Oriental Dancer Angela Carroll performs at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.

A woman feeds the seagulls at Santa Monica Beach on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

Dan Radlauer (accordion) and Oliver Steinberg (upright base) of Extreme Klezmer Makeover perform at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sunday, November 13, 2011.

Tree Lighting Ceremony 2011 - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Santa makes his grand arrival with Mrs. Claus at Santa Monica Place for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

A team of structural engineers and art conservators assess the structural integrity of the monumental public sculpture by Paul Conrad entitled ‘Chain Reaction’ on Friday, November 18, 2011.

The examination will consist of a visual inspection of the internal armature to detect any corrosion or other problems, along with lab testing of fiberglass and concrete samples, as well as the chain segments that clad the sculpture and their fasteners. Prior to the examination and testing conservators carefully documented and cataloged the segments of chains in the selected sample areas, then they will carefully cut out the area designated as the entry point for the internal inspection.

From the time that a potential public safety hazard was identified by Building Officer Ron Takiguchi, City staffs have worked diligently with a highly skilled team of professionals to devise and implement a plan that employs best practices to gather adequate information while doing everything possible to preserve the integrity of this important work of art. The first step in that process was the development of an evaluation by both a structural engineer and a highly regarded conservator, followed by extensive research into the fabrication of the work. As part of that process a number of the people who originally worked on the sculpture were interviewed and the artist’s family was notified.

It is anticipated that once the determinations from this next phase of the assessment process are complete the city will be able to develop a plan for the future of the work. 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.

(top) Santa Monica Councilmember Kevin McKeown leads a group ride from City Hall to the grand opening of the brand new, full-service “Santa Monica Bike Center” at 1555 2nd Street on Friday, November 18, 2011. (above) Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom with Council members Pam OConnor and Kevin McKeown, former mayor Nathaniel Trives, President/CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Laurel Rosen and L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky cut the ribbon during to the grand opening of the of the brand new, full-service Santa Monica Bike Center on Friday, November 18, 2011.

The City of Santa Monica, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), celebrated the grand opening of the largest bicycle facility of its kind in the United States. The bike center’s two combined locations in the center of downtown Santa Monica feature 5,300 square-feet of space and nearly 360 secure bicycle parking spaces. The facilities also provide bicycle rentals, showers, lockers, self-service repairs, vending and restrooms. The Metro-funded project is expected to increase bike/transit connections for work and play to and from Santa Monica, a popular beachfront destination and bike-riding capital of Southern California.

Founder of Follow Your Heart  Curtis Reliford sweeps the sidewalk next to his two large trailers decorated with American flags at Ocean Avenue on Thursday, November 17, 2011.

Reliford is driving to New Orleans from Santa Cruz to deliver donated building supplies, food, clothing and many other items to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Since 2005 Reliford has made 15 trips from Santa Cruz to New Orleans delivering donated supplies. He is now on his 16th trip and is stopping along the way to spread the word about his non-profit organization.

Mike Lopez from Pier Maintenance installs lights onto a Christmas tree atop the Santa Monica Police Department Pier Substation on Thursday, November 17, 2011.