Get your skates on when Ice of Santa Monica opens:
Santa Monica’s new and improved ice cream opened to the public last week after finishing touches were put in place, such as Netflix co-branded exterior perimeter signs and a giant Netflix logo incorporated into the ice cream itself. Sponsorship of the streaming service allowed Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. to offer free skate nights to the community. The renovated rink also features relaxation areas, a fire pit, food and merchandise stands and a seasonally themed projection on the side of the adjacent Bank of America building.
Rugged clothing and equipment maker Strauss opens its first U.S. store on Main St:
Renowned European manufacturer of rugged clothing and equipment Engelbert Strauss has opened its first U.S. retail location on Main Street. The new store sports a stylish interior with industrial-themed decor, offering a selection of workwear, safety clothing and personal protective equipment items. The store is now open at 1320 Main St in Venice.
Volleyball tournament, a scary good time:
On October 25, Santa MoniCARES hosted its second Volley-Ween fundraising tournament, raising money for local Santa Monica nonprofits during the holiday season. Teams got to play volleyball on the beach in costumes of their choice, and those in Halloween costumes competed in a costume contest.
Angel Flight West celebrates its 100,000th mission:
Santa Monica-based Angel Flight West, a nonprofit organization that arranges free, non-emergency air transportation services, celebrated its 100,000th mission last week. Made up of a network of more than 1,800 volunteer pilots, Angel Flight West provides access to medical care, transports veterans, rescues animals and assists in disaster relief; carrying out approximately 5,000 missions each year. Joining the organization at the celebration was actor and new Angel Flight West recruit Edward Norton, who brought a young man and his mother back to San Diego after post-liver transplant treatment.
Progress made in the fight against breast cancer:
On October 28, the Santa Monica Pier was the site of an American Cancer Society march “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”; bringing together cancer survivors, survivors and allies to raise awareness in the fight against the disease. The ride took travelers along Ocean Avenue, through Palisades Park and to the pier, where the finish line included various musical performances. The American Cancer Society’s fundraising goal of $200,000 for the event was exceeded, with the organization having raised $229,039 as of October 30.
Santa Monica to have your own sphere (or two):
At an October 26 meeting of the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board of Directors, members voted unanimously to move forward with a 360-degree immersive entertainment activation at the former site of Parking Structure 3. The project will include two 360-degree entertainment domes. similar to the recently opened Sphere in Las Vegas, reduced to 100 and 180 feet in diameter, respectively. The activation will focus on a brand new animated universe aimed at children, centered around the indigenous character Haibu, who has the ability to speak to animals. The Parking Structure 3 site has remained empty since demolition of the structure was completed in November 2022.
Round table against the “degradation of truth”:
Santa Monica College hosted a community conversation titled “Countering Truth Decay” on October 30, with a panel speaking on how to create a more robust discourse on societal issues, avoiding arguments where two sides disagree on facts and observations. The term “truth decay” was coined by Michael D. Rich, chairman emeritus of the RAND Corporation, who co-wrote a book on the subject and spoke at the event, citing reasons such as cognitive and media biases to explain increased disagreement over “objectivity, verification, and observation.” facts.” Julia Storm, Los Angeles-based digital media wellness educator, senior professor in the Department of Psychology at Dornsife and the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC), Norbert Schwarz, KCRW housing and homelessness reporter Anna Scott spoke on the panel. and RAND Corporation Distinguished Chairman for Countering the Degradation of Truth Ray Block Jr. Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis was also present as a guest speaker on the topic.
“Trick-or-treat” brings “normalcy” to young patients:
Halloween at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center meant an opportunity for patients to participate in trick-or-treating, coordinated by the medical center’s Child Life department. The young patients were able to put on various costumes, play games and use pet therapy animals such as dogs and the mini-horse “Blue Moon”. For patients unable to make it to the hospital garden, medical center staff have also hosted “reverse trick-or-treating,” where rooms are decorated for the holidays and staff members bring treats directly to patients.
Roosevelt benches cultivate camaraderie:
The Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica launched three Buddy Benches on the Roosevelt Elementary School campus on October 30, continuing the installation of the benches at SMMUSD schools. The concept of the “Buddy Bench” helps promote friendship and inclusion, as the benches are installed in schools and playgrounds where children who feel alone or excluded can signal that they need a friend.
Celebrating 10 years of culinary excellence at Satdha Plant-Based Thai Kitchen:
Plant-based Thai fine dining restaurant Satdha, located on Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month with an anniversary dinner on November 9, featuring a unique 10-course tasting menu. The all-new dishes showcase the expertise of Chef Gunn Pankum and the diversity of flavors of Thai and plant-based cuisine.
The Malibu Group plants its roots for a sustainable future:
On Sunday, the Malibu Foundation held its Replant Love 2023 event at Juan Bautista De Anza Park in Calabasas, bringing together volunteers to plant a native microforest using seeds collected and propagated in the foundation’s nursery. The microforest, a small group of native plants, fights rising soil temperatures and cleans the air of carbon-based greenhouse gases. The Malibu Foundation has planted more than 21,000 plants since the devastating Woolsey Fire in 2018.
It may be years before a major real estate decision impacts Santa Monica properties:
Last week, a multibillion-dollar lawsuit rocked the real estate industry, although the impacts on the local market are still difficult to predict. The National Association of Realtors was ordered to pay nearly $1.8 billion in damages last week over accusations that the organization’s policy of forcing home sellers to pay the commission charged to buyers of houses constitutes a violation of federal antitrust laws. A consensus among locals is that there will be changes to how commissions are paid, but any impact will likely only be years away due to the protracted nature of the lawsuits. Websites like Zillow and Redfin, says Brian Maser of The Condo Experts, will try to expand their services and capture market share with real estate agents in the wake of the lawsuit.
Mayor Davis’ attempt to refine the wording regarding council’s direction regarding a rotating mayor fails:
At an October 24 meeting of the Santa Monica City Council, a proposal made by Mayor Gleam Davis to amend Rule 9(b) of the council’s bylaws regarding the selection of the mayor and mayor pro tempore was rejected . After the 2022 election cycle, the council changed its system from an appointment process to rotation based on seniority, and the current rules are not subject to suspension and can only be changed by repeal or an amendment. Mayor Davis proposed changing the rule by removing language that prevents suspension of the rule. This administrative point brought to the forefront a host of critics, who believed it was an attack on the upcoming mayoral position of current Councilor Phil Brock. It was a notion Davis denied, saying she did not intend “in any way” to affect the mayor’s rotation.
Inner Scientists Explore the Universe at UCLA:
The Explore the Universe event at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Sunday welcomed science departments to provide activities and experiences for young people ages 8 to 18. Booths offered demonstrations on a variety of topics, including astronomy, biology, geology, chemistry, sustainability and psychology. “It’s about exposing kids to all these different questions and it encourages them to be curious, especially when it’s interactive,” said David James, a doctoral student and chair of the Explore Your Organizing Committee. universe.
Locals pay tribute with Dia de Los Muertos decor:
The start of November brought the annual Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrations to Santa Monica. At the Santa Monica Pier Carousel, guests were able to honor their deceased loved ones by bringing personal photographs to the community altars. The Santa Monica History Museum also hosted a pop-up exhibit with altars created by local high school students, with students from Santa Monica High School and Venice High School among those contributing. The exhibition at the museum will remain on view until November 17.
By SMDP staff