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One City : Many Stories – Meet Patty and Dave
The Santa Monica Conservancy’s 2024 Year-End Review One City : Many Stories is honored to introduce you to the volunteers whose dedication and passion have profoundly shaped our community. Here we highlight Patty Godon-Tann and Dave Tann, Conservancy volunteers who exemplify the spirit of generosity and resilience that defines our city.
Patty and Dave Tann at the Georgian Hotel, a Santa Monica Landmark
Patty Godon-Tann, a seasoned educator with a 35-year career in the Los Angeles Unified School District, has been a leader since her days as a principal at Castle Heights Elementary. While there, she improved the lives of young people by navigating the complexities of school administration and significant obstacles to ensure her students received the support they deserved.
Patty conducting a tour at the Shotgun House for 2024 Doors Open California.
In Santa Monica, Patty rallied neighborhood support to transform Ozone Park, a once unsafe and unwelcoming space into a thriving community asset. With vision and determination, alongside support from community leaders, she helped to renovate this neighborhood park. This accomplishment stands as a testament to her ability to drive meaningful change.
Upon retiring, Patty shifted her focus to volunteer service, joining local organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, and serving as treasurer for OPA (Ocean Park Association). And for many years Patty has welcomed visitors to the Annenberg Community Beach House, sharing the remarkable history of the Marion Davies’ Estate through the Santa Monica Conservancy’s docent program.
Dave Tann has been a cherished resident and musician in Ocean Park since the mid-1970s. His deep-rooted commitment to the community is evident through his extensive volunteer work such as his creation of “Team OPA”, a dynamic community project of the Ocean Park Association that focuses on involving students, parents, & board members in community action. Under his leadership, Team OPA has organized a range of successful events, including musical celebrations through Make Music LA and numerous Adopt-a-Beach cleanups in partnership with Heal The Bay. As a musician, his experiences exploring different places and cultures has deepened his understanding of how music can unite people. You might see Dave playing regularly with his band at local venues.
Dave Tann in the recording studio
Patty and Dave also share a passion for travel that enriches their lives and inspires those around them. Their experiences abroad not only deepen their appreciation for heritage and culture but allow them to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to their community initiatives.
Patty Godon-Tann and Dave Tann at their home in Ocean Park
Patty and Dave’s unwavering commitment and proactive approach have made a substantial difference in our community.
As we highlight the remarkable contributions of our dedicated volunteers, we invite you to support the Santa Monica Conservancy.
Your involvement will help build on the legacy of service and community spirit that our volunteers, like Patty and Dave, have so passionately fostered. Your story can be next!
Contact Alissa: alissa@smconservancy.org for more volunteer details.
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