BROAD STAGE — There was plenty of optimistic predictions and critical acclaim for Fuzjko Hemming in her early years as a concert pianist, even after losing hearing in her right ear from an inflammation at the age of 16. Despite fighting all odds after tragedy once again struck a few years later, this time in her left ear, leaving the... Read more →

SM MOUNTAINS — More than 3,000 marijuana plants in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area were destroyed this week after authorities raided three pot plantations. Rangers from the National Park Service were joined Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California State Park Police, CAMP (Campaign... Read more →

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission has provided a grant to the city of Los Angeles for a new rainwater harvesting pilot program in the Mar Vista, Sawtelle and Jefferson communities, which will provide free assistance to residents and commercial businesses to collect rainwater for storage and use. The program’s aim is to... Read more →

The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission has provided a grant to the city of Los Angeles for a new rainwater harvesting pilot program in the Mar Vista, Sawtelle and Jefferson communities, which will provide free assistance to residents and commercial businesses to collect rainwater for storage and use. The program’s aim is to... Read more →

CITYWIDE — As property values across the county continue to slump amid one of the weakest economies the nation has seen in years, Santa Monica appears to be an exception to that rule. The Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor released assessment rolls earlier this month and the numbers for the county at-large look grim as the... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — A $300 used gown, invitations made from hops and yeast, and a vegan dinner created from locally-grown ingredients all combine for one sustainable wedding. It’s exactly what Santa Monica couple Austin Nicholsen and Kate Shukle have planned for their Aug. 29 nuptials at Hartley Botanica in Somis, a small agricultural... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — The beginning of senior year might still be more than a month away but Tyree Johnson already has big plans laid out for college. Following dreams of becoming a fashion designer, the student from New Roads has compiled a long list of East Coast schools that can expect to receive an application in the next five months, names... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — Planning a trip around town just got easier. The Big Blue Bus recently installed a series of new signs that notify awaiting passengers when their ride is scheduled to arrive, part of an effort aimed at improving technology and communication between the public transportation agency and its growing customer base. Displayed... Read more →

SM AIRPORT — On the day that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was expected to reach an agreement with legislators on how to solve California’s $26.3-billion budget deficit, members of the community took to the streets to protest potential cuts. The rally was held on Monday on the corner of Bundy Drive and Airport Avenue just outside... Read more →

FIFTH STREET — Two mid-street crosswalks in Downtown may be removed by City Hall because of a decrease in pedestrian traffic and concern for the lack of flashing warning lights. However, some say the street will be more dangerous without them. “First, to be really clear, we’re not removing any crosswalks without community... Read more →