It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...
SPLATOON
Teams compete in Nintendo’s Splatoon at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, May 15, 2015. The event was a celebration for the upcoming launch of the Splatoon video game for the Wii U with Nintendo. Disney’s Joey Bragg (of Liv and Maddie) and Willow Shields (of The Hunger Games) were a few of the celebrities competing on the massive obstacle course inspired by Nintendo’s colorful new action shooter. Radio Disney will also be at the event. The course was composed of an array of ink-credible challenges inspired by the game. The game launches on May 29.
Fabian Lewkowicz
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PrintTO THE RESCUE
Los Angeles County Lifeguards practice rescue drills on a jet ski at Santa Monica Beach on Monday, May 11, 2015.
Eric Burton
Singer-songwriter Eric Burton sings, "Eagle" at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, May 8, 2015.
National Travel and Tourism Week
Santa Monica kicked-off the 32nd annual National Travel and Tourism Week today as Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Vasquez and Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) welcomed residents and visitors at the Visitor Information Kiosk in Palisades Park. The occasion is a national concerted effort led by the U.S. Travel Association to shine light on what travel means to jobs, economic growth and personal well-being throughout communities across America.
“Just look at the numbers. Travel supports 15 million jobs in America, including 13,700 right here in Santa Monica,” said Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Vazquez. “This week and next, we are celebrating and sharing stories about what travel means to our community, and we call on everyone—from elected officials to local residents—to join us in saluting this important industry.”
Across California, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees, to restaurant, attractions and retail workers, and supports industry sections such as construction, manufacturing and finance. Some of the numbers:
Over 1 million jobs are supported by travel and tourism in California
$9.3 billion in state and local tax revenue is generated in California
The national figures are equally remarkable:
$2.1 trillion in economic output and $927.9 billion in direct travel-related spending in the U.S. by domestic and international travelers in 2014.
$141.5 billion generated in federal, state and local tax revenues in 2014.
15 million American jobs supported—8 million direct tourism jobs and 7 million indirect and 7 million indirect and induced jobs—good jobs with good pay that cannot be outsourced.
“The tourism industry has personally provided me with incredible work opportunities for nearly 30 years,” said Santa Monica CEO/President Misti Kerns “Regardless of your background, if you are hardworking, hospitable, and willing to learn, you can have a future in this industry. Many members of the SMCVB team live in Santa Monica and have witnessed first-hand the direct benefits of tourism including the countless Santa Monica businesses and jobs that are touched by the economic activity visitors bring. That is what Travel & Tourism Week is all about.”
Studies are showing that destination marketing does more than sell trips to a state or city. Besides inspiring travel, it also has a halo effect on the city or state, elevating impressions in a positive manner. A recent article in HYPERLINK "http://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewlevine2/2015/03/19/why-tourism-advertising-is-more-powerful-than-you-think/" Forbes features research from Longwoods International, a leader in public opinion research in the travel and tourism industry, that shows tourism advertising also improvwa consumer perceptions of a city and/or state as a good place to live, start a career, attend college, start a business, and retire.
“Our mission is strategically focused on attracting visitors who bring the most economic benefits to Santa Monica with the least environmental impacts,” said SMCVB CEO/President Misti Kerns. “However, it is exciting to think that the tourism halo effect may also be elevating Santa Monica’s reputation and spreading the long-term benefits of broader economic development across other industry sectors.”
Travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being. A recent study by the U.S. Travel Association found that Americans left 429 million vacation days unused (the most in nearly 40 years) and forfeited $52.4 billion in time-off benefits. If workers took just one more day off each year, travel would generate $73 billion annually for the economy.
“Travel contributes to the fabric of America and continues to do wonders for our businesses and personal lives,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the umbrella organization representing the travel industry in the U.S. “This weeklong celebration should extend to every day of the week to strengthen further our dynamic industry.”
On May 14, 2015, SMCVB will continue the celebrations with its 6th annual Travel and Tourism Summit at the Fairmont Hotel & Bungalows. During the event, SMCVB will release results from the 2014 Santa Monica Tourism Economic Impact Study, provide an update on its 5-year strategic plan, discuss the future outlook of the city’s travel landscape and unveil the destination brand refresh. Key speakers will include Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown, Visit California CEO/President Caroline Beteta and representatives from SMCVB’s international agency partners. Two breakout sessions will be held after the main program focusing on “Where in the world is…Santa Monica CVB: how SMCVB is strategically reaching the trade, media and consumers” and “Developing Customer-Centric Digital Experiences”.
For more information on the 6th annual Santa Monica Travel & Tourism Summit and to RSVP, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.santamonica.com/summit-invite"www.santamonica.com/summit-invite.
40th Anniversary Open House
Emeritus students dance at the Emeritus College Art Gallery during SMC's Emeritus College's 40th Anniversary Open House & Silent Benefit Preview on Monday, May 4, 2015.
Santa Monica College’s Emeritus College is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with events ranging from an open house and art exhibition and reception, to a silent benefit and a special tribute to Retired Emeritus College Associate Dean Maggie Hall.
“Throughout the past four decades, Emeritus College has survived and thrived because of the dedication and warm connections between students, faculty, staff, and volunteers,” said Emeritus College Acting Associate Dean Gita Runkle. “We are so fortunate to be in a community that values lifelong learning and we hope the community enjoys our 40th Anniversary activities. A committee full of amazing volunteers has been working tirelessly to create a fun-packed and meaningful celebration for this momentous occasion.”
Emeritus College was founded by SMC in 1975 to serve the lifelong learning interests of older adults. Today, the widely praised program offers more than 120 free classes and special programs, and serves over 3,000 students each year.
All anniversary events are FREE and will be held at Emeritus College, 1227 Second St., Santa Monica. Parking is available next door in Santa Monica Public Parking Structure No. 2.
The 40th Anniversary activities include:
• Monday, May 4: Open House & Silent Benefit Preview from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Emeritus College Art Gallery. Festive event will include live music by Emeritus College students, display a pictorial review of Emeritus College’s history, feature live portrait drawings by an Emeritus College student, and start the preview period (May 4-8) for the amazing selection of creative works, collectibles, services, and experiences contributed to a Silent Benefit organized by Emeritus Gallery Director Jesse Benson in support of Emeritus College.
• Tuesday, May 12: 40th Anniversary Emeritus College Art Exhibition Opening Reception & Start of Silent Benefit from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Emeritus College Art Gallery. Opening reception – with Ikebana arrangement by Tory Lowitz, light refreshments, and a pictorial review of Emeritus College’s history – for exhibition of works by Emeritus College and guest professional artists, including Charles Arnoldi, Steven Bankhead, Merwin Belin, Jesse Benson, Judy Benson, Olivia Booth, Carla Danes, Erwin Glaub, John Greco, Scott Greiger, Jacob Melchi, Renee Petropoulos, Catherine Tirr, and Erin Watson. The reception opens the Silent Benefit bidding period (May 12-22) for the art on exhibit, as well as jewelry, event tickets, professional services, antiquities, experiences, memorabilia, and more, with selections ranging from very affordable items to valuable collectibles. Exhibition runs through June 16.
• Monday-Friday, May 18-22: Emeritus College Annual Fund Drive all day at the Emeritus College Walkway. Find out about Emeritus College, then make a contribution to the Annual Fund and get the chance to spin the wheel for prizes!
• Thursday, May 28: 40th Anniversary Closing Event from 12 to 1 p.m. in Emeritus College Room 107. Welcome by Emeritus College Acting Associate Dean Gita Runkle, presentation of resolution from State Assembly Member Richard Bloom’s office, and a special tribute to Retired Emeritus College Associate Dean Maggie Hall.
The Emeritus College 40th Anniversary sponsors include Merrill Lynch Bank of America Corporation, UCLA Health, and Heart Light.
For more information about Emeritus College and its 40th Anniversary activities, please visit www.smc.edu/emeritus or call (310) 434-4306.
WANDERLUST
Wanderlust at the Santa Monica Pier, Saturday, May 2, 2015. Wanderlust is an all-out, ecstatic celebration bringing together the world’s leading yoga teachers, top musical acts, renowned speakers, exquisite chefs, and thrilling performers, weaving together an experience that surprises and delights.
BROSNAN & BURTON
Singer-songwriters Pat Brosnan and Eric Burton perform at Ocean Front Walk in Santa Monica on Friday, May 1, 2015.
Skateboarding Mama
Liz Bevington, 91, aka "Skateboarding Mama" roller blades along Ocean Front Walk in Santa Monica on Tuesday, April 28, 2015. Skateboarding Mama has been skateboarding since she was 52 years old.