Members of the Santa Monica College dance club practice on Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack, 69, better known by the stage name Dr. John, performs at the Santa Monica Pier during the closing night of the 26th Annual Twilight Dance Series on Thursday, September 2, 2010. An icon of American music born in New Orleans, Dr. John is indelibly linked to the traditions and singularity of the city’s musical and cultural heritage. Mac Rebennack burst onto the rock & roll scene in the late 60s as Dr. John, the Night Tripper, merging the Rhythm and Blues, voodoo rhythms and chants of his native New Orleans to create a persona perfect for the psychedelic era. Over the years he’s thrown Jazz, Classic American Songbook, Zydeco, Boogie Woogie and Rock into the musical mix.

Eddie Baytos & the Nervis Brothers perform at the Santa Monica Pier during the closing night of the 26th Annual Twilight Dance Series on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Eddie Baytos can be said to be from N’Wahlins via Hollywood. A staple of the Southland’s music scene, Baytos is both musician – accordion, piano, keyboards, frottoir (washboard) – choreographer, composer and producer.  Grounded in Zydeco, New Orleans Funk, Blues and Tex-Mex, the Nervis Brothers incorporate Cumbias, Cuban, Forro' and Ska to “…bring the world closer through music and dance!” Eddie Baytos & the Nervis Brothers clearly play “World Mardi Gras Music” for your dining and dancing pleasure!

Santa Monica Police Harbor Patrol Officer and new owner of Animal Kingdom Santa Monica, Donald Davis (left) shows off Jimmy, a 20 year-old Red Macaw to SMPD Harbor Patrol Officers Jason Dante (center) and Dan Buchanan (right) during his first day of business on Wednesday, Sept 1, 2010. Donald Davis and his wife Christine purchased the store from former owner Richard Hahn who retired after 38 years in business. Hahn opened the store in 1971.

(top) McGruff the crime-fighting dog gives 18-month-old Raleigh Keller a "high five" during the Back To School Safety Fair at Virginia Avenue Park on Tuesday, August 31, 2010. (above)  Santa Monica Police Activity League Boxing Coach Jose Perez and his student Julian Carrasco, 18, give a demonstration during the Back To School Safety Fair at Virginia Avenue Park on Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

Participants run on the Santa Monica Boardwalk during Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation's  inaugural 5K Walk on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Money raised from the walk will help fund lung cancer research.

Gary Powell judges Mystique, a four month old Siamese during Cat Fanciers' Association All Breed Cat Show at the Santa Monica Civic on Saturday, August 28, 2010. The cat show features  breeds including Maine Coon, Abyssinian, Burmese, Siamese, Cornish Rex, Persian, Ocicat, Himalayan and up to 30+ more.