Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Blvd
(310) 576-7777
Enjoy a romantic Santa Monica getaway with our Romantic Retreat Package at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. You will be welcomed with our exclusive romance amenity. Take in the sun, sand and sights or unwind against the beautiful Santa Monica sunset. Savor a delicious dinner for 2 at Chef Ray Garcia’s seasonal bistro, FIG. Relax at exhale mind body spa with a $100 credit. Valid January 31, 2012 through February 18, 2012.

The Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Ave(800) 538-8147
Let the Georgian Hotel be your muse in a celebration of your Valentine, family or friend every day this February! Bask in the warmth of your friendship and love by taking a stroll down to the beach, along the Third Street Promenade or to the famous Santa Monica Pier. Reminisce of the good ol’ days while enjoying a glass of wine on the Veranda. Relax in the comfort and serenity of the Georgian Hotel. With our ‘Month of Love’ Package you can let that special someone know that they’re loved beyond February 14th! This package runs for the entire month of February. Rates start at $230, plus tax, and include: Standard or Suite Accommodation, 1/2 Dozen Chocolate Covered Strawberries, One In-Room ‘Love Potion’ Cocktail Kit, Valet Parking. Ocean view is available at an additional fee. This package is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach
1111 2nd St
(310) 394-5454
Valentine’s Romance Package. Escape for a romantic weekend or slip away for a romantic overnight on Valentine’s Day! Package includes One night accommodations (taxes  included), $125 Dining Credit at The Penthouse Restaurant, Breakfast for two in bed ($40 Credit), Champagne & Strawberries at arrival, Late Check out at 3PM, Complimentary Valet Parking. Valid February 10-14, 2012.

Hotel Shangri-La
1301 Ocean Ave
(310) 394-2791
The auspicious evening for two begins with a carefully crafted California Nouveau prix fixe dinner. Savor the purity of cuisine and allow our team of classically and creative chefs to bridge the gap between fine-dining and hushed intimacy, amidst world-class panoramic ocean views. After dinner luxuriate in an oversized deep-soaking tub and relish in romance while a carefully curated Sybaris Rejuvenation Lounge bath is drawn, candles are lit, and roses petals are strewn; coupled with elixir tea and chef’s choice dessert pairings, experience relaxation and rejuvenation like never before. Rates start at $450. February 10-20, 2012.

Shore Hotel
1515 Ocean Ave
(310) 458-1515
Shore Hotel also invites guests to enjoy an eco-friendly getaway for Valentine’s Day with the “Pink Goes Green” package. The “Pink Goes Green” package starts at $469 per night includes: Overnight accommodations, Two bicycle rentals for the duration of your stay, Bottle of organic wine or champagne upon arrival, 60-minute couples massage at Tikkun Spa and $50 credit to The Lobster Restaurant, located on the Santa Monica Pier. Available February 1-29, 2012.

And The L-O-V-E Continues

Check out romance-inspired Santa Monica dining and discounts to complete your Valentine’s Day staycation in Santa Monica.

Check out some Santa Monica hot spots offering up football fun and serious grubbing on Sunday, February 5th:

Basement Tavern
2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-4956
“BBQ, Booze and Bacon” on game day, Sunday, February 5 from 2pm – 2am. Enjoy happy hour specials all night with $3 beers, $5 well drinks, $5 house red and white wines by the glass, and 50% off bottles of wine and Champagne. Complementary hot dogs, hamburgers and BBQ dishes will be served when you buy two or more drinks. “Bottle and Bacon package” for $1,000, guests will receive a bottle of whiskey and bourbon and bacon-wrapped hot dogs for 10-20 friends.

Finn McCool’s
2702 Main St, Santa Monica, CA, 90405
(310) 452-1734
Finn McCool’s welcomes Super Bowl XLVI Sunday, Feb. 5th, 2012! 50 cent wings and Bud light drink special – 5 16oz bottles for $20.00.

Sonny McLean’s
2615 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 449-1811
Your Boston Sports Headquarters! Doors open at 8am til close (2am) with special food items available.

West 4th/Jane
1432 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-6765
West 4th & Jane’s Superbowl Party! Feast on savory food and drink specials including New York Nathan’s Hotdog, Homemade Cracker Jacks, and New York Pretzels. Beer selection includes 24 taps of the most obscure, allocated and hard to find Belgium, European and American craft beers. Additional specials include $4 PBR, $10 PBR pitchers, $5 sangrias, $5 mimosas, and $5 sake bombs all day. Get in the spirit by participating in the Best Fan contest dressing as the most fanatic fan and win a beer tasting party for five people.

Click here for full list of Santa Monica Restaurants

Catch Pacific Park on the Official 2012 Honda CR-V Super Bowl Game Day Commercial

Photo Credit: Sky James

I love the weather and the Main Library!  My children’s music group is coming down from Seattle to perform there on Feb 8th.  Here’s the info:

Children’s Group, The Brian Waite Band, encourages kids to unplug and reconnect with Mother Nature with their new album and tour.

Seattle, WA:  Award-winning, children’s music group, The Brian Waite Band, will bring their tour, promoting their new album, “The Land That Rock Forgot – a rock n’ roll adventure”, to Santa Monica on February 8th, 2012.  The concert follows the band’s journey to Sillycon Valley in which their jet plane crashes on a jungle island, and they are forced to find
the island’s king who may have a way to the mainland.  Stripped of their technology, they rediscover the beauty of Mother Nature in songs like, “Hike With Me” and “It’s Raining”; and meet some zany natives like, “Sting the Bee” and “Pig Floyd”.  The story is set to rock and acoustic music, filled with hilarious antics and costumes, and designed for families with children 2-9 years old.  The show’s message is simple:  reconnect with Mother Nature.

“Spending time exploring and playing outside in nature is something the band and I believe to be very important,” said guitarist and singer, Brian Waite, “and we are excited about sharing this passion with children, especially in this age where they spend most of their time inside playing video games and looking at screens.”

Feb 8: Santa Monica Main Library at 11am
601 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA

Band Biography

The Brian Waite Band was born from the idea of creating live rock shows that thrill both parents and children alike.  Founded in 2001 by Brian Waite (guitar), Todd Gray (drums) and Clif Swiggett (bass), the trio began touring the West Coast, and before they knew it, their music was being played all over the world.  Ten years and five critically acclaimed albums later, their interactive shows have evolved from children’s concerts into musical theater.  The Brian Waite Band’s live shows combine imaginative storytelling, zany characters, and lots of laughs with great original songs that take the whole family on a “Rock n’ Roll Adventure”.  For additional history and information about the band, please visit www.brianwaite.com.

Contact
Brian Waite
206-290-0448
brian@brianwaite.com
www.brianwaite.com

The 2012 MLK National Holiday “Weekend of Celebrations” is presented by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition, and is Sponsored by the City of Santa Monica, Rand Corporation, CityTV-Santa Monica, the Santa Monica College Associates, Soka Gakkai International (SGI-USA), Santa Monica College, and a variety of other individuals, organizations, and corporate contributors.

2012 MLK National Holiday “Weekend of Celebrations” events include:

Friday, January 13, 7:30 to 9am: Westside Interfaith MLK Prayer Breakfast”
Presented in Cooperation with the Westside Interfaith Council and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council. An inspirational community gathering, featuring speakers, dialogue and prayer. Guest speaker Shakeel Syed, is the Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council. At Calvary Baptist Church, Carter Center, 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica. Donation: $25/person, $200/table of 10.

Friday, January 13, 7pm to 9pm: MLK Education Awards “Jazz & Blues Dinner Show”
Featuring Jazz Pianist Ron Levy and Sharon Marie Cline “The Divine Miss Cline” plus Blues Singer, Sista Jean. Enjoy a complete gourmet dinner along with intimate musical performances. At Upper West, 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Valet and limited street parking are available. Space is limited. Advance Tickets: $50/person donation. Proceeds to benefit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards for Westside high school and community college students.

Friday, January 13, 10pm to Midnight: MLK Education Awards “R&B Dance Party”
Featuring The Derek Bordeaux Group. One of Southern California’s hottest bands, for more than 25 years the Derek Bordeaux Group has performed throughout the Southland and in Las Vegas, becoming one of the most sought after artists for his sultry renditions of Motown classics, Jazz, R&B and Blues standards. At Upper West, 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Valet parking. Advance: $25/person, Door: $30/person donation. Tickets are for admission only. Additional charge for food and beverages. Proceeds to benefit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards. www.facebook.com/events/252338431495721/

Saturday, January 14, 9am to Noon: “MLK Kidz Party”
A kid-friendly introduction to the life and teachings of MLK, featuring live music for kids by Michael Cladis; “We Shall Overcome,” by Creative PlayGround; Face Painting, Wet-On Tattoos & Stickers; Art Projects & Origami; Fabian’s Foto Booth, Refreshments & More! At Virginia Avenue Park’s Kidz Zone, 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica. Free and Open to the Public. Space is limited. www.facebook.com/events/117887414944593/

Saturday, January 14, 1 to 6pm: MLK Westside Teen Unity “Peace In”
Featuring “Dreams of King” by Actor Gerald C. Rivers, DJ Noj & The Veniceville Players, The 440’s, Bermuda Squares, Zsoveonne, Rockstar Education, YoYo’s School of Hip Hop, YWCA S.M. Bay Area, Sessions LA, KnockStudy & More! At TheTalking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. Free and Open to the Public. Space limited. Additional parking is available behind building. Presented in Cooperation with the NAACP Santa Monica-Venice Branch, the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council and Enhanced Brilliance Productions. www.facebook.com/events/168466579858112/

Sunday, January 15, 3:30pm: Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra’s 6th Annual Commemorative “MLK Weekend Family Concert”. Featuring Adam Del Monte, Guitarist, and Allen Robert Gross, Conductor. Program: Dvorák: Three Slavonic Dances; Chen Yi: Duo Ye; Adam Del Monte: Paisajes, Concerto for Flamenco Guitar & Orchestra (premiere); and Bizet: Carmen Suite No. 2. At the SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free and Open to the Public. Presented in Cooperation with SGI-USA.

Monday, January 16, 9am to Noon: 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration & Community Involvement Fair, a Multi-ethnic Interfaith Program, Featured Speaker, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, U.S. House of Representatives; Music & Dance Performances; Education Awards Presentations; Inspirational Readings & More! At SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free & Open to the Public. The celebration is followed by a Community Involvement Fair from 10:30am to Noon, across the street at 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Refreshments served and informational displays by a variety of community organizations. Free and Open to the Public. www.facebook.com/events/109136529159790/

The Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Section will focus on different driving behaviors each month that are primary causation for traffic collisions.  In January, motor officers will target drivers talking or texting on cell phones.

Chief Timothy J. Jackman wants to remind drivers that it’s against the law in California to talk on a hand-held cell phone, and to write, send or read text-based communications on a cell phone or smartphone or other electronic wireless device while driving.

The California law on handheld cell phones, one of the first in the nation, went into effect in 2008.  The ban on texting followed in 2009.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION?

• A person (of any age) holding a cell phone in his/her hand and using the speaker phone, or as is most commonly seen, holding the cell phone to the ear (whether on speaker phone or not), would constitute a violation of 23123(a).
• Juveniles are not allowed to use cell phones at all while driving with or without an ear piece, and whether or not on speaker phone.
• “Write, send, or read a text-based communication” means using an electronic wireless communications device to manually communicate with any person using a text-based communication method, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail. Scrolling for a name or phone number in a cell phone or entering a phone number does not constitute texting.

For more information, please contact Sergeant Phillbo Rubish with the Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Section at 310-458-4847, or Lieutenant Jay Trisler at 310-458-8471.

Rainbow Serpent, by Jose Ponce

Otis College of Art students, in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, researched mythological creatures to show how different cultures – ancient and modern – used these creatures to create meaning in the sea as well as foster inspiration and conservation. You can join the students of Otis College of Art and Design as they discuss “The Divine Seas,” an exhibition of illustrations and mythological stories of sea creatures.

The exhibition is the culmination of a 15-week course, “Beasts of Myth and Fancy,” taught by Professor Flores-Pena.  The exhibition shows how differently each culture treats the ocean, with a goal  to bring the ocean to life, instilling an ancient cultural level of respect in people of the modern world. Come check out the artwork, learn about these mythical creatures and connect with the modern day creatures of the Santa Monica Bay on exhibit at the Aquarium.

For more information, visit www.healthebay.org.

O2 MAX

I love how parents play such a positive influence in the lives of many kids in the community. They lead by example by being physically active as well as being active in the schools and communities their kids live in. I love living here and being a part of it all.

ICE at Santa Monica

Once a year, Downtown Santa Monica brings a little skate to the surf and transforms the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue into ICE at Santa Monica, a premier outdoor ice skating rink. Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the 8,000 square ft. rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a little taste of winter without the bite.

Don’t miss the ICE Grand Opening Community Celebration  November 15th starting from 5pm-10pm featuring performances by Randy Gardner, Tara Lipinski, Ashleigh Cahn and Brandon Larcom and the California Gold Synchronized Skating Team. Enjoy FREE community skate, kids activities, DJ and more!

ICE Santa Monica run November 11, 2011 through January 16, 2012. Located at 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

For information, visit www.iceatsantamonica.com.

A Halloween Hullabaloo at Santa Monica Playhouse

Saturdays and Sundays, October 22-30, 2011
1211 4th St | (310) 394-9779 x2
A magical, musical fairytale journey up and down memory lane, exploring Halloween through the ages – a delightfully interactive musical comedy in which audiences discover just where the trick-or-treat event we celebrate today with candies and costumes, ghosts and goblins came from, win prizes, join the actors on stage, sing-a-long with the music, and receive complimentary face-painting before every show.

Pumpkin Decorating at Santa Monica Farmers Market

October 29-30, 2011 10am-1:00pm
Saturday- Viriginia Ave Park, Sunday- Main Street | (310) 458-8712
Locally grown, bright orange round pumpkins are the perfect canvas for glitter and googly eyes. So bring the little ones to decorate a pumpkin masterpiece that will be admired by all of the trick- or-treaters!

ZJ Boarding House Haunted Heats III Halloween Surf Contest

October 29, 2011
Tower 26, Santa Monica Beach | (888) 799-5646
Get spooky on your board, compete for prizes, glory and blood at our infamous surf costume contest. This is a ‘fun first’ competition, so if your still progressing in your surfing don’t hesitate to sign up! All ages and skill levels are welcome, but you must be in costume to participate. FREE entry and there is a chance to snag some nice prizes (more details later).

6th Annual Dusk-To-Dawn Horrorthon at Aero Theatre

October 29, 2011 7:30pm
1328 Montana Ave
Spend all night at the Aero Theatre’s sixth annual Horrorthon! Complete with between-film free food, giveaways, trailers, crazy shorts and surprises! Coffee courtesy of Pete’s Coffee, Monster Energy Drink courtesy of Hansen’s Beverage and prizes and giveaways courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

House of Restless Spirits

October 29, 2011 from 7pm-11pm &
October 30-31, 2011 7pm-10pm
1008 Euclid St
The House of Restless Spirits will be open in 2011 for three nights only, on Saturday, October 29 from 7 until 11pm, and Sunday and Monday, October 30 and 31 from 7 until 10pm. To ensure the best possible experience, guests will be admitted onto the grounds in small groups at regularly-timed intervals.

2nd Annual Pet Halloween Parade & Costume Contest

October 30, 2011 1pm-4pm
To Wag For, 1123 Montana Ave
There will be a Doggie Halloween parade on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1-4pm on Montana Ave. Register at pet boutique TO WAG FOR on 1123 Montana. $5 per pet. Big prizes! Over $500 worth of prizes for Most Original/Best in Show, Over $250 worth of prizes for Best Duo or Group (Animal /or animal human), Over $250 worth of prizes for Funniest, Over $250 worth of prizes for most Beachy. It will be a sidewalk parade walking up and down the sidewalks of Montana between 6th and 17th St., stopping a judging stations along the way. You can stroll at your own pace – stop for a drink, or enthusiastically march around twice.  Prizes will be awarded at 4:30pm on 14th and Montana, the broad sidewalk next to the Whole Foods parking lot. Proceeds go to Unleash the Beach.

4th Annual Montana Avenue Halloween Hop

October 31, 2011 3pm-6pm
Montana Ave from 6th to 17th Streets
The 4th annual Montana Avenue Halloween Hop on Monday October 31st, 2011 from 3 – 6 pm.  The Halloween Hop  provides a safe and fun way for families to parade on Montana Ave from 6th to 17th streets and show off their Halloween costumes while getting treats from participating businesses.

20th Annual PAL-loween

October 31, 2011
Barker Hangar
Pal-loween provides a fun and safe place for kids to be on Halloween, featuring costume contests, trick-or-treating, games family fun and more!

Halloween Celebration at The Market at Santa Monica Place

October 31, 2011 3:30pm-5:30pm
The Market (3rd level Dining Deck) | (310) 260-8333
Join us for a Family-friendly Halloween pre-party before sundown. Fun activities and entertainment for children, plus specials throughout The Market.

TRiP Santa Monica

TRiP Santa Monica, an independent bar and concert venue today announced plans to introduce their new “Exclusively Local” wine list at a wine tasting and charity event on Saturday, October 29th, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

TRiP will feature winemakers from local Malibu vineyards, as well as an eclectic mix of live music acts. In keeping with the local theme, TRiP has chosen to donate 100% of the proceeds from the wine tasting to Heal the Bay, a local non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning up and maintaining the Santa Monica Bay.

At the tasting event, every wine from TRiP’s new “Exclusively Local” menu will be available to sample.

The evening will start at 7:00pm and will feature special musical performances by John Parr, Jason Arimoto, members from Marcus Very Ordinary, Elle Carpenter and more. “TRiP’s new wine list will feature only locally grown wines from the Malibu region. Many local residents  are not even aware that this is an up and coming wine region and currently home to more than 50 locally  owned, independent vineyards,” said John DeCoster, owner of TRiP.   “Starting on October 29th, TRiP will  be a great one stop shop for customers looking to find the very best wines of the region. Some of these  wines will be available by the glass and all of these wines will be available for customers to enjoy by the  bottle. You’ll even be able to purchase wine to go.”

ABOUT THE WINES
The Malibu wine region has been growing in popularity and wines from the region have already won several prestigious awards at international wine tasting events and competitions. For example, the 2008  Colcanyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was recently one of only thirteen wines out of over 3,500 to win  double gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. This wine will be available exclusively  at TRiP starting on October 29th.

TRiP will feature wines from some of the best vineyards in the region, including:

Cielo Farms:
TRiP will feature the Cielo Estate Syrah, as well as their local blend, Cielo Estate Malibu  Rouge.  You can find out more about Cielo Farms at www.cielofarms.com.

Colcanyon Estate:
TRiP will be serving Colcanyon Estate Wine’s Merlot, as well as the award-winning  2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.  You can read more about Colcanyon Estate Wines at www.colcanyon-estate-wines.com.

Malibu Rocky Oaks:
TRiP will be serving Malibu Rocky Oaks’ Rosé, Black Raven Cabernet Sauvignon  and Syrah. You can read more about Malibu Rocky Oaks at www.maliburockyoaks.com.

Malibu Sanity:
TRiP will be serving Malibu Sanity’s Chardonnay and their Pinot Noir. You can read more  about Malibu Sanity at www.malibusanity.com.

Rosenthal:
TRiP will be pouring several different wines from the Rosenthal vineyard.  You can read more about Rosenthal Wines at www.rosenthalestatewines.com.

Semler:
TRiP will be serving the Semler Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. You can find out more about Semler Wines at www.malibufamilywines.com.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
John Parr: UK musician John Parr is the Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and composer best  known for writing the St. Elmo’s Fire theme song. John’s musical career has come a long way since then, and he now brings a tasteful and soulful acoustic Americana pop rock and blues act to TRiP. John has sold over 10 Million albums
worldwide, and has performed on legendary stages throughout the world at places like Giants Stadium, Wembley Arena and TRiP in Santa Monica! He has performed with legendary recording and touring acts like Meatloaf, Journey and Richard Marx. John brings his act back to TRiP  where he will headline the wine unveiling and Heal the Bay benefit concert. You can find out more about John at www.johnparr.net.

Jason Arimoto:
Jason is a virtuosic electric blues ukulele player from Hawaii. As a former student of the  legendary Hawaiian ukulele player Jake Shimabakuro, Jason brings a unique and eclectic approach to  the instrument. He has wowed audiences all over the country with his soulful, bluesy voice and talented command of the ukulele. Read more about Jason at www.myspace.com/jasonarimoto.

Elle Carpenter:
TRiP Santa Monica’s very own Elle Carpenter brings a unique blend of pop, rock hip hop and folk to the stage at TRiP where she will be unveiling the world premiere of her new music video for  the song “Don’t Ask Questions”. When she isn’t composing music, Elle works as a bartender here at TRiP and is on the rise with the release of her new album slated for later this fall. You can find out more about  Elle at www.ellecarpenter.com.

Members of Marcus Very Ordinary:
Marcus Very Ordinary is the exquisite nine-piece folk/art rock band  from Los Angeles, California. On October 29th, they will bring a stripped down acoustic trio back to Trip.  The acoustic sounds of the trio consisting of members from Marcus Very Ordinary will be sure to  complement the wine tasting for a tastefully delightful evening. You can read more about the band at www.marcusveryordinary.com.

ABOUT TRIP
Located at 2101 Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica, Calif., TRiP is the West Side’s premier live music venue. During the day, we are a great place to kick back, relax, shoot a game of pool, try a NY deli sandwich and sample some of the world’s best beers (and now the best in local wines!)  At night, TRiP is the place to experience live local music seven nights a week – for free.   From punk rock, to indie rock, to singer/songwriter nights, TRiP truly brings something unique to Santa Monica’s nightlife.  Our goal is to
remain an active part of the surrounding community, support local artists and ultimately provide a safe,  comfortable environment where customers from
all walks of life are always welcome. For more  information on TRiP, visit us at: www.tripsantamonica.com.

ABOUT HEAL THE BAY
Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization making Southern California coastal waters  and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. They use science, education,  community action and advocacy to protect those who swim, surf and play in the ocean, and the animals who make it their home.  To learn more, visit www.healthebay.org.