SMCCA Announces New Board Slate and Proposed Name Change

Later this month, members of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association (SMCCA) will take part in a vote that will shape the organization’s leadership and identity for the coming year. From May 27 to 29, SMCCA will hold an online election to approve a new Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term and to consider a proposal to rename the organization “The Canyon Alliance.” Results will be announced at the Back to the Canyon 2 event on May 31 at Canyon Square.

The first item on the ballot is the full slate of 22 board nominees, drawn from across the Canyon’s five neighborhoods. This group includes 10 returning board members and 12 new nominees, bringing together a mix of experience and fresh energy. The slate reflects a strong commitment to balanced neighborhood representation, and the nominees bring with them a broad array of skills—from public service and community organizing to media, the arts, and local business. Their collective experience is expected to play a key role in guiding the Canyon through ongoing efforts focused on recovery, rebuilding, and long-term resilience.

The second ballot item proposes a change to the organization’s name—from the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association to The Canyon Alliance. The change is aimed at resolving long-standing confusion about the Canyon’s geographic identity. Despite the name, the Canyon is located within the City of Los Angeles, not Santa Monica—a misunderstanding that became especially problematic during recent emergencies. The proposed new name also reflects the organization’s role as a unified  voice for both Rustic and Santa Monica Canyons, and it underscores the importance of collaboration among the area’s five distinct neighborhoods.

To be eligible to vote, households must have either paid their 2025 dues ($50 per household) or contributed to the Canyon Alliance’s Emergency & Recovery Fund this year. One ballot will be sent via email to each qualifying household.

This election marks more than just a routine vote. It represents an opportunity for the Canyon to reaffirm, in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire, the community’s shared values. As the Canyon continues to recover from the challenges of the past year, the proposed new board and new name should help clarify the Canyon’s geography, strengthen neighborhood bonds, and elevate new leadership, all with with the goal of preserving the Canyon’s unique qualities and making it more resilient. More information about the candidates and the proposed name change is available at the-canyon.org/election-info