Check out the new Doors sign installed beneath the Iconic Venice sign at Windward Avenue. January 4th was proclaimed “Day of the Doors” in Los Angeles. This day marks the 50th anniversary of the day the legendary band released their debut album. The Doors

A new real-time bike counter was installed on Main Street on December 21, 2017. Every time a cyclist rides by, they will see the number of daily bikers go up. The system displays daily and cumulative year-to-date bike counts. This fun visual feedback encourages cycling by communicating to cyclists that they count. #GoSaMo #BikeSM

The Big Banana Car spotted on Hampton Drive on January 1, 2017.

Inside the Owl, the public can see how the beach and infrastructure will flood due to sea level rise coupled with a large coastal storm. The Owl also displays potential solutions or “adaptation measures” being considered by the City of Santa Monica. The Owl is available 24/7 and includes an interactive element that lets viewers share their opinions.

“Sea level rise is a slow moving crisis that’s hard to see, and harder to get people energized around, but this technology will help bring it home in a very tangible way,” says Dean Kubani, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Santa Monica. “Seeing firsthand how the change will impact us will be a very powerful experience for all of our beach lovers.”

By 2050, sea level rise in Southern California could increase by 5-24 inches and by 17-66 inches by 2100. As the sea level increases, the water line will move up the beach, permanently eroding the beach. While the day to day impact may be mild, a further inland tide line can mean more impacts from major coastal storms, according to research being conducted by the City’s project partners, USC Sea Grant and the US Geological Services.                                                                                                                                      

“From Malibu to the Port, sea level rise will impact local communities differently,” says Elizabeth Bar-El, City of Santa Monica Senior Planner. “Future scenarios are informed by complex modeling, which are then incorporated into local plans to reflect the reality of climate change. It is very important to reach out in creative ways to help the community understand what it all means.”

Bar-El is the project manager for the update of Santa Monica’s Local Coastal Program, which will incorporate future sea level rise into coastal zoning. Another City effort, the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan, will develop measures to adapt to risks and hazards posed to existing buildings and infrastructure.

The Owl viewfinders is located on the north side of the Pier, west of Bubba Gump Restaurant.

For additional information about the Owl and the City’s efforts to prepare and adapt to sea level rise, visit www.sustainablesm.org/climate.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus welcome guests during Downtown Santa Monica's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Third Street Promenade on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

Snow fell during Downtown Santa Monica's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Third Street Promenade on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

The Santa Monica High School Choir performs during Downtown Santa Monica's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Third Street Promenade on Thursday, December 1, 2016.

Ken Reilly strings lights on the 14-foot Christmas tree at the California Heritages Museum on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.  The Main Street Holiday Party is this Saturday, December 3, from 5pm to 9pm.