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28 Feb  

Buy Local Day & Expo – Saturday, March 19th

Buy Local Day & Expo

Experience the first official Buy Local Day featuring the Buy Local Expo on Saturday, March 19 from 11am-4pm at the 3rd Street Promenade.

The Buy Local Expo is a free community event dedicated to showcasing local businesses and the importance of buying local. In addition, special offers and discounts with many  Santa Monica businesses will be available online at www.buylocalmarket.com to residents, Marathon runners and their families on Saturday’s city-wide Buy Local Day and throughout the LA Marathon Weekend, benefiting local schools through the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation.

An event of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Bayside District, Santa Monica Malibu Education Foundation, the Buy Local Santa Monica Committee and the City of Santa Monica.

For more info on the Buy Local Expo, visit Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce or Buy Local Santa Monica. If you are a local business and want to participate in Buy Local Expo 2011, visit Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce or call (310) 393-9825.
25 Feb  

Civic Center Parks – Next Workshop Feb. 26

Please join the Recreation and Parks Commission for a review of the latest park designs at the next Community Workshop on Saturday, February 26, starting at 1pm in the East Wing of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.   James Corner will present Design Development plans and renderings which were revised based on feedback received from community members, Commissions and the City Council.   After the presentation, participate in break-out groups and contribute your comments and ideas to the process.  Be sure to Shape Your Parks and Make Your Mark by attending this important Community Workshop.

Bike and car parking available in the lot adjacent to the Civic Auditorium. Walk or use Big Blue Bus Lines 1,2,3,4,5,7,8, 9 or 10. To request a disability-related accommodation, call at least three business days before the workshop.

For more information visit www.smciviccenterparks.com. For questions: (310) 458-8310 or ccs@smgov.net.
23 Feb  

Santa Monica Conservancy “If Walls Could Talk” Free Lecture

If Walls Could Talk

Who designed and built your house? When? Who lived there earlier? Anyone famous? Is your back room original or added later?

If these questions intrigue you, we hope you’ll join us for “If Walls Could Talk”, a free lecture on Sunday February 27, 3 – 5 PM.  You’ll learn how to become a detective and discover the stories your house could tell….with experts to guide you on your quest.

Three professional architectural historians will share their special sources and methods to help you find out your home’s biography and possible significance. These methods also apply to commercial buildings.

Speakers Richard Starzak and Pete Moruzzi, ICF International, worked on the City of Santa Monica’s updated Historic Resources Inventory (a database used as a planning tool to identify properties that might have historic significance). And Margarita Wuellner Ph.D, Director of Historic Resources, PCR Services Corp., researches properties for Santa Monica’s Landmarks Commission.

The lecture will take place at the Senior Recreation Center in Palisades Park, 1450 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (near Broadway). Park is available in the nearby city structures.

Advance reservations advised by February 25. You can register online, send email to rsvp@smconservancy.org or call 310-496-3146.  The lecture is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.
21 Feb  

10 Best Contest – Upper West

By Kimberly Wiethorn

Upper West

Hi everyone! I’m Kim and my list of  “10 Best” in Santa Monica was the winner of their recent contest! My wonderful prize included dinner at 10 places in Santa Monica and I’m so excited to share my experiences with the readers.

My first stop was Upper West.  I’ve been here before many times and it’s one of my favorites in Santa Monica.  Excellent food that changes with the seasonal ingredients available, to-die-for drinks, and the staff keeps me coming back for more whether it’s a group dinner for a birthday, business lunch/dinner/drinks, or Sunday Funday with a friend. They also have started all sorts of fun events like scotch and bourbon tasting with experts that I look forward to trying.

On this particular visit I brought a friend who was visiting from my home state of Texas and another fellow Santa Monica resident. I had one of my favorite staples on the menu–the Buratta, which they pair with berries, apples, blistered tomatoes and chamomile sea salt.  I also had crab cakes and quinoa for my entree which were to die for. Although I didn’t have them this time I highly recommend the blue cheese fries.

For drinks, my favorite is the cucumber martini with gin (and I’m not a gin girl)–it tastes like spa water it’s so smooth.   The owners also do an excellent job of always having an ever rotating selection of limited production wines that I look forward to trying and is great to expose yourself to new winemakers.

It’s a foodies dream. And so reasonably priced. Get there quick the secret seems to be getting out!

Thanks santamonica.com!
18 Feb  

Belmar Triangle Lecture at Santa Monica History Museum

In celebration of Black History Month, the Santa Monica History Museum will host a free talk by local columnist Frank Gruber about the Belmar Triangle, an African-American neighborhood that was razed in the 1950s to build the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

Gruber writes a weekly column for The Santa Monica Lookout News website and is the author of the book, Urban Worrier: Making Politics Personal. Gruber’s talk will trace the history of the African-American commercial and residential district that arose on both sides of Pico Boulevard, around Third and Fourth Streets, beginning early in the 20th century.

Event will take place on Sunday, February 20th from 2pm to 4pm located at the Santa Monica History Museum, 1350 7th St (adjacent to the SM Main Public Library).

Call (310) 395-2290 to RSVP. RSVP is strongly recommended due to limited seating.
14 Feb  

The Perfect Proposal in Santa Monica

THE PERFECT PROPOSAL IN SANTA MONICA:
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

With its spectacular sunsets, sprawling beaches, peaks overlooking the Pacific and natural beach city charm, Santa Monica has long been a haven for lovers. In the spirit of love this Valentine’s Day, California’s quintessential beach city suggests some inspiring spots for the perfect proposal.  For romantics not ready to propose, find last minute date ideas and special Valentine’s Day offers in Santa Monica at www.SantaMonica.com.

  1. Atop the world-famous, solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park – Your intended’s “yes” won’t be the only reason to feel on top of the world, with a backdrop of ocean breezes and glittering lights from the Santa Monica Pier below.
  2. Sandstone Peak – Enjoy a morning hike in the Santa Monica Mountains to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from Santa Monica’s highest point. The peak also provides the ideal locale and opportunity for getting down on one knee.
  3. Your private verandah – If your proposal plans comprise a romantic weekend, may we propose Santa Monica?  Take advantage of Le Merigot’s private balconies, the Fairmont’s secluded bungalows and the ocean views – always complimentary – at Loews.
  4. Your Beginning at The end of Route 66 – Your road together can begin where this fabled road ends – with an official historic route 66 sign for your engagement announcements.
  5. On the beach, along the shore – Santa Monica boasts miles of white sandy beaches, and there’s something classically romantic about proposing where the tide meets your toes – just don’t drop the ring!
  6. Shout your love from the Rooftop – The Shangri-La and Huntley Hotels offer romantic rooftop venues for late-night toasts and special starlit (and sometimes, starlet) moments.
  7. Poolside – Reserve a cabana for two at Hotel Casa del Mar, the Viceroy or Sheraton Delfina Hotels and enjoy dinner, champagne and a decadent dessert on your dream date.
  8. Grab that brass ring on the historic carousel – A landmark on the Santa Monica Pier provides possibly the best time to propose: while you’re already spinning with joy!
  9. Sweeten Your Offer – Appealing to her sweet tooth will win you points. Trust us!   Why not a decadent cupcake adorned with bling or shots of frosting from popular Yummy or Vanilla Cupcakes?
  10. Old school: Under the Santa Monica Pier sign – So many memorable moments have happened right here over the long history of the 101 year-old Santa Monica Pier, not the least of which is yours.
08 Feb  

Santa Monica to Host PGA Golfers and Fans

California’s Quintessential Beach City Welcomes Northern Trust Open Players,
their Families, Staff and Fans

Santa Monica, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2011) – Santa Monica is pleased to serve as a “home base” for the third consecutive year to thousands of PGA pros, their families, caddies, PGA Tour staff, and their fans who will stay in the beach city during the 85th Northern Trust Open Feb. 15-20.  Santa Monica and its establishments invite golfers and fans to take a swing at dining, accommodation, attraction and retail special offers during their stay in the beachside city.

“Santa Monica provides an unforgettable beach city experience, and we are happy to again host the many PGA pros and fans during this popular tournament,” says Misti Kerns, president and CEO of Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “The Northern Trust Open provides a fantastic opportunity for our businesses to cater to a new audience, some of whom will be exploring Santa Monica for the first time.”

The Santa Monica CVB will distribute welcome placards to businesses within Santa Monica or businesses can pick up welcome placards at the Santa Monica Visitor Center at 1920 Main Street. The Big Blue bus is providing shuttle service from Santa Monica to the tournament on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-20, departing from the Civic Center Parking structure located at 333 Civic Center Drive.

Many local restaurants, retailers and hotels are also creating special offers for tournament participants and fans. To view the special offers, please visit www.santamonica.com/northern-trust-open. Tournament participants and attendees can also download the free Santa Monica mobile app to view the Northern Trust Open special offers in the palm of their hand. Please visit www.santamonica.com/app for information on how to download the app. Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau staff and local hospitality professionals will also be at the tournament offering destination information to the thousands of fans in attendance.

The Northern Trust Open will take place at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. For tickets and more information, please visit www.northerntrustopen.com.
 

The opinions of this blog are that of the contributors and do not necessarily depict the position of Santa Monica Convention &
Visitors Bureau. Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau reserves the right to edit or refuse any submitted information.

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