Members of the L.A. Hunnies, the renowned roller skate community, converged around the fountain at Santa Monica City Hall for their weekly meetup on Thursday evening, April 11, 2024.

Founded by Jen Yonda, the Skate Hunnies have evolved into the largest roller skate community in Los Angeles. Originating during the pandemic in 2020, the group aimed to provide a safe space for people to gather and move together amidst challenging times.

Inspired by her experience with LA Friday Night Skate but recognizing the need for more inclusivity and female representation, Jen set out to create a community where women could skate together and thrive. What began as small meetups quickly blossomed into a thriving community, with attendance skyrocketing to over 50 participants weekly.

Driven by their mission to empower, inspire, and connect individuals, the Skate Hunnies have crafted routes that traverse some of LA's most iconic neighborhoods, including Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, DTLA, and Culver City.

Beyond their love for skating, the group is committed to fostering a supportive community that promotes joy and shared experiences. Through free community rides, skate lessons, and pop-up events, they strive to contribute to safer streets and a healthier, more connected community.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) personnel were dispatched to the scene of an incident where a fire hydrant had been struck by a vehicle on Bay Street, resulting in water jetting high into the air. The team, demonstrating prompt and efficient action, successfully located and closed the valve, halting the uncontrolled flow of water. The driver involved in the incident remained on-site, awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officers to document the occurrence. Captain Johnny Maccini of the SMFD provided insights into the event, noting the swift response of the firefighters in managing to isolate and shut down the water main. Captain Maccini expressed optimism for a quick repair of the damaged infrastructure by city services, highlighting the effective coordination between emergency responders and municipal agencies in addressing such unforeseen disruptions.

In an impressive display of celestial mechanics, residents and visitors alike congregated on Santa Monica Pier today, April 8, 2024, to witness the solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over the planet. Equipped with protective eyewear and an air of anticipation, onlookers tilted their heads skyward as the eclipse reached totality, sharing in a moment of cosmic significance that transcends the ordinary and reminds us of the vastness of our universe. The eclipse, a dance of celestial bodies, serves as a unique educational and communal experience, highlighting the enduring human curiosity about the heavens.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, the Santa Monica Pier became the vibrant hub for the Local's Night Car Show, showcasing an array of classic automobiles that captivated attendees. This event, part of the Pier's Locals Night series designed for and by the community, offered a plethora of engaging activities, including offerings for youth, local DJ performances, a silent disco, salsa dancing lessons, live music from area bands, art exhibitions, and much more, drawing a significant local crowd.

The evening's spotlight shone brightly on the impressive lineup of classic cars, hot rods, and other unique vehicles brought together by the local community. Car enthusiasts had the opportunity to admire a wide variety of automobiles, from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, each with its own story and charm. Vehicle owners took pride in displaying their prized possessions, contributing to the warm and festive atmosphere of the night.

The car show is a highlight of the Santa Monica Pier's Locals Night series, occurring monthly. These events aim to foster community spirit and provide an exclusive outdoor venue for residents to celebrate the essence of Santa Monica through diverse entertainment and activities.

The success of the Local's Night Car Show not only underscores the strong sense of community among Santa Monica residents but also highlights the Pier as a beloved landmark that continues to offer memorable experiences for both locals and visitors. With anticipation already building, the community eagerly awaits the next installment of the series, promising more unique experiences and fun-filled evenings.

In a heartening display of community spirit and the promotion of literacy, Santa Monica witnessed the inauguration of a new Tiny Free Library on Thursday, February 29, 2024. The ceremony, held in front of the Elks Lodge on Pico Boulevard, saw Mayor Phil Brock alongside members of Girl Scout Troop 415 cutting the ribbon, marking a significant addition to the neighborhood.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Girl Scouts from Troop 415, has introduced the only free library along Pico Boulevard in the City of Santa Monica. The concept, simple yet powerful, encourages residents to "take a book or give a book," fostering a culture of sharing and education within the community.

During the ceremony, Mayor Brock engaged in a light-hearted exchange with the Girl Scouts, expressing his enthusiasm for the project. "This is the only little free library on Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica that I know of. So I think that's fabulous," he remarked. The mayor emphasized the importance of community service and the role of volunteering in building a supportive society. He shared his own experiences with volunteering from a young age and commended the Girl Scouts for their contribution to the community..

The new library is well-stocked, with a particular focus on children's books, aiming to cultivate a love for reading among the youngest residents of Santa Monica. Mayor Brock highlighted the importance of reading for children and the library's role in making books accessible to families.

The initiative not only serves to provide free access to books but also stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism in Santa Monica. The Elks Lodge, with its 120-year history of service in the community, provides a fitting backdrop for this new venture, symbolizing the continuous chain of giving and learning..

The Girl Scouts' involvement in this project is part of their journey towards earning their Silver Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve. This project reflects their commitment to serving their community and their dedication to promoting literacy and education.

As the ribbon was cut and the Little Free Library officially opened, Mayor Brock and the Girl Scouts invited the community to join in this noble endeavor. The library stands as a beacon of hope and generosity, encouraging all to partake in the joy of reading and the spirit of giving.

On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, three members of the Orange County Model A Ford Club embarked on a unique journey, driving their vintage Model A cars from Orange County to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. This expedition was not just a display of automotive heritage but also a tribute to the historic Route 66, often referred to as the "Main Street of America."

Eric Engel, the editor of the club's newsletter, "The Distributor," shared insights into the significance of their trip and their affection for Route 66. "We are here today at the Santa Monica Pier just to specifically come to this location, Route 66, trails and sign," Engel explained. The choice of the Santa Monica Pier, known as the official end of Route 66, was intentional, reflecting the club members' desire to connect with a pivotal piece of American history.

Engel also highlighted an upcoming event for the club, a pancake breakfast set to take place on April 14th at Hart Park in the City of Orange, located just off of the 22 Freeway. The event promises to be a significant gathering for automotive enthusiasts, with around 300 Model A cars of various models expected to be on display from 7:30 to 11:00 in the morning.

Among the vintage cars showcased during their visit to Santa Monica was Engel's own 1931 Model A coupe deluxe, a testament to the era's craftsmanship and style. Also featured was a 1930 pickup truck owned by Dennis Cleason, notable for its modified engine that leans towards a racer aesthetic. Completing the trio was a 1928 two-door sedan, owned by the club's president, Mike Edmondson, which remains in its original, "bone stock" condition.

This event not only celebrates the rich legacy of the Model A Ford and its place in automotive history but also strengthens the community of vintage car enthusiasts. The Orange County Model A Ford Club's journey to Santa Monica serves as a vivid reminder of the enduring allure of historic Route 66 and the timeless appeal of classic automobiles..

In a remarkable display of skill and endurance, James Webb from Sydney, Australia, emerged as the victor of the second annual Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship, held at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on February 26, 2024, coinciding with World Pistachio Day.

Webb managed to consume an astounding 338 pistachios in just eight minutes, outperforming a field of the world's top-ranked competitive eaters and securing the $5,000 first prize. This year's competition saw an unprecedented face-off, featuring Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa against world champion competitive eater Joey Chestnut, alongside defending Pistachio Eating World Champion Nick Wehry and other top-ranked talents.

The event marked a significant moment in competitive eating history, as it was the first time an active professional football player competed against internationally-ranked Major League Eating athletes. The championship tested not just the competitors' eating speed but also their manual dexterity, requiring them to crack open each pistachio before consumption.

Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios, celebrated the Joey vs. Joey battle as a win for sports fans and snacking enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, Major League Eating's Sam Barclay highlighted the daunting challenge faced by Nick Wehry as he aimed to defend his title against a formidable international field.

The previous year's record set by Nick Wehry, with 188 Wonderful Pistachios eaten in eight minutes, stood as a benchmark for excellence and determination. The event, free and open to the public, not only offered thrilling competition but also served as a celebration of America's #1 Nut®, providing attendees with complimentary giveaways and family-friendly entertainment.

The Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship represents more than just a contest; it's an homage to competitive spirit and the joy of communal celebration against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. With a total prize purse of $10,000, the competition underscored the allure of competitive eating and the enduring appeal of pistachios.

On Sunday, February 25, 2025, Venice Beach witnessed the vibrant and spirited Annual Mardi Gras Parade along its famous boardwalk, led by Marky Lennon, crowned as King, and Jeffrey Banks, the King Consort, alongside the lively tunes of the Beaucoup Brass Band. This event continues Venice's long-standing tradition of Mardi Gras celebrations, a legacy that traces back to its inception in 1935.

The Venice Mardi Gras Festival initially took place from August 16-18, 1935, inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It featured a grand opening with King Neptune arriving by outrigger canoe, the coronation of Queen Venetia, and a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk. The proclamation by the queen marked the beginning of three days filled with parades, costume contests, and entertainment, embodying the spirit of fun and revelry. Highlights from the early years included majestic floats, participants donning enormous plaster of Paris heads crafted in Arthur Reese's studio, and a street carnival on Windward Avenue, complete with gondoliers and Keystone Cops adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event quickly grew in popularity and scale, evolving into a significant annual festival that drew crowds in the hundreds of thousands before World War II. The expanded four-day celebration by 1941 included a treasure hunt for children, aquatic events, the Miss California beauty pageant, and a grand Mardi Gras Ball, all contributing to a burgeoning sense of civic pride and community engagement.

Venice's Mardi Gras Festival has stood as a testament to the community's commitment to celebrating culture, history, and the arts. For those interested in delving deeper into Venice's rich history, Jeffrey Stanton's website offers extensive insights into the past festivals and the evolution of this beloved event.