9.19.2009

City and School Rally Around Fallen Athlete

Last friday, Santa Monica High School's starting Linebacker, Cody Williams, suffered a sever spinal injury during their loss to Leuzinger.

The injury being only described as a "spinal Injury" may take 6-12 months just to evaluate. Immediately there was a huge downpour of support for the Student-Athlete. Fundraising efforts have begun at the school as well as online. On Facebook friends have started a group named "We Love Cody Williams," in order to show support and help raise funds for treatment.

Support has also been coming n from outside the community. USC's Head Coach Pete Carroll visited with Williams on Monday and sent and open invitation to see a USC practice and to be on the field at a Home game. San Diego Charger's Offensive linemen Marcus McNeil also wished him well Via Twitter.  

Santa Monica Pier Cleans Up It's Act

 For years, the quality of the ocean water at and around the pier have been, lightly put, less than par. just last year the water received failing grades from the Heal the Bay Organization's annual Beach Report Card. Started in 1985 to Combat dumping of sewage into the ocean, Heal the Bay grades beaches up and down the coast to ensure Health and Safety.

 From November 2008 up until June of the same year, the water at Santa Monica Pier received failing grades. This month, the Pier and its surrounding waters received a B. showing a vast improvement from last year, with work still to b done.

 Efforts to reduce trash on the beaches are in full swing. There are trash bins as well as recycling bins. The beaches see their biggest flux in pollution during the summer seasons when tourist flock to the California coast from all corners of the Country. the clean up starts with us.

Subway Extension Planned For West Side

 The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority (Metro), is planning to extend its Subway System into the City of Santa Monica.

 Metro began exploratory drilling this week in Santa Monica, in order for it's Engineers to decide exactly where the best locations for stops should be. Right now plans are for four stops to be placed throughout Santa Monica in a attempt to link Santa Monica with Downtown Los Angeles via it preexisting subway system. 

 An Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, is in the process of being drafted by Metro and will be made public and set for public input in the summer of 2010.

Further information can be found at metro.net/westside 

9.12.09

The Taste Of Santa Monica

This Sunday, September 13th, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce will continue its efforts to support local business when it kicks off the 8th Annual Taste of the Santa Monica Pier Food Festival.

The Festival will included Music, Giveaways, and of course FOOD!! And for the young and young at heart, there will be an interactive Kids Corner where they can cook with the chefs. And for the food enthusiasts out there, there is also an all you can eat ticket available.

There will also be a red Bull Soap Box Challenge for added enjoyment. Information and ticket prices can be found at http://www.tasteofsantamonica.com


West Coast icon Turns 100

A true icon of Southern California, the Santa Monica Pier turned 100 years old on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009.

The Santa Monica pier has withstood years of weathering, storms, and battering from waves, but remains one of few on a coast that was once lined with piers. The pier has a ling history of Glitz and Glam. The first live TV Musical was shot there, as well as many other films and TV shows. But if it weren't for a group of Fisherman, this centennial celebration might not have occurred.

During the 70's, the City was planning on tearing down the Pier. A city wide campaign, thats started with local fisherman then spread throughout the city, kept the pier open and kept the city from removing an iconic landmark.

The Centennial was marked by a series of free festivals and events thrown by the City and Pier Restoration Society. Naturally, Wednesday was a night for Fireworks


Elderly Man Arrested in City Parking Structure

While patrolling a parking structure last week, the police noticed an elderly man loitering about. the man, Johnny Gillespie 62, was approached by the officers for questioning.

Upon making Contact with the suspect, the police soon learned he was on Parole, giving them the right to search his vehicle. While conducting the search, officers found both marijuana and cocaine. The suspect was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance as well as Loitering