Street artist Chisel Rivera aka, 5C4NN3R, from Setting The Pace Foundation works on a mural at the Santa Monica Pier during Front Porch Cinema Series showing of “Exit Through the Gift Shop” on Friday, October 12, 2012.

First grade students take cover underneath  their desks at Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH) during the Great Southern California Shakeout  on Thursday, October 18, 2012.

Over 8 million people throughout Southern California participated in the Shake Out Drill, the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history! Families, school children and business workers participated in the drill. In summary, The ShakeOut Scenario estimates this earthquake will cause some 2,000 deaths, 50,000 injuries, $200 billion in damage and other losses, and severe, long-lasting disruption. The report has regional implications and is a dramatic call to action for preparedness.

President of the Santa Monica Conservancy Carol Lemlein leads a tour through the historic 1936 Merle Norman Building during the Santa Monica Conservancy’s 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 13, 2012.The party was held at the future site of the Preservation Resource Center, in the parking lot across from the Ocean Park Branch Library at 2nd Street and Norman Place. The event featured docents describing the adjacent landmarks – the Ocean Park Library, the Merle Norman Office and the California Heritage Museum – as well as a self-guided tour of the Third Street Historic Neighborhood District and an architectural scavenger hunt for families. A blue grass band, Brax Cutchin and the Lazy Roosters, cake, and giveaways were some of the highlights of the festivities.

Heal the Bay employees carry a 20 foot paper mache whale at Santa Monica Beach on Monday, October 15, 2012. The whale is looking for a new home. If you would like him gratis contact the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.

Tapestry artist Jon Eric Riis shows off the inside of his Tiger Coats during the 17th annual Los Angeles Antiques Art + Design at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, October 14, 2012. Sixty prestigious national and international exhibitors presented an extraordinary collection of rare and beautiful antique furniture, decorative and fine arts that reflect all periods from ancient times to the twenty-first century.

Madison Greger, 8, her sister Ashley 7, and Juliet Newton, 8, make jewelry during the John Muir Elementary School Flea Market on Saturday, October 6, 2012.

Special Olympics Southern California 's 16th annual Pier Del Sol - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Highlights from  Special Olympics Southern California ‘s 16th annual Pier Del Sol “Stars 'n Stripes” at Pacific Park on Sunday, October 14, 2012. 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, chili and apple pie contests, karaoke, arts and crafts, a Prize Drawing Extravaganza, a tide pool, and many more activities.

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 $7 million to benefit Special Olympics Southern California athletes.

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.

Los Angeles County Lifeguards Ocean Swim Test - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Lifeguard candidates compete in the Los Angeles County Lifeguards Ocean 1,000 meter ocean swim at Santa Monica Beach on Saturday, October 13, 2012. For the first time in three years, the Los Angeles County Lifeguards is accepting applications for recurrent (part time) ocean lifeguards. No new lifeguards have been hired in recent years because of a County hiring freeze. Recurrent lifeguards earn $92 to $212 daily. Applicants must be 18 or older, have 20/30 vision or better, and no more than 25 dB hearing loss. Applicants who are selected will be invited to attend the 10 day Lifeguard Training Academy, where they will study first aid, including CPR, and ocean rescue techniques.