In a poignant display of unity and solidarity, hundreds of dedicated participants came together on Saturday, October 21, 2023, to walk along the scenic paths of Palisades Park. They congregated for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) "Out of the Darkness Community Walk," an event that has grown to become a cornerstone of the nationwide movement to combat suicide.

These community walks, which have found a place in countless cities across the United States, serve as the heartbeat of the Out of the Darkness initiative. The movement, which had its genesis in 2004, has evolved into a powerful force for raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health issues. It emboldens individuals to share their own experiences and provides a platform to foster a more enlightened approach to mental well-being. With friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers walking side-by-side, this event not only supports one another but also honors the memories of those who have been lost to suicide.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention stands as a steadfast beacon of hope and salvation for those grappling with the far-reaching impacts of suicide. Their mission encompasses the cultivation of a society that is enlightened about mental health through educational initiatives and community programs. Furthermore, the organization's dedication to suicide prevention is evident in their relentless commitment to research and advocacy, as well as their unwavering support for those who have been touched by the tragedy of suicide.

The AFSP's website underscores the significance of these community walks by emphasizing their role in uniting communities and providing a platform for individuals to acknowledge the profound ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have touched their lives. The hashtag #TogetherToFightSuicide has become a rallying cry, symbolizing the collective spirit of those who have come together for this cause.

At the core of AFSP's grassroots efforts lies a resolute mission: to eliminate the devastating toll that suicide takes on lives. This is achieved through innovative prevention programs, public education regarding risk factors and warning signs, fundraising for suicide research and support programs, and outreach to those who have tragically lost a loved one to suicide.

Operating within a burgeoning nationwide network of chapters, AFSP unites individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common objective: preventing suicide in their communities. This includes families and friends who have personally experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide, as well as vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, and community and business leaders. Together, they infuse life into the chapters, creating a formidable force in the ongoing battle to save lives and instill hope in the face of this challenging public health crisis.

Santa Monica Beach, October 20, 2023 - The skies above Santa Monica Beach lit up with a mesmerizing drone light show on Saturday, October 20, 2023, to celebrate the grand opening of STRAUSS LA in Venice. The drone spectacle, powered by Sky Elements, unfolded against the iconic backdrop of the Santa Monica Pier as Strauss announced the eagerly awaited inauguration of their flagship store, set for October 26th.

Orchestrated by Sky Elements Drone Shows, the event featured an impressive display of 500 drones, leaving onlookers in sheer amazement with their cutting-edge technology and captivating formations.

Engelbert Strauss, Inc. unveiled its boutique shop, STRAUSS LA, in Venice, California on October 26th, 2023. To herald this exciting addition to the Venice neighborhood, STRAUSS LA took to the skies on the evening of October 20th, setting the night ablaze with a spectacular drone show at the renowned Santa Monica Pier. The grand opening is a must-attend event, scheduled from 5:00 to 9:00 pm on October 26th.

At the grand opening of STRAUSS LA, attendees will be treated to a delightful array of German food and drinks, including the obligatory beer. The festivities will feature live music by the Band Otto, live painting by Jules Muck, performances by local Venice DJs, and, of course, a chance to explore the clothing that has made STRAUSS a household name in Europe.

Situated at 1320 Main Street in Venice, STRAUSS LA boasts a 1000 square foot retail space dedicated to showcasing STRAUSS's innovative workwear, gear, and apparel. Shoppers can explore the brand's tailored work pants and shorts, work shoes, jackets, as well as a range of hats, tees, and accessories.

STRAUSS, a third-generation family business located in Biebergemünd, Germany, is widely recognized across Europe for its iconic ostrich logo (Strauss means ostrich in German) and is one of Europe's premier workwear manufacturers. Engelbert Strauss, Inc. is now bringing the spirit of STRAUSS to the United States. "You learn more off campus than you do on campus," noted Henning Strauss about his days as a student. "The brand, as we know it today, was born then." STRAUSS LA is more than just a store; it's a homecoming. Engelbert Strauss, Inc. was founded as an independent US business.

The journey of STRAUSS to LA is a compelling tale. While the company has deep-rooted German origins, its progressive perspective was significantly shaped in Los Angeles. This transformation began with Henning Strauss, now President of Engelbert Strauss, Inc., who attended university in Malibu during the '90s.

ENGELBERT STRAUSS, a German family business, has been designing and manufacturing durable, technical workwear since 1948. The brand's iconic red ostrich emblem has become a symbol of Europe's creative class.

The STRAUSS story today is closely entwined with Los Angeles. It all began in the early '90s when Henning STRAUSS, now the President of Engelbert Strauss, Inc., ventured to Malibu for his university education. The Southern California spirit had a profound impact on his life, redirecting the course of his journey. Despite growing up outside of Frankfurt, his fondest memories revolve around the streets of Venice, where he engaged with artists and creatives.

Today, Henning and his brother Steffen run independent STRAUSS businesses across Europe, representing the third generation of leadership in the family business. Taking the helm of a family legacy is a privilege, but it can also be a weighty responsibility. Here, the California spirit comes into play, with Henning choosing a path of innovation and evolution, letting each generation forge its own unique course.

In 1948, Engelbert Strauss, Henning's grandfather, started by producing brooms and brushes in a small German village, which proved to be a successful endeavor. Norbert STRAUSS expanded the business into workwear, creating clothing worn by those contributing to the historic German Wirtschaftswunder. Henning and Steffen introduced further innovations by producing clothes that were both sturdy and fashionable, tailored for specific trades and tasks. This transformation turned German customers into European patrons, solidifying STRAUSS's iconic status. And then came the call from the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures, paving the way for the founding of Engelbert Strauss, Inc., an independent US business.

Returning to Los Angeles signifies a new horizon for STRAUSS, offering a fresh perspective and a sense of homecoming. It's a return to roots that, while not necessarily of the STRAUSS brand, certainly reflects the Spirit of STRAUSS.

In a seasonal spectacle, the Santa Monica Farmers Market is hosting its highly-anticipated annual 'All You Can Carry Pumpkin Patch' event.Commencing on this picturesque Wednesday, October 18, 2023, the market's central location at 2nd and Arizona has been artfully transformed into a veritable pumpkin haven.

Event Details and Rules:

1. Admission Fee: Attendees are required to pay a $10 entrance fee, with cash as the sole mode of payment.
2. Hand-Picking Only: The rules emphasize a hands-on approach. Visitors must select their pumpkins unassisted, with no tools, carts, or companions allowed.
3. The Challenge: Perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of this event is the challenge to carry selected pumpkins 25 feet out of the patch. Rolling and dropping are strictly prohibited. Success in this endeavor means ownership of the pumpkins.

The Pumpkin Patch is open for all to enjoy between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm, contingent upon the availability of pumpkins. Enthusiasts are advised to arrive early to ensure the finest selection.

In the spirit of the season, participants are encouraged to don their most imaginative costumes. Competitive spirits can seize this opportunity to shine, demonstrating their pumpkin-carrying skills while joining in the overall merriment.

The Santa Monica Farmers Market is beckoning all to partake in the ambiance of the fall season. As the event unfolds, anticipation is high to witness the impressive feats of pumpkin-carrying prowess, coupled with the creative spectacle of attendees' costumes. 🎃🍂🎉

Join the conversation: #PumpkinPatch2023 #SantaMonicaFarmersMarket #fallfun

In an effort to boost the readiness and effectiveness of their first responders, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) and the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) conducted a joint training exercise at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The exercise, which took place on Thursday, October 12, 2023, was held from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The primary objective of this comprehensive training exercise was to equip personnel with the necessary skills to respond to high-risk, complex events that may involve multiple agencies. While the Santa Monica Pier was temporarily closed to guests during the exercise, the overarching goal was to ensure the continued safety and security of the pier and its visitors.

To create a highly realistic and immersive training experience, the Training Cadre employed simunitions and smoke simulations that closely mimicked real-life scenarios. Additionally, volunteer actors from the local community were engaged to further enhance the authenticity of the exercise. Notably, both the Santa Monica Police SWAT Team and the Santa Monica Fire Department Triage Team actively participated in the training exercise.

Recognizing the potential for bystanders and residents to mistake the training for an actual emergency, both departments took steps to inform the community and mitigate any unnecessary alarm. Visible signage was strategically placed around the exercise's perimeter, supplemented by digital message boards in the surrounding area.

The Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments were profoundly committed to the safety and well-being of the residents they served. They understood that the exercise might have caused some inconvenience, and they extended their sincere appreciation for the community's understanding and patience during the specified timeframe. By cooperating with these efforts, residents played a pivotal role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the first responders who protected the Santa Monica community. The departments expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the support they received from the community.

In a groundbreaking development, Waymo's fully autonomous taxi service has made its debut in Santa Monica, offering residents of the coastal city an opportunity to experience the future of transportation at no cost.

Waymo's "One Tour" has set up shop on the bustling Third Street Promenade as of Wednesday, October 11, 2023, inviting Santa Monica residents to enjoy an exclusive one-week preview of their cutting-edge autonomous ride-hailing service.

The journey toward this technological achievement began in 2009, with Waymo equipping their vehicles with a formidable arsenal of 29 cameras and sensors, essential for safely navigating the intricate web of city streets. These vehicles further enhance the rider experience and safety with interior cameras. To ensure top-notch customer support, Waymo has established a dedicated customer service system.

A standout feature of Waymo's service is their real-time mapping system, which offers passengers live updates on their trip's progress, showing the current location and estimated time of arrival at their chosen destination.

While Waymo has already established a presence in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix, the company now has its sights set on venturing into the competitive Los Angeles market.

For the people of Los Angeles, Waymo has an enticing offer: a one-week early access pass to sample their fully autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, completely free in Santa Monica.

Waymo One - The World's First Fully Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service

Waymo One stands as the world's pioneering fully autonomous ride-hailing service, available to the general public. Users can hail one of Waymo's autonomously driven vehicles - absent of a human driver in the front seat - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With a fleet driven by a Driver boasting more than 20 million miles of experience on public roads, riders can rely on a safe and reliable service for any outing, whether it's a night on the town or a break from the wheel.

Pricing Transparency

Waymo maintains full transparency regarding pricing, ensuring riders always have insight into their trip cost before booking. During peak periods, such as evenings and weekends, prices may vary to help manage increased demand and guarantee rides are readily available. Regardless of route changes or adaptations, the trip's cost will remain consistent, with pricing based on the most direct path.

This launch marks an exciting development in the world of autonomous transportation and provides Santa Monica residents with a unique opportunity to explore the future of ride-hailing technology firsthand.

```

Man Arrested After Dramatic Standoff on Santa Monica Ferris Wheel

Santa Monica, CA - October 9, 2023

In a high-stakes incident that unfolded at Santa Monica Pier, a man was arrested following a dramatic standoff on the iconic Ferris wheel. At approximately 2:35 PM, the Santa Monica Police Department received a distress call reporting a distraught male subject who had climbed the Ferris wheel in Pacific Park on the Pier. The man claimed to have a bomb in his backpack, escalating the situation's urgency.

Swiftly responding to the call, officers reached the scene within four minutes. The safety of approximately ten riders on the Ferris wheel was paramount, and the Fire Department's urban search and rescue team was swiftly deployed to ensure their safe evacuation.

The rescue operation, involving the use of a lift, successfully brought down five passengers from the gondolas, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and efficiency.

During the ordeal, members of the Santa Monica Police Department's Crisis Negotiation Team engaged the distressed individual in dialogue, attempting to understand his motivations. Throughout the negotiation, the individual remained agitated and made bomb threats, leading to a tense situation that lasted for over an hour.

However, it was eventually revealed that the individual was facing a mental health crisis, and no explosive devices or other weapons were found in his possession. With the crisis negotiation team's determined efforts, the individual was persuaded to climb down from the Ferris wheel, bringing the situation to a peaceful resolution.

In the wake of the incident and based on the multiple threats made, the individual, identified as 37-year-old Juan Gonzalez of Garden Grove, was placed under arrest. He now faces charges of criminal threats (a felony), making a false bomb threat to authorities, and resisting arrest.

Following his arrest, Gonzalez was evaluated by the Fire Department on-site and transported to the Santa Monica Jail for booking. The case will be presented to the District Attorney for filing on the threats charges.

The Santa Monica Police Department expressed its gratitude to the Santa Monica Fire Department, Santa Monica's Office of Emergency Management, and the professionals at the Pier and Pacific Park for their coordinated and cooperative efforts, which led to the successful outcome of the incident and subsequent arrest.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with mental health crises and underscores the critical importance of crisis intervention. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the standoff. The Santa Monica Pier has since been reopened to the public, marking the conclusion of this high-stakes situation.

SANTA MONICA, CA - The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica hosted a heartwarming "Blessing of the Animals" service on Saturday, October 7, 2023, to celebrate the cherished bond between pets and their human companions. Rev. Patricia Farris and Pastoral Associate Tricia Guerrero presided over the ceremony, which saw a diverse array of beloved pets and their owners coming together for a touching and memorable experience.

The service, a beloved annual tradition for both the church and the local community, provided an opportunity for people to express their gratitude for the animals in their lives and renew their commitment to caring for all of God's creations.

Pets of all shapes and sizes, from cats and dogs to rabbits and even a few parrots, received blessings and special prayers for their health and happiness. Rev. Farris and Tricia Guerrero greeted each pet with open arms, showering them with affection while offering words of comfort and hope to their owners.

The "Blessing of the Animals" service was a poignant reminder of the healing power of love and community, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the presence of animals in our lives. The event served as a testament to the enduring bond between animals and their human companions, as well as the unifying force of faith and love.

The ceremony also featured a range of activities for attendees. Participants could opt for walk-up blessings in the First UMC Courtyard or drive-thru car blessings in front of the Courtyard. Children were invited to join in the fun with an arts and crafts table, and they could even bring their stuffed animals for blessings.

The event extended its compassion beyond the church walls by encouraging attendees to bring donations of pet food for local animal shelters, making a positive impact on the wider community.

To remember and honor pets that have passed, attendees had the opportunity to share photos for the Memorial Board, either by emailing them or bringing physical copies. Additionally, an art exhibit in the Fireside Room showcased animal-themed artwork created by the congregation, Sunday School, and Preschool children.

The "Blessing of the Animals" service concluded with both pets and their owners leaving with hearts full of joy and a renewed sense of connection to the world around them. It served as a powerful reminder of the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives and the significance of coming together to celebrate and protect all living creatures.

The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica's "Blessing of the Animals" event has, once again, proven that faith, love, and the unbreakable bond between animals and their human companions can create a profound sense of unity and shared purpose in the community.

Don't miss this heartwarming tradition in the years to come, as it continues to touch the hearts of those who participate and demonstrates the enduring power of love and community.

The Los Angeles County Probation Department organized the Santa Monica Community Job and Resource Fair, which took place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The event was held on the front lawn of the Santa Monica Courthouse from 10 AM to 2 PM and welcomed all attendees. The Santa Monica Community Job and Resource Fair, organized by the Los Angeles County Probation Department, was a tremendous success. Here's what the event had to offer:

• Employment Services, with a focus on aiding individuals with prior felony convictions.
• Educational Services.
• Housing Services.
• Mental Health Support.
• Free COVID-19 Vaccination Services.
• Legal Aid Information.
• Self-Help Resources.
• Medical Services.
• Free Food Distribution.
• Assistance for the Homeless.
• Complimentary Clothing, and much more.

During this remarkable event, the Los Angeles County Probation Department hosted numerous community-based organizations and over 60 companies, all offering their services and employment information. It was a day filled with valuable resources and information for the attendees, providing them with an opportunity to connect with their community.

Don't miss out on such enriching events in the future! Stay connected with the Los Angeles County Probation Department through our event hashtags: #LACProbation and #InTheCommunity.