Personalities

Arcadia Bandini de Baker Wife of City Founder Arcadia Bandini de Baker was the daughter of Juan Bandini, one of the wealthiest landowners in California.  Arcadia purchased her husband’s holdings on February 4, 1879 for business and personal reasons. She became a business partner of Senator John P. Jones. Together they donated land for schools, […]

John F. Kennedy President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. JFK was a frequent visitor to Santa Monica.  He swam in the ocean and visited the surrounding area. His brother Robert (Bobby) Kennedy visited the Georgian Hotel here in Santa Monica. Other members of the Kennedy family often came to the […]

Arnold Schwarzenegger 38th Governor of California / Bodybuilder / Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was the 38th governor of California and previously a bodybuilder and actor. Shortly after arriving to the United States, he chose Santa Monica to live.  In the 1970s, he attended Santa Monica College and UCLA extension. His restaurant, Schatzi On Main, opened in […]

Shirley Temple Actress Shirley Temple, born in Santa Monica, was a famous child actress, a singer, dancer and diplomat. Shirley Temple continues to have a big following here in Santa Monica and The Santa Monica History Museum holds an annual tea party event in her honor. The museum has hosted several exhibits of her child […]

Baron Michele Leone – The Baron Wrestler Baron Michele Leone, world renowned wrestler who came to Santa Monica in 1949 and that began his lifelong love affair with Santa Monica. He loved everything about the city, from the people to its many scenic attractions like the pier, but he especially loved the sun, the beach […]