It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

Save the Pier

The "Save the Pier" play performed at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, October 22, 2022. The "Save the Pier" play is a live reenactment of the events that followed when two groups of passionate citizens in the 1970s worked to save the Pier from the Santa Monica City Council’s plan to build a 35-acre artificial island in the bay with a bridge connecting it to the Santa Monica freeway. After the new construction was complete, the Pier would be torn down. The Save the Pier Play recounts this 1972 grassroots fight to stop the demolition of The Santa Monica Pier. THE STORY: Can you imagine Santa Monica without the Pier? 50 years ago, that unimaginable scenario almost became a reality! City officials, seeking a solution for the aging, high-maintenance old landmark, unveiled plans for a 35-acre manmade island with a resort hotel, convention center and other amenities. Not included in these new plans was the Santa Monica Pier, which was to be torn down and replaced with a conventional bridge. The community fought back and, while it was not an easy fight, ultimately won! “Save the Pier!” is a one-hour retelling of that dramatic battle, and a tribute to the colorful collection of people who so diligently and bravely fought City Hall. The names of the play’s characters are those of the real people who participated, but behind each character in the play stands many more people. After all, in a fight to gain community support, you need a cast of thousands. We are forever grateful to all those who saved the Pier. A half-century later, it still brings joy to millions of people every year! Save the Pier is written by James Harris, Directed by Paul Sand, Produced by Carolyn Yost, Associate Producer/Stage Manager Jeff Wynne. Starring James Harris, Kristen Helen Hanson, Nicholas Heard, Sol Mason, Kennedy A. Porter, Jay Choi, Hannah Nagle, Francis Edemobi, Joshua Merwise, Stephanie Benson and Stella Harris.

Posted on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 08:37AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 

Hundreds walk along Palisades Park during the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser on Saturday, October 22, 2022. American Cancer Society’s fundraiser is presented by Providence Saint John's Health Center and Tower Saint John's Imaging in support of breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more than two decades, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities in the fight against this deadly disease and funded breakthrough research, 24/7 support for breast cancer patients, and access to lifesaving screenings. Today, Making Strides is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation.
Posted on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 01:47PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Great Southern California Shakeout

City of Santa Monica employees participated in the Great Southern California Shakeout earthquake drill at City Hall on Thursday, October 20, 2022. More than 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.
Posted on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 01:39PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Boarding For Breast Cancer

Boarders, skaters and cyclists roll along the Santa Monica Bike path during the 15th Annual Skate The Coast on Sunday, October 16, 2022. The boarders skated along the 19-mile coast from the Santa Monica Pier to Redondo Beach Pier to bring awareness about breast cancer. Boarding For Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit foundation founded in 1996. Their Mission is to prepare young people with education on early detection and to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention. B4BC provides survivor support for those affected by breast cancer. B4BC delivers its Mission through participation in year-round grass roots, youth-focused lifestyle events with programs in these Core Areas: Educational Outreach Experience; Prevention + Awareness Fundraising Events and Survivorship #skatethecoas

Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 11:08AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Police Shutdown Roller Hockey Game at Beach

Santa Monica Police Officers and Code Enforcement Officers from the DART team (Directed Action Response Team, formerly the Pier Task Force) Issue an advisal to roller hockey players at Santa Monica Beach on Friday, October 14, 2022. Sports or recreational activity in any public parking lot that endangers public health or safety or threatens injury to persons or damage to property is prohibited. The enforcement is in response to a complaint from the City Manager's office. Santa Monica, California Municipal Code 3.04 PUBLIC PARKING LOTS: 3.04.160 Prohibited activities: No person shall engage in any sports or recreational activity in any public parking lot that endangers public health or safety or threatens injury to persons or damage to property. (Prior code § 3210; added by Ord. No. 501CCS, adopted 7/26/60; amended by Ord. No. 2403CCS § 2, adopted 7/24/12)

Posted on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 07:11PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Cycling Route 66 for Charity

Renee Jean rides down the Santa Monica Pier and concludes her 22 day cross-country bike ride along Route 66 on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Jean started her trip in Chicago on Sept. 22, to bring awareness and to raise money for charities connection to PTSD. Jean is raising money for 5 charities connected to her PTSD book series, Sharing Strength, and to honor the 22 veterans that commit suicide each day because of PTSD. The focus is on all those who struggle with PTSD and the variety of the charities and books reflect that. The organizations she is working to help are the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; RAINN - Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network; the Code Green Campaign; Mission 22; and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride-22-on-66.

Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 03:51PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

All You Can Carry Pumpkin Patch

Highlights from the All You Can Carry Pumpkin Patch for $10 at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Posted on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 11:30AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Mounted Police Patrol Beach

Santa Monica Mounted Police Officers patrol along Santa Monica Beach on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Posted on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 08:09AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint