Santa Monica, December 12, 2023. In a significant move to protect ocean life, Environment California, along with Mayor Gleam Davis of Santa Monica and State Senator Ben Allen, has unveiled new proposals aimed at strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in California. This announcement, made at a press conference at Santa Monica Muscle Beach, is in line with Governor Newsom's ambitious 30x30 goal, which seeks to protect 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030.

Rachel Lucine, from Environment California Research and Policy Center, emphasized the urgency of protecting marine life, including sea otters and leatherback turtles, amidst increasing human-induced threats. The initiative is a step forward in reinforcing California's commitment to ocean conservation.

The proposals put forth two key petitions. The first seeks to tackle the drastic 95% decline in Northern California's kelp forests since 2014, by expanding six crucial marine refuges and proposing a new marine reserve near Santa Cruz. Highlighted in this plan are expansions in areas such as Point Dume and Farnsworth State Marine Conservation Areas, located off Los Angeles County's coast. The second petition focuses on enhancing protection levels in three existing MPAs, ensuring better ecological preservation and conservation outcomes.

State Senator Ben Allen, chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, underscored the importance of MPAs not just as policy measures but as a commitment to the soul of the region, including Santa Monica Bay beaches. He emphasized the irreplaceable nature of oceans and coastlines for community well-being.

This announcement precedes an upcoming meeting of the state Fish and Game Commission in San Diego, where these and other related petitions will be considered for the first time. Final decisions are expected at the Commission's February meeting.

Highlighting the broader community's perspective, Jennifer Gonzalez-Espinoza, a UCLA student with CALPIRG, stressed the need for robust ocean protections, recognizing their importance for recreation, connection, and the future of younger generations.

California's network of marine protected areas, established a decade ago under the 1999 Marine Life Protection Act, currently covers 12% of state waters with strong protection, with an additional 4% lacking effective conservation measures. Recent scientific reviews of the network have shown positive impacts on fish populations and ecosystem resilience, including kelp forests.

Mayor Gleam Davis of Santa Monica reflected on the deep connection between the community and marine life, viewing ocean protections as a pledge to preserve this bond. She highlighted the role of the coastline in fostering a sense of wonder and joy among residents, underlining the importance of its preservation.

Rachel Lucine reiterated the need for California to lead in marine conservation, urging support from the Fish and Game Commission for these groundbreaking proposals.

Environment California Research and Policy Center is calling on Californians to support these initiatives by signing and sharing the petition, urging state lawmakers and officials to adopt these proposals for the benefit of the state's marine ecosystems.

In a vibrant display of tradition and community spirit, the Chabad in Simcha Monica ushered in the Chanukah season with its Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Held on the evening of Thursday, December 7, 2023, the event transformed the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica into a festive arena.

The ceremony was marked by an array of activities, including a lively performance by the renowned band 8th Day. Families enjoyed an array of crafts tailored for children, warming up with hot cocoa and indulging in freshly prepared hot latkes. In a significant moment, Santa Monica City Council Member Phil Brock had the honor of lighting the menorah along with Rabbi Shlomo Menkes, symbolically marking the commencement of Chanukah.

This year's Menorah lighting event, proudly presented by Chabad in Simcha Monica, not only celebrated the Jewish festival but also brought together people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy the festivities.

Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated with the nightly lighting of the menorah, special prayers, and traditional foods. The holiday is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and resilience, echoing the miraculous story of a small quantity of oil burning for eight days in the temple. This festival serves as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and the power of hope.

On December 5, 2023, the Penmar Recreation Center in Los Angeles, CA, became a hub of holiday excitement as Santa Claus arrived in style, riding atop his Santa Sled and escorted by a dozen LAPD officers. This festive event marked the beginning of Santa's tour around parks in the Pacific Area, a unique fusion of holiday spirit and community engagement. Families and children gathered to witness this special occasion, welcoming Santa and enjoying the rare opportunity to mingle with their local police officers in a festive setting.

The event allowed attendees to meet and take photos with Santa Claus, creating lasting memories and enjoying holiday treats like candy canes. This interaction with Santa, set against the backdrop of community policing, brought smiles and a sense of togetherness among those present. After the joyful gathering at the recreation center, Santa continued his journey across other neighborhoods, maintaining the festive spirit with the LAPD's escort.

The Santa and LAPD collaboration highlighted the department's dedication to community engagement and festive celebrations, encouraging residents to participate in the ongoing holiday events. As Santa's sleigh moved on to its next destination, the LAPD Pacific extended their best wishes for the holiday season to all community members, reflecting on the day as not only a celebration but a moment to strengthen community bonds and create cherished memories.

In an act of compassion, Los Angeles Police officers came to the rescue of a frightened and underweight kitten on the streets of Venice Beach. The incident unfolded on the sunny morning of Tuesday, December 5, 2023, when officers noticed a man, possibly homeless, walking along the iconic boardwalk with the small feline in his arms.

The officers, trained to spot signs of distress in both people and animals, sensed the kitten's plight. Approaching the man with care and professionalism, they engaged in a conversation about the kitten's well-being. Through a gentle dialogue, they learned more about the situation and persuaded the man to entrust the kitten to their care.

The kitten, which had captured the hearts of the officers, was promptly and safely transferred into the caring hands of the police. With a plan in place, the officers are now arranging for the kitten to be taken to a local animal rescue center. There, the kitten will receive the necessary medical attention, nourishment, and love that it needs to thrive.

Once recovered, the rescue center will also take on the task of finding a loving, forever home for the kitten, ensuring that this story has a happy ending. This tender act of kindness by the LAPD officers highlights the department's commitment to serving not just the human residents of the city but its animal inhabitants as well.

Santa Monica's streets were filled with festive cheer on Saturday, December 2, 2023, as the city celebrated its 31st annual Candy Cane Drive. The event, a long-standing tradition organized by the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association, saw Santa Claus making an early visit, escorted by the city's firefighters and police officers.

In a display of community spirit and holiday joy, the Candy Cane Drive brought together families from across Santa Monica. Accompanied by the sound of sirens and the lights of a firetruck, Santa Claus, flanked by first responders, traveled across the city, making stops at Douglas Park, Reed Park, Virginia Avenue Park, and Clover Park. The event not only offered a chance for children to meet Santa and receive candy canes, but also highlighted the vital role of firefighters and police officers in the community.

The streets were lined with excited children and their families, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. The Candy Cane Drive has become a hallmark of the holiday season in Santa Monica, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents. It exemplifies the spirit of giving and togetherness, core values of the holiday season.

The Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association's commitment to this event for over three decades underlines their dedication to community engagement and support. The Candy Cane Drive stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and the important role of first responders in nurturing a safe and joyful environment for families during the holidays.

December 2, 2023 - Santa Monica Pier transformed into a vibrant dance floor this Saturday morning, marking the grand finale of DAYBREAKER's 10-Year Anniversary Together Tour. Thousands gathered to celebrate a decade of unforgettable dance experiences, embodying the theme of "Togetherness."

A decade ago, during the first snowfall of December, DAYBREAKER began as a novel idea — to wake up and dance. Since then, the movement has grown into a global phenomenon, with over 500,000 members across 28 cities worldwide. The journey has been filled with dance parties, international travels, and meaningful connections, fostering gratitude in every participant.

DAYBREAKER's unique approach, combining the joy of dancing with wellness and mindfulness, has created a new kind of social experience. The community, founded on values of camaraderie, self-expression, and wellness, begins its events with an hour of yoga, followed by two hours of exuberant, sober dancing.

The 10-Year Anniversary event at Santa Monica Pier epitomized DAYBREAKER's mission — to heal and unite the world through dance. Attendees enjoyed a blend of music, yoga, and dance, creating memories to bond and heal.

About DAYBREAKER: Starting as a social experiment in New York City, DAYBREAKER has evolved into a global dance movement in 25 cities. It challenges the conventional nightlife scene with morning dance parties, sober and full of energy. The community thrives on wellness, mindfulness, and mischief, with events featuring yoga, international DJs, and a variety of surprises. Now a minority woman-owned business, DAYBREAKER continues to grow, bringing joy and wellness to people around the world.

Join us in this global dance towards joy — because at DAYBREAKER, every day is a reason to dance.

In a display of exceptional physical prowess, the Santa Monica Police SWAT Team completed their biannual Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the iconic Muscle Beach. This rigorous test, integral to the team's preparation for high-risk operations, comprised five strenuous exercises designed to assess and enhance the physical readiness of the officers.

The PFQ, essential for maintaining the high standards expected of the SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) unit, included an 800-meter run, a 400-meter run with 25-pound dumbbells and a weighted vest, 50 burpees, 75 squats in weighted gear, and 25 pull-ups, with the first five being uninterrupted. A mere three-minute rest was allowed between each exercise, challenging the officers' endurance and resilience.

This intense physical training is a cornerstone of the SWAT team's regimen, reflecting the demanding nature of their specialized role in handling critical situations. To remain active in this elite unit, officers must pass the PFQ, reinforcing the emphasis on superior physical fitness.

Officer Andres Rios from the Santa Monica Police SWAT team explained the importance of this biannual evaluation. The test, conforming to national standards, pushes officers through a series of grueling activities under a strict 30-minute limit. While no failures were reported, the strenuous nature of the test led to some cases of nausea among participants. These tests, conducted twice a year, are pivotal for the team's ongoing qualification and readiness.

In addition to highlighting the PFQ's significance, Officer Rios emphasized the department's ongoing recruitment efforts. Aspiring SWAT team members must first serve as police officers and pass various evaluations. This recruitment drive aims to bring fresh talent into the ranks, ensuring the team continues to operate at the highest level.

In the early hours of Thursday, November 23, 2023, participants gathered along the scenic Ocean Front Walk for the annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot & Half Marathon. This popular event, set against the picturesque backdrop of Santa Monica's beach path, offered a range of distances to accommodate various fitness levels, including 5k, 10k, 15k, and the half marathon.

As runners took to the course, they were motivated not only by the competitive spirit but also by the prospect of indulging in Thanksgiving festivities post-race. Each participant, regardless of the distance covered, was rewarded with a finisher's medal and a goodie bag, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.

The Turkey Trot in Santa Monica is unique in its emphasis on personal satisfaction over competitive timings. While some aimed for personal bests, others enjoyed a more relaxed pace, soaking in the stunning views of Santa Monica Beach and the Pacific Ocean. This blend of competition and leisurely enjoyment underlined the inclusive spirit of the event, making it a cherished Thanksgiving tradition for many.