The Cat in the Hat, Kiwanian Dr. Janie Jones Harding, reads a book to Henry Kress, 3, at the Santa Monica Public Library during Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica's 'Could You, Would You, Read a Book?'  on Saturday, March 5, 2011. The Seuss-tacular Day of Dr. Seuss was in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

Red Cross of Santa Monica Board Member Dr. Gabriel Crenshaw helps Dana Johnson put on a two person disaster backpack kit during the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and the Red Cross of Santa Monica's interactive, high tech exhibit called “PREPARE! You Are the Epicenter of Change,” at Good Works Space within Zero Minus Plus in Fred Segal on Thursday, March 3, 2011. The exhibit focuses on how disaster preparedness begins with the individual, who then brings in family members, friends, businesses and even pets. Throughout the exhibit, visitors are linked to different preparedness information, including how to make a disaster kit, where to register for CPR and first aid courses and instructional information from the Red Cross and its partners. The Good Works Space hosts worthy causes, fundraisers and special events in a dedicated space that presents ideas, interactive demonstrations and inspiration presentations throughout the year.  “The people who will view this exhibit will leave more disaster ready than when they arrived,” said Darrylynn Kaun, creator of the Good Works Space.   With Southern California Los Angeles representing over 25 percent of the national risk for earthquakes, it’s important for residents to take the necessary action to protect family and community in the event of a disaster. The exhibit runs through March 31. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

NBA legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar autographs a photo for Nathaniel Trives during OneWest Bank's sign lighting ceremony and the launch of their new Lakers debit card at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel on Thursday, March 3, 2011.

Jaquelin Garcia serves a stack of free pancakes to Curt Lindsey and his son Courtney, 9, at the International house of Pancakes (IHOP) in Santa Monica during National Pancake Day on Tuesday March 1, 2011. National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products, hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday. IHOP served 4 million free pancakes on National Pancake Day 2010. All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day 2010 would have created a stack more than 31.5 miles high. Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $5.35 million and given away more than 10.1 million pancakes to support charities in the communities in which it operates. National Pancake Day 2010 was IHOP’s largest one-day event in the company’s 52-year history.

A flock of gulls fly above Santa Monica Beach on Thursday, February 17, 2011. 

Dr. Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of this year's Santa Monica Citywide Reads book selection, signs her debut novel 'Wench' at the Santa Monica Library during her author talk on Saturday, February 26, 2011.