It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...
SANDERLINGS
A flock of Sanderlings scavenge at Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, October 26, 2010.
DÌa De Los Muertos
Festival de Otoño and DÌa De Los Muertos 2010 - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz
The event featured cultural traditions designed to commemorate those who have passed away including a series of “alfombras,” beautiful displays made of dust, flowers and other native materials that are traditionally communally designed and prepared on the streets of villages and towns in many countries in Latin America. There was also a display of the community-wide “Cranes for Peace Project” to memorialize the thousands of people who have died in the war in Iraq. One thousand hand-made Japanese origami cranes were hung above the altars in a call for world peace. The cranes are inspired by the crane project of Sadako Sasaki, who was 2 years old when the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and later died of leukemia.
Carnival of games, art-and-crafts plus hot Latin and dance tunes from DJ Alex Reyes and live Mariachi music provided entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. Authentic tamales and pozole made by parents, as well as homemade baked goods were for sale.
Celina Zambon Flamenco Dance Company
Celina Zambon Flamenco Dance Company - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz
The Celina Zambon Flamenco Dance Company performs at Edison Language Academy during the 10th Annual Festival de Otoño ~ DÌa De Los Muertos on Saturday, October 30, 2010.
Alfombras de Aserrin
Guests look at Janet Rodriguez's Alfombras de Aserrin (sawdust carpet) at Edison Language Academy during the 10th Annual Festival de Otoño ~ DÌa De Los Muertos on Saturday, October 30, 2010. The making of alfombras de aserrín, with its vivid colors and eye-catching patterns is a Guatemalan tradition that dates back to the Mayans. Mayans made these carpets with flowers for the kings to walk on as they made their way to Mayan ceremonies. In the 16th Century, the Catholic church altered the tradition of the alfombra and began to use colorful sawdust to create them. The Alfombras are made from hand-dyed sawdust, pine-needles, flowers, vegetables and is a community-forming tradition.
Haunted Heats Costume Surf Contest
Haunted Heats Costume Surf Contest - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz
Surfers compete during Zj Boarding House's second annual Haunted Heats Costume Surf Contest at Santa Monica Beach on Saturday, October 30, 2010.
OFF THE GRID
The project includes a 408-kilowatt solar system, which provides electricity through solar panels located on the top level of two parking structures that is generating power for the two garages and a significant portion of the Business Education Building at Santa Monica College. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered, installed and operates the solar system and maintains and guarantees the system's performance. Santa Monica College has also improved its energy efficiency through a campus-wide lighting retrofit, variable speed drives, new heating hot water boilers, fire alarm system and emergency circuit upgrades that were also implemented by Chevron Energy Solutions.
"We are committed to academic excellence, global responsibility and educational, environmental and economical awareness," said Dr. Chui L. Tsang, president of Santa Monica College. "Our collaboration with Chevron Energy Solutions allows us to reduce the amount of energy used and lessen our college's carbon footprint."
Through the energy efficiency improvements and use of solar, Santa Monica College is reducing its purchase of utility power, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,500 metric tons, equivalent to preserving 13 acres of forest from deforestation each year. The project is paid for exclusively by energy savings on utility bills.
The $3.6 million project generates approximately 50,660 kilowatt hours each month and is saving the college about $8,100 per month.
"The comprehensive energy efficiency and solar project at Santa Monica College is an example of how budget relief can be maximized by combining energy efficiency with renewable power," said Dave Stone, senior vice president for Chevron Energy Solutions. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Santa Monica College on this project."
CLUB ROW
SANTA MONICA
A man runs amid the sunset at Santa Monica beach on Friday, September 10, 2010.