Moomat Ahiko used to be called State Route 187.
By HENRY KAMER
How many times have you driven down Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica and turned down that little curvy street Moomat Ahiko Way, which takes you to Pacific Coast Highway and views of the Pacific Ocean?
Have you ever wondered who/what Moomat Ahiko is? I know I have. Take a guess. Was he a Japanese-American soldier in World War II? Or maybe a famous Native American from the Los Angeles Basin?
It turns out Moomat Ahiko wasn’t a Japanese man or a local Native American. Moomat Ahiko was not even a person! Moomat Ahiko is the Tongva phrase for “Breath of the Ocean.”
The Tongva are an indigenous tribe of the Los Angeles Basin and the Southern Channel Islands who have lived on these lands for three and a half thousand years, long before the Spanish explorers, the California missions, Mexican rule and rancheros and the onslaught of people from all over the world during the California Gold Rush.
In addition to the “Breath of the Ocean” connecting Santa Monica to PCH, there is a 6.2 acre park behind the intersection called Tongva Park. The public park has a playground, art sculptures, walking paths and sustainable plants and trees. Unfortunately, many residents are afraid to go in because it also became a spot for transients.
On March 9, 2004, the Santa Monica City Council changed the little ramp name from State Route 187 to Moomat Ahiko. Citizens participated heavily in this decision, with 97 potential names being submitted. Now, I don’t know if it’s just me, but I think Moomat Ahiko is a much better name than State Route 187.
The combination of the “Breath of the Ocean” that leads to Tongva Park helps to make this tribute to the indigenous peoples of Los Angeles even more special.
Moomat Ahiko Way turned 20 this year. The road serves as an enduring reminder to appreciate the great people who lived here before us. Life and history becomes even richer when all cultures can come together, and I’m happy that Los Angeles can serve as one of those melting pot areas.
Many transients camp during the day in Tongva Park. The park closes at 11 p.m.
I have often wondered who or what a Moomat Ahiko was. I often thought that it was named after some politician. Boy as happy to learn about the real derivativion of this name.
Thank you Henry Kramer and thank you Sue.
It’s so much nicer to name a place or street after some characteristic if the place instead of perso.
It’s a lovely. ñame, but
In this case, a translation would be helpful.
Thank you for this: Now I can answer that question, the one everyone who sees “Moomat Ahiko” asks. Repeatedly. WHEW!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the history lesson I did not know