This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Annenberg Community Beach House Opens With a Big Splash
Yesterday, the Annenberg Community Beach House opened to the public for the first time. Run by the City of Santa Monica, the public club-like beach and recreational facility sits on property once purchased for movie star Marion Davies by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Although only the guest cottages and pool remain from the original structures (sadly the 110-room Julia Morgan-designed manse was demolished decades ago), a ten-year restoration and re-purposing plan is finally done, and now everyone can enjoy use of the beach, the tennis and volleyball courts, the rec rooms, and the marble-tiled pool all on a beachfront property that was once the playground of the stars.
LAist Featured Photos pool contributor current events was on hand during Saturday's grand opening event and shared these images with us. The Beach House is open to the public now, although the pool doesn't open up until this weekend. Fees to park and use the pool range from $3-$10.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
