Grace Hardy, 6, and her identical twin sister Noelle, both dressed as cupcakes, practice hands-only CPR during the American Red Cross of Santa Monica Prepare or Beware Halloween Youth Run and Preparedness Fair at Santa Monica Beach on Saturday, October 26, 2013.

President/CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Laurel Rosen presents the Inspirational Hero Award to Santa Monica Police Department Officer Adam Barry's retired police canine Landor during the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce's 19th Annual New Heroes Celebration at JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. The event is held to welcome new educators, police officers, and firefighters to the Santa Monica community. 

(Top) Gabrieleno Tongva Dancers lead the opening procession during the Tongva Park grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Tongva park features 6.2 acres and has more than 300 trees and four hilltop areas to explore. Tongva park is located between Ocean Avenue and Main Street, directly across from City Hall.The park provides an important gateway with a strong connection to iconic Palisades Park and the Santa Monica Pier. (above) Andrew Morales blesses Tongva Park during the grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 19, 2013. 

Movie-goers watch this years most acclaimed eco documentary film, "Chasing Ice" at the Santa Monica Pier during Front Porch Cinema on Friday, October 18, 2013.

Artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle makes some adjustment on his public art installation entitled "Weather Field No.1," (2013) at Tongva Park on Friday, October 18, 2013. The installation features 49 stainless steel poles each supporting a weather vane and an anemometer, alternating heights of 19, 20 and 21 feet.

Grandmothers pose for a photo at the Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday, October 15, 2013. The grandmothers will be competing in the 2nd Annual Queen Lola Pageant this Saturday. The Queen Lola Pageant is an effort to showcase the Modern Filipino Grandmother; their skills, capabilities, and unique personalities. The pageant was created to simply say thank you to all the lolas for all that they have accomplished in life, and for the lolas to show any and all doubters that they still can ROCK, no matter what age!

The search is on for those grandmas who have kind hearts and strong character, who are confident, dynamic and are not afraid to strut their stuff. Grandmas must be prepared both mentally and physically for all the fun, recognition, and prestige that this
pageant brings.

Simply speaking, the Queen Lola Pageant was created to be heartwarming and touching, while at the same time funny,amusing and a celebration of our appreciation of the role the grandmas play in their culture. Filipinos unarguably have extraordinary amounts of love, admiration and respect for their grandmas, who often have been the cornerstone of their families. Often, they are not fully appreciated or adequately recognized for their contributions to our society.

These are the same grandmas that make their children's and grandchildren's breakfast, lunch or dinner. The same grandmas who taught them how to make a sandwich, taught them how to sew, and taught them how to make those cups of rice and not to be wasteful with food. These are the grandmas who walk their children and grandchildren to and from school underneath an umbrella to avoid the heat. 

These are the same grandmas that taught their children proper manners and respect for their elders. They were never afraid to scold them when they did something wrong, but would always be there to spoil them rotten just because they could.

Most grandmas here in the United States have never been able to have the opportunity to showcase their skills, talents, capabilities, personalities, or to tell their stories. The Queen Lola Pageant was created to showcase this esteemed woman in the Filipino culture, and to simply say thank you for all that they have done.

Victoria's Secret models pose during a fashion shoot at Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, October 15, 2013.

Pier Del Sol "A World of Wonder" - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Highlights from the 17th annual Pier Del Sol's "A World of Wonder" at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, October 13, 2013. 

This signature event is Southern California’s largest fundraiser that benefits Special Olympics athletes and was started by California’s First Lady and Honorary Chair, Maria Shriver and Special Olympics Board Member, Anita Green. Since its inaugural year, Pier del Sol has raised more than $8 million to benefit Special Olympics Southern California athletes. 

The event featured an amazing outdoor brunch prepared by more than 35 of LA's top restaurants, unlimited rides and games at Pacific Park, live entertainment, karaoke, arts and crafts, a Prize Drawing Extravaganza, a tide pool, and many more activities.

“Pier del Sol is a day that the whole family can enjoy, while giving back to the community and our Special Olympics athletes,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Each year, we bring out an entertaining new theme, and we hope the public will continue to come out and enjoy the wonderful cuisine, live music, and games on the historic Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park.”

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years. Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports training programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization. The Southern California Chapter covers a geographic region encompassing 11 counties and extends from San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield to San Diego.

Special Olympics Programs are offered at no cost to the athletes and their families. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.