Check out this Santa Monica link for a completely free download of how to buy a home in Santa Monica or anywhere on the westside.  All you need to do is follow the link and put in your name.  One click and how to purchase a Santa Monica home or condo is demystified and explained in simple terms.  It’s really easy to read and super cool.

Have at it and let em know SamoLive sent you.

Here’s a sample:

The good folks over at YoVenice have a good write up on what’s happening this summer at the pier.  The line up is included.

http://www.yovenice.com/2010/06/10/twilight-dance-series-at-the-santa-monica-pier-schedule-2010/

If you want to be involved, here’s the place to do it!

June 1 — SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117, 1900 Pico -                Agendas posted at: http://www.smc.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=544&B=1

June 3 and 18 – SMMUSD Board of Education – 5:30 PM – 1651 16th St. – Agendas posted at: http://www.smmusd.org/board/meetings.html

June 3 and 16 – Planning Commission – 6 PM – City Hall, 2nd floor, 1685 Main St. – The Planning Commission will continue its series of public hearings on the Draft Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) for 2010-2030 to take public input and make  recommendations to the City Council regarding adoption of the LUCE and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report. Agendas posted at:  http://www01.smgov.net/planning/planningcomm/planningagendas.htm

June 4 — 5 PM — Deadline for submitting hard copy “comments” on the SMC 2010 Master Plan Update Draft Draft EIR – http://www.smc.edu/facilities_masterplan/

The plan includes demolishing and rebuilding the 3-story cement Corsair Stadium  bleachers on 16th St. between Pico Blvd. and Pearl St. – Hard copy comments must be received by Randal Lawson, Executive VP, Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405, by 5 PM.

June 6 – Urban Forest Task Force – 1 PM – Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

June 6 – Samohi Jazz Band concert – 3 to 6 PM – SM Bay Women’s Club – 1210 4th St.

June 8 – Last day of FAA departure flight path “test” – Complaints can be filed at
noise@smgov.net and 310-458-8692 until June 15.

June 8 and ___ – City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall, 2nd floor, 1685 Main St. -  Agendas posted at: http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

June 8 – Orchestra concert – 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

June 8 – Band “Pops” concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School

June 9 – Band concert 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

June 10 – FOSP Board/Membership meeting – 7 PM – Mt. Olive Church

June 10 – Choir concert – 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

June 11 – Spring Choral Concert – 7 PM – Senior Gala Concert – 7 PM -
Santa Monica High School

June 15 – Deadline to apply for appointment to City Boards and Commissions -
http://www01.smgov.net/cityclerk/boards/

June 19 – Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St. -
All Santa Monica residents welcome to attend.

June 19 – Juneteenth Celebration – 12 noon to 5 PM – Virginia Avenue Park

June 19 – Green Living Workshop series begins – 2 PM – Mt. Olive Church,
1343 Ocean Park Blvd. – www.SustainableWorks.org

June 28 — Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall 2nd floor, 1685 Main St. -Agenda:  http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/Airport_Commission/Airport_Commission.aspx

July 21 — SMC Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee – oversees spending from
Measure U, Measure S, and Measure AA, and meets quarterly. The next
meeting, which must be open to the public, will be on July 21 at 8 AM
“at a Santa Monica College location,” according to SMC Board of Trustees
minutes. This group oversees expenditure of $590 million in bond funds.

I am happy to say I work with a great company who gives back to the community.  If you are able to donate some food to support our cause, please let us know.

In connection with RED Day, Keller Williams Santa Monica & Pacific Palisades are holding a food drive to support the Westside Food Bank & Safe Haven (a community model for chronically homeless individuals).  The food drive begins TODAY and ends on May 13th.  We would appreciate your support.

You can drop off your donation at the Keller Williams Community Event on Thursday, May 13, 2010 between the hours of noon and 3pm at Clover Park on Ocean Park Blvd near 28th street.  Pizza Fusion has generously donated a free lunch.  Additionally, you will receive an eco-friendly grocery bag.

You can also drop off your donation to the Keller Williams Santa Monica office Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm between now and May 13th.
2801 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 140
Santa Monica, CA 90405

If you are unable to drop off and attend the event, please call 424-229-1626 to arrange for a Keller Williams agent to pick up your donation.

Your help is vitally important.  Visit the organization websites at
http://www.westsidefoodbankca.org
http://www.opcc.net/OurProjects/SafeHaven/tabid/115/Default.aspx

http://www.kw.com/kw/RedDay.html

Thank you for your support,

Sincerely,
Keller Williams Santa Monica & Pacific Palisades

What is Keller Williams RED Day?
RED (Renew, Energize, and Donate) Day is a Keller Williams Realty service initiative dedicated to improving our local communities.  All Keller Williams Realty associate in the US and Canada donate their time on May 13, 2010 to renewing and energizing aspects of their local communities.  RED Day is one of the single biggest events ever undertaken int he real estate industry that we consider a great chance to make a difference in our community in an effort to help out less fortunate neighbors.

How can you help?
Much needed food items include:
Canned protein such as tuna, sardines, stew, soups
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned fruits and vegetables
Fruit juices
Beans, rice, pasta
Personal care items including lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

Spring at the Beach House

Spring is here! Celebrate the warmer weather and longer days by spending the day at the pool, or by jumping into a dance workshop with our Artist in Residence choreographer Holly Rothschild.

Spring Break Splash!
The pool will be open
Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 2, 3, 4 from 11am-3pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 8, 9, 10 from 11am-3pm
Admission prices: $10 for Adults
$5 for Seniors, aged 60+
$4 for Youth age 1-17
$24 Family Pass (two Adults and
two Youths)
All members of your party must be present when purchasing pool passes. Passes are not available for advance purchase.
Dates and times may change due to weather conditions.

Check out more information at http://www.annenbergbeachhouse.com

And be sure to read my blog post about how fun Annenberg can be with the kids.

Santa Monica Welcomes the LA Marathon!

Santa Monica Welcomes the LA Marathon

This Sunday, March 21, approximately 25,000 runners will race on the world-premiere course through four cities and past dozens of  Los Angeles landmarks before finally heading through Santa Monica on the way to a finish line that’s just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and beach.  The new “Stadium to the Sea” course enters Santa Monica at San Vicente Blvd. and 26th Street. The course will continue west on San Vicente Blvd. and turn south on Ocean Avenue, heading for the finish line at Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Blvd.

The wheelchair/hand crank race will come through Santa Monica around 8:15 a.m., and the first runners are expected to cross into Santa Monica around 8:30 a.m.

During and after the race, residents and fans are welcome to enjoy the festivities planned in the parking lot north of the Santa Monica Pier.  The Finish Line Beach Party will feature live music, food and beverage, exhibitors and other interactive exhibits. Fans are welcome to come early to watch the race on the big screen video board.

Spectators are strongly encouraged to walk, bike or take public transportation to view the race. With family and friends of 25,000 runners plus spectators joining regular Sunday crowds, parking in the Downtown area will be extremely challenging at different points during the day. Use the city’s live parking information website www.smgov.net/parkingspacenow to monitor parking space availability.

FREE!  Bike Valet parking will be available in the 1550 Beach Lot (north of the Pier) and on Arizona Avenue just east of Ocean Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For the safety of race participants, residents and visitors, the race course is sealed from vehicles. Street closures will be in effect in Santa Monica and throughout Los Angeles along the length of the course. The City website, www.smgov.net/lamarathon, CityTV cable channel 16 and Radio KRSM-AM 1680 will be providing continuous information and updates on street closures starting at midnight on Sunday, March 21.  KTLA-TV 5 will carry the live broadcast of the race beginning at 7:00 a.m.

What streets will be closed and when?

Street closures will begin between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on March 21 and are expected to begin reopening at the east end of the city at 1:00 p.m. and be completely reopened by 3:00 p.m., at the sole discretion of the Santa Monica Police Department.

Ocean Avenue may be closed near the finish line until 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The westbound lanes of San Vicente Blvd. will be OPEN.  The eastbound lanes of San Vicente Blvd. will be CLOSED.

Ocean Avenue will be CLOSED to all vehicle travel between San Vicente Blvd. and Colorado Avenue; advanced signage will be installed to notify motorists of the roadway closure at Colorado Avenue.

Main Street will be closed between Pico Blvd. and Colorado Avenue during the morning pre-event loading period and until Santa Monica Police authorize a re-opening.  After that, the west side of Main Street between City Hall and the RAND building is a designated runner pick-up area – no parking or standing at any time will be allowed.

The California Incline will be CLOSED.

To access points SOUTH of San Vicente Blvd. from the north, we recommend using 7th Street or Ocean Avenue (northbound) to access the Pacific Coast Highway to travel southbound and access points south of San Vicente Blvd.  Remember, the WESTBOUND lanes of San Vicente Blvd. will be open.

To access points NORTH of San Vicente Blvd. from the south, the I-405 or Pacific Coast Highway is recommended as a means of crossing the race course.

If you have a Marathon-related issue on the day of the race, contact Ginger Williams, Director of Community Relations for the LA MARATHON at ginger@lamarathon.com, 310.271.7200 x103.

Normal service requests or complaints, including blocked driveways, noise or other non-life threatening safety issues, should be directed to the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.

As always, call 9-1-1 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.  Also, please be aware that several news and public safety helicopters will be tracking the race and will be present in Santa Monica between approximately 8:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.  Please do not be alarmed by them – it just means the race is here!

The LA Marathon is a total community effort.  Hosting the finish line of the 25th annual LA Marathon is a great honor for the city, and we truly appreciate your cooperation and support.  We’d like to know how we can improve residents’ experience with this exciting event should we be asked to host it in future years.  Please send your comments to manager@smgov.net and ginger@lamarathon.com.

Much more marathon information is available at www.smgov.net/lamarathon!

I love Tuesdays.  I get to go and look at anywhere from 15 to 20 Santa Monica homes and condos for sale.  Even with such little inventory compared to last year, there’s plenty to see in 3 hours.  This Santa Monica Canyon listing really caught my eye mostly because of the opportunity it offers to a visionary buyer.  List price is just 899,000 for a 2 bedroom home built into the hill and with AN OCEAN VIEW.  Not to mention the Santa Monica Canyon as well.

Santa Monica Canyon view from the upstairs level

I counted 86 steps up to get to these views and granted, bringing in your groceries will keep you in shape (maybe you could install a gondola – be the first in Santa Monica to have one!)  This is definitely a Santa Monica fixer home.  The first level you come to has a narrow stairwell on the left, and two rooms off to the right – very odd flow to the house.  And of course, the upstairs has the amenities and an outside deck.  Bring your vision as you will undoubtedly need it.  Location, location, location.  For an address and viewing instructions, contact WestsideDB and mention the Santa Monica Canyon Deal.

Also on broker’s caravan was a Santa Monica Canyon listing on Entrada which appears to be a flip.  At just under 2 million, boasting 4 bedrooms and 3 bath, it has a particular sterile feel to me, however its just under 2700 square feet was impressive – $724 per foot.  It has the feel that neutral colors would be best to attract the broadest range of buyers, however, I really like it when a flipper or developer takes a stand and does something bold to make it stand out.  Like this last post – someone had a vision and took a chance.  I’m curious to see if it pans out.

Leave a comment – or let me know if you want to see anything that is currently on the market – or possibly off market properties as well.

On broker’s caravan, I saw a spec home with a flavor that is so unique, I just had to blog about it.  Its a modern contemporary with a farmhouse feel for just under 4 million in the Santa Monica Canyon.  What a Santa Monica house for sale!  If you have the means, go and check it out.  Or call me with that widget on the right side of the page and I can tell you more about it.

Farmhouse meets modern chic

It is designed by architect Bob Easton from Montecito and has the most amazing ceilings that soar into light.  It also has an open floor plan with extensive wood details from reclaimed timbers.  Of course, the gourmet kitchen and fine details throughout.  Boasting 4000 ft of living space on a 7100 lot with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths.

Check out those beams!

If you have the means, I recommend checking this one out, as its truly a unique Santa Monica home for sale.

Yes, they are that cool

I was out meeting people in the neighborhood and found this incredible placard on someone’s house.  And you know what?

It made me want to get one too.  I have no idea what it takes to be a part of the nwf.org group – but I’m about to find out.

Any one know these folks or have some insight as to how to be a green, sustainable, open space, wildlife habitat loving homeowner in Santa Monica?  I would love to hear about it.

Calendar for February:

Friends of Sunset Park — Board/Membership meetings — Feb 11, Mar 11, April 8, May 13

February 1 — Bridge & Scrabble — Mondays, 1 to 3 — Fairview Library — 21st & OPB

February 2 — “Write-Away” — Tuesdays, 12 to 2:30 — Fairview Library

February 2 — SMC Board of Trustees — 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117, 1900 Pico –
Agenda: http://www.smc.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=544&B=1

February 3 — Youth & Family Chess Club — Tuesdays, 3 to 6 PM — location moved
from Fairview to the Ocean Park Branch Library, OPB & Main St.

February 3 — Planning Commission — 7 PM — City Hall — Paseo Nebraska development agreement
“float-up” — 5-story 58-ft high, 356,000 sq ft facility, with 545 residential units averaging
500 sq ft, 80,000 sq ft commercial, and 1,000 parking spaces, on Olympic Blvd. between
28th/Stewart & Centinela. Staff report for agenda item 7-A posted at
http://www01.smgov.net/Planning/PlanningComm/PlanningAgendas.htm. Email comments
for the Public Record to Roxanne.Tanemori@smgov.net and Kyle.Ferstead@smgov.net

February 4 — “What’s New this Week?” moderated by Jack Nordhaus — Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30 PM –
Fairview Library

February 6, 7, 13, 14 — William Steig’s “The Amazing Bone!” – A musical pig tale for kids 4 to 104 –
Saturdays & Sundays at 11 AM — 2627 Pico Blvd. — www.morgan-wixson.com

February 9 — City Council — 6:45 PM — City Hall — Item 3-A: Study Session on the LUCE
Environmental Impact Report (posted online at http://www.shapethefuture2025.org) –
Agenda: http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

February 10 — S.M. Planning Commission — 7 PM — City Hall –
Draft LUCE Environmental Impact Report — Study Session.

February 11 — L.A. Planning Commission — Bundy Village & Medical Park — Development on
Olympic & Centinela, wrapping around Martin Cadillac to Bundy — 1.3 million sq ft;
12 stories high; 20,073 new daily car trips, impacting many intersections
in Sunset Park. Phone L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl at 310-575-8461 to comment,
and/or email Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org , Luciralia.Ibarra@lacity.org
(L.A. Planning Department), and info@BrentwoodCommunityCouncil.org
(www.StopBundyVillage.com)  — refer to “Bundy Village, Case No. VTT-66732-CN-DB-GB”
Draft EIR: www.CityPlanning.LACity.org/EIR/BundyVillage/DEIR/Index.html

February 11 — FOSP Board/Membership meeting — 7 PM — Mt. Olive Church,
14th & Ocean Park Blvd. — www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org — Updates on S.M. Airport
(City of Santa Monica vs. FAA), Big Blue Bus (fares tripling for seniors/disabled),
Crime/Safety (NRO Artis Williams out of the office due to injury), SMMUSD
(parcel tax on May 25th ballot), Development agreement “float-ups” — Agensys,
Bergamot Village, Paseo Nebraska, Roberts Business Center, 2834 Colorado,
plus Bundy Village & Medical Park, New Roads School expansion, SMC Academy
of Entertainment & Technology expansion — 3.3 million square feet of
development being planned directly north of Sunset Park –
Draft LUCE Environmental Impact Report.

February 11 — LA Chamber Orchestra — 7 PM — SMC Performing Arts Center — Broad Stage –
11th & Santa Monica Blvd.

February 13 — Resume Assistance — 10 AM — Fairview Library (Call for appointment: 310-458-8681)

February 13 — Literature Book Group — monthly — 11 AM — Fairview Library — Things Fall Apart

February 14 — Musica Angelica — 4 PM — SMC Performing Arts Center — Broad Stage –
11th & Santa Monica Blvd.

February 16 — 1st day of spring semester at SMC! — traffic & parking alert!

February 17 — Planning Commission — 7 PM — City Hall — Public hearing for a Development Agreement
“float up” for Agensys, Inc. – 1800 Stewart/28th — 153,000 sq ft with 300 parking spaces.
Email comments to Planner Brad.Misner@smgov.net and Planning Commission Secretary
Kyle.Ferstead@smgov.net
Agenda: http://www01.smgov.net/planning/commission/agendas/pc2010/index.htm

February 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 — “Rent” — Santa Monica High School — http://www.SamohiTheatre.org

February 18 — SMMUSD Board of Education — 5:30 PM — District Office, 1651 16th St. –
www.smmusd.org

February 20 — Neighborhood Council — 10 to 12:30 PM — Ken Edwards Center — www.sm4residents.net

February 20 — SMC Board of Trustees — Winter Study Session — www.smc.edu

February 20 — “Citywide Reads” — 1:30 PM — Main Library — Little Bee — author Chris Cleave –
www.smpl.org

February 22 — Airport Commission — 7:30 PM — City Hall — Annual Environmental Workshop –
Agenda: http://www01.smgov.net/airport/

February 23 — City Council — 6:45 PM — Agenda: http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

February 27 — “Citywide Reads” — 11 AM — Fairview Library — Little Bee — www.smpl.org

March 2 — SMC Board of Trustees — 7 PM — Business Building, 1900 Pico — www.smc.edu

A good friend of mine has been working with this organization for awhile now.  Its a perfect opportunity to learn more about how you can be connected to your community as well as be a part of family wellness.  Check it out and tell them DB sent ya!

I just read about this new site where you can report about leaf blowers in Santa Monica (after all, the gas powered polluting kind are illegal).

The Santa Monica Daily Press wrote about it and you can check out the site for yourself at http://stopleafblowers.com/

Appropriated from the stopleafblowers site

I once knew a guy who owned a gas powered leaf blower who made a lot of extra cash when he was down and out on his luck.  He’d drive around Hollywood looking for film shoots in neighborhoods and crank the sucker up just when the film crew would start to roll film (horrible for recording sound).  Fifty bucks from the Production Manager would make him go away until he started to be recognized and film crews started calling the cops.  I guess people are innovative when they want to get something done, just like the creator of this website.

Drop a comment and let us know what you think!

The City of Santa Monica Solid Waste Division is offering free Christmas tree recycling for the entire month of January.

Residents with curbside recycling service may place their cut-up tree in their yard waste collection container.  Please remove tinsel, ornaments, and stands from the tree.

It is unlawful and a fire hazard to leave trees at the curb or in the alleys.  Please carry on the tradition and recycle your Christmas tree, using one of these convenient alternatives:

**********************************************************************************************************************

Santa Monica drop-off services at these parks:

Douglas Park – Chelsea & Wilshire
Reed Park – Lincoln & California
Los Amigos Park – 5th & Hollister
Clover Park – 25th & Ocean Park

OR you can bring it here:

Santa Monica Refuse & Recycling Transfer Station:

Throughout January, Santa Monica residents may drop off trees free of charge at
the City’s Refuse & Recycling Transfer Station

2401 Delaware Ave.

Monday to Saturday — 6 AM to 2 PM

We’re back!  After a little holiday hiatus, samolive is back in full swing.  Here’s the calendar of activities sent to us by our friends over at Friends of Sunset Park:

Calendar for January

Friends of Sunset Park Board/Membership meetings – Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 11, April 8, May 13

January 4 — SMMUSD Board of Ed – 5:30 PM – Special meeting re Race to the Top – www.smmusd.org <http://www.smmusd.org/>

January 6 — Planning Commission – 7:00 PM – City Hall -
- Agenda item 3 — LUCE study session
- Agenda item 8-B — Text Amendment (TA) 09-003, LOCATION: C2 Zoning District. A request to amend the Santa Monica Municipal Code (Article 9 – Zoning) to allow the reestablishment of a prior non-conforming ground floor office use that has become conforming due to occupancy by a charitable, youth or welfare organization. As an alternative to amending the specific Code section (SMMC 9.04.18.030: Legal, Non-Conforming Uses) requested by the applicant, the Planning Commission will also consider modifying other Code sections that could achieve the applicant’s objectives in filing this request.  [Planner: Liz Bar-El, AICP] APPLICANT: Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, 2525 Ocean Park Boulevard.

January 8, 15, 22, 29 — Night Sky Show – 7 PM – SMC Drescher Planetarium – 310-434-3000

January 12 — City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall – http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/

January 12 – SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building, Rm. 117 – 1900 Pico – www.smc.edu <http://www.smc.edu/>

January 13 — Commission on the Status of Women – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St.

January 14 — SMMUSD Board of Ed – 5:30 PM – regular meeting – District Office – 1651 16th St.

January 14 — FOSP Board/Membership meeting – 7 PM – Big Blue Bus (bus stop
redevelopment and branding) – Mt. Olive Church, 14th & Ocean Park Blvd.

January 15 — Band concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall

January 16 — Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center – 1527 4th St.

January 17 — Santa Monica Symphony Family Concert – 3:30 PM – SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire – music by Mussorsky (Night on Bald Mountain), Stravinsky (Firebird Suite), Vaughan Williams (Tuba Concerto)

January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration – 9 AM – SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire

January 18 — Arts Commission – 6:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 18 — Task Force on the Environment – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 19 — Jazz band concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall

January 20 – Planning Commission – 7 PM – City Hall

January 21 — Housing Commission – 4:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 21 — Recreation & Parks Commission – 7:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 24 — USC Symphony with cellist Alisa Wellerstein – 4 PM – SMC Broad Stage -
11th & Santa Monica Blvd.

January 25 — Big Blue Bus community meeting – 6 to 8 PM – Fairview Library – discuss bus stop redevelopment, fare restructure proposal, Tide Ride redevelopment, web site redevelopment, new hybrid buses. http://www.BigBlueBus.com/meetings/community-meetings.html

January 25 — Social Services Commission – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 25 — Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall – agenda at www.SantaMonicaAirport.org <http://www.santamonicaairport.org/> , click on “SMAC Meeting Agenda”

January 26 — City Council – 6:45 PM – Set budget priorities for FY 2010-11 – Use the online suggestion form at http://www.smgov.net/departments/cmo/BudgetSuggestForm.aspx or email suggestions to budget@smgov.net

January 27 — Commission for the Senior Community – 1:30 PM – Ken Edwards Center

January 30 — Big Blue Bus community meeting – 2 to 4 PM – Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. – (repeat of January 25th meeting – see above)

From the Friends of Sunset Park:

December 8 — City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall

December 8 — Orchestra & Choir concert – 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

December 8 — SMC Board of Trustees – 7:30 PM – Business Bldg.,  Rm. 117

December 9 — Band & Choir concert – 7 PM – John Adams Middle School

December 9 — Planning Commission – 7 PM – Study session to address
Commission questions re the draft LUCE document that is
currently undergoing environmental evaluation.

December 10 & 17 — Fairview Library – 1 PM – “What’s New This Week?” discussion

December 10 — SMMUSD Board of Education – 5:30 PM – District Office- 1651 16th St.

December 12 — Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center – 1527 4th St.

December 12 — Fairview Library – 11 AM – Book Group – My Antonia by Willa Cather

December 12 — Morgan-Wixson Youth Musical – 2 PM – “A Winter’s Tale” – 2627 Pico

December 12 — SMC Orchestra concert – 7:30 PM – Broad Stage – music
by Shostakovich, Johann Strauss, and Rule Beasley

December 15 — Community meeting – Bergamot Station Transit Village
Development Agreement – 7 PM – Virginia Avenue Park -
969,000 sq ft of commercial/residential/creative office space
on the former Paper Mate property, 1681 26th St. (north side
of Olympic between 26th and Stewart). This is your opportunity
to provide feedback to City staff and the developer with regard
to concept plans.

December 15 — Orchestra concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School

December 16 — Commission for the Senior Community – 1:30 PM -
Ken Edwards Center – 1527 4th St.

December 17 — Choral concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School

December 21 — Social Services Commission – 6:30 PM -
Ken Edwards Center – 1527 4th St.

January 15 — Band concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School

January 19 — Jazz Band concert – 7 PM – Santa Monica High School

January 25 — Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall

Will we see you down on Main St this Saturday at 5pm?  Rumor is that Santa will be there.  Let us know if you are going and we’ll see you there!  Look out for the shopping cart Christmas tree – candlelight walk at 6pm for daring souls.   Raffles, sidewalk sales, and holiday parties abound!

http://www.mainstreetsm.com/holiday-09/

Before I became a Santa Monica real estate agent, I was a stay at home dad for four glorious years with an infant and a toddler and was always looking for fun things to do that didn’t cost anything, or at the very least a minimal amount of money.  And given the nature of the economy at present, I thought it would be great to share these cool things to do.

Santa Monica has some amazing people and places to check out.  Here’s my list, please feel free to add in the comments if you think of something.

1.  Santa Monica farmer’s markets – always a great way to teach your kids about food and where it comes from.

2.  The library – the new library downtown on 6th is a green LEED certified building, so you can feel better about that!  Plus there’s a free story time!

3.  Santa Monica airport – there’s a viewing station you can watch the planes take off and land.  If you get lucky, a pilot might let you check out the inside of a cockpit.

4.  The BEACH! – Always a hit.  Although parking may cost you a buck.

Free Fun in the Sun

5.  Parks – Santa Monica has some excellent parks great for walking, exercising, having a birthday party and more!

Virginia Park

6.  Sledding in Southern California – in the winter they create huge piles of sand to deter beach erosion.

7.  Open Houses – if you are looking for homes for sale in Santa Monica, then come and visit one of my open houses – I usually have treats and kids are always welcome.  Contact me to find out where I’ll be on Sunday in Santa Monica.

Add yours to the comment section below!

I went to the farmer’s market on Wednesday and was pleasantly suprised to find a new vendor: Charlie Graham from Santa Barbara. I haven’t had fresh lobster in a long time, so I splurged.

Needless to say, it was delicious. I split em down the length of their bodies, grilled on high heat meat side down first for two minutes, flipped them onto their shells and then filled the meat and shell up with garlic and butter until the meat was perfect – another 5 minutes.

He’s also got crab and Kellets Whelk which I may have to try the next time I find him. If you want to find him, he’ll be at
2640 Main st on Novemeber 8, 22 and December 6, 20
And at 2nd and Arizona on November 18, 25 and December 2, 16, 30

The finished product

This is from the Friends of Sunset Park:

Calendar of events for November:

November 12 – “Can We Talk?” – 7 PM – The annual Sunset Park meeting at which city staff, including the City Manager and representatives from departments such as Airport, Community and Cultural Services, Fire, Human Services, Open Space Management, Planning and Community Development, Police, Public Landscape, Public Works, Transportation Management, and Public Works listen to residents discuss their priorities for the city’s 2010-2011 budget. Co-sponsored by Friends of Sunset Park. This takes the place of the November FOSP Board/Membership meeting, and we would like a good turn-out!

Santa Monica will have a new City Manager in January, after Lamont Ewell retires, and we don’t know if he or she will continue this practice of coming around to the neighborhoods to actually listen to residents before the budget planning process begins. Please make an effort to attend this important meeting!
Grant Elementary School Auditorium, Pearl Street at 24th St.

November 1 – SMC Wind Ensemble Concert – 4 PM – The Broad Stage, Santa Monica Blvd. at 11th

November 3, 10, 17, 24 – “Write-Away” – 12 to 3 PM – Inspiration, guidance, direction and support for
writers – Fairview Library, Ocean Park Blvd. & 21st.

November 3 – SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building, 1900 Pico Blvd. – www.smc.edu

November 5, 12, and 19 – “What’s New This Week?” – 1 PM – A discussion of the week’s key news
stories, moderated by Jack Nordhaus – Fairview Library, Ocean Park Blvd. at 21st

November 5 to 12 – Santa Monica High School Theatre presents “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller –
Humanities Center — http://SamohiTheatre.org for more information

November 5 and 19 – SMMUSD Board of Education – 5:30 PM – Nov. 5 at Malibu City Hall,
Nov. 19 at the District Office, 1651 16th St. – agenda: www.smmusd.org

November 7 to December 12 – Morgan-Wixson Theatre’s Y.E.S. Family Theatre presents
“A Winter’s Tale: A Musical Dickens of a Christmas Carol” – best enjoyed by
ages 8 to 108 – Sat/Sun at 11 AM – 2627 Pico Blvd. – www.morgan-wixson.org

November 10 and 24 – City Council – City Hall – 6:45 PM – agenda: www.smgov.net
November 11 and 18 – Planning Commission – City Hall – 7 PM – agenda: www.smgov.net

November 21 – Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St. – All Santa Monica
residents are welcome to attend.

November 23 – Social Service Commission – 7 PM – Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St.

November 23 – Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall – agenda: http://www01.smgov.net/airport/

Oh My We Are Blessed

I visit the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market almost every Wednesday morning, preferably early since the best stuff goes quick (kind of like everything in life)

And every time I visit, I try something new – today was this incredible creature – an organic tropical dragon fruit.  Made me think I was visiting Kauai again with the amazing fruits at the farmers markets there.

This was a treat to be certain.  And I must admit, my two kids and I loved chopping up such a beautiful thing and eating it, chins dripping.  Like a kiwi, but more beautiful, daring, and enticing.

As we say sometimes at dinner – “I’d like to thank the farmers who grew our food, and the people who brought it to us”  So, thanks to you guys, once again.  We eat for another week.

See you next week on another culinary adventure!

Come on down to Santa Monica’s very own Pico Blvd and check out some great art, cool cars, workshops, studios, grub, and businesses this Saturday the 17th from 10am – 5pm. There’s even free parking at SMC with a free shuttle on a double decker bus from Starline Tours.

For more information, please visit the picopassport.com folks.

We hope to see you there!

Here is the calendar of events happening in Santa Monica from our friends over at FOSP:

October 6 – SMC Board of Trustees - Business Building – 1900 Pico Blvd. – 7 PM -
agenda: www.smc.edu <http://www.smc.edu/>

October 7 – SMC 2009 Master Plan Update - Community Meeting - 7 PM - Academy of
Entertainment & Technology, Rm. 235, 1660 Stewart St., SM 90404

October 7 & 21 – Planning Commission – City Hall – 7 PM – agenda: www.smgov.net <http://www.smgov.net/>

October 8 - FOSP Board/Membership meeting - Mt. Olive Church - 7 PM – www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org <http://www.friendsofsunsetpark.org/>

October 8 – Special LA Opera Concert – “The Elixir of Love” by Donizetti – 7 PM -
Main Library – 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

October 10 – Fairview Library Literature Book Group – 11 AM – Ocean Park Blvd. at 21st -
James Baldwin’s novel Go Tell It on the Mountain

October 13 & 27 – City Council - City Hall - 6:45 PM – agenda: www.smgov.net <http://www.smgov.net/>

October 14 – SMC 2009 Master Plan Update – 7 PM – Scoping meeting to solicit public comments with
regard to potential environmental impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed project -
SMC Main Campus, Business Building Rm. 111, 1900 Pico Blvd.

October 14 - Expo Light Rail Phase 2 - Update on the FEIR (Final Environmental Impact Report) -
6 to 8:30 PM - Civic Auditorium East Wing – 1855 Main Street – www.BuildExpo.org <http://www.buildexpo.org/>

October 15 - The Great California ShakeOut – 10:15 AM - An annual statewide drill to practice how to
protect ourselves during an earthquake – “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” – www.shakeout.org <http://www.shakeout.org/>

October 15 – SMMUSD Board of Education - District Office, 1651 16th St. – 5:30 PM -
agenda: www.smmusd.org <http://www.smmusd.org/>

October 16 - Observing Jupiter and the moon through an array of telescopes – SMC’s Drescher
Planetarium – 1900 Pico Blvd. – www.smc.edu/planetarium <http://www.smc.edu/planetarium>

October 17 – Neighborhood Council - Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St. - 10 AM

October 26 – Social Service Commission - Ken Edwards Center, 1527 4th St. - 7 PM

October 26 – Airport Commission - City Hall - 7:30 PM - agenda: http://www01.smgov.net/airport/

The window where the money goes

I had the distinct pleasure to stay home with the kids today since they were feeling a little under the weather the night previous.  A romp at the Santa Monica beach, and then a block straight up Pico Blvd for some free parking at Cha Cha Chicken to soothe the hungry beasts.

Slurping Canteloupe Aqua Fresca

I haven’t been here in awhile, but I must say, they always do it right.  If you are looking for some Caribbean flavor with a price that is fairly easy on the pocketbook, hit this place up.  Everyone is friendly, there’s a downright slow beachy vibe happening and the kids will love it.

Cha Cha Ching!

We opted to share the Cha Cha chicken plate with dirty rice and beans complete with plaintains and a Canteloupe aqua fresca.  Needless to say, kids were happy – which is the reason for everything these days.  If the kids are happy, so will you be.

An A Rating! And they're helping the Bay too!

They also are a certified Clean Bay Restaurant with Santa Monica which always goes a good long way in my book.  And to boot, they’ve got an A rating.  Good times in my book.  Check em out and let me know what you think.  I’ll meet you there for lunch!

I’m a member of the Friends of Sunset Park and get these great updates about activities happening in my neighborhood.  Check them out and we’ll probably see you at one or more of them.

Friends of Sunset Park Board/Membership meeting
Thursday, September 10 — 7 to 9 PM
Mt. Olive Church, 14th and Ocean Park Blvd.

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August 31 – Fall semester begins at SMC - Watch out for pedestrians
and increased traffic congestion near the Main Campus!

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September 2 and 16 – Planning Commission – 7 PM -
City Hall – agenda: www.smgov.net <http://www.smgov.net/>

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September 3 and 17 - SMMUSD Board of Education – 5:30 PM -
District Office – agenda: www.smmusd.org <http://www.smmusd.org/>

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September 8 – SMC Board of Trustees – 7 PM – Business Building,
1900 Pico Blvd. – agenda: www.smc.edu <http://www.smc.edu/>

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September 8 and 22 - City Council – 6:45 PM – City Hall -
agenda: www.smgov.net <http://www.smgov.net/>

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September 9 - First day of classes for SMMUSD – Grant Elementary,
Rogers Elementary, John Adams Middle School -

Watch out for pedestrians and increased traffic congestion
near the schools!

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September 10 – FOSP Board/Membership meeting – 7 PM -
Mt. Olive Church – www.FriendsofSunsetPark.org <http://www.friendsofsunsetpark.org/>

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September 11 – “NASA’s Human Spaceflight Future” – 7 PM -
SMC’s Drescher Planetarium – 1900 Pico Blvd. -
www.smc.edu/planetarium <http://www.smc.edu/planetarium>

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September 16 – Documentary film “Amandla: A Revolution in Four Part Harmony,”
narrated by Walter Cronkite, highlighting the role of music in the
South African struggle against Apartheid – 7 PM – Fairview Library

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September 26 – Neighborhood Council – 10 AM – Ken Edwards Center -
1527 4th St. – www.sm4residents.net <http://www.sm4residents.net/>  - Discussion Forum

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September 28 - Airport Commission – 7:30 PM – City Hall -
agenda: www.smgov.net <http://www.smgov.net/>

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September 30 – How to Make a Digital Memory Book – 7 PM -
Fairview Library – Ocean Park Blvd. at 21st

The Secret is, at Back on the Beach you can enjoy company and a good meal while watching your young kids play on the playground.  Then when the meal finally comes and they are tuckered out, everyone can enjoy a meal together.  And the best part?  They eat and then go out and play again!  I love the new Back on the Beach!

I love having my very own private beach club at Annenberg.  Two kids, two adults = $24 bucks and tons of fun.  After a long swim, we strolled over to the revamped Back on the Beach for some burgers, salad and french fries.

We sat with some amazing friends and just watched the kids romp around on the outdoor playground in the sand.  Being a parent of two kids under the age of 5, I am always happy when they are happy, playing with friends and getting exercise.

God bless the beach!

Check out another article about the beach house here.

Efficiency  Workshops
Do you want to learn how to weatherize your house and save some cash on your utility bills?  Santa Monica has Do-It-Yourself Weatherization Demonstrations for home owners and renters!
Learn how to install caulking and weather stripping
Participants receive a FREE Energy Efficiency starter kit!
Learn about energy saving programs available through Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company

Two workshops will be held at the Solar Santa Monica Office at 1212 Fifth Street, Suite 100:

Wednesday, September 9 from 6:30-8:30 PM

Saturday, September 12 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Space is limited. To RSVP, call (310) 458-4992 or email us at dlowell-britt@ecomotion.us.

For more information, go here

or here

Are you concerned about how to make your world a little greener?  It all starts with some small steps and the City of Santa Monica is offering a great workshop.  This one day, three hour workshop provides an overview of the six week series.  Green Living 101 is perfect for the those who want to find out what our workshops are all about and decide on attending the full  series.

Sustainable Works is actively looking for volunteers, if you have participated in the workshop and are interested in donating a few hours of your time to a healthier planet please email nancy.barba@sustainableworks.org.

If you have already attended, please forward this information to all your green or want-to-be green friends, family and neighbors.

To register please visit:
www.SustainableWorks.eventbrite.com

You can attend at:

Saturday August 15
at Montana Avenue Branch Library
from 10am-1pm
1704 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403
Map to Montana Avenue Branch Library

Starts Sunday afternoon August 23
at Virginia Avenue Park, Patio Room
from 1-2:30pm
2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Starts Tuesday evening August 25
at Fairview Branch Library
from 7-8:30pm
2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Starts Wednesday evening August 26
at Santa Monica Public Library
LEED Gold Certified Green Building
from 7-8:30pm
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Green networking in Santa Monica

Are you interested in the green movement and Santa Monica?  Think you have something to share to the green business world?  Next Tuesday is an opportunity to network with other green Santa Monica based businesses.

The Ambrose Hotel at 6pm – 9 pm

Location:  The Ambrose Hotel
1255 20th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Cost is ten bucks.

Look forward to seeing you there!

There’s a great website called Walkscore.com that will allow you to enter in your address and see how walk-able your neighborhood is.  The site takes into consideration local amenities, schools, restaurants, parks and more.

See how your Santa Monica’s zip codes compare:

90401 – 98/100 – walker’s paradise

90402 – 65/100 – somewhat walk-able

90403 – 91/100 – walker’s paradise

90404 – 92/100 – walker’s paradise

90405 – 80/100 – very walk-able

Looks like Santa Monica is a walk-able place!  Where do you like to walk?  What’s one of your favorite destinations walking around Santa Monica?

If you are thinking about relocating to Santa Monica because of the lifestyle this town offers and need more information, check out this link.

Do you have an idea that you want to network and get off the ground?  Then bloblive might just be the place for you.  Check out their site below for more information.  Here’s the skinny from Erick, the organizer:

This Monday, we’re once again at the V Lounge (2020 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica). Doors open at 6:30, live streaming begins at 7:30. The V Lounge has been a great venue and we hope to see you there.

If you don’t want to present, please come to support others and enjoy the networking.

For all non-members, entry will be $10 if you pre-register before the event at http://bloblive.eventbrite.com/ OR $15 at the door.