Ice Santa Monica Grand Opening 2011 - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

People ice skate at the outdoor rink 'ICE at Santa Monica' during opening day on Friday, November 11, 2011.

Once a year, Downtown Santa Monica brings a little skate to the surf and transforms the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue into ICE at Santa Monica, a premier outdoor ice skating rink. Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the 8,000 square ft. rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a little taste of winter without the bite. A great location for holiday play, ICE at Santa Monica is the perfect place to hang out with friends, family, and loved ones, throw a party in a private event cabana, enjoy a first date, or sign up for skate lessons. Join the fun and visit Downtown Santa Monica this season to experience ICE.

The ice skating rink will be open through January 16, 2012. Admission is $12 (includes skate rental). Hours: Mon-Thurs: 2pm – 10pm, Friday: 2pm – Midnight, Saturday: 10am – Midnight, Sunday: 10am – 10pm.

Veterans Day 2011 - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Veterans for Peace volunteers erect over 2,000 crosses and install flag draped coffins at Arlington West for the Veterans Day Memorial on Friday, November 11, 2011.

British Ventriloquist Scarlet Ray Watt and his wooden side-kick Maximilian perform  near the Third Street Promenade on Monday, October 31, 2011.

Street Performer Howard Kaminsky rides his tricycle at the Santa Monica Pier  with 6 parrots in tow on Monday, July 25, 2011.

Actor Kevin Sorbo of TV's "Hercules," with guest moderator Christine Spines, discusses his new autobiography, "True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal - And How Nearly Dying Saved My Life" at the Santa Monica Public Library during his book signing on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

On television, Kevin Sorbo portrayed an invincible demigod; in his real life, a sudden health crisis left him partially blind and incapacitated at just thirty-eight years old. Yet since appearances are everything in Hollywood, he hid the full details about his condition from the press and continued to film Hercules, which was the number one TV series in the world. In this inspiring memoir, Sorbo shares the story of the crisis that ultimately redefined his measure of success.

True Strength is the story of transformation, persistence, and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Sorbo reflects on his childhood in Minnesota and his early acting days in Hollywood, to his charmed life as television’s beloved Hercules, and where he is today. He recounts the onset of his symptoms, his frightening hospitalization, and his arduous path to recovery. With this honest account of personal tragedy and triumph, Sorbo aims to blaze a trail for those who have ever suffered acute illness or a serious setback in life and are now struggling to find their way back. 

Singer, guitarist and songwriter Clint Lapointe and percussionist Ryan Stockbridge perform on the Santa Monica Pier on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. 

(left to right) Casper the Friendly Ghost Dog, 13, Alexander the Great Dog, 1and Pupus Maximus, 1, all White Shepherds, hangout at Santa Monica's Muscle Beach on Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

Classic Car show and Holiday Toy Drive - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

The Southern California Dukes 7^th annual Classic Car show and Holiday Toy Drive  at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, November 5, 2011.