Samantha Vega photo shoot today at #SantaMonica Beach on Sunday, October 15, 2017. #SAMANTHAVEGA

Highlights from Special Olympics Southern California Oktoberfest at the 21st annual Pier del Sol fundraiser at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017.  Attendees enjoyed an exclusive VIP Brunch featuring mouthwatering tastings from some of L.A.’s top chefs and restaurants, complete with a beach top beer & wine garden, entertainment, music, arts & crafts, games, and unlimited rides.

“Pier del Sol is a family, fun day for the community, our Special Olympics athletes, and supporters of our movement,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “The funds raised help us serve more athletes, changing their lives, the lives of their families, and of the community.”

This year’s Honorary Chef is Gino Angelini, from one of the area’s hottest restaurants, Angelini Osteria. He has been a dedicated supporter and friend of Special Olympics Southern California for the past 14 years. The Pier del Sol honoree for 2017 will be Pacific Park CEO Mary Ann Powell. Honorary co-chairs of the event are Maria Shriver and Bobby Shriver.

“Special Olympics does incredible work. I respect that 89-percent of the money raised goes directly to provide activities for the athletes,” said Gino. “I am not an athlete, but being honored by Special Olympics is similar to winning an Olympic gold medal. I am very honored.”

Presenting sponsors of this year’s event is Westfield, JAKKS Cares and Wells Fargo.

Minister Patricia Farris blesses pets at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica during "Blessing of the Animals" service on Saturday, October 7, 2017.

Highlights from the Santa Monica Jaycees' 62nd Annual HUCK FINN DAY at Douglas Park on Saturday, October 7, 2017. The Santa Monica Jaycees (Santa Monica Junior Chamber) is Santa Monica and the Westside's premier organization for young Professionals who want to make the most out of living in the Greater Los Angeles area. Recently named one of the top 115 chapters in America, we are a volunteer organization offering opportunities for leadership development, community service and camaraderie for women and men ages 21-40.

Los Angeles Firefighter play Over-the-Line during L.A. Firemen's Relief Association Over-the-Line Tournament at Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Proceeds from the tournament benefits the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.

Highlights from Santa Monica's COAST Open Streets Festival on Sunday, October 1, 2017. The festival featured live music, interactive art and local food. The open street festival was two-miles long, making it easy to walk, bike, or skate throughout Santa Monica with great views of the Pacific along the way. #COASTSaMo

Live from Crawfish for Cancer's 1st Annual Los Angeles Crawfish Boil at the Santa Monica Pier, Saturday, September 30, 2017. Crawfish For Cancer, Inc. is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, throwing southern-style crawfish boils around the US to raise money for cancer research. Founded in 2008, CFC has donated over $400,000 to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to date and is expanding to new cities every year! Learn more or find a CfC boil near you at crawfishforcancer.org.

Sara Falugo leads a free yoga class at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, September 30, 2017. The free #yoga classes are held every Saturday Morning at 9am through October 21. Get all the details at www.SantaMonicaPier.org/ROGA #PierROGA