It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...
CHAINED
Longtime peace and anti-nuclear activist Jerry Rubin, 68, chains himself to the chain link fence that surrounds the monumental 26-foot-tall public sculpture by 3-time Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Paul Conrad entitled, ‘Chain Reaction’ (1991) during a press conference announcing the beginning of his 10-week "Save the Chain Reaction" liquid-only fast on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The press conference was held on the day before what would have been Paul Conrad's 88th birthday. The chaining is meant to symbolize the community commitment to saving the iconic sculpture, which may be removed because of its structural integrity.
Rubin will continue his fast through Tuesday, September 4, the 2nd anniversary of Paul Conrad's passing. Mr. Conrad died September 4, 2010 of natural causes at his home in
Rancho Palos Verdes with his family by his side.
Rubin has been a peace, environmental, and anti-nuclear activist for more than 30 years. He is no relation to the late 1960's peace activist of the same name.
The Conrad family and the community are currently seeking donations to help save, restore and strengthen "Chain Reaction." People can visit the family website for details: ConradProjects.com
The City Council has given Conrad's family and the community until November 15 as a deadline to raise the needed funding.
The Santa Monica Landmarks Commission unanimously voted at their May 14 meeting to nominate "Chain Reaction" to be considered for City landmark status.
Paul Conrad inscribed at the base of "Chain Reaction:" This is a statement of peace. May it never become an epitaph."
Chain Reaction was a gift to the city, approved by City Council in 1991 after extensive public process and debate. The work was funded by a private donation to the Santa Monica Arts Foundation.
KIDS WITH CAMERAS - WEEK 1- Fire Academy
Kids With Cameras 2012 WEEK 1 - Fire Academy - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz
Members from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, Santa Monica PAL (Police Activities League) and the Santa Monica Family YMCA take photos of firefighters during the kick-off of the Santa Monica Bay Human Relations Council's 4rth annual Kids With Cameras summer photo workshop at the Santa Monica Fire Department training academy on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The workshop meets every Wednesday for 6 weeks and will feature their work at a show in August. THESE PHOTOS WERE SHOT BY THE KIDS WITH CAMERAS.
HELLO KITTY
A street performer dressed as a cat puts on her Hello Kitty costume at the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, June 22, 2012.
VENICE ART WALL
Graffiti artist who goes by the name Biffy paints at the Venice Art Wall on Saturday, June 23, 2012.
WALK TO AFRICA
Participants walk along the Santa Monica Boardwalk during the Lighthouse Medical Missions' 4th Annual 8 Mile Walk To Africa fundraiser on Saturday, June 23, 2012. The raised money will send doctors and volunteers on short-term medical relief trips, build schools, clean water projects, establish vocational schools and restore thousands of lives.
BUSTED
KIDS WITH CAMERAS
Santa Monica PAL (Police Activities League) member Taneia Bryant, 11, takes photos of firefighters from ground level during the kick-off of the Santa Monica Bay Human Relations Council's 4rth annual Kids With Cameras summer photo workshop at the Santa Monica Fire training academy on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The workshop meets every Wednesday for 6 weeks and will feature their work at a show in August.
FREE HUGS
Free hugs were offered at the Hug Deli at the Santa Monica boardwalk on Sunday, June 3, 2012.