Editor’s Note: “My Write” columnist Bill Bauer is a longtime volunteer with the Santa Monica Police Department assigned to the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team — a special SMPD unit that works closely with Santa Monica’s transient population.
SM BEACH — Giving surf lessons are fun until someone gets punched in the face. Two years ago, tensions were high between the 14 surf camps crammed onto the one mile stretch of beach south of the Santa Monica Pier.
CITY HALL One of the dirtiest beaches in the state is finally set to get cleaned up. Facing criticism over the lack of completed projects funded under Measure V more than two years after it was approved by voters, City Hall is expected to commence the replacement of the Santa Monica Pier storm drain
MALIBU Mike Dwyer ran as fast as he could, panting and splashing sand as he darted toward the sunset, the image of a plane plummeting into the water fresh in his mind as he dove into the ocean.
DOWNTOWN Despite taking on the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this year over a ban on jet aircraft, four City Council incumbents running for reelection did not earn the endorsement from an advocacy organization that’s been one of the airport’s largest critics.
SM BEACH While many people believe the Santa Monica Beach, along with its landmark Ferris wheel, is one of the greatest places on the west coast, now it’s official.
VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK For Robbie French, the summer of 2008 and those in years past were as different as night and day. “The previous summers were total chaos,” French, who owns Perfect Day Surf Camp, said in regards to the overcrowded beaches of yore.
MALIBU A federal investigation is underway to determine the cause of a plane crash that occurred here shortly after the pilot left the Santa Monica Airport on Tuesday evening.
DOWNTOWN The ongoing quality-of-life issues around Santa Monica Airport took center stage on Monday night when candidates for the City Council race sounded off on jet pollution and the possibility of shutting down the general aviation center in several years.
By now, readers of this column should know I was the first person to go on the record predicting an Obama presidency back in April of 2007. When he’s elected, it’s only natural that I’ll assume the title of America’s Smartest Columnist.
American Red Cross of Santa Monica volunteers Christine Law, 30, (right) and sister Liz, 26, enjoy hurricane drinks during the Hurricanes 2008 Relief ‘Blow Out’ fundraiser at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
At sunset, I often walk on the boardwalk by the beach. Sometimes I’m joined by my best friend, Alison McLea. She brings her dog, Stella McLea, a ridgeback mix, and I bring Oscar, my neighbor’s golden retriever.
