S A N TA M O N I C A
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
December 16 - December 22, 2022 Volume CLXXI, Issue 175
INSIDE Man Arrested for Robbing Two Santa Monica Adult Toy Shops PAGE 8
SMC Marks 32 Consecutive Years as No. 1 in UC Transfers College also keeps No. 1 spot for African American & Latinx UC Transfers, still tops in transfers to USC & Loyola Marymount University By Sam Catanzaro Santa Monica College (SMC) has maintained a 32-year consecutive streak as the No.1 transfer college to the University of California (UC) system, per 2021-2022 transfer data released recently by the UC Information Center. SMC sent 1,200 students to UC campuses in the prior academic year— 147 more transfers than the No.2 feeder college. SMC also maintained the No. 1 spot for African American and Latinx transfers to the UC, and continues to remain the leading transfer college to the University of Southern California (USC) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). In addition, the college is the top feeder west of the Mississippi to the Ivy League Columbia University.
“At Santa Monica College, we are thrilled to be celebrating 32 straight years as California’s number one transfer college to the premier University of California system, as well as to USC & Loyola Marymount University,” said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. “This is not an achievement we take for granted. The numbers speak to the immeasurable dedication of SMC’s faculty, counselors and staff, as well as this college’s long, storied legacy of leaving no stone unturned when it comes to supporting students’ success. And most of all, this latest data underscores the hard work of SMC’s highly motivated students whose determination to overcome disruptions—even a pandemic—helped them attain their goal to transfer successfully to the respective college or university of their dreams. Dreams do come true. Congratulations to the students and those who journeyed with them!” According to the data, among 1,200 SMCto-UC transfers there were 246 Latinx/ Chicanx students and 59 African American students. In addition, UCLA continued to be the most popular destination for SMC transfer students, with 412 out of the 1,200 SMC-toUC transfers headed to the Westwood campus, followed by UC San Diego (194 SMC transfers) and UC Irvine (133 SMC transfers). SMC also had more students enrolled at USC
and Loyola Marymount University than any other community college with 124 and 117 respectively of those SMC transfers who were admitted, ending up enrolling. SMC ranked third in total combined transfers to the UC and California State University (CSU) systems, with 2,417 students combined heading to UC and CSU campuses (up from 2,319 combined transfers last year). SMC also kept up its longtime record of sending more transfer students to Columbia University than any other community college west of the Mississippi. Twenty-six SMC students (out of those admitted) enrolled in Columbia University School of General Studies in spring and fall 2022. “SMC students have shown they are tough and flexible because they stayed the course and remained focused despite the incredible barriers and challenges they faced every day. Those of us on Team Transfer are so impressed and completely honored to lead the transfer efforts on our campus as we get to work with amazing students and incredible colleagues!” said SMC Transfer Center Faculty Lead (Interim) Teresa Garcia. “Great attention and effort has been placed on transitioning back to SMC’s physical, on-ground campus and offering students more on-ground opportunities while continuing to offer and maintain online services and learning. Accordingly, SMC
used many different modalities to promote and assist student interaction both inside and outside of the classroom.” Just recently, SMC’s Annual Fall 2022 College Fair was offered both on-ground and on-line. Approximately 150 four-year institutions attended—nearing pre-pandemic numbers—and interacted with nearly 2,000 students who also took advantage of many on-ground, on-line, and hybrid workshops and services to guide them along a successful transfer path. Also the college’s Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs) provide guaranteed admission for students who meet specific requirements to several universities including six University of California campuses, Loyola Marymount University, Arizona State University (ASU), and many
UC Transfers, see page 6
Santa Monica Pub Crawl Returns This Weekend Event returns to bars across Santa Monica this weekend By Dolores Quintana The Santa Monica Pub Crawl is back this weekend and ready to raise money for The Westside Food Bank. Many of Santa Monica’s favorite bars and restaurants will take part in the festivities this Saturday, starting at 5 p.m. As the press release for the event says, “Dust off those Santa hats and shine those menorahs; it’s time to join dozens of the city’s best bars and restaurants to raise money for the Westside Food Bank and help those in need for the holidays. To purchase tickets for the event, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-santamonica-pub-crawl-tickets-410675339997 Since 2008, the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl has raised enough for a half a million meals for the Westside Food Bank! Thank you for your continued support, as you are making a huge difference. Every $5 will feed 20 people in
need! Enjoy free entry to Santa Monica’s best bars & restaurants Exclusive $6-$9 food & drink deals throughout the night 1 free drink Priority entry into the exclusive after party Prizes for best holiday costume Beer Garden You must collect your wristband at your route’s official starting location between 5-9:30 pm.” This year, The Santa Monica Pub Crawl will have three official routes with tickets for sale for each, and for the adventurous, the VIP Route Hopper Ticket and a party pass for you and all of your Santa friends. MAIN STREET Route Ticket This wristband ensures priority access into the official bars on the Main Street route, $6$9 food & drink specials, DJs/live music, and access into Santa’s Official After Party. You must collect your wristband at your route’s official starting location at The Victorian
between 5-9:30 pm. PROMENADE Route Ticket This wristband ensures priority access into the official bars on the Promenade route with $6-$9 food & drink specials, DJs/live music, and access into Santa’s Official After Party. You must collect your wristband at your route’s official starting location at Cabo Cantina between 5-9:30 pm.
PIER / OCEAN Route Ticket This wristband ensures priority access into the official bars on the Pier / Ocean route with $6-$9 food & drink specials, DJs/live music, and access into Santa’s Official After Party. You must collect your wristband at your route’s official starting location at Rusty’s Surf Ranch between 5-9:30 pm.
Pub Crawl Returns, see page 6