Santa Monica, a Lifelong Learning Community
Lifelong Learning Community News - February 2009
February began with the State of Our Schools event at the Santa Monica Public Library. If you were unable to attend, you can read about it in the Santa Monica Daily Press at http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-02-03-48226.113116_SMMUSDprepares_to_weather_hard_times.html.
Superintendent Tim Cuneo’s powerpoint presentation is posted online at http://www.smmusd.org/SOOS0809/StateofOurSchools.htm.
Public Schools Week, which features an Open House at each school, is being held from now through February 19. The schedule is posted at http://smmpta.org/pdf/SOOS.pdf. Please come and see for yourself what a great job our local schools are doing!
At their meeting this Thursday, the School Board is expected to hire Interim Superintendent Cuneo as Superintendent. Mr. Cuneo has been praised for bringing a sense of stability to our school district in the short time he’s been here. Congratulations on your new appointment and thank you for your willingness to serve the SMMUSD community! For more information on Mr. Cuneo, please go to http://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2009/February-2009/02_02_09_School_Board_to_Retain_Cuneo.html
Vacant City Council Seat
Herb Katz passed away in January. A member of the Santa Monica City Council for 16 years, Herb served as Mayor last year and was re-elected to his 5th term in November. Please take the time to read about Herb’s many contributions to our community in The Lookout at http://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2009/January-2009/01_09_09_Katz%20Dies_Helped_Shape_face_of_Santa_Monica.htm.
At its January 27th meeting, the City Council officially declared a vacancy on the Council due to the death of Herb Katz. According to City ordinances, the Council has 30 days from the declaration to fill the vacant seat by appointment, otherwise a Special Election will be called to fill the vacant seat.
The Council is inviting residents to apply to be appointed and will attempt to reach agreement on an appointment at its February 24th meeting. The application deadline is February 17.
The process for applying is posted online at http://www.smgov.net/departments/council/content.aspx?id=2009
Docents Wanted for Annenberg Community Beach House at 415 PCH
Thanks to a generous grant from the Annenberg Foundation, the historic site at 415 PCH, the one-time home of Marion Davies, is being renovated as a multi-faceted public beach club. The Santa Monica Conservancy is partnering with the City to provide docent led tours of the Beach House when it opens at the end of April. Volunteer docents are needed! Docents will attend four training sessions on Saturday afternoons in March to learn about William Randolph Hearst, Marion Davies and architect Julia Morgan; historic and contemporary architectural features on the site; and about the surrounding beach and mountain ecology – the training sessions should be fun and informative. If you are interested in volunteering as a docent, please go to http://www.smconservancy.org/forms/415docent_application.pdf. The deadline for filing your application is February 23, but please don't wait until the last minute.
"I Am Santa Monica" Training Open to Residents
The Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, Small Business Development Center, Chamber of Commerce and Santa Monica College offer a three-hour course all about Santa Monica geared towards the hospitality industry for local employees. Residents are also welcome to participate if they’d like to learn more about our City. The class begins with a live city tour presenting interesting facts about our community then into a classroom for an interactive two-hour course that includes information on our environmental, social and cultural programs and offerings. I Am Santa Monica is free and open to anyone. For more information, please call Alison Best at 310-319-6263.
SMC begins demolition for new Student Services Building
SMC will begin demolition this month of three major structures on the northeast corner of the main campus, the necessary first step in constructing a new Student Services Building there. Demolition of the Amphitheater, Concert Hall and Music Building will make way for a building that will consolidate student services and administration in one location for the first time in SMC history and will also provide a welcoming entranceway into the college from Pico Boulevard. The project – from demolition to completion – is expected to take four years.
SMC seeks nominees for 3rd Annual Distinguished Alumni Recognition Awards
SMC is seeking nominees for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards for Outstanding Professional Achievement and/or Distinguished Community Service. To be considered, candidates must have completed at least 24 units at SMC and be 10-15 years into their career. Last year's winners were Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jeremy Pal, Ph.D. for professional achievement, and business owner Eddie Guerboian for Community Service. The deadline for nominations is March 1. For more information and to download a Nomination Form, please go to http://foundation.smc.edu/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=266&srcid=212 or call 310-434-4215.
SMC Small Business Development Center is #1
SMC’s Small Business Center received the 2008 Best Overall Center Performance Award, counseling more than 750 clients in business start-up requirements, strategic planning, marketing and sales, financing assistance, web design, legal assistance, international trade, accounting, financial management, and customer and employee relations. If you have, or are thinking of starting up, a small business, SMC can help – for free. Please call 310-434-3566 for more information.
Thursday, February 5, 7:00pm
An Armchair African Safari
Santa Monica Public Library, MLK, Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Boulevard
Free
Author Fred Krakowiak takes the audience on an African safari without leaving the comfort of our beautiful library! As a nature and wildlife artist, Fred combines his rich experience of safari to bring you his program based on his book, Africa: An Artist's Safari. This free visual presentation will be followed by a sale/signing of his book.
Part memoir, part travel-art book, Africa is also an homage to the beauty and mystery of the land and its amazing creatures. Inspired by his awareness that one day his artwork may be all that remains of these endangered species, Krakowiak delivers a book that is not only visually pleasing but rich with a respect and appreciation for this evocative continent.
For more information, visit www.smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.
Friday, February 6, 1 pm - 3 pm
State Senate Hearing - Improving Water Conservation and Management in Southern California: Successes and Opportunities
Santa Monica College, Business Building Rm 117, Ilona Katz Board Room
1900 Pico Boulevard
Free
Our State Senator Fran Pavley, now Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Water, is holding this public hearing to focus on innovative water conservation and management programs that are being implemented today. The hearing is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. Those appearing include top officials of the State Department of Water Resources, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Long Beach Water Department, and many other water agencies as well as representatives of community groups.
Saturday, February 7, 8-9:30pm
Will Rogers & John Adams Comedy Night
Santa Monica Moose Lodge
Ocean Park Boulevard
Tickets: $10 advance sale, $15 at the door
This year’s program is produced by mother of four stand up comedian (Nick@Nite's Funniest Mom w/ Rosanne Barr) Janine Hayes. Janine writes: “We have nationally touring comedians with extensive television credits and some who've gone over seas over 20 times to entertain our troops. Remember the comics and everyone involved at this point have donated their time and talents to support this event. It's a magical evening.”
Don't miss this opportunity to support Rogers and JAMS and laugh at the same time. Comedy There will be a reception sponsored by Trader Joe's following the laughs so you can meet the comics.
Tickets are going fast. Please contact Lori Whitesell at lwhite6397@aol.com or Becky Turk at brkbturk@verizon.net and get your tickets today!!!
Sunday, February 8, 5pm
Lecture/Book Signing - Paradise Promoted: The Booster Campaign that Created Los Angeles
Ruskin Group Theatre
3000 Airport Avenue
SM Conservancy members free, non-members $5
Author Tom Zimmerman discusses his book Paradise Promoted: The Booster Campaign that Created Los Angeles. With more than 250 photos and rare ephemera, the book showcses the era from 1870 to 1930 when boosters developed the small town of Los Anglesles into the city that became American’s most cutting-edge metropolis. This evening’s lecture is presented by the Santa Monica Conservancy. Please make reservations by phone at 310-496-3146 or by email at rsvp@smconservancy.org. For more information, please go to www.smconservancy.org.
Sunday, February 8, 5:30-8:00 pm
Fundraiser: CIRCLE OF FRIENDS - Santa Monica High Chapter.
Busby’s Sports Bar
3110 Santa Monica Blvd.
$25.00 at the door
Circle of Friends is an extraordinary club at Santa Monica High School that brings mainstream students and students with special needs together for lunch and other activities. Their motto is: “It’s never too late to make a friend.” Circle of Friends is a wonderful group that makes a huge difference in the lives of mainstream and special ed students. This fundraiser features wine, beer, appetizers, and video games. To RSVP or for more info on the fundraiser, please email cheryl.thekariegroup@yahoo.com or call 310 883-5996. For more information on Circle of Friends, please go to www.smmusd.org/samohi/circleoffriends/
Monday, February 9, 6:15pm - 8:00pm
Town Hall Meeting: SMMUSD Special Education Collaborative
Santa Monica Main Library, Multi-Purpose Room
601 Santa Monica Boulevard
Free
The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District Special Education Collaborative
invites the public to a Town Hall Meeting to hear the recommendations that the Working Group* has drafted for Superintendent Cuneo. Please come, listen, and give us your valuable feedback! We look forward to seeing you!
For further information please contact Martha Duran-Contreras at (310) 450-8338 or duran-contreras@smmusd.org.
This event is sponsored by SMMUSD, the Council of PTAs, Malibu Special Education Foundation, and the Special Education District Advisory Committee (SEDAC).
*The Working Group is a group of 16 individuals (a mix of SMMUSD staff and parents) charged with analyzing information about the SMMUSD Special Education program and making recommendations designed to improve the overall culture in the District in connection with Special Education.
Tuesday, February 10,
City Council Meeting
Study Session on Phase 2 of Expo Light Rail DEIR (Item 3-A)
Annual City Budget Priorities Setting Session (Item 8-A)
Mid-year 2009-09 Council Budget (Item 8-B)
City Hall Council Chambers
1685 Main Street
The full agenda is posted at http://www01.smgov.net/cityclerk/council/agendas/2009/20090210/a200902.10.htm
The City and School District have also begun discussions re terms of renewing the Joint Use Facilities Agreement which provides City funding for our public schools. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 10, 7:30pm
An Evening with Danielle De Niese
SMC Performing Arts Center, The Broad Stage
NW corner of Santa Monica Boulevard & 11th Street
Tickets range from $45-$125.
One of the most electrifying and celebrated operatic sopranos of our time, soprano Danielle De Niese brings her musical mastery, sex appeal, and youthful dynamism to the Broad Stage. Call (310) 434-3200, or visit www.TheBroadStage.com/tickets.
Wednesday, February 11, 7pm
Informance: Jazz: The Classical Music of Globalization
Santa Monica College Main Campus, Theatre Arts Main Stage
1900 Pico Boulevard
Free
In an unusual pairing of music and lecture that results in a presentation on the impact of jazz on the world, SMC is pleased to present "Jazz: The Classical Music of Globalization." Teaming up for this unique combination - which blends music, words and images on the history of jazz and its wide-ranging impact on the global community - are Austrian historian and amateur musician Dr. Reinhold Wagnleitner and New Orleans-based pianist Tom McDermott.
The presentation at SMC is part of the college's global citizenship initiative and is sponsored by the SMC Global Citizenship Committee, Office of Public Programs, Title V First-Year Institute, and Music Department. Seating is on a first-arrival basis. For more information, please call (310) 434-4303.
Thursday,February 12, 6-8pm
100th Year Anniversary of the NAACP
Calvary Baptist Church
1502 20th Street
Free, Centennial 2009 NAACP memberships will be available.
Please join Calvary Babptist Church and other Clergy in hosting a celebration of the 100th Year Anniversary of the NAACP. The NAACP Santa Monica Venice Branch cordially invites you to attend the event in honor of the civil rights legacy in our community and nation.
Join us for refreshments and the 40th NAACP Image Awards Viewing Party immediately afterwards next door at the Carter Center. For more information, please visit our website at www.naacpsantamonicavenice.org
Saturday, February 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica 75th Birthday Celebration
"Democracy in a Time of Change"
Santa Monica Main Public Library
601 Santa Monica Boulevard
Free and open to the public
RSVP’s requested.
Join the League of Women Voters for their 75th Birthday celebrating active civic engagement in Santa Monica. Learn about the League's ongoing work in public policy, including redistricting, climate change, global democracy and civic education. With Special Guests Rebekah Rodriguez-Lynn, 23rd District Director for Senator Pavley and Representatives from the League of Women Voters of California. RSVP's are requested. Please respond by Wednesday February 11 to Sheila Field (310) 395-0835 or shfield@roadrunner.com
Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm
String Theory
SMC Performing Arts Center, The Broad Stage
NW corner of Santa Monica Boulevard & 11th Street
Tickets range from $45-$125.
This hybrid ensemble of musicians, dancers, and visual artists creates a musical odyssey featuring their signature long string installations, original music, imagery and dance, all combine for a special Valentine's Day performance with a piece especially designed for The Broad Stage. Call (310) 434-3200, or visit www.TheBroadStage.com/tickets.
Tuesday, February 17, 7-9pm
Community Meeting: Exposition Light Rail in Santa Monica
Civic Center Auditorium, East Wing
1885 Main Street
Free
Measure R which was approved by voters in November provides funding for construction of Phase 2 of the Expo Line which will go from Venice and Robertson to Santa Monica. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by 2015 and will bring light rail down either Colorado Avenue or Olympic Boulevard to the 4th Street Terminal.
This meeting, hosted by the City of Santa Monica Planning and Community Development Department, is an opportunity to learn more about the Exposition Light Rail Project coming to Santa Monica. The purpose of this meeting is to help residents and members of the business community understand this complex project. Presentations will be given by City staff and the EXPO Authority’s project director.
Wednesday, February 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Nutrition & Cooking class: Fueling up on low fat foods
Santa Monica Family YMCA
1332 Sixth Street
$15 Y members, $20 Guest (group of 4 people pay $15 each)
FREE underground parking is available. Picture ID required.
Sign up for this special 2 hour class at the YMCA. Fees from the class will be used for food and to support the Cancer Project. For more information, please contact Lidia Magarian, Senior Program Director at the YMCA (310) 393-2721 ext. 129 or email lidiam@ymcasm.org
Wednesday, February 18, 7:30-9:30pm
Kickoff Celebration for SM Pier’s 100th Birthday!
Santa Monica Pier, Carousel Building
Free
Santa Monica Pier: Pier fans are all invited to come celebrate the release of a new book, A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier, at a gala in the historic Carousel Building. The party will also reintroduce the "Santa Monica Pier Award" with a ceremony recognizing several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Pier's rich history. And that's just the beginning. The celebration will continue with an event every month until we reach the Pier's actual 100th birthday. To stay informed about what’s happening on the Pier, please don’t rely on me. Sign up for the e-Newsletter Beyond The Pier Sign at http://www.santamonicapier.org/subscribe.html
Tuesday, February 24, 11:15am
Speaker: "Lost Boy of Darfur" Alephonsion Deng
Santa Monica College Main Campus, Art Hall 214
1900 Pico Boulevard
Free, seating on a first-arrival basis
In honor of African American History Month, Santa Monica College is proud to present Alephonsion Deng, one of the "Lost Boys of Darfur" and co-author of a book about his survival of the genocide in Sudan.
Deng, who co-authored They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky with his cousins Benson Deng and Benjamin Ajak, was born in a village in southern Sudan that was attacked and destroyed by troops of his own government. Deng and thousands of other young boys spent five years on an unimaginable and harrowing exodus. Deng and his cousins eventually made it to a Kenyan refugee camp, where they lived for nine years before moving to San Diego and attending community college. He will speak about his extraordinary life, the genocide in Sudan, and how his heart-wrenching book came into being.
The talk is sponsored by the SMC Associated Students, SMC African American Collegians Center, SMC English Department and SMC Associates, a private organization that funds speakers and special programs at the college.
For more information, please call (310) 434-4303.
Tuesday, February 24, 7pm
An Evening with T.C. Boyle: The Women
Santa Monica Main Library, MLK Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Boulevard
Free
Author T.C. Boyle returns to the literary stage with The Women, a fictional biography about architect Frank Lloyd Wright as seen through the eyes of the four women who loved him.
Thursday, February 26, 8pm
Friday, February 27, 8pm
Saturday, February 28, 8pm
SM Playhouse American Premiere: "Camping"
Santa Monica Playhouse, The Other Space
1211 4th Street
Tickets are $16.00, with discounts available for students and educators and groups of 10 or more, and include a post-show reception with the cast. Advance reservations are recommended.
Santa Monica Playhouse is pleased to announce the first visit of Italian theatre company Blue in the Face to Santa Monica Playhouse as part of a new reciprocal theatre exchange between the two companies. In their first visit to Santa Monica, Blue in the Face will present four nights of company founder Enrico Mario Falconi’s new play CAMPING in the original Italian (with a pre-show synopsis provided in English) February 26 – March 1. For tickets and further information please call The Playhouse box office at 310-394-9779 ext 1 or go to http://SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com
Thursday, February 26, 11:15am
SMC’s Global Connections Lecture Series: JUNKrafting to Hawaii
Santa Monica College Main Campus, Humanities & Social Sciences, Room 165
1900 Pico Boulevard
Free
Santa Monica College is pleased to announce the lineup of the spring "Global Connections Lecture Series," starting Feb. 26 with a talk on "15,000 Plastic Bottles: JUNKRafting to Hawaii," which recounts an extraordinary marine research journey from California to Hawaii aboard a raft made of 15,000 beverage bottles. The lecture series is free and seating is on a first-arrival basis.
Science educator Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins, his colleague at the Algarita Marine Research Foundation, will talk about the nautical trip that included dozens of research trawls along the way. They will present the startling results of their findings and discuss possible responses to them.Science educator and author Marcus Eriksen will present his findings and result of his recent journey from California to Hawaii aboard a raft made form 15,000 plastic beverage bottles. For more information, please call (310) 434-4303.
Friday, February 27, 7pm
Samohi Choral Annual Masterworks Concert
Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall
601 Pico Boulevard
Tickets $10 Adults, $5 Students
Santa Monica High School Choral Program Presents their Annual Masterworks Concert
combining forces with the Samohi orchestras and bands to perform great works of western musical heritage. Jeffe Huls, Conductor. For ticket reservations and/or information, please call 310 395-3204 x403.Tickets will also be available at the door.
Because there are so many amazing lifelong learning events going on every month in Santa Monica, I am highlighting those that are less “regular.” That means that you shouldn’t rely on me to tell you what’s going on at our wonderful venues where something great is always going on! So...
Please bookmark and regularly visit these websites!
If you are interested in the arts and cultural events, please be sure to subscribe to the Santa Monica Arts Palette at http://www.patronmail.com/pmailweb/PatronSetup?oid=902
You will receive a weekly email telling you about visual and performing arts events for that week and weekend. This is a great service!
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Santa Monica College offers the community performances, lectures, exhibitions, Friday night planetarium shows..... you can find out what’s happening each month by going to http://www.smc.edu/events
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There are more events than I’ve listed this month at The Broad Stage. The Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center maintains a website (separate from the SMC website) at www.thebroadstage.com
Check out the ’09 offerings at this spectacular new facility. If you haven’t been to the Broad yet, please do go. It is an amazing space, a beautiful, intimate, state-of-the-art venue for artists and audiences to enjoy.
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Planetarium shows on Friday nights at SMC are listed at http://www.smc.edu/apps/agenda.asp?Q=9&G=1&C=agenda
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The Santa Monica Public Library is a must-bookmark-site! Our libraries offer a great menu of interesting and varied programming for people of all ages and interests -- films, lectures, book groups, and other special events. The library events calendar is posted at http://www.smpl.org/libraryevents.htm
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The School District website now has a useful color-coded calendar that includes special school events as well as Board meetings. Please check it out at http://www.smmusd.org/calendar/index.html
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Lifelong Learning Community Links lists these and many other useful websites including local theatrical companies – listed under “Local Museums and Special Venues.” Please use these links to stay abreast of these wonderful local organizations. Links can be found at http://smllc.org/links.html
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And please visit the Lifelong Learning Community Calendar at http://smllc.org/calendar.html for a more complete (but still incomplete) listing of January events and calendars.
Thanks, Cheers, Onward, and Happy Valentine’s Day,
Louise Jaffe
www.smllc.org
Thank you for forwarding this email to others who may be interested.
If you would like to receive Lifelong Learning Community eNews, please go to http://smllc.org/subscribe.html
To be removed from this E-mail list, simply reply to LCJaffe@aol.com and ask to be removed.
For more information about the Lifelong Learning Community, contact
Louise Jaffe
lcjaffe@aol.com
310-450-2487
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