Nearly 50 people, including three former Santa Monica mayors, local peace activists, artists, and the wife and son of the late 3-time Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Paul Conrad, gathered Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at Conrad's iconic 26-foot-tall nuclear mushroom cloud public art peace sculpture to remember the legendary artist and sculptor on the 2nd anniversary of his passing on September 4, 2010, and to call on the City to help save and restore the threatened sculpture that has been standing in the Civic Center since 1991.

Speaking at the candlelight vigil were former Santa Monica mayors James Conn, Michael Feinstein, and Judy Abdo. Ms. Abdo was on the City Council when they voted to approve the gifted "Chain Reaction" sculpture in 1990.
Also speaking was Paul Conrad's wife Kay Conrad and their son David Conrad. Other speakers included peace activists Jerry Rubin, Cris Gutierrez and Randy Ziglar; Paul Conrad documentary filmmaker Barbara Multer- Wellin; art therapist Marissa Rubin; and Ken Kutcher, an attorney with the law firm of Harding Larmore Kutcher & Kozal, who is representing David Conrad in efforts to save his father's signature sculpture.

Vigil participants lit candles and joined in a "Human Chain of Support" encircling the recently landmarked monument. Packets of wildflower seeds from Paul Conrad's funeral were planted in front of the sculpture. All the vigil participants then watered the newly planted seeds from a special water container decorated with peace symbols

2012 Muscle Beach Labor Day Bodybuilding, Figure, Bikini and Men's Physique Competition - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Contestants compete in the Muscle Beach Labor Day Bodybuilding, Figure, Bikini and Men’s Physique Competition at Venice Beach on Monday, September 3, 2012. The Muscle Beach Bodybuilding competition was presented by Joe Wheatley Productions

Youhanna performs traditional Egyptian music during the Pharaohs Festival at the Third Street Promenade on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

Santa Monica College dance students perform a piece from the Mexican state of Veracruz  during the Broad Stage’s 5th year anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

Guests participate in an interactive art installation by Petra Eiko entitled, “The Green Heart”  during  the Broad Stage's 5th year anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

A model poses in the latest Nordstrom fashions at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, August 24, 2012.

Santa Monica Emergency Manager Ken Semko  demonstrates the latest computer technology enhancements during a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly renovated Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on Thursday, August 30, 2012.

The City of Santa Monica has seriously stepped up its commitment to safety with the newly renovated EOC. This state of the art facility will carry out emergency and/or disaster management functions at the most strategic level to ensure the safety of the community. Newly upgraded, this state of the art facility offers a showcase of technological enhancements.  

To insure uninterrupted service, even during a power failure, the EOC is equipped with an emergency generator that can run for several days without electricity.

Ready for Carmageddon II, the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated on the weekend of September 28-30 to manage any issues that may arise from the scheduled closure of the 405 freeway.  

The new upgrades cost $400,000.00

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located at the City of Santa Monica's Public Safety Facility.

Phillip King plays his harp along the Santa Monica Boardwalk on Saturday, July 21, 2012.