Los Angeles School Strike - Westminster Avenue Elementary School Protest

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, teachers, staff, parents, and students gathered to protest at Westminster Avenue Elementary School in Venice. The protest was part of a larger strike that had been ongoing for several days, resulting in the closure of hundreds of schools and the cancellation of classes for over 400,000 students.

The strike began at a bus yard in the San Fernando Valley, where workers from the Service Employees International Union's Local 99 demanded a 30 percent increase in pay for the district's support workers. These workers include cafeteria workers, bus drivers, special education assistants, and gardeners, among others. Many of them earn just above minimum wage and struggle to make ends meet in Southern California's high-cost-of-living environment.

In solidarity with the striking workers, the Los Angeles teachers' union urged its 35,000 members not to cross picket lines and to show support for their colleagues. The strike, initially planned to last for three days, was set to end on Friday, March 24, 2023.

The strike has highlighted the ongoing struggle of support workers in Los Angeles and the need for fair compensation for their labor. It has also underscored the impact of strikes on students and families, who are left without access to educational services during such disruptions.

As negotiations continue between the unions and the school district, it remains to be seen how the strike will be resolved and whether the demands of support workers will be met. In the meantime, protesters continue to call attention to the importance of fair compensation for all workers, including those in the education sector.

Retired Military Veteran Spring de Haviland Kicks Off 12th Annual "Spring into Kindness Campaign!"

Spring de Haviland celebrated the first day of spring on March 20th, 2023 with her 12th annual "Spring into Kindness Campaign!" Her mission was to spread kindness and promote positivity throughout the Santa Monica community.

Throughout the day, Spring distributed bright and beautiful carnations to people passing by on the Santa Monica Pier, celebrating the arrival of the season. In addition, she promoted her Kindness Poster and Book, allowing people to leave messages for military patients at the VA Medical Center in Brentwood.

But Spring's kindness didn't stop there. A group of Santa Monica Police Officers stopped by to show their support, and Spring presented them with flowers as a gesture of appreciation for their service to the community.

Spring's dedication to promoting kindness extends far beyond her annual campaign. She frequently visits the VA Medical Center, bringing along stuffed animals, jewelry, and lots of fun and humor for the veterans. For Spring, interacting with veterans is a win-win-win situation that increases endorphins and serotonin for everyone involved. Her mission is to serve her unit's morale and welfare, even after retiring from 30 years of military service.

Spring's tireless efforts have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. She has received a "Heroes Award" from the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, among other honors. Her dedication to promoting kindness and brightening people's days is truly inspirational.

As we welcome the first day of spring, let us follow Spring de Haviland's example and make a conscious effort to spread kindness towards one another. Small gestures, such as giving a beautiful carnation to someone passing by or leaving a message of appreciation for veterans, can make a huge difference in someone's day. We should all strive to make every day a little brighter for those around us.

The day's events included Spring presenting the annual Spring Kindness Paw it Forward Award to Fabian Lewkowicz from Santa Monica Closeup. The award is given to a person who has made significant contributions to promoting kindness in their community.

Spring's advocacy for kindness reminds us that it doesn't take much to make a difference in someone's day, and that by showing a little kindness, we can make the world a better place for all. So let's vote yes on being kind, and let the spirit of Spring into our hearts and actions all year round.

The Venice Love Fest, held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in downtown Mar Vista on Venice Blvd, was a celebration of local artists, designers, musicians, and businesses. The fest was located between Centinela & Inglewood Blvd, and the city had closed Venice Blvd for the event. The festival was a complete takeover of Venice Blvd in the heart of Mar Vista, featuring an assortment of LA's most curated brands and artists.

Visitors to the fest were treated to a day full of activities for the whole family, including shopping, networking, great bites, tasty drinks, and good sounds. There were musical performances on three stages, eye-catching artist demonstrations, and hands-on art workshops for all ages. Visitors also enjoyed delicious food and drink from food trucks and beer gardens.

This year, in addition to the unique artwork, live entertainment on three stages, eye-catching artist demonstrations, and hands-on art workshops for all ages, there was also a vintage car show. Visitors were able to admire and take pictures of the cars, and many were impressed by the impressive restorations and customizations.

The Venice Fest is dedicated to educating the public on supporting all things local and promoting the local businesses in downtown Mar Vista, CA. The festival hosts three events annually: The Venice Winter Fest in November, Venice Love Fest in March, and Venice Summer Fest in June. The Venice Love Fest drew more than 100,000 visitors this year, and there were over 400 new and returning artists who exhibited and sold their original art and handcrafted items on Venice Blvd.

The festival is the destination for the ultimate local weekend adventure. Visitors can enjoy the unique artwork, live entertainment, and delicious food and drink, while supporting the local community. Admission to the fest is free for all ages.

If you missed the Venice Love Fest this year, don't worry! There are two more festivals to come. The Venice Summer Fest will be held on June 24th, 2023, from 12 pm to 8 pm, and the Venice Winter Fest will be held on November 18th, 2023, from 10 am to 6 pm. Follow @thevenicefest on Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest festival news and surprises. Join us for a day of fun, shopping, and community-building at the Venice Fest!

On Friday, March 17th, the inaugural St. Penmar's Day: Festival on the Green took place at the Penmar Golf Course, marking the largest St. Patrick's Day party on the Westside. This event promised a day of fun, music, and special dining experiences, and it surely delivered.

A variety of musical genres was showcased during the festival's entertainment lineup, including a special bagpipe performance by the City of Angels Pipe Band. The Violet Mindfield band and Jack of Hearts, a Bob Dylan tribute band, also graced the stage, delighting guests with their distinct musical styles.

In addition to the live performances, guests were also treated to the beats of DJ Cool Whip, DJ Phunky Mendez, and DJ Owen, who kept the energy going throughout the day.

For those looking for food and drink, The Gastro Garage offered a pop-up dining experience that was not to be missed. The Venice Duck Green Beer Garden was also a hit, offering guests Irish food and drink specials to celebrate the occasion. And for the whiskey lovers, the Bushmills VIP Lounge provided a chance to enjoy whiskey tastings and learn more about this popular spirit.

Throughout the day, guests had the chance to participate in various activities, such as face painting, giveaways, and costume contests. For those feeling competitive, the festival had a beer pong tournament and miniature golf to enjoy. And of course, no St. Patrick's Day party would be complete without a photo booth to capture the memories.

One of the unique features of the festival was that guests were encouraged to dress in green and bring a blanket for the lawn. This created a lively atmosphere and made it easy for guests to relax and enjoy the festivities.

At the St. Patrick's Day festival, notable guests in attendance included Tony Vazquez, Member of the California State Board of Equalization, and Barry Snell, President of the Santa Monica College Trustees.

Overall, the St. Penmar's Day: Festival on the Green was a huge success, bringing together a diverse crowd of people to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style. With great entertainment, food, and drink, it's safe to say that this festival will be a must-attend event in the years to come.

On September 15th, 2022, the Santa Monica Pier played host to the Local's Night Car Show, a curated series for locals by locals, featuring some of the most impressive and unique vehicles from the local community. The event was a resounding success, with locals coming out in droves to enjoy the evening's entertainment.

If you missed out on this event, don't worry, as the Pier is rolling out the red carpet every third Thursday of the month for Santa Monicans to come together and celebrate in a unique outdoor setting. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment, including youth activities, a car show, local DJs, and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more!

The Local's Night Car Show showcased a range of vehicles, from classic cars to hot rods and everything in between, with many owners proudly showing off their prized possessions. Attendees were able to enjoy food and drink specials from a variety of Pier businesses, along with local artists' art installations and trapeze classes at a discounted price.

The event also featured live music from the bands Station 26 and The Revies, providing a lively and upbeat soundtrack for the evening's festivities. With so much entertainment on offer, there was something for everyone at the Local's Night Car Show.

The Local's Night Car Show is just one part of the Santa Monica Pier's curated series for locals, held once a month. This series offers locals the chance to come together and celebrate Santa Monica in a unique outdoor setting, with a wide range of entertainment and activities to enjoy.

Overall, the Local's Night Car Show was a great success, bringing together the local community for an evening of fun, music, and classic cars. It is just one of the many events and activities that make the Santa Monica Pier a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. So, mark your calendars and join in on the fun at the next Local's Night Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier!

If you happened to be at the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, March 16, 2023, you would have seen a unique sight - people dancing with headphones on! This was the Local's Night Sunset Vibes Silent Disco, an event that has been gaining popularity.

But what is a silent disco? In a traditional disco or party, music is played through a speaker system that everyone can hear. In a silent disco, however, the music is broadcast via a transmitter and picked up by wireless headphones that the participants wear. This allows each person to choose the volume of their music and dance to their own rhythm, while still being part of the same experience.

The Local's Night Sunset Vibes Silent Disco is a part of a curated series of events that takes place every third Thursday of the month on the Santa Monica Pier. This event is designed by locals, for locals, and provides an amazing opportunity to unwind and enjoy the company of friends and family in a unique outdoor setting.

Apart from the Silent Disco, the event also includes youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and much more. The event aims to celebrate the community of Santa Monica and provide a platform for local talent to showcase their skills and entertain the community.

The Sunset Vibes Silent Disco is a perfect addition to this event, adding a unique twist to the traditional party experience. The headphone party concept has been around for several years, and it has been gaining popularity as a fun and safe alternative to traditional parties. With the headphones on, people can dance to their favorite music without disturbing others, and they can control the volume to suit their preferences.

The Local's Night Sunset Vibes Silent Disco at the Santa Monica Pier is an excellent example of how communities can come together and celebrate their local talent while having a great time. The event is a perfect blend of fun, entertainment, and community building, and it provides an ideal platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their talent.

If you haven't yet attended a silent disco, you're missing out on a unique experience. And if you happen to be in Santa Monica on the third Thursday of the month, be sure to head down to the Pier and join in on the fun. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite local artist or band!

Cal Dobbs' Transcontinental Run

Cal Dobbs, (he/they) the first reported transgender hiker to complete the triple crown of hiking, has embarked on an incredible journey - a transcontinental cross-country run from the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, March 10, 2023. His transcontinental run will fulfill a lifelong dream while also raising awareness for queer and transgender rights across the U.S.

“This year is already the worst year for anti-transgender legislation in America,” Dobbs said. “42 states have proposed 455 anti-trans bills, and we know the fight for trans rights is being fought on two main battlefields: trans people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare.”

Dobbs is uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges as a trans athlete and a beneficiary of gender-affirming healthcare. A decorated endurance athlete, Dobbs graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania in 2018. Two days later, they set off from Springer Mountain in Georgia to take on the Appalachian Trail. Soon after hiking the trail’s 2,000+ miles, Dobbs continued on to the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. In August 2022, Dobbs became the first known transgender person to complete the Triple Crown of hiking by finishing all three National Scenic Trails.

Dobbs underwent life-saving top surgery one month prior to starting the transcontinental run and plans to start hormone replacement therapy soon. They're adamant about making sure the level of care they have received is available to all trans people.

“During my run,” Dobbs said, “I believe I can make transformative connections with people across geographic, political, and ideological lines that have the potential to catalyze lasting change, but I can’t do it alone.”

Dobbs started the run in their hometown of LA and headed east to traverse eight southern states and ultimately reach the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. Along the way, Dobbs plans to fundraise and advocate for LGBTQ organizations operating in each state.

To become a triple crowner, one must complete the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Trail, the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail, and the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Cal's accomplishment is a testament to their determination and perseverance.

During these scary and unprecedented times for trans people, the top priority is safety, which is why the first fundraiser to kick off this run across America is for Trans Lifeline. Trans Lifeline is a grassroots non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive. The organization is committed to providing support to trans people who are frequently denied the emotional and financial support they need to thrive. Trans Lifeline is also dedicated to building a resilient trans community through direct services designed, provided, and coordinated by trans peers.

The hotline and microgrants program offered by Trans Lifeline are designed to provide peer support to trans people who need it, including in moments of crisis and suicidality. The Microgrants program provides low-barrier grants to trans people in need of hormone replacement therapy, legal name changes and updated IDs—as well as specialized support for trans people who are incarcerated or detained.

Cal is running to build community and uplift trans people fighting for equality during the most acute anti-trans period this country has ever experienced (from a legislative standpoint). Cal is running for all LGBTQ+ people to have access to the rights and freedoms that everyone else enjoys.

Cal Dobbs is an inspiring person who is dedicated to making the world a better place for trans people. Their transcontinental cross-country run is a testament to their determination and perseverance. To support Dobbs and follow along, visit: https://www.caldobbs.com.