Election Leaves Viewers Disappointed at Santa Monica Airport Restaurant's Farewell
Election night was at its peak as close to 200 Santa Monicans had gathered at the Santa Monica Airport to view their next commander in-chief be elected. The Typhoon restaurant, the host of the event and a cherished landmark at SMO for 25 years, was set to close after the momentous election event.
After a long and eventful day, the stress and anxiety that afflicted many during this year’s election could now finally be relieved at this energetic eatery. While the night began with a celebratory atmosphere allowing the joys of friends and family to be shared openly, there was a subtle wafting fog of mourning and solemnity for many having to say a final goodbye to the Typhoon as election day would be it’s final day of operation.
Joel Fournier, a patron since 1991, said, “Like our founding fathers that gathered at pubs and taverns, people united here to get together and have an open exchange of ideas and thoughts. It feels kind of heartbreaking it is ending at this establishment.”
Around 9 p.m., a united applause was announced for the restaurant owner and founder Brian Vidor “Let’s give it up for Brian!!!” in reply he shouted. “Everybody thank you!”
Santa Monicans all stood together cheering united to commemorate this wonderful congregation.
There were certainly more and more who grew nervous about the polling performance of Hillary as the hours persisted. Some Santa Monicans expressed their dismay for the electoral distribution system. “I wish I could be voting in Florida right now,” Emily Wagner stated.
As the election progressed, one could observe the officers of the sheriff’s department landing a helicopter on the runway. All the ballots casted were stashed in black duffle bags to be transported. By helicopter, the votes would be taken to be counted at the central polling headquarters in Norwalk.
While Trump supporters were few and far between at this restaurant-bar, there were some supporters that were cheerful as the night went on. “It’s a very divisive election, but I would like to see the country come together and agree on some certain issues. I feel Trump is the better choice,” said Brooklyn Allman. When asked how it feels voting in a historically blue state, she said, “We all know we are the minority in California as conservatives, despite the fact that Orange County is one of the largest Republican counties in the nation.”
In the final hours with the last votes waiting to be counted, the departure reached a point of anti-climax as John Podesta announced onstage in New York that HIllary Clinton will not be there to address the thousands that awaited her concession speech.
With Clinton declining to take the stage, many voters who arrived at the Typhoon to see Hillary win in a landslide ended up departing in a somber sorrow. As the glass ceiling remained unbroken, the rest of the of electoral votes trickled towards 270 for Trump.
