NEW YORK — Richard Mason wants to be a millionaire. Whether he wins the seven-figure jackpot will be revealed when ABC’s “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” airs Wednesday night. The Santa Monica resident was one of 110 people from across the country who were selected to contend for the million dollar prize on the... Read more →

SMC — Following the emergence of the “green jobs” sector over the past several years, a new program offering certification in the field of solar panel installation will launch this fall. The 18-unit curriculum at Santa Monica College includes a three-course-series — PV1, PV2 and PV3 — that covers the essentials... Read more →

Dear EarthTalk I’d like to know the relative electricity cost of utility scale solar and wind plants versus rooftop residential solar. In other words, how can I know whether to subsidize my utility’s alternative energy plant or renovate my own home? Randy Wilson Flagstaff, AZ Making such a determination is complex, but you... Read more →

MID-CITY — Sandwiched between the rail yard issues of the Pico Neighborhood and parking problem in the Wilshire-Montana area is a long strip of more than 25 city blocks where there’s been silence on the organized advocacy front for the residents who call it home. In a city where neighborhood activism is well alive with... Read more →

LINCOLN BLVD. — The Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club lived up to its goal of being “a positive place for kids and teens” on Friday when it hosted a one-day camp with My Beauty, a company that seeks to promote self-esteem in teenage girls. “Our goal is to empower young girls and help them become successful... Read more →

DOWNTOWN L.A. — A pair of imprisoned gang members believed responsible for the deaths of the Juarez brothers in Santa Monica more than a decade ago will have to stand trial again, it was announced this week. Jane Robison, a spokesperson for the D.A.’s Office, said defendants David Robles and Jessie Garcia will have to answer to... Read more →

Staples is doing its part to show appreciation to teachers for their hard work. On Aug. 15, the first 100 teachers visiting various Staples stores between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. will receive an EcoEasy bag full of supplies including notepads and writing utensils. “Every year, teachers reach into their own pockets to pay for classroom... Read more →

School is looming ever closer, and the Department of Public Works hopes to teach kids an important lesson: Put trash where it belongs. The department is reminding parents and teachers about the importance of educating children to recycle and properly dispose of their litter. Throwing trash out of car windows or leaving candy, gum and food... Read more →

Editor’s Note: This is a series in which Daily Press writers overhear and observe happenings around Santa Monica. THIRD STREET PROMENADE — A street musician wails on the soprano sax outside Barney’s Beanery Wednesday evening. At 7 p.m., all the brightly striped outside booths are occupied by at least one person. A blond... Read more →

CITY HALL — Residents might want to refrain from driving with a heavy foot around town. The City Council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance establishing new speed limits at 14 locations in Santa Monica, a dozen of which will be reduced. The ordinance will become final upon a second reading at a future council meeting. The new speed... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — Fire Chief Jim Hone, who is credited with enhancing the Santa Monica Fire Department’s emergency preparedness following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, will retire in January 2010, he told his staff Thursday. Hone, who joined the SMFD in 1980 after spending six years in the United States Air Force, was promoted to fire... Read more →

Crime Watch is a weekly series culled from reports provided by the Santa Monica Police Department. These are arrests only. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6:55 p.m., Santa Monica police officers were inside a restaurant in the 200 block of Wilshire Boulevard — California Pizza... Read more →

SM MOUNTAINS — Staff with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are awaiting the results of DNA testing to determine whether or not a newly collared female mountain lion is the kitten of a lion recently seen in the Hidden Valley region. The DNA testing is currently being done by UCLA to determine the relationship between... Read more →

A grassroots campaign is underway to save the Santa Monica Puppetry Center, which is on the verge of closing this month, another victim of the slumping economy. Kayla Darcy Goldrick and her family have created a Web site (www.puppetmagic.com) where fans of puppeteer Steve Meltzer and his center can donate funds to help pay the roughly... Read more →

SM PIER — Tonight’s concert for the 25th Annual Twilight Dance Series brings together two artists whose music spans different continents yet project a similar message, a celebration of multi-cultural heritage and a nation’s diversity. Hailing from Israel, Idan Raichel introduces his unique music project to the pier. Called... Read more →