Rogers

Dear Santa Monica Community,

Like most love stories, I can’t quite pinpoint the exact moment it happened. It might have been upon first seeing its vistas – the ocean and the beach, the scenes of the iconic Pier and Ferris wheel seen from Palisades Park, and the gorgeous art deco architecture of City Hall. It could have been my first ventures on the Promenade, exploring neighborhood eateries and shopping districts, or meeting all these incredible people at cool local events and experiencing some of the best arts offerings in Los Angeles at our local venues. Though I couldn’t tell you exactly when I fell in love with Santa Monica, I just knew it -- I was home.

I am so thrilled to be here in this amazing city. Thank you to all of you in the community for this incredible opportunity to serve you and for welcoming me so warmly. I have met many of you already, and I am eager to meet many more! I invite you to reach out to make an appointment to come see me in our new office at City Hall. I’m a history enthusiast, so I love to hear stories and learn more about what makes this place so unique. I’d also love to hear your feedback on our current offerings and services, and your ideas for new programs and events you’d like to see offered in the future!

In my new role as director of the city’s Recreation and Arts Department, which we affectionately call “RAD,” I oversee facilities, programs, events and services for the department’s three divisions: Administration, Community Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. I’ve been so impressed with the wide variety of high quality, community-based programming in Santa Monica. As we work on the formation of your new RAD, we are dedicated to supporting existing facilities and indoor and outdoor programming, as well as continuing to restore services. We look forward to expanding upon the fabulous and robust array of arts and recreational programming to create new community offerings in collaboration with all of you.

We aspire to bring you an abundance and diversity of classes, programs and events that are welcoming and inclusive of people of all ages and abilities. Our talented and dedicated RAD team hopes to develop and implement innovative new programs that will: 

I am thrilled to share some highlights of exciting summertime programs and events coming your way. 

As someone with an extensive background in arts, parks and recreation, I have devoted my life to public service, as have the other members of the talented RAD team. But without you, our community, we can’t be successful. As we create this community together, we are going to need your help.

How can we best serve you, the community? Do you have feedback on our current offerings and services, or ideas for new programs and events you’d like to see offered?

If so, please send us an email at recreationandarts@santamonica.gov or submit a 311 request. If you have the time, come talk to me in person!

There is so much talent in this town, let’s share that and make sure we showcase the best we’ve got to offer. This is what public service means to me. As your new RAD director, I am here to help build a strong community of support, caring and creativity!

As a newcomer in town, I am on a journey of discovery every day, and I hope you will come out and join me! I can’t wait to meet you in person and get a chance to play, make art, recreate and rediscover Santa Monica together!

All my best,

Jenny Rogers
Director
Recreation & Arts Department

Authored By

Jenny Rogers
Director of Recreation and Arts

Categories

Arts, Culture & Fun, Programs, The Arts, Youth And Seniors