Intro
Surprise surprise, another Thanksgiving is upon us! 2018 has flown by. In just over a month, we will be ringing in a new year. While the rush of prepping for holidays can bring on stress, we have much to celebrate in El Segundo this year.
eGundo.com’s mission is to explore the Good in Gundo. With a little searching, we found a lot to love. Throughout town, we came across countless community members going above and beyond to make El Segundo a better place. From small acts of giving back to major, citywide events, our community is rich with positive, community centered experiences. And what better day to reflect on all the good than Thanksgiving Day?
An El Segundo Year in Review
Today, we have much to be thankful for. From local small business owners to our dedicated Rec and Parks department, there are people working hard to support our community. Let’s review this year’s good.
El Segundo Rec and Parks
Without our stellar Rec and Parks team, we would have missed out on numerous family events and classes. Last summer, they organized a full-lineup of fun and educational classes for all ages, from surf camp to robotics. They even organized a family-friendly summer camp-out and provided a beach shuttle to reduce summer traffic. The fun continued this fall with more classes and seasonal events.
The programs and events we often take for granted don’t happen by magic. Every class and community event is brought to you by the dedication of community members just like you.
Take Recreation Specialist Terrence Wilson. Affectionately nicknamed “Sippi” after moving from Mississippi, he graduated from El Segundo High School and decided to pass on his love of basketball. His upbeat, encouraging, and happy-go-lucky attitude has made him a favorite coach at local Summer Camps and the Spark after-school program.
The Rec and Parks program makes a big difference in the lives of El Segundo kids and teens, all thanks to dedicated coaches, teachers, and other caring Parks department team members.
Special Events and Developments
In El Segundo, we also enjoy year-round events that benefit our community in a variety of ways. Every week, we can visit the certified Farmer’s Market to purchase healthy, fresh food. During summer, the Farmer’s Market also offers live music, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Another summer event, the El Segundo Art Walk showcases local artists and takes art-lovers on a stroll in and around many local businesses.
Thousands also came out in August for El Segundo’s 21st Annual Car Show. The show included over 300 vehicles from all over California!
When back to school season arrived, incoming middle and high schoolers didn’t have to brave the unfamiliar hallways alone. The Ed! & El Segundo Kiwanis Club sponsored the WEB program- “Where Everyone Belongs” and the Link Crew at ESHS.
Incoming 6th graders and high school freshman were welcomed with warmth, easing the challenging tradition into a encouraging experience.
Next up, the 43rd Annual Fair on Richmond Street reeled in over 5000 attendees from all over the South Bay.
A smaller (but just as fun!) fair was brought to us by Richmond Street School, when they hosted their annual Fall Festival to raise funds for our kids.
The community also came together to help build Center Street School a new learning garden.
Just last month, families enjoyed spooky fun at the annual El Segundo Halloween Frolic. Coming up in December, we also have a tree lighting ceremony and more, festive fun to look forward to.
People with Passion
The real good in our community stems from the people within it. From people like Lance Giroux, Chris Pimentel, and Scot Nicol who each strove to make a difference on El Segundo’s City Council to local small business owners and go-getters. El Segundo’s proudest claim to fame is our tendency to fuel creativity, spurring those with big ideas on to success.
Consider Rob Croxall, owner of El Segundo Brewing. He left a secure corporate job to pursue his passion for good beer, and so El Segundo Brewing Company was born. El Segundo is also home to the creator of OneNinth Media, the founder of Good Swings Happen, and the mind behind the Gundo Comedy Festival.
We also have local parents to be thankful for; moms like Tracey Miller-Zarneke, who has contributed to local schools for years, and Amie Schneider, a local real estate agent helping families create happier homes with her new app. There’s even a local club that has been supporting El Segundo women for nearly a century!
Gratitude for the Good in Gundo
The year wasn’t perfect by any means, but all the good we’ve witnessed makes a big statement: Our community is united by the small things. Stronger than our differences, we share a commitment to good schools, safe neighborhoods, happy kids, and big dreams.
A big thank you to each and every friend, neighbor, and community member for contributing to El Segundo’s growth. Thanks to people like you, eGundo.com can continue highlighting the Good in Gundo. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
