![Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions. “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.](https://archeroracle.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/grandparents-day-option-2-1200x800.jpg)
Photo gallery: COVID-19 closures
Photo credit: Sabrina Kim
The Santa Monica Pier has fencing for 18 blocks along Ocean Avenue, and there are signs at the entrances of the paths saying that nobody can pass. The pier was built in 1909 and has never been fully closed. Many businesses that Archer girls frequent are closed during this time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily shuttered many businesses around the country, including those near Archer. The signs that businesses have posted to announce their closures had various ways of sharing the changes to their businesses. They all had similar messages wishing their customers safety in these unprecedented times.
The Aero Theater displays a sign that says “All Events Postponed. Stay safe. See you soon.” The single-screen theater has been open in Santa Monica, California, for 80 years.
Maria’s Italian Kitchen is now open for only curbside pickup, take out and delivery. It has been a place where different Archer sports teams, journalism staffs and debate teams have bought food after school. Students also purchase food to celebrate special occasions. “On our friend’s birthday, we ordered Maria’s online, and at lunch, we surprised her and took her across and picked up a grand birthday Maria’s meal,” junior Emma London said. “We sat down outside and ate a ton of pasta and garlic bread, and it was one of my favorite moments of the school year.”
Soom Soom is one of the many businesses in Brentwood Village that Archer students purchase lunch from. “[Soom Soom is] the thing I look most forward to on Wednesdays,” junior Gianna Lotman said. “I was hoping to keep some things the same.” It is one of the few businesses that is fully closing its doors until it is safe for their employees and customers to return.
Belwood, which is frequented by a large portion of Archer community members, is now only open for business with phone orders. “I picked up Belwood for myself and another senior who lives on my street,” senior Kelsey Thompson said. “I wore my mask and gloves in order to stay safe. The employees said that they miss the Archer girls.”
While many Starbucks locations are still open, the one in Brentwood Village across from Archer is closed. “I take an online course, which can be stressful at times,” junior Isa Ionazzi said. “It was always nice to be able to take a break and go across the street and get a coffee and then start my work feeling more refreshed.”
Casa Del Campo is one business that is changing its business model to compensate for fewer customers. They now offer free delivery within three miles. “The people at Casa Del Campo knew me so well, and it’s so sad that I can’t eat there or see them,” senior Kat Mackay said.
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