The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Staff pose for a holiday portrait on Wednesday, December 12, 2007. Seated: Laurel Rosen, President / CEO and Tom Larmore, Chairman of the Board. Standing left to right: Edward Van Brusselen, Member Services Manager; Sheila Estaniel, Director of Marketing & Events;  LeAnne Bowen, Administrative Assistant; and Samantha O'Neil, Government Affairs Director.

(1,2,3) Children check out the Gingerbread City during Fairmont Miramar Hotel's 'Meet me under the Fig Tree 'on Sunday, December 2, 2007 in Santa Monica. (4) The Santa Monica College Vocal Jazz Ensemble sing holiday songs under the Moreton Bay Fig Tree. (5)  Lead vocalist Arden Kaywin from  "The Fig Tree 5" gives a festive performance. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel continues the tradition of hosting an annual community gathering under the magnificent Moreton Bay Fig Tree.  Over 100 years old and standing 80-feet high with a breathtaking 120-foot network of branches, the fig tree has been a welcoming symbol of hospitality to all. The “Gingerbread City” featured with some of the “homes” being decorated by the local elementary schools in the neighborhood.  The community casted their vote on the best “home” with the winning school receiving a special holiday lunch at their school, provided by Executive Chef Jean-Claude Plihon and his culinary team.  Holiday treats, beverages, and local entertainment was enjoyed in the porte cochere area. 

(1) Mia Brown, 4,  examines the Menorah during Chabad in S. Monica's Chanukah Craft Fair at Santa Monica Place on Sunday, December 2, 2007 in Santa Monica. (2) Tanyon Harber, 2, makes a dreidl during the Chanukah Craft Fair. (3) Rabbi's Levitansky (right) and Tashbook demonstrate how to press olive oil. (4) Children make menorahs and dreidls during the fair (5) Rabbi Levitansky lights the menorah during the Chanukah Craft Fair on Sunday.

The sun sets into the Pacific Ocean on Friday November 30, 2007 at Santa Monica.