Santa Monica maintenance personnel paint the Pelican Gazebo at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.

Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Santa Monica Place - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Highlights from the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Santa Monica Place on Saturday, November 17, 2012.  

Santa Monica Place kicked-off the holiday season with a spectacular Santa parade down Third Street Promenade. The “man of the hour” Santa and several local dignitaries were transported down the Promenade aboard a vintage fire engine driven by Santa Monica Fire Department officials and escorted by mounted horse patrol from the Santa Monica Police Department, along with acrobats, trumpeters and holiday carolers.   

There was also performances by season 8 American Idol contestant Ann Marie Boskovich and Cimorelli, six singing sisters ages 12 to 21 whose YouTube channel introduced them to the world.

The Santa Monica Fire Department Graduation Class of 2012 take the Oath of Office during the graduation exercise at the Santa Monica Museum of Flying on Saturday, November 17, 2012. Pictured  Firefighters Chad Cleave, John Sly, Kevin Carlson, Patrick Jennings, John Hollander, Michael Hanley, Justin Flibott, Jony Fuentes, Matt Randleman and Joe Torres.

Firefighter Code of Ethics

"As a firefighter and member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, my fundamental duty is to serve humanity; to safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster; and maintain a proficiency in the art and science of fire engineering.  

 I will uphold the standards of my profession, continually search for new and improved methods and share my knowledge and skills with my contemporaries and descendants.  

I will never allow personal feelings, nor danger to self, deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter.

I will at all times, respect the property and rights of all men and women, the laws of my community and my country, and the chosen way of life of my fellow citizens.  

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the fire service.

I will constantly strive to achieve the objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession--saving of life, fire prevention and fire suppression.   As a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, I accept this self-imposed and self-enforced obligation as my responsibility."

Nick Gallucci and his wife Laurel dance during Ava's Heart Foundation’s Dance for Life Marathon at the Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club on Friday November16, 2012. Ava's Heart is a non-profit benefiting organ transplant recipients and their families.

Artist Nuria Ortiz discusses her art apparel with fellow artist Scuba Sam during Streetcraft L.A. Pop-up Shop's Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, November 15, 2012. The Pop-up Shop is located on 2009 Main Street. Streetcraft LA is a non-profit a social outreach organization that has an innovative approach to youth unemployment that aims to help young people earn profits for their artwork and graffiti. Streetcraft LA diverts youth away from graffiti and help them use their artistic talent toward making money. The program encourages youth to put their artwork on items like skateboards, furniture, original apparel and other products. These decorated items are then sold through the Streetcraft LA store, and profits from the items are split between the artists and Streetcraft. The program also teaches the youth valuable business skills, such as how to market their own artwork so that they can continue to profit from their art work after they leave the program.

Volunteer Jessica Walsh serves guests during the 3rd annual The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps Community-Wide Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 15, 2012. The event was sponsored by Howarth & Smith Law Firm.

SMC Global Citizenship Day Festival - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Highlights from Santa Monica College’s Global Citizenship Day Festival on Thursday, November 15. 2012. The Festival featured dance performances by SMC's Global Motion World Dance Company and a kaleidoscope of free food, music and games from around the world.

Crew from the Teecor Group replace Santa Monica Police Department Harbor Patrol Station's single pane windows for double pane windows on Wednesday, November 14, 2012.