SANTA MONICA, CA - The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica hosted a heartwarming "Blessing of the Animals" service on Saturday, October 7, 2023, to celebrate the cherished bond between pets and their human companions. Rev. Patricia Farris and Pastoral Associate Tricia Guerrero presided over the ceremony, which saw a diverse array of beloved pets and their owners coming together for a touching and memorable experience.

The service, a beloved annual tradition for both the church and the local community, provided an opportunity for people to express their gratitude for the animals in their lives and renew their commitment to caring for all of God's creations.

Pets of all shapes and sizes, from cats and dogs to rabbits and even a few parrots, received blessings and special prayers for their health and happiness. Rev. Farris and Tricia Guerrero greeted each pet with open arms, showering them with affection while offering words of comfort and hope to their owners.

The "Blessing of the Animals" service was a poignant reminder of the healing power of love and community, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the presence of animals in our lives. The event served as a testament to the enduring bond between animals and their human companions, as well as the unifying force of faith and love.

The ceremony also featured a range of activities for attendees. Participants could opt for walk-up blessings in the First UMC Courtyard or drive-thru car blessings in front of the Courtyard. Children were invited to join in the fun with an arts and crafts table, and they could even bring their stuffed animals for blessings.

The event extended its compassion beyond the church walls by encouraging attendees to bring donations of pet food for local animal shelters, making a positive impact on the wider community.

To remember and honor pets that have passed, attendees had the opportunity to share photos for the Memorial Board, either by emailing them or bringing physical copies. Additionally, an art exhibit in the Fireside Room showcased animal-themed artwork created by the congregation, Sunday School, and Preschool children.

The "Blessing of the Animals" service concluded with both pets and their owners leaving with hearts full of joy and a renewed sense of connection to the world around them. It served as a powerful reminder of the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives and the significance of coming together to celebrate and protect all living creatures.

The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica's "Blessing of the Animals" event has, once again, proven that faith, love, and the unbreakable bond between animals and their human companions can create a profound sense of unity and shared purpose in the community.

Don't miss this heartwarming tradition in the years to come, as it continues to touch the hearts of those who participate and demonstrates the enduring power of love and community.

The Los Angeles County Probation Department organized the Santa Monica Community Job and Resource Fair, which took place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The event was held on the front lawn of the Santa Monica Courthouse from 10 AM to 2 PM and welcomed all attendees. The Santa Monica Community Job and Resource Fair, organized by the Los Angeles County Probation Department, was a tremendous success. Here's what the event had to offer:

• Employment Services, with a focus on aiding individuals with prior felony convictions.
• Educational Services.
• Housing Services.
• Mental Health Support.
• Free COVID-19 Vaccination Services.
• Legal Aid Information.
• Self-Help Resources.
• Medical Services.
• Free Food Distribution.
• Assistance for the Homeless.
• Complimentary Clothing, and much more.

During this remarkable event, the Los Angeles County Probation Department hosted numerous community-based organizations and over 60 companies, all offering their services and employment information. It was a day filled with valuable resources and information for the attendees, providing them with an opportunity to connect with their community.

Don't miss out on such enriching events in the future! Stay connected with the Los Angeles County Probation Department through our event hashtags: #LACProbation and #InTheCommunity.

On Tuesday, October 3, 3023, the vibrant community of Santa Monica gathered to partake in the much-anticipated Annual Community Sukkos Street Festival, proudly presented by Chabad in Simcha Monica. The festival, a highlight of the Sukkos holiday season, provided a day of joy, unity, and celebration for all attendees.

Held on 12th Street, between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd, the entire stretch of road was transformed into a bustling hub of festivities for the occasion. To accommodate the festivities, the street was closed between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd, allowing ample space for festival-goers to enjoy the diverse array of engaging activities and attractions that ensured a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Festival-goers were treated to an exciting lineup of entertainment, including pony rides, a bounce house, a delightful petting zoo, thrilling rides, carnival games, and, of course, an abundance of delicious kosher food options.

At the heart of this event was the tireless dedication of Rabbi Eli Levitansky, who proudly represented Chabad in Simcha Monica. His unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to the community were evident as he extended a warm invitation to the festival, highlighting the importance of unity and togetherness during this significant holiday.

Sukkos, a Jewish holiday steeped in deep historical and religious significance, commemorates the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt and their subsequent forty-year journey through the wilderness. During this journey, they were protected by the divine presence, symbolized by the "clouds of glory." Central to the Sukkos celebration is the construction of the Sukka, a temporary hut where the community comes together to share meals and rejoice.

In addition to these meaningful traditions, participants engaged with the symbols of the Lubav and Etrog, representing the four distinct species associated with Sukkos. These elements, including three branches and a fruit, held unique significance and were blessed and shaken together to symbolize unity, reinforcing the central theme of Sukkos.

Sukkos, also known as the Festival of Booths, is a weeklong Jewish holiday that follows Yom Kippur. It serves as a time to celebrate the harvest and to commemorate the divine protection offered to the children of Israel during their journey from Egypt. Throughout Sukkos, participants dwell in a foliage-covered booth, known as a sukkah, and take part in rituals involving the "Four Kinds," four special species of vegetation.

The Sukkos Street Festival, a beloved tradition in the Santa Monica community, brought together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate these timeless customs and create lasting memories. Participants enjoyed their meals in the sukkah, reinforcing the sense of community and unity that this holiday promotes.

The Annual Community Sukkos Street Festival, proudly presented by Chabad in Simcha Monica, was a resounding success, and attendees departed with hearts full of joy and a renewed appreciation for the traditions and unity that define the Sukkos holiday.

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Sebastien Lagree headlined a Pilates class at the Santa Monica Pier during the "Lagree Fitness x VersaClimber Fit Fun in the Sun" event.

This event united two prominent fitness methods – Lagree and VersaClimber – for an intensive day of exercise. Participants enjoyed a 20-minute Microformer workout followed by a 20-minute VersaClimber session, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Santa Monica Pier.

Sebastien Lagree, the mastermind behind Lagree Fitness, made his mark with 100 patents and the #1 workout on ClassPass. His innovative approach to fitness, be it in developing new exercise methods or redefining studio launches, had a profound impact on the industry.

Lagree Fitness, known for its high-intensity, low-impact workouts, rapidly produced results and was adopted by over 500 fitness studios worldwide.

Beyond fitness, Lagree's documentary "The Future of Fitness" explored societal health issues in the context of our fitness-obsessed culture, reflecting his commitment to pushing the industry to evolve.

Santa Monica Beach was the stage for a breathtaking drone light show on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in celebration of the highly-anticipated "Krapopolis" premiere. Orchestrated by Sky Elements Drone Shows, the event featured a stunning display of 500 drones that left spectators in awe with their cutting-edge technology and mesmerizing formations.

"Krapopolis," the latest animated sensation co-created by Dan Harmon of "Rick and Morty" fame, is set to join FOX's renowned "Animation Domination" Sunday lineup. The show boasts a star-studded cast, including Emmy Award-Winner Hannah Waddingham ("Ted Lasso," "Game of Thrones"), Richard Ayoade ("The IT Crowd"), Matt Berry ("What We Do In The Shadows"), Pam Murphy ("Mapleworth Murders"), and Duncan Trussell ("The Midnight Gospel").

Transporting viewers to mythical ancient Greece, "Krapopolis" follows the exploits of a lovable yet dysfunctional family of humans, gods, and monsters as they strive to maintain order in one of the world's first cities. Thanks to fervent fan support, "Krapopolis" has secured not just one, but three electrifying seasons that are bound to be unforgettable.

Don't miss "Krapopolis," airing every Sunday at 8:30/7:30c on FOX, with the next day streaming available on Hulu. This groundbreaking series promises to captivate and entertain audiences in a whole new way.

The Natalie Jacob Jazz Quartet performed at the Montana Avenue Art Walk on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Thousands of people strolled along Montana Avenue, enjoying the beautiful art on display.

Montana Avenue's signature Art Walk event made its return on September 30, 2023. For the first time in the event's history, Montana Avenue was closed to cars, transforming the street into a visually exciting experience. The event featured over 150 visual artists, local vendors, a thoughtfully curated wine garden, activities for kids, live music, and more.

The Montana Avenue Art Walk was presented by Engel+Volkers and Waymo, and it marked a unique and exciting occasion. Spanning from 9th to 17th Street in Santa Monica, Montana Avenue hosted the city's most anticipated art event of the year. This event showcased the works of 150 visual artists, offered live music, a painting station for kids, and introduced a new wine garden. The event was free to attend and open to all ages, making it a delightful and accessible cultural experience for the community.

In a noteworthy demonstration of emergency preparedness, a joint effort between the Los Angeles Metro Rail, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD), the Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD), and the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) successfully conducted an emergency simulated "train on fire" exercise at the E Line Downtown Santa Monica Station on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. This annual collaborative drill is aimed at refining coordination and readiness among various jurisdictional and fire department personnel, offering an invaluable opportunity to fine-tune their response skills in preparation for real-life emergencies.

During this year's exercise, the scenario involved a fire breaking out in the middle car of a Metro train, complete with simulated victims. First responders, including the SMFD, LASD, and SMPD, rapidly converged on the scene, efficiently extinguishing the simulated blaze and seamlessly transitioning to the treatment of the mock injured passengers. The exercise also entailed the triage and transportation of five simulated patients to local hospitals.

The event took place on Tuesday, September 26, between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Metro E Line Downtown Santa Monica Station, leading to a noticeable presence of SMFD, LASD, and SMPD vehicles and personnel in the area. Commuters and residents witnessed general emergency vehicle activity and, at times, the sounding of sirens as part of the drill.

Importantly, regular Metro operations on the E Line remained unaffected, with only a street closure at 5th St/Colorado Bl, extending southbound to the parking lot entrance. Access for pedestrians, local businesses, and the general public outside the simulated drill zone was maintained throughout the exercise.

Dan Caldwell, the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Santa Monica Fire Department, shared his insights on the exercise, emphasizing its value in enhancing readiness. He expressed that the drill provided an essential opportunity for personnel to respond to a simulated incident, ultimately preparing them for real emergencies. Their efforts during the exercise were dedicated to extinguishing the simulated fire and tending to the mock victims. In this instance, five patients were simulated and had to be triaged and transported to a local hospital. The drill was considered a resounding success, underscoring the commitment of the participating agencies to public safety and their readiness to respond effectively to real emergencies, ensuring the well-being of the community.

Santa Monica, CA – September 23, 2023 - In a recent incident at Santa Monica Beach Park, Santa Monica Code Enforcement Officers, SMPD Police Officers, and an Animal Control Officer responded to a gathering involving online influencer "The Dog Daddy," a popular figure on Instagram and YouTube, renowned for his dog training content. The event, which took place at 2400 Ocean Front Walk, was intended to provide free dog training advice and an opportunity for dog enthusiasts to engage in discussions about their beloved pets.

Notably, several individuals, accompanied by their canine companions, turned up to meet The Dog Daddy, keen to benefit from his expertise. However, during the event, Santa Monica Code Enforcement Officers concluded that a city license was necessary for such a gathering. They subsequently requested The Dog Daddy to cease the event. The influencer argued that he was not engaged in a business venture and did not charge a fee for the event, thus believing that a city license was unnecessary. Disagreeing with his standpoint, Code Enforcement Officers declared their intention to issue a citation, which would be sent by mail.

As of September 2023, The Dog Daddy boasts a significant online presence with approximately 3 million followers on YouTube, 2.2 million followers on TikTok, and 418,000 followers on Instagram. His content primarily focuses on dog training and includes offers for personalized training sessions.

The incident did not go unnoticed, as activists arrived at the scene with picket signs to protest The Dog Daddy's methods, alleging that he employs unethical tactics in his dog training approaches. Criticisms included his confrontational and aggressive style when dealing with dogs.

During the gathering, Elle Williams, a certified professional dog trainer, shared her perspective: "Hello, my name is Elle Williams, and I am a certified Professional Dog trainer, knowledgeable in force-free and vet-approved methods. We are out here today protesting but also educating regarding the influencer by the name of The Dog Daddy. We're making a stance for positive reinforcement training and force-free methods, which have consistently been proven to be the healthiest way to develop a strong bond between pet guardians and their pets, including cats. So, we're out here advocating for science, the human-animal relationship, and humane training methods. I don't believe in using force, pain, or intimidation to achieve desired behavior."

From The Dog Daddy's website, it is evident that he prides himself on his training methods. His clients report significant progress after a single training session, and he offers classes suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and personalities. The classes are a combination of seminars and hands-on training, tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of clients.

The Dog Daddy's approach covers a wide range of training, including basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, and addressing issues like leash pulling, barking, and anxiety. The influencer encourages participants to attend with an open mind and a willingness to learn, emphasizing that many of his clients have found success after struggling with previous trainers. He eagerly anticipates the opportunity to work with dog owners in various cities throughout the year.

The situation at Santa Monica Beach Park serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussion surrounding dog training methods and the importance of adhering to local regulations. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the larger conversation in the dog training community.