2013 Tis the Season by Santa Monica Daily Press

THE 2013

Holiday Event and Shopping Guide

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season 2013

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season 2013

Pico unites

Pause for refreshments

‘Tis the Season

Stronger Together mixers bring together community

Take the time to sample some of Main Street’s many offerings for dinner and drinks

table of contents

Pico Boulevard is home to an eclectic mix of businesses

Close to home

Walk it out

Buy Local Santa Monica key to a thriving economy

Find food, music and fun on Montana Avenue

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The perfect gifts 2013

Think big, shop small

‘Tis the season ... to buy local!

Pg. 6 Winterlit lights Up Downtown Santa Monica If you’re lucky you may even get to meet Santa

Montana Avenue invites the community for Small Business Saturday

Pamper yourself (or others)

Pg. 8 HOME for the holidays

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Celebrate the season with HGTV HOME & Santa Monica Place

Green up your holidays Make this season a sustainable one

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Hit the ICE Cirque du Soleil and Randy Gardner School of Skating bring new excitement to Santa Monica’s ice rink under the sun

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Keeping things diverse

Pg. 19 Walk this way From the ocean to the city limits, Pico is worth the trip

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Walkabout Fun takes center stage during Pico Holiday Walk

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Pg. 22 Shop the season A bevy of boutiques makes Main Street an ideal spot for holiday cheer and gift shopping

Pg. 23 New kids on the block Start a tradition with some of the newest shops on Main Street

Pg. 24 Time of the season Dive into the holidays on Main Street

Fresh for the season

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Santa Monica’s Farmers’ Markets give you plenty of options for the holidays

Pg. 15 Montana Avenue boutiques and spas make holidays a cinch

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Pg. 25 About this publication ‘Tis the Season was produced as a collaboration by the City of Santa Monica, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., Main Street Business Improvement Association, Montana Avenue Santa Monica, Pico Improvement Organization, Santa Monica Place and the Santa Monica Daily Press.

City of Santa Monica

‘Tis the Season 2013

Close to home Buy Local Santa Monica key to a thriving economy uy Local Santa Monica was created by the Santa Monica business community and the City of Santa Monica to encourage local buying that strengthens our thriving community by raising awareness about the economic, environmental and community benefits of thinking local first. Here are just some of the reasons it works:

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Local for the Holidays 1. For a start, you get to save money on gas. Rather than hopping in your car to drive to a “Big Box” store in Los Angeles, you can walk, bike, skateboard or drive local and reinvest your savings into your gift shopping and holiday preparations! 2. It’s convenient. With over 9,000 Santa Monica businesses to choose from, you’re bound to find what you need right in your own neighborhood … from stocking stuffers to wrapping paper, holiday cards to holiday meals. It’s also handy for your loved ones! If your family and friends don’t share your enthusiasm for “the perfect gift” you bought them, it’s easy for them to return and pick out something they love instead!

3. It keeps dollars in Santa Monica’s economy, supporting our schools, parks and vital community services. Last year, purchases made at Santa Monica businesses raised over $47 million for our community, helping to fund parks, police, fire and our schools. Spending locally ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested right here in Santa Monica. By buying local, you’re getting two gifts at the same time! 4. It supports local jobs. Local businesses prefer to hire local. They create jobs in the community for people of all ages. Many of our Buy Local businesses are owned by locals, too! Over 50 percent of our participating Buy Local SM businesses are owned by Santa Monica residents and employ over 3,600 locals — your friends and neighbors! 5. It lowers your carbon footprint. Having a diverse range of businesses within walking or biking distance reduces the amount of driving

you need to do, lessens traffic and air pollution and helps to conserve land. This helps keep Santa Monica sustainable!

supporting a healthy, vibrant and seasonal local ecosystem ... all within walking distance.

6. It helps to keep us unique. Only in Santa Monica can you visit the world-renowned Shopping Cart Tree (Main Street), enjoy a Holiday Art Walk (Pico Boulevard) and then ice skate under the palm trees (Arizona Avenue and Fifth Street). Santa Monica is blessed as a city of neighborhoods, each with a town center comprised of businesses that are diverse and distinctive.

10. It’s fun! Explore Santa Monica. Discover what our local businesses have to offer. Meet your neighbors and enjoy the local holiday cheer. For more information, visit buylocalsantamonica.com.

7. It nurtures our community. Our local businesses are committed to investing in Santa Monica, donating to charitable causes, actively getting involved in the community and helping to support our schools, local events and festivals. 8. It creates more choice. Local businesses respond to their customers and have more freedom to choose the items they sell. They often carry a wider array of unique products that are locally-made or sourced. If you don’t see what you want or need, just ask! 9. It’s healthy. With four buzzing Santa Monica Farmers’ Markets selling locally grown delicacies for your holiday meals and stocking stuffers; our local restaurants featuring farm-to-table holiday menus and many of our retailers sourcing locally made, sustainable products, you’re

Post for local gifts on Instagram @buylocalsm for a chance a free Buy Local T-shirt or gift certificate from a BLSM business.

City of Santa Monica

‘Tis the Season 2013

The perfect gifts 2013 ‘Tis the season ... to buy local! e asked our Buy Local Santa Monica businesses for their suggestions on the “perfect holiday gift” ideas for the season. We’re pretty impressed with the variety and great ideas … from stocking stuffers to handmade gems, bicycles to puzzles, party dresses to theater tickets, there’s something for everyone! Happy Holidays from Buy Local Santa Monica! For more information on the participating businesses and the Buy Local SM Campaign, please visit buylocalsm.com. For the full list of Buy Local Santa Monica Perfect Gifts for 2013, go to: buylocalsantamonica.com/news-spotlights.

For Best Mates, Neighbors, The Boss • Everyone loves to come and mix their own perfect concoctions at Pure Sense by Paula’s blending bar. All natural pure essential oils and natural perfume oils mixed into the product of your choice ($10.50-$48) at Pure Sense by Paula, 729 Montana Ave. #2. • Giving is receiving! Get holiday gift cards for your family and friends. Purchase $100 and get a free $20 gift card for yourself! Valid Nov. 29-Dec. 31 at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar, 225 Santa Monica Blvd. • “Make Life Exciting ... Normal is Boring” T-shirt ($24) or the popular Smack your Dammit Doll when your mate is feeling crazed ($14.99) at Twist, 2601 17th St. * • Cranberry AHA facial ($59.00) at The Green Room, 2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 1006. * • Beach butler, bike tour, bike ride, lunch on the beach. Perfect healthy gift or stocking stuffers ($25-$100) at Perry’s Cafe & Rentals, 2400 Ocean Front Walk. • A pair of tickets to The 40th Annual All-New One-Time-Only New Year’s Eve Musical Revue complete with champagne, sparkling apple juice, full buffet supper, hats, noisemakers and tiaras. Presented by the Actors’ Repertory Theatre on Dec. 31. Cost: $99 per couple (9:30 p.m. show); $79 per couple (6 p.m. show) at Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St. • A one-year membership to Heal the Bay including a year’s free family admission to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium ($25 and up) at Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean

Front Walk. • For your office mates/BFFs joining you at the next SANTA Monica Pub Crawl; give them a gift of a Christmas sweater! We have them loud, bright, noisy and will make for great conversation, or a prize winner at the Pub Crawl or office party ($5-$40) at Cherry Picked Boutique Thrift Shop, 2807-2809 Pico Blvd. • How about a photographic work of Santa Monica or maybe a personalized wall or CD size desktop 2014 calendar. Use discount code SMBUYLOCAL on their Etsy site for 15 percent off your purchase ($15 and up) at April Rocha Photography, etsy.com/shop/aprilrocha. • Enjoy a $50 Enomatic Wine Card for just $25 or purchase a gift card in any denomination at Sonoma Wine Garden, 395 Santa Monica Place. • “Be A Holiday Hero” by donating your colleague/loved one’s name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica. For $100 one child gets a shopping spree at Sears, and/or one parent buys groceries for a holiday dinner. At $1,000 get one year membership to the clubs for one kid. Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, contact Susan at (917) 841-4407.

For Her (Moms, Sisters, Wives/Girlfriends & BFFs) • The “Perfect Spa Day” holiday package: One anti-aging hydrafacial for radiant and glowing skin plus one O3 renewal treatment session in our private lounge plus one rejuvenating session in our state-of-the art thermal jade massage bed ($199) at IOBELLA, 507 Wilshire Blvd. *

SM PLAYHOUSE • Give a gift certificate for any salon services or products for the holidays ($20$100) at Azure Aveda Salon, 395 Santa Monica Place #202. • Designer Hanna Hartnell has created a special collection of sweaters and mufflers to keep you cozy at Hanna Hartnell, 1515 Fourth St. • A gem-faceted ruby red quartz accented with gold filled dusted beads and brought together with a gold filled toggle clasp ($150) at Michaela Jewelry by Design. * • Passionate to give the most perfect refreshing gift to your loved ones? We can help you create a gift basket of homeopathic remedies and the finest skincare products. Mention “Buy Local” and receive $10 off any $50 purchase or more at SMC Pharmacy,1908 Santa Monica Blvd. • Healthy skin essentials gift set for her ($89, reg. $119) at Kiehl’s Since 1851, 1516 Montana Ave. • Downton Abbey puzzle by Pressman! Portraying Violet and Cora from Downton Abbey, these two have many conversations, one of which was captured for this 1,000 piece puzzle ($12.99) at Puzzle Zoo, 1411 Third Street Promenade and 2910 Main St. • Give the gift of health and fitness ($18-$650) at Cardio Barre Santa Monica, 3009 Lincoln Blvd. * • The perfect green gifts at Stacia for Her — luxurious, soft, sustainable bamboo scarves, throws, and pillows as well as the new Bungalow collection of bath gel, body lotion, soy candle, and travel perfume all made from bamboo, fig, and coconut ($22 to $198) at Stacia, 808 11th St. at Montana Ave. * • We have a variety of artful gifts available alongside the work of local emerging artists this holiday season. Give the gift of art ($25-$1,000) at haleARTS S P A C E, 2443 Main St. • Straight from your heart — the perfect handmade gift of jewelry for someone special ($20 - $150) at Moxie Beads, 2200 Main St. * • Exercise into a healthy and happy holiday season with a new Pedego Electric Bicycle ($200 off when you say BUY LOCAL) at Pedego Santa Monica, 214 Pier

SMC PHARMACY

CHURCH OF TYPE

TRENDY SUNGLASSES Ave. • Play local — for free — and enjoy Beach House amenities; a day with the kids at the playground and splash pad, a Guest House tour, or a free Beach=Culture event at Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. • Give the perfect yoga accessory this season ($4-$100). Get 20 percent off Black Friday (Nov. 29) and Cyber Monday (Dec. 2) at yogitoes, 2403 Main St. * • Trust Journals are the perfect gift for anyone that is trying to make a positive difference in a girl’s life ($14.95) at Summer in L.A., 2644 Fourth St. * ** • Two pairs of tickets to the Musical Theater Guild performance of “Death Takes a Holiday” on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. ($30/ticket Buy Local special, normally $45) at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. • A selection of handmade gifts, from wool sweaters and leather fringe bags to natural perfumes and jewelry all made in our beautiful city at Casmaine, 2914 Main St. • Marbles Mind Spring Software ($99.95) and Cooking Set ($51.99) at Marbles the Brain Store, 395 Santa Monica Place. • The best selection of eclectic

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PERFECT GIFT PAGE 13

‘Tis the Season 2013

‘Tis the Season

Downtown Santa Monica / Santa Monica Place

‘Tis the Season 2013

will host the evening blessing, lead Chanukah songs and celebrate the season according to its own tradition. Members of the community are also invited to come together in the L3 Event Space located on Level 3 Dining Deck of Santa Monica Place on Dec. 4 from 5:30 7 p.m. to celebrate the traditions of Chanukah with games, music, crafts, storytelling and treats.

Winterlit lights Up Downtown Santa Monica

Santa Monica Place presents the HGTV Holiday House Experience and HGTV HOME Pop-Up Showroom

If you’re lucky you may even get to meet Santa owntown Santa Monica plays host to many noteworthy events and celebrations throughout the year, but perhaps none quite as spectacular as Winterlit. This collection of holiday events and activities, coordinated by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., and in partnership with Santa Monica Place, is intended to bring holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike, while encouraging people of all ages to embrace the holiday spirit.

“This is a particularly exciting time of year in Downtown,” said Kathleen Rawson, CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. “It gives us the opportunity to celebrate our diverse community and all that it has to offer during the holiday season.” “We have nearly three months of events and activities planned for all ages and backgrounds,” she continued, “These include some popular returning promotions, such as Santa’s Little Savers, and new events, including Santa’s Goodie Booth, which will add a lot of excitement to Black Friday shopping Downtown.” The holiday spirit swirling through Downtown will continue into Santa Monica Place, home to an ornate HGTV Holiday House where Santa will welcome visitors for chats, photos and a nightly festive holiday light show in Center Plaza. “Our partnership with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is essential during the holidays”, states Julia Ladd, Assistant Vice President, Property Management for Santa Monica

Place. “By working side by side we are able to offer our guests on-going activities, community events and holiday celebrations as they shop with us throughout the holiday season.”

ICE at Santa Monica One of Winterlit’s signature events, ICE at Santa Monica-sponsored this year by Cirque du Soleil’s Totem-will kick off the season on Nov. 7 with a ‘glowing’ grand opening event and free ice skating from 6 - 10 p.m. ICE will be open through Jan. 20. Randy Gardner, world renowned Olympic figure skater, will once again host this community celebration and, for the first time, Randy Gardner’s School of Skating will manage all the ice skating lessons offered at ICE throughout the season. (See ICEatSantaMonica.com for details.)

Pet Photos with Santa benefiting Best Friends Animal Society One of the more popular and unique events each year in Santa Monica is the annual “Pet Photos with Santa” night. This year Santa Monica Place is partnering with Best Friends Animal Society for a night of photos, fun and pet adoptions. Guests are invited to bring the “paws” to meet the “Claus” and help find Fido a home for the holidays on Mondays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 5-8 p.m. in Center Plaza. Two dollars from every pet photo package purchased during the event will benefit the Best Friends Animal Society and guests will receive complimentary samples of Natural Balance pet food. In addition, Shopper Rewards members who are participating in School Cents, a program designed to help local schools earn money when guests shop Santa Monica Place and Westside Pavilion, will receive 500 bonus points for attending the pet photo nights and 2,500 bonus points when they adopt a pet! (Visit santamonicaplace.com/events/ petphotos_2013 for more information.)

Chanukah Celebrations The candles of the menorah will be lit at Center Court of Third Street Promenade for the eight nights of Chanukah. Each night at sundown, from Nov. 27 through Dec. 5, local synagogues

The HGTV Holiday House and HGTV HOME ™ Pop-Up Showroom opens at Santa Monica Place on Friday, Nov. 22. Guests are invited to visit and participate in demonstrations and meet and greets with popular network talent each weekend throughout December. (Visit santamonicaplace.com/HGTV for a schedule of events and appearance times.)

Holiday Community Celebration A holiday tree will shine brightly as it returns to Third Street Promenade, near Wilshire Blvd, this year with a holiday ceremony the evening of December 12. Santa will arrive in time to help light the tree and local students from Green Brooms Music Academy will provide musical entertainment.

For the Children Perhaps nothing lights up the season more than a child receiving an unexpected gift during the holidays. That’s why the “PAL Best Gift Ever” program will return this year, encouraging the public to donate unwrapped gifts or make a cash donation to benefit children, ages six to 17. Gifts are being collected at the ICE at Santa Monica ice skating rink from Nov. 1 through Dec. 11 “The ongoing partnership between the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. provides us a way to embrace what the holidays are about,” Rawson said. “Santa Monicans have always proven to be very generous and I am sure this year will be no different.”

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EVENTS PAGE 12

Dr. Martens Footwear

New to the neighborhood

American Eagle Outfitters (Coming Soon)

Downtown, Santa Monica Place welcome new stores to the fold

The Art of Shaving

Santa Monica Place

Athleta 1318 Third Street Promenade

Camper Santa Monica Place

Champs 1248 Third Street Promenade

1215 Third Street Promenade

LeSportsac

Emporio Armani

Santa Monica Place

ETON (Coming Soon)

Santa Monica Merchant (Coming Soon) Santa Monica Place

Lucky Brand 1427 Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica Place

Sanuk 1451 Third Street Promenade

Redwood Grille

SUPRA Santa Monica

Santa Monica Place

304 Santa Monica Blvd.

Roadrunner Shoes

Volcom

1338 Fourth St.

1340 Third Street Promenade

kate spade new york

Sanrio Sunshine Station

XCVI

Santa Monica Place

Hat Club 312 Santa Monica Blvd.

Jonathan Adler Santa Monica Place

Downtown Santa Monica / Santa Monica Place

‘Tis the Season 2013

HOME for the holidays Celebrate the season with HGTV HOME & Santa Monica Place cean breezes, sunshine, roaming carolers and festively lit palm trees provide the backdrop for getting in the holiday spirit Santa Monica style. Santa Monica Place has partnered with HGTV to ring in the holidays with the HGTV Holiday House, a modern day, life-size gingerbread house featuring this season’s hottest host - Santa Claus. From November 22 through January 1, shoppers will be treated to free demonstrations, engaging activities and meet & greets featuring popular network talent including John Gidding (Curb Appeal), Genevieve Gorder (HGTV Star), DIY Network® star Josh Temple (House Crashers) and many MORE.

In addition, guests are invited to visit the HGTV HOME™ Pop-Up Showroom, located on Level 2 outside Nordstrom, featuring stylishly designed vignettes. Ron Feinbaum, general manager, HGTV consumer products, believes “bringing HGTV HOME collections to Santa Monica Place offers visitors the opportunity to see, touch and feel our

products through the HGTV HOME PopUp Showroom” and “by working with our partners to develop the in-store display, our new HGTV HOME products will inspire consumers with ideas for their own home.” Visitors are invited to schedule a complimentary on-site design consultation in the HGTV HOME Pop-Up Showroom, as well as enter the HGTV HOME Cash

Giveaway for a chance to win $10,000. The HGTV HOME Pop-Up Showroom is a 3,000 square foot space highlighting the breadth and diversity of products in the HGTV HOME line, which includes the HGTV HOME Furniture Collection, HGTV HOME Design Studio at Bassett, HGTV HOME Lighting by ELK Lighting, HGTV HOME Flooring by Shaw, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams

and HGTV HOME Plant Collection curated by Agricola Management. Members of the community are invited to help HGTV and Santa Monica Place kick off the holidays with the unveiling of the HGTV Holiday House on Saturday, Nov. 23. Guests will enjoy carolers, kid-

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HGTV PAGE 12

Downtown Santa Monica / Santa Monica Place

‘Tis the Season 2013

Hit the ICE Cirque du Soleil and Randy Gardner School of Skating bring new excitement to Santa Monica’s ice rink under the sun ach year, visitors and locals alike flock to Santa Monica’s sunny streets to celebrate the holidays — not only to shop at chic boutiques and dine at highly acclaimed restaurants — but also to glide over the ice under glowing lights at the annual ICE at Santa Monica skating rink, right in the heart of Downtown.

This year, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., which manages ICE at Santa Monica, welcomes a new presenting sponsor: Totem by Cirque du Soleil. Totem is the latest show by Cirque du Soleil to come to Southern California, opening under the big top at Santa Monica Pier on Jan. 17, 2014. “Cirque du Soleil’s sponsorship is one of many new partnerships that we’re excited about this year,” says Ann Potenza, manager of ICE at Santa Monica. “We’re also working with the Randy Gardner School of Skating, which is a thrill since he is one of the great skaters from the Los Angeles area.”

Skating Lessons The Randy Gardner School of Skating will be offering lessons for both the recreational skater taking their first steps on the ice to more seasoned skaters. A series of lessons will be held on select days throughout the holiday season. (Details can be found at iceatsantamonica.com.) Gardner, a former national and world champion figure skater, has hosted ICE at Santa Monica’s grand opening ceremonies in the past and is looking forward to being more involved this year.

“ICE at Santa Monica is the perfect fit for our classes,” Gardner says. “As a Southern California native, I take pride in supporting the community and I’m lucky I can do so through my passion for skating. This was a natural next step and we can’t wait to get started!”

Private Party Cabana Rentals ICE at Santa Monica cabanas will once again be available for rent every day from Nov. 1 - Jan. 20. Event cabanas are a unique space to host an office or family holiday party, or throw a birthday party for individuals of any age.

A Winterlit Grand Opening The ICE at Santa Monica grand opening celebration will be held on Nov. 7, featuring activities, entertainment, snacks and free skating from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. The glowing-themed evening hosted by Gardner, will include music by D.J. Dlux and a performance by California Gold, an acclaimed synchronized skate team from Southern California. Glow necklaces, black lights and other exciting visual effects will light up the night. There will also be a number of activities for adults and children, including

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ICE PAGE 11

Downtown Santa Monica / Santa Monica Place

‘Tis the Season 2013

Learn to Skate with the Randy Gardner School of Skating Three types of classes are being offered on select days: 1. Family, Friends and Me: Classes for tots taking their first steps on the ice . (Must be accompanied by a parent, adult friend or guardian) 2. Beginner Basics: A series of classes to learn the basics of ice skating

ICE FROM PAGE 10 a photo booth, games, face painting, snacks and a cookie decorating booth.

Skate, Snap and Share Facebook Contest Skaters will have the opportunity to win two free tickets to Totem by Cirque du Soleil at Santa Monica Pier, dinner for two at The Lobster and a gift card package — worth a total of $1,000 — by participating in the new “Skate, Snap and Share” Facebook contest. All you have to do is visit the ICE at

Santa Monica skating rink, take photos and share them on Downtown Santa Monica’s Facebook page. Anyone 16 years of age and older who shares ICE photos will be eligible to win this ultimate Santa Monica experience. A winner will be selected on Dec. 18 and announced on our Facebook page.

For More Information Information about ICE at Santa Monica activities and lessons can be found at iceatsantamonica.com. Additional information about holiday events can be found at winterlit.com.

3. Get the Edge: A series of classes for the slightly more advanced skater who wants to polish the fundamental moves. Students enrolled in the first series of Beginner Basics and Get the Edge will skate in a recital with Randy Gardner to show off their new ice skating skills. Classes are $20 per skater. For dates and more information, please visit ICEatSantaMonica.com

ICE at Santa Monica Open Nov. 1, 2013 to Jan. 20, 2014 Skate rental: $12 per person Location 1324 Fifth St. Santa Monica, Calif. 90401 (Corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue in Downtown Santa Monica)

Telephone (310) 461-8333 Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday: 2 p.m. - Midnight Saturday: 10 a.m. - Midnight Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Holiday Hours Please visit ICEatSantaMonica.com for special holiday hours

Downtown Santa Monica / Santa Monica Place

‘Tis the Season 2013

About Santa Monica Place

HGTV FROM PAGE 9 friendly activities and complimentary face painting located in front of the HGTV HOME Pop-Up Showroom and a special guest who will help light the HGTV Holiday House for a spectacular holiday light show! Julia Ladd, Assistant Vice President, Property Management for Santa Monica Place states, “Our partnership with HGTV offers shoppers a holiday home just two blocks from the beach … The celebration of the holiday season would not be complete without Santa, a giant gingerbread house, A-list talent and a holiday light show..” Unable to attend the HGTV and Santa Monica Place holiday kick off? Shoppers can visit Santa Monica Place daily for a custom Santa photo experience and from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. nightly for a festive holiday light show at the HGTV Holiday House located in Center Plaza. For more information, including daily schedules, celebrity appearances and onsite activities please visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/HGTV.

EVENTS FROM PAGE 8 Additionally, families can celebrate the wonder of the season by visiting with Santa Claus Nov. 22-Dec. 24 in Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place. There will also be a special holiday themed Kids Club with Mrs. Claus on Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. in the Food Court located on Level 3 Dining Deck. In addition, young children will have the opportunity to express their creativity at holiday craft tables in Downtown, on select days, free of charge.

Winterlit Schedule of Events

Located just two blocks from the beach and adjacent to Third Street Promenade in the heart of Santa Monica, the three-level, open-air Santa Monica Place is home to the West Coast’s only SoHo concept Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Burberry Brit, Emporio Armani, CB2, Nike, and dozens of other exciting specialty stores and an inspired collection of food and restaurant experiences, including the view-oriented Dining Deck. Guests can also download the Santa Monica Place Mobile App and sign up to be a part of Shopper Rewards to start earning complimentary gifts, parking and more.

About HGTV America’s leading home and lifestyle brand, HGTV features a top-rated cable network that is distributed to more than 98 million U.S. households and the HGTV website, HGTV.com, the nation’s leading online home-and-garden destination that attracts an average of four million unique visitors per month. The brand also includes the HGTV HOME™ consumer products line which showcases exclusive collections of paint,

Shopping Bonuses! There are very good reasons to plan your shopping around Downtown and Santa Monica Place because “Santa’s helpers” are going to be back again this year to surprise shoppers. That’s right, if you’re holiday shopping in Downtown and Santa Monica Place from Dec. 21 to 24, a Downtown ambassador may surprise you at checkout and offer to pay for your purchases up to $100!

Santa Monica Place Holiday Kick Off with HGTV Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place Nov. 23, 6 p.m.

flooring, lighting, furniture, plants, fabrics and other home-oriented products. For more information on HGTV HOME branded products and to find a retailer, go to HGTVHOME.com. In partnership with Hearst Magazines, the HGTV Magazine, a home and lifestyle publication, is currently available

Not only that, but on Black Friday some shoppers will have a chance to win ICE at Santa Monica passes, gifts, discounts from Downtown businesses, and even some cash in Santa’s Goodie Booth. To be eligible, shoppers must first show that they’re a fan of Downtown Santa Monica’s Facebook page. The first 40 people to do so will be invited to enter Santa’s Goodie Booth to see what they can collect. The event will begin at 2 p.m. on Nov. 29 on the 1300 block of Third Street and will continue until 5 p.m. — or until the booth has been emptied!

HGTV Popular Network Talent Appearances

on newsstands. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., HGTV is wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI).

For More Information Whether you’re looking for holiday activities, shopping options or restaurants for a celebratory meal, Downtown Santa Monica and Santa Monica Place are waiting to welcome you. Explore all the seasonal activities and events at winterlit.com, iceatsantamonica.com or santamonicaplace.com/events. General information, including a list of shops, restaurants and other businesses located downtown, can be found at downtownsm.com.

Chanukah Celebration at Santa Monica Place L3 Event Space on Level 3 at Santa Monica Place Dec. 4, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

FifthStreet at Arizona Nov. 1 - Jan. 20

HGTV Holiday House Experience & HGTV HOME™ Pop-Up Showroom

Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place Weekends (Sat/Sun) starting Nov. 29 (Visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/HGTV for details)

PAL Best Gift Ever Gift Drive

Center Plaza and Level 2 at Santa Monica Place Nov. 22 - Jan. 1

Free Kids Craft: Holiday Ornaments

Third Street Promenade at Wilshire Blvd. Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Holiday Photos with Santa Claus

Center Court: 1300 block of Third Street Promenade Nov. 30, Noon - 3 p.m.

Holiday Gift Wrap by The Older Girl Scouts of Santa Monica Bay

ICE at Santa Monica Ice Rink

Drop unwrapped gifts at ICE at Santa Monica ice skating rink Fifth Street at Arizona Nov.1 - Dec. 11

ICE at Santa Monica Grand Opening Celebration Fifth Street at Arizona Nov. 7, 6 - 10 p.m.

Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place Nov. 22 - Christmas Eve (Visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/Santa_2013 for hours of operation)

Menorah Lightings Randy Gardner’s School of Skating: Skating lessons at ICE at Santa Monica Varying dates starting Nov. 13 (See ICEatSantaMonica.com for details)

Third Street Promenade at Arizona Nov. 27 - Dec. 5 at sundown

Santa’s Goodie Booth Center Court: 1300 block of Third Street Promenade Nov. 27, 2 - 5 p.m.

Pet Photos & Adoptions with Santa benefiting Best Friends Animal Society Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 5 - 8 p.m.

SAMO’s Kids Club with Mrs. Claus Santa Monica Place Food Court (Level 3) Dec. 4, 11 a.m. - Noon

Downtown Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Market (Level 3) at Santa Monica Place Dec. 14 - 24, hours vary

Santa’s Little Savers Surprise Shoppers Third Street Promenade Dec. 21 - 24

Free Kids Craft: Holiday Puzzles Center Court: 1300 block of Third Street Promenade Dec. 21, 12 - 3 p.m.

City of Santa Monica

‘Tis the Season 2013

PERFECT GIFT FROM PAGE 6 handmade pillows, plus accessories, furniture and gifts ($20 and up) at Acapillow Home Furnishings, 3030 Pico Blvd. *

For Him (Brothers, Dads, Boyfriends/Husbands, Best Mates) • Ray Ban New Wayfarers in shiny black or shiny tortoise. This is a special Buy Local holiday price ($100) at Trendy Sunglasses, 2716 Main St. * • The eFlow E3 Nitro and IZIP Electric/Hybrid bicycle is the perfect gift for that person that wants to join the increasing number of Angelenos that are using this clean, green electric bicycle technology to park the car and avoid traffic in this urban environment ($750$3,499) at IZIP Store, 2803 Main St. * • Plush microfiber pillows, designed by Kevin Bradley and manufactured in California ($70) at Church of Type, 3215 Pico Blvd. ** • Get your mini surfboards. Many designs to choose from. Create your own design ($29.95) at Art One Gallery, 1331 Third Street Promenade. * • GO Moment is offering a scavenger hunt, dinner and a ride on a pedi-cab around town (from $250) (Contact Emilee

at (310) 686-0229). • Health tune-up sessions, buy one get one free ($106.60 total for two sessions). Includes a number of wellness services including massage, nutrition counseling and more at Physical Therapy Solutions, 2222 Pico Blvd. #102. * • Rock Me Archimedes ($34.99), Marbles Tavern Puzzles ($24.99) at Marbles the Brain Store, 395 Santa Monica Place. • Relax this holiday season with acupuncture ($200) at Lotus East-West Medical Center, 2104 Wilshire Blvd. * • A gift certificate for a custom-made shirt made specifically for your loved one’s measurements and specifications! Nothings better than a gift they can customize ($200) at Montalvo on Montana, 1628 Montana Ave. * ** • A fine chapeau from Fedora Primo is unique and shows that mundane just won’t do for that special person ($50-$100) at Fedora Primo, 216 Pier Ave. (off Main St).* ** • For your loved one who loves to cook, we suggest a beautiful culinary knife to cook with ($50-$500) at Westside Sharpening & Cutlery Center, 1207 Fourth St., Suite 150. *

For the Little Ones • Adorable recycled paper dogs, Rascal and Rover ($140) at Our Gallery Store, 2525 Michigan Ave., Bldg E3, Bergamot

Station. * • Skate Designs 30 Stinger complete skateboard, the perfect cruiser board with smooth wheels available in assorted colors ($141.99) at ZJ Boarding House, 2619 Main St. • A cigar-box sculpture recreating a Victorian toy theater version of a scene from Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” with interior LED lights ($175) at Gavin Scott Sculptures, 1801 Marine St. • A one-year “Aquadoption,” of one of nine sea creatures on exhibit ($25 - $1,000) at Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk. • Membership in the one-week “Createa-Play” Theatre Camp where kids ages 6 to 14 spend a glorious five days working with professional actors to help create a musical production they perform for family and friends at the end of the session ($375) at Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St. • Handmade bibs and baby aprons. Various designs and colors, hand sewn in Santa Monica ($5-$15) at Church of Type, 3215 Pico Blvd. ** • Pound and Tap Bench Wood Toy, by Hape Early Melodies, is an educational toy designed to stimulate children through every stage of development and help nurture and develop their natural abilities ($26.99) at Puzzle Zoo, 1411 Third Street Promenade, 2910 Main St. • A bicycle is a perfect and wonderful gift for all ages (from $129) at Bike Attack, 2400 Main St. *

For holiday entertaining • Come by our activity bead store to make holiday gifts, select a ready-made piece of jewelry or buy a gift card for your loved ones to choose their special something ($20 and up) at Beadahs, 203 Arizona Ave. * • The lightweight melamine Amalfi Whale Tray is the perfect vibrant addition to any party or décor ($36.00) at Weego Home, 2939 Main St. • Holiday card and/or calendar orders at DSJ Printing, Inc, 3103 Pico Blvd. * • Holiday family portraits ($200) at Fabian Lewkowicz Photography, 216 Pico Blvd. #17. • Entertain without the worries of a stopped up kitchen. You can purchase a gift certificate ($90) at Botham Plumbing & Heating, 1112 Montana Ave. Suite 108. * • Not Your Ordinary Wine Glass ($24) at Twist, 2601 17th St. * • Looking for the perfect dress for your upcoming holiday party? Santa Monica designer Hanna Hartnell offers stunning, cleverly designed gowns at Hanna Hartnell, 1515 Fourth St. * MENTION “BUY LOCAL SANTA MONICA” TO RECEIVE A 10 PERCENT HOLIDAY DISCOUNT AT THESE BUSINESSES. ** PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES WILL BE MAKING A DONATION TO THE SANTA MONICA-MALIBU EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

Montana Avenue

‘Tis the Season 2013

Walk it out Find food, music and fun on Montana Avenue he holidays are here again and nowhere is that more apparent than Montana Avenue, where merchants are preparing to hold their annual Montana Avenue Holiday Walk event on Dec. 6. Storeowners in one of Santa Monica’s most unique shopping districts are wrapping presents, striking up the bands and sending invites to the big man himself — Santa Claus — to make this year’s walk the most fun and festive yet.

Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., families stroll the avenue from Sixth Street to 17th Street enjoying live music, special events and lovely snacks and libations as businesses throw open their doors. People stop, shop and mostly mingle with neighbors they may not have seen since the Art Walk, another signature Montana Avenue event held in July. “The neighborhood gets to re-see itself,” said Jane Walker of TEXTURE the sweater store. “It’s a community-oriented event.” For the past 10 years, Walker has hired a jazz band called Joe Gatoe and Friends to provide ambiance and fun for her guests. The Green Brooms Choir has

made an appearance at Engel & Völkers, but the luxury real estate company is best known for the annual appearance of Santa Claus. This is the fifth year that the jolly man in red will be making a stop at the 1100 block of Montana Avenue to take photos with visitors who peek in to see a little Christmas magic. The office becomes a crew of Santa’s helpers, wrapping gifts for almost three weeks in advance of the night to transform the room into a holiday wonderland, said Sandra Miller, broker at Engel & Völkers. “I have so much fun seeing the little kids with Santa Claus,” Miller said. “Kids’

eyes get really huge because they think there are really presents in there.” The office then gives the photos to families for free. “We do it just to give back to the community,” Miller said. It also gives businesses the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community in a way that’s not all about making a sale. Frankie’s on the Park, a fashion store for young women with a flagship in Chicago, opened its doors Oct. 24, and the store’s Jamie Lewis couldn’t wait to invite the neighborhood in to see what they have to offer. The store features a one-of-a-kind

Graffiti Bar that Lewis hopes will help make the shop a destination for locals and visitors alike, but it was the neighborhood around Montana Avenue that really attracted her to the location. “We love the neighborhood, love the beach, love the area,” Lewis said. Merchants do more than just host a party for their neighbors — they drop their prices, too. Many local shops will provide discounts on certain items, one more way to make the holidays a bit easier on their patrons and their wallets.

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An entertaining season Montana Avenue has what you need to host a successful holiday party hen the last piece of Halloween candy has been pawned off on an unsuspecting neighbor and you’re pretty sure you’ve finally gotten rid of every scrap of faux spider webbing, it’s November and a veritable marathon of holidays lie but a few weeks in the future.

That means gifts to buy, meals to plan and decorations to string up, take down and switch out again, all while the kids rush to complete last minute art assignments and family members drop hints about whose house they would like to celebrate at this year (ahem, yours). It all adds up to stress, but never fear, a jaunt up Montana Avenue can solve all of your November and December riddles and send you home with a nice bottle of vino to keep a smile on your face through New Year’s. High-end catering companies, decadent cheese shops and last-minute gift ideas abound from the stores between Sixth and 17th streets. Need a fabulous holiday party dress? Look no further than M’Attias (1403 Montana Ave.). There’s even noted event planner Stephanie Grace if the work-lifeplanning balance gets intolerably hairy.

Andrew’s Cheese Shop This Montana Avenue classic may be the only business that counts stinkiness as a positive attribute. Andrew Steiner’s homage to fromage has over 200 varieties, each with its own tasting card that tells the story of the food from farm to table. Andrew’s can hook you up with the perfect cheese for your holiday table, but think of them for gifts as well. Cheeses of the Month memberships and tickets to events like grilled cheese and beer pairings are also available. Address: 728 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 393-3308. Website: www.andrewscheese.com.

The Duck Blind Balloon Celebrations No holiday is complete without the phrase “balloon art,” and this Montana Avenue store provides the display you need to set your party or event apart from the rest. Balloon Celebrations opened its new showroom in the district in May 2013. Its work ranges from classic and tasteful decoration to full on sculptures. Check out their portfolio at www.ballooncelebrations.com. Address: 1311 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 225-5666.

Celebrations require delicious social lubrication, and shoppers can find that in spades at The Duck Blind. The store, a local landmark for over 50 years, claims the most varied collection of fine wines in Santa Monica, an expanding selection of craft beer and hard-to-find American whiskeys and single-malt scotches. Whatever makes your palette sing, you can find at The Duck Blind. Address: 1102 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 394-6705; Website: www.duckblindfinewines.com.

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Montana Avenue

‘Tis the Season 2013

Think big, shop small Montana Avenue invites the community for Small Business Saturday hile some may still be recovering from Black Friday, consider a trip to Montana Avenue the following Saturday, Nov. 30, for the business district’s Small Business Saturday Music Fest, an eight-hour event to celebrate small retailers and expose Santa Monicans and Angelenos to the wealth of unique shopping opportunities the street offers.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can skip over the urban camping experience in front of big box stores and instead grab a hand-crafted latte or hot chocolate and stroll Montana Avenue between Sixth and 17th streets as musicians provide background music. “It’s more festive and slow paced, a nice fun day to walk around Montana Avenue,”

said Jean McCoy, owner of To Wag For, a dog grooming and accessory boutique in the district. This is the first year that Montana Avenue merchants are coordinating an event specifically for the day. It falls one week before the street’s annual Holiday Walk, a nighttime affair that lasts from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6.

Merchants hope that visitors will take advantage of the leisurely hours and come out in the middle of the day to take advantage of discounts and specials offered by Montana Avenue businesses. Small Business Saturday is the Valentine’s Day of the business world. American Express created the mini-holiday in 2010 as a pick-me-up for the mom and pop stores that don’t get the same exposure from Black Friday or Cyber Monday as big box retailers or large online outlets. The credit card company stepped up buzz around the day using television commercials and encouraged retailers to post deals and reach out to their communities through social media. Even the U.S. government got in on the action;

in 2011, senators officially recognized the Saturday following Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. The day went viral. By 2012, 67 percent of survey respondents reported that they had heard of the newly branded day, according to a report by the National Federation of Independent Business. That awareness translated into spending — the same organization found that consumers spent $5.5 billion in small stores across the country on that day. The campaign dovetails with the Santa Monica Buy Local effort, which encourages residents to patronize businesses of any size with an address in

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Montana Avenue

‘Tis the Season 2013

Pamper yourself (or others) Montana Avenue boutiques and spas make holidays a cinch oliday gift giving in the age of the Internet can feel like a social challenge that would give Emily Post a headache. Gifts must be not just unique but thoughtful, and appropriate to the occasion and the recipient. Online deal sites leave a sometimes unflattering paper trail, and even overnight shipping won’t save you in the event of a surprise invitation.

Fortunately, Montana Avenue can cover all your bases, said long-time entrepreneur and business district cheerleader Jane Walker of TEXTURE the sweater store. “You can outfit your family from head to toe, furnish your home or buy a home, all on Montana Avenue,” Walker said. Boutique clothing and gift stores offer

options for the pickiest friends, be they fashion-focused or ecologically minded. Those in need of a little R&R or TLC can find beauty treatments, massages or hair cuts that will remind them who’s No.1 in your book. And for those last minute shopping trips, a number of stores have gift baskets

or floral arrangements that’ll dial up the holiday cheer while keeping stress at a minimum. So breathe easy — Montana Avenue has you covered.

Citron Ricki Wolman established Santa Monica’s Citron in 1992. His clothing utilizes materials like embossed silk, velvet and satin to create clothing inspired by cultures found around the world. Many pieces are printed or embellished in vintage Asian and European motifs. Address: 1615 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310)

458-6089; Website: www.citronclothing.com.

Footsie Never forget — fashion extends beyond the blouse. This local lingerie store offers essentials like sleepwear and bras as well as undergarments for special occasions. Address: 1105 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 393-2205.

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City of Santa Monica

‘Tis the Season 2013

Green up your holidays Make this season a sustainable one inding the perfect holiday gift for a loved one or a friend can be a fun challenge. The City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment has come up with a list of creative and fresh ideas that will help anyone get through the giving season with greater ease. To that end, the office has come up with a handy “Giving Green” list divided into three categories: “Hands-on Giving,” “Conscious Giving,” and “Quality Giving.” As strong as Santa Monicans’ commitment is to sustainability, everybody could use a new, fresh idea, everybody could use a nudge. And a lot of people are fishing for ideas for gifts for people who care about sustainability.

Hands-on Giving

Conscious Giving

• Make your own edible items, such as baked goods, jams and cookies. Include the recipes to encourage the recipients to pay these treats forward. • Need help coming up with ideas or instruction on how to be a DIYer? No problem. The City of Santa Monica’s Community & Cultural Services Department offers at 1450 Ocean Ave. in Palisades Park (the Camera Obscura building) classes that will help you with your handmade and recycled gift-making, including heirloom ornaments from allnatural wool, recycled glass jewelry, greeting cards and even gift tags. For information, go to smgov.net/CCS or call (310) 458-2239. • DIY gifts and wrapping, including repurposing materials into customhandmade, from-the-heart items. Visit earth911.com for ideas.

• Seek out Santa Monica businesses (buylocalsantamonica.com) and Santa Monica certified green businesses (smgbc.org). • Purchase gifts from local businesses that make a difference, that tell a story. For example, local artists display their wares at galleries and boutiques. Santa Monicabased TOMS Shoes says it helps one person in need for every purchase made, giving away shoes in more than 60 countries and helping the sight-impaired in 13 countries. Shoppers are encouraged to engage with the owners and sales representatives of mom-and-pop stores in Santa Monica. Ask them their “story.” Do they donate to causes? Do they purchase goods from socially conscious manufacturers. Do they carry organic goods or products manufactured locally?

• Look for heirloom and vintage pieces, particularly at swap meets. • Know the supply chain. Is a business or product Fair Trade certified (fairtradeusa.org/certification)? Are workers who made the product receiving fair wages? Are materials sourced locally or recycled? Are the items made in the U.S.?

Quality Giving • Think of quality over quantity when coming up with a list of gifts. • Put some time, thought and effort into the process rather than dashing out at the last minute and spending big.

• Think about experiences over electronics. For example, you could give personalized vouchers for park/picnic dates, a day at a museum, or a dinner out. A bicycle is a great gift for a loved one. With a bike, you now have the wheels to spend time together and enjoy the beach. Don’t forget a bike lock to go with it. • Broaden the definition of “giving” beyond the realm of just conferring presents to people you know. For example, volunteer with a nonprofit or donate food, clothes and toys. Or make a donation on behalf of someone. “Happy Holidays to you and yours from the Sustainable Santa Monica Team!”

Pico Boulevard

‘Tis the Season 2013

Walkabout Fun takes center stage during Pico Holiday Walk he fifth annual Pico Boulevard Holiday Walk will reflect holiday spirit in the form of entertainment, art, and, most importantly, food. The five-block stretch between 27th Street and Centinela Avenue will be transformed into a holiday getaway. From noon to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29, families can traverse Pico Boulevard and enjoy discounts and special promotions from local businesses.

“I’m looking forward to people interfacing on a one-on-one level with their merchants,” said Robert Kronovet of Kronovet Realty. “Pico has an exciting and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that the Art Walk will showcase.” In addition to promoting their own products, several merchants will play host to the works of local artists. Randy Ball, owner of Artistic Picture Frames and a member of the Pico Improvement

Organization, is excited at the prospect of showcasing local talent at his gallery. Kronovet echoes Ball’s sentiments about the importance of art to the festival, saying, “The better the art, the more interesting the event.” And variety is not in short supply, as onlookers will find everything from ceramics to folk art on display. However, Ball was careful not to omit the importance of food to the festivities.

After all, how could one ring in the holidays without the proper feasting? “Art is a major element of this festival, but we are also celebrating the restaurants here,” he said. Lares and Upper West are just two of the several restaurants participating in the festival, offering promotions and serving special dishes throughout the night. But, despite enlivening the connection between local merchants and their clientele, Ball says he’s most excited that the event will help ring in the holidays together, as a community. “It’s so much fun to see the smiles on

people’s faces — to see kids stop in the street and wave at Santa Claus when he walks by,” Ball said. And as the Art Walk continues to bring joy to Santa Monicans, Ball is excited about the event’s expansion. “We are still growing this event — absolutely. Every year, we pick up another few businesses,” Ball said. And with hopes of that number only continuing to rise, the Art Walk is well on its way to becoming an entrenched Santa Monica tradition.

Pico Boulevard

‘Tis the Season 2013

Pico unites Stronger Together mixers bring together community ico Boulevard in Santa Monica — the 2-1/2-mile stretch of major thoroughfare with an eclectic mix of businesses ranging from high-end hotels to old-style mom-and-pop shops — is a great destination for the holidays.

This is particularly true this year because of the recently launched “Stronger Together” mixers, sponsored by the Pico Improvement Organization, that connect residents and business owners to foster a sense of community. The next “Stronger Together” mixer, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Le Meridien Delfina, will not only have a festive holiday theme, it will also provide an opportunity for finding the perfect gift for loved ones and friends. Door prizes can be turned into gifts, and there will be plenty of specials and gift ideas offered through the mixer’s shopping promotion. “We’re expecting many more people to attend our holiday mixer, which will feature holiday fun, holiday food, door prizes and more,” said Tiana Rideout of The Gentry Group, which helps the PIO organize and promote the mixers. Started in June at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, the bi-monthly event has grown in

attendance — from about 100 to 150 — and enthusiasm since its debut, Rideout said. Subsequent mixers were held at El Texate Restaurant, Z Garden and Upper West restaurants. Community leaders, including City Council members, have been among those in attendance. Brian Glaspy, chair of the PIO mixer committee, said the event has had a positive impact on the Pico business and residential communities. “It’s a change in the paradigm of what the PIO usually does, like big festivals,” said Glaspy, owner of Body By Brian Functional Fitness on Pico. “With the mixers we’re able to target the neighbors and give the merchants a chance to talk more individually about their products and services in an intimate setting.” PIO officials say Pico area residents have praised the mixers. “People have come up to me and said, ‘Wow, I’m surprised the PIO is doing

something like this where the neighborhood is directly involved in the outcome of the event,’” Glaspy said. Contributing to the success of the gettogethers has been the outreach to neighborhood associations, including the Ocean Park Association, Pico Neighborhood Association and Friends of Sunset Park, said Jennifer Taylor, City of Santa Monica economic development administrator who serves on the PIO board and is chair of the Buy Local campaign in Santa Monica. She said Pico has been the backbone of the city’s business community, with its interesting and eclectic mix of all kinds of establishments that cater to consumers on all types of budgets, including hotels; art spaces; a variety of mom-and-pop shops, many of which have been on Pico for generations; chains such as Trader Joe’s and the 99-Cent Store; one-of-a-kind clothing boutiques; and restaurants and

coffee shops. There are also public institutions including Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College. Each segment of Pico has its own unique flavor. A collection of small clubs, cafés, boutiques, and the critically acclaimed restaurants Upper West, Valentino, and Lares are found along the eastern sector of the boulevard. Vidiots, Bay Shore Lanes Bowling Alley, Shutters on the Beach, Casa del Mar and the Viceroy hotels mark Pico’s western terminus at the beach. New commercial enterprises are springing up, including Sweet Rose Creamery, and Pico will be the site of a new municipal library. “The Pico merchants are very vibrant,” said Robert Kronovet of Kronovet Realty Co. on Pico. “When merchants do well, communities do well.”

Keeping things diverse Pico Boulevard is home to an eclectic mix of businesses he east end of Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica is hardly the road less traveled, but if you move too fast you might miss the dozens of “gems” that make up one of the most unique and vibrant areas in the city.

The six blocks between Centinela Avenue and Stewart Street boast a creative mix of restaurants, art galleries, fitness shops and new businesses that rival betterknown locales like Main Street and Montana Avenue. “I think it’s a really vibrant commercial district. Pico Boulevard has always been the backbone of Santa Monica in terms of goods and services that people need,” said Jennifer Taylor, an economic development administrator for the City of Santa Monica. “The area has a real interesting and eclectic range of businesses … something for residents and visitors of all ages and incomes.” There’s certainly no shortage of restaurants. Valentino’s, Josie’s and Upper

West anchor an upscale selection of fine dining options at one end of the spectrum, with resident favorites like Gilbert’s and Unurban Café at the other. Resident Amy Bishop-Dunbar says she and her husband, Dennis, have been Pico fans since they first moved here 26 years ago. “It has an eclectic mix of shops, stores, and unique restaurants. Lares can’t be missed for their quality of authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s really a nice balance.” East Pico is also home to a wide range of fitness shops, like Good Body Pilates, Players Club Gold and Fitness and the Triathlon Lab, which has been in business for about a decade. Triathlon Lab Manager Matt Widzer calls Santa Monica, “One of the biggest hubs for the sport.

You’ve got swimming in the ocean, mountains and roads for cycling and lots of trails for running, so in a sense it’s sort of the mecca for triathlon in the L.A. area,” he said. It’s also ground zero for some of Santa Monica’s edgiest art. Just ask Randy Ball, owner of Blue 7 Gallery and a board member of the Pico Improvement Organization, a group working together to promote the area. “This is like the other side of the tracks. This is more creative in the workshop tradition of art. In theater you have Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-off Broadway. This is Off-off Montana, where a lot of artists have workshops and are in the experimental mode. It’s gritty and it’s real and I’m glad to be a part of it.” Taylor says that kind of neighborhood optimism “helps make Pico authentic. You have mom-and-pop, family owned businesses that are very committed to Pico.” The Pico Improvement Organization will hold its Pico Holiday Walk event on

Saturday, Nov. 29, to coincide with Small Business Saturday events across the nation. Kevin Bradley moved from Tennessee to open up his print store Church of Type in April. The shop uses 300-year-old technology to produce new posters with a historically retro look. “There are still a certain amount of people who appreciate beautiful, handmade things made by craftsmen instead of computers. I think there are some sweet little gems here to find,” he said. While Bradley and Ball are enthusiastic about the area’s growing popularity, both say they want east Pico to keep its neighborhood feel. “I hope it won’t become too up-andcoming because I don’t want it to get too gentrified,” said Ball. “I want it to have that rough and tumble look. Pico Boulevard is sort of the other side of the tracks and there’s a part of that I enjoy.”

Pico Boulevard

‘Tis the Season 2013

Walk this way From the ocean to the city limits, Pico is worth the trip f the Third Street Promenade is the physical heart of Santa Monica, and the Pacific Ocean its soul, then perhaps Pico Boulevard is its spine. It is one of the only streets that run east to west from one end of the city to the other, from Centinela to the ocean. And that’s just one of the reasons residents and business owners say Pico is special.

“You can find everything on Pico Boulevard. Car repair, restaurants, banks — anything you want you can find,” said Fernando Rodriguez, who runs Gilbert’s Restaurant, a family-owned business on Pico for 40 years. “It’s really mostly businesses, small businesses. Pico is a main street.” In fact, if you stroll Pico from the ocean all the way to the city’s eastern edge, you’ll find a little bit of everything. “It offers some of the main businesses that everyone uses, like Trader Joe’s,” said Albin Gielicz, a newly-appointed Recreation and Parks commissioner. “And at the other end you have some of our nice luxury hotels like Casa del Mar and Shutters.” Just a short walk from those ocean view hotels are local favorites like Bay Shore Lanes, Santa Monica’s only bowling alley; and Vidiots, a video store with a reputation as unique as its name. That same pocket of Pico, between the ocean and Fourth Street, also boasts several restaurants like El Texate and Raw Star Café. Michael Marcial, whose family has owned El Texate for 20 years, said Pico has always been more than a busy boulevard. “Pico is like a neighborhood, a public

gathering place. We get a lot of our neighbors who come and eat throughout the day. We get a few tourists because of the nearby hotels, but it’s our neighbors who keep us going.” Bryan Au (pronounced “Oh”) owns Raw Star Café, an organic food restaurant he opened less than a year ago across from the Civic Auditorium. Au welcomes the flood of new customers the Expo Light Rail Line may bring, but said business is already great. “We’re three blocks from the beach. It’s a world-class location.” Though the Expo Line is still two years away, Pico is well-served by the Big Blue Bus. And just a short bus trip to the east is Santa Monica College, where new and old businesses serve students and one of the city’s largest employers. Newer restaurants like Grey Block Pizza offer special deals to students, while long-time favorites like Gilbert’s cater to neighbors and newbies alike. “Pico is amazing because there are little gems along the length of it,” said Jennifer Taylor, who works for the city as an economic development administrator. She said one of those mid-Pico gems is Virginia Avenue Park, which hosts a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and will be home to Santa Monica’s newest library when it’s completed next March.

Local favorites like The Lazy Daisy Café and The Daily Pint are just across the street. “Virginia Avenue Park is like a town square for Pico,” she said. Taylor added that Pico is attractive to businesses because rents aren’t as high as in some other parts of the city. That allows Pico businesses to pass on the savings to customers. Rodriguez, who runs Gilbert’s, said other parts of Santa Monica may be too high-end or expensive, but not Pico.

“Here, we’re relatively inexpensive, moderately priced, and people love that.” Pico does have its share of pricier places, like Valentino’s, Josie’s and Upper West, at its eastern edge, but business owners like Rodriguez said Pico has always been more than about price. “It’s family. Connections,” said Rodriguez. “Not just my family but with residents, the neighbors, the businesses, people coming from all over. It’s amazing. We’re blessed.”

Main Street

‘Tis the Season 2013

Holiday parties

Time of the season Dive into the holidays on Main Street mbrace the holiday spirit Dec. 7 on Main Street, the street that keeps the holidays fresh and fun as we celebrate the sentiments of the season.

Candlelight walk At approximately 6:30 p.m., a candlelight walk led by Santa to the Shopping Cart Tree at the Edgemar Courtyard with music by the Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers.

Holiday parties Participating Main Street Merchants invite you to evening holiday parties, featuring music and refreshments. Parties take place Dec. 7, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers

Santa Claus will be at the California Heritage Museum lawn, 2612 Main St., at 5:15 p.m. to take photos with kids. Photos are free; please remember to bring your own camera. Santa will also be available for photos at the Edgemar Courtyard after 6:30 p.m.

Offbeat but on tempo, the Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers are back for another holiday jam session. The vocals talents of Catherine Allison, Rory Johnston, Marianne Lewis, Kathy Leonardo, Jon Preston and Suzy Williams will join you in celebration at the Edgemar Courtyard and join the Green Brooms Music Academy and Samohi Choir in caroling at the parties after the tree lightings. Also appearing at Edgemar, Th3 Trip!

Tree lighting

Sidewalk sale

Tree Lighting with holiday songs by the Samohi Choir and the Green Brooms Music Academy, 6 p.m. on the museum lawn.

Dec. 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., join participating merchants for this year’s Main Street sidewalk sale. Remember, it’s going all weekend, so don’t be afraid to take your time and check it twice. Visit www.mainstreetsm.com for more information.

Main Street INSTAGRAM Promotion HOLIDAY 2013 Maybe you’ll win what’s on your wish list This year, snap a picture of any item that catches your eye on Main Street, post it on Instagram with the hashtags #MYMAINGIFT and #MAINSTREETSM, and if your selection is under $100, you’ll be instantly entered to win! What’s on your gift list? Make sure you follow @MainStreetSM on Instagram for some inspiration and unique holiday gift ideas! For contest rules and a list of unique gifts, visit Mainstreetsm.com/holiday-13

‘Tis the Season to Recycle We Accept boxes • wrapping paper holiday lights • tree stands most holiday decorations • glass

Santa Monica Recycling Center 2411 Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica

(310) 453-9677

MICHIGAN 24TH

Photos with Santa

Accents Jewelry (2900 Main St.) Agabhumi (2665 Main St.) Alchemie Spa (2021 Main St.) Ambiance Salon (2525 Main St.) Areal (2820 Main St.) Arts & Letters (2665 Main St.) barcopa (2810 Main St.) Betsy & Tracy (2665 Main St.) Bike Attack (2400 Main St.) Blue Sparrow (2808 Main St.) bombSHELL (2431 Main St.) Books and Cookies (2230 Main St.) Buffalo Exchange (2449 Main St.) Bumble Bee (2651 Main St.) Casmaine (2914 Main St.) Clouds (2719 Main St.) Compliments Fashion (2804 Main St.) CP Shades (2937 Main St.) Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (2427 Main St.) Fedora Primo (216 Pier Ave.) Finn McCool’s (2700 Main St.) Free People (2925 Main St.) Fringe of Beverly Hills (2717 Main St.) gioia (2721 Main St.) GOGA (2710 Main St.) haleARTS (2443 Main St.) Kiki Designs (2724 Main St.) Lash Girl (2507 Main St.) Lula (2720 Main St.) MAX Studio (2712 Main St.) Miakel Bishay Salon (2919 Main St.) Mindfulnest (2711 Main St.) Moxie Beads (2200 Main St.) Pebbles (2400 Main St.) Plantation (2736 Main St.) RAWvolution (2301 Main St.) Rita’s of Santa Monica (2307 Main St.) Stansbury Collection (2816 Main St.) Sunny Blue (2728 Main St.) Ten Women (2651 Main St.) The Closet (2708 Main St.) Trendy Sunglasses (2716 Main St.) Uroborus (2407 Main St.) Varga (2714 Main St.)

CLOVERFIELD

Open on the California Heritage Museum lawn for a traditional tree lighting with all the holiday trimmings: Santa’s available for free photos at 5:15pm, which can be snapped before the yuletide carols with the Green Brooms Music Academy and the Santa Monica High School Choir beginning at 6 p.m. (Remember to bring your own camera!) At 6:30 p.m., old-fashioned-tree-lighting meets unique, iconic tree when Santa leads a candlelight walk to the Edgemar Courtyard to light Santa Monica’s own home grown Shopping Cart Tree, created and built each year by Anthony Schmitt.. This time around the Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers will be keeping spirits bright with their upbeat, vocal focused take on holiday music. But the night’s just getting started. After the trees are lit, feel free to meander up and down Main Street, where over 40 shops are opening their doors and offering music and refreshments in holiday party fashion. Come back the next day for a sidewalk sale, where Main Street merchants are selling their wares open air.

The following merchants will hold holiday parties on Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. 9 p.m. Please check www.mainstreetsm.com for any changes or updates to this list.

X DELAWARE AVE.

10 WEST

Main Street

‘Tis the Season 2013

Pause for refreshments Take the time to sample some of Main Street’s many offerings for dinner and drinks t this time of year, stopping to take quality time with friends and family can get lost in the seasonal rush. That doesn’t have to happen on Main Street, where whatever your tastes, there’s a table for you. Settle back in a booth at a homey café, go green at a vegetarian restaurant, or take a night off for drinks with friends at Main Street’s exciting bar scene. Whatever you feel like eating and whoever you want to share it with, Main Street has what you’re hungry for.

Holy Guacamole

2906 Main St., (310) 314-4850 Billing itself as having tacos from heaven and hot sauce from hell, this hip diner features Mexican food that’s far from holier than thou. Tacos are the restaurant’s specialty, prepared almost any way you want them without sacrificing authentic appeal, but don’t be afraid to slip over to the burrito menu for a quick bite. It might not be quite a spiritual experience, but it’s as close to heaven as you can get on a corn tortilla.

Sunny Blue

2728 Main St., (310) 399-9030 When you’re in a hurry but want something from across the wide Pacific, give Sunny Blue a shot. The casual diner is Southern California’s only supplier of omusubi — traditional Japanese rice balls. The tasty eastern treats come with a variety of fillings, including beef, tuna, oyster and veggies, wrapped with or without seaweed. For an extra kick, toss in a spicy house sauce; if you need to cool down, add a homemade frozen yogurt to your order, and you’re all set.

Chinois on Main

2709 Main St., (310) 392-9025 Chinois on Main is one of Wolfgang Puck’s premier Asian fusion experiments. Since 1983, the restaurant has been creating a combination of Asian and California cuisine, crafted with French culinary know-how and served in a unique and tasteful environment. If the mood takes you, relax and scan the international wine list before ordering Whole Sizzling Catfish, Shanghai Lobster or an expansive Chinois Chicken Salad.

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub

2702 Main St. One look at the name and you know what you’re in for. With an interior that was

carried over from Ireland one piece at a time by bar owner Geraldine Gililand in honor of her late step-father’s pub, this is a little piece of the Emerald Isle on Main Street. Grab something from the enormous whiskey selection, order a serving of world famous Irish potato skins, and enjoy the live traditional and contemporary Irish music that plays throughout the week.

Novel Café

2507 Main St., (310) 396-7700 Sometimes, you just want a sandwich. The Novel Café fires off quick and easy, no nonsense cuisine: just tasty burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. If you want something a little more exotic, try some pasta, quesadillas or wraps. And if you want something breakfast-y, it’s served all day. Just like a good book, once you pick up something off the menu, you won’t want to stop until you’ve finished the whole thing.

Euphoria Loves RAWvolution

2301 Main St., (310) 392-9501 One of the world’s best known raw food cafés, this restaurant prepares all its meals without traditional cooking methods, preserving healthy enzymes and flavor all at once. It’s a favorite among Santa Monica’s health-minded residents.

M Street Kitchen

2000 Main St., (310) 396-9145 With its exciting menu of contemporary American cuisine, there’s definitely something for everyone at the M Street Kitchen. Breakfast is served until midafternoon if you’re in the mood for eggs, omelets or homemade English muffins, but don’t let that distract you from the lunch offerings of char-broiled burgers and tacos, or the organic dinner plates with salmon, chicken and filet mignon. And if you don’t order something from the bakery, you’re missing out. Grab a freshly baked cake, pie or pastry to take home.

Library Alehouse

Happy hour deals AREAL 2820 Main St., (310) 392-1661 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. every day, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. $4 Beer, $6 Wines, half price pizzas. BARCOPA 2810 Main St., (310) 452-2445 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. Thurs. - Sat. $2 off all drinks, $7 on all signature Tiki Cocktails. BASEMENT TAVERN 2640 Main St., (310) 396-2469 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Mon. - Sat., 5 p.m. 1:30 a.m. Sun. $5 well drinks, $2 off beers, $5 house red and white wines, half off appetizer menu. BRICK + MORTAR 2435 Main St., (310) 450-3434 Noon - 7 p.m., Mon. - Fri. $2 off draft beer, $5 red and white house wines, $5 well drinks, $7 top shelf cocktails, discounts on specialty pizzas, chicken pate and cheese board. Weekend happy hour 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., food only. THE CIRCLE BAR 2926 Main St., (310) 450-0508 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Friday Half off select drinks. ENTERPRISE FISH COMPANY 174 Kinney St., (310) 392-8366 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Sat., 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sun., Specials on draught, bottled and microbrewery beer, $4 wine, well drinks and cocktails, $5 specialty cocktails, appetizer specials. Late night happy hour 9 p.m. - 11 p.m., Fri. - Sat. FINN McCOOL’S IRISH PUB 2702 Main St., (310) 452-1734 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat. - Sun. $3 bottled beer, $4 draft beer, well drinks, wine and select appetizers. Late night happy hour 9 p.m. - closing, Sun. Wed.

THE GALLEY 2442 Main St., (310) 452-1934 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Sun. $4.50 beer, $5 well drinks, $6 house chardonnay and cabernet, half off select menu items. LA VECCHIA 2654 Main St. (310) 399-7979 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Sat. $4 beer, $5 house wines and well drinks, $7 well martinis, specials on pizza, calamari, pasta, salads and appetizers, daily drink specials. Bar only. LIBRARY ALEHOUSE 2911 Main St., (310) 314-4855 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Discounted food and draft beer menu. LULA COCINA MEXICANA 2720 Main St., (310) 392-5711 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Fri., 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. - Sun. Discounted margaritas, draft beer, sangria, house wines, select menu items and appetizers. M STREET KITCHEN 2000 Main St., (310) 396-9145 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Daily $3 draft beer and sangria, $5 wine, discounts on select snacks, sushi rolls and burgers. O’BRIENS PUB 2941 Main. St., (310) 396-4725 Noon - 7 p.m. Daily $5 premium drafts, $4 Bud Light, wine and well drinks, $4 imported bottles, $3.50 domestic bottles, appetizer specials. RICK’S TAVERN 2907 Main St., (310) 392-2772 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Fri. $4 all draft beer and well drinks, special happy hour menu. Late night happy hour 10 p.m. - midnight Wed. 31 TEN LOUNGE 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thurs. - Sat. Half off select drinks, happy hour menu. (Happy Hour specials subject to change)

Main Street

‘Tis the Season 2013

Shop the season A bevy of boutiques makes Main Street an ideal spot for holiday cheer and gift shopping! hether you’re an organized shopper who gets your holiday gifts ahead of time or a last minute shopper who, well, waits until the last minute, the shops and boutiques on Main Street have presents for everyone on your list. Come explore the street on Dec. 7 and have fun shopping for all the gifts you need for this holiday season.

Casmaine 2914 Main St. (310) 928-3227

Blue Sparrow 2808 Main St. (310) 450-6425

Who says just diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Casmaine has it all, from clothing and jewelry to purses and home décor. Look for the latest in fashions, whether they’re from far flung Denmark or right here in Los Angeles.

Clothing boutique Blue Sparrow has merchandise that matches its interior design: contemporary chic with a hint of vintage feel, so you can lean gently on the classics while leaving yourself room for inspiration. The next time you feel like inspiring your inner bohemian, swing by and try something on. You won’t be disappointed.

Puzzle Zoo 2910 Main St. (310) 396-4331 Toys? Yes! A cozy little spot, this is a perfect place to grab something for the gadget enthusiast, the collectable expert, or your quirky cousin. Stop in and pick up the latest in toys, games and memorabilia, or get a gift card so they can select something for themselves the next time they shop Puzzle Zoo.

gioia 2721 Main St. (310) 392-3378 gioia carries clothes and accessories for women who want to stand out with just a hint of the exotic. The merchandise at this boutique has a worldly quality that you won’t find at just any store, and fits for every walk of life; recommended for the intrepid and imaginative.

Puzzle Zoo Mindfulnest 2711 Main St. (310) 452-5409 Meditate upon what you bring into your home. Mindfulnest offers art, sculpture, jewelry and accessories for a home that wants that earthy, comfortable feel. Each piece of home décor is designed by one of almost a hundred North American artists. Perfect for finding gifts for the urban philosopher in your life.

Agabhumi 2665 Main St. (310) 396-2422 What it means is “ancient firmament”; what it provides is a piece of the far off East. Agabhumi is “the best of Bali”: jewelry, apparel, belts, bags and more, all with a Southeast Asian flavor. Select something for the world traveler, seasoned or hopeful.

Arts & Letters 2665 Main St. (310) 392-9076 Sometimes an e-mail won’t cut it; you want something on paper. Arts & Letters is Main Street’s stationary store, with selections of

invitations, greeting cards, photo albums, pens and gift wrap. Pick up something for yourself to mail out for the holidays or buy a journal for the scholar in your life. Either way, it’ll be something to write about.

Uroborus 2407 Main St. (310) 581-9399 Quirky can be a beautiful word. At Uroborus, sophisticated meets casual in European style harmony, often crafted by local artists and designers. These are women’s clothes, accessories and jewelry with their own identity, original with a hint of edge. Just the right fit for someone on your shopping list who isn’t afraid of a little flair.

Moxie Beads 2200 Main St. (310) 452-1999 Moxie Beads is more than beads, although it’s been supplying the Westside with just that since 2002. This is also your stop for unique, handcrafted glass, semiprecious stones, metalworking and silver for accessories, jewelry repair and classes. Perfect for the craft enthusiast on your list.

Main Street

‘Tis the Season 2013

New kids on the block Start a tradition with some of the newest shops on Main Street hat’s the holiday without family? Main Street is always welcoming new shops, stores and restaurants to the neighborhood. The next time you’re strolling the street, why not check out some of the newest members of the Main Street family. The more the merrier.

Bombshell Salon

Circuit Works L.A.

Kiki Designs

Episode

2431 Main St. (310) 450-0440 www.bombshellsantamonica.com

2005 Main St. (310) 664-1017 www.circuitworksla.com

2744 Main St. (310) 581-7940 www.kikidesignsla.com

2823 Main St. (310) 399-2221 www.episodeurbankids.com

The goal of this salon is the total package: complete relaxation for body and mind. Obviously, this starts with the hair. The service is perfect for pampering, and the environment is casually contemporary. Sparkling and flat water, coffee and tea are on tap, and popcorn and snacks are ready for you while you wait for your hair’s moment to shine. And most important of all, parking validation. Stop by and give yourself, and your follicles, a well deserved treat.

Personal training should be personal. Circuit Works is all about making your workout fit you, with a variety of levels from beginner to advanced, and a regime of routines so your body and mind never have to be bored. Guided by a team of trainers with experience in everything fitness — from the military to exercise science — so you know it works, and works well. They’re on station to get you into shape while helping you beat the “routine” in workout routine.

A fresh transplant from Venice, Kiki Designs is the jewelry spot for the beach goddess. Necklaces, bracelets and more, all crafted naturalistically from semiprecious stones, so you can be sure your purchase won’t be quite like anyone else’s. It’s all part of the boutique’s “aloha” mentality: beauty, jewelry and nature in perfect seaside harmony.

It’s says Episode Urban Kids, but it’s about family fashion. This is your one stop shop for clothing, accessories and tableware, and the space was designed with the whole family in mind, so don’t be afraid to bring the kids. Time shouldn’t have to fly, if only for a moment, when the family’s having fun.

City of Santa Monica 25

‘Tis the Season 2013

Fresh for the season Santa Monica’s Farmers’ Markets give you plenty of options for the holidays o matter what season, the Santa Monica Farmers’ Markets have something for you. From tasty oils to cheeses and dried fruits, Southern California’s finest certified organic Farmers’ markets are not short on flavor for the holidays. Whether Downtown on Wednesday and Saturday, Pico on Saturday or Main Street on Sunday, all of our local markets are ready to make your holiday feasts memorable.

Here’s a list of just some of the great things in season:

Cheeses Spring Hill Jersey (S, P, M) - Jersey Cow cheese, cheese curds, butter Drake Family Farms (M) - Various goat cheese Cheve and aged goat cheeses Jams, Jellies & Honey Behneman Family Farms (M) – Pumpkin butter, chili sauce and jams Bills Bees (S) – Honey, honey sticks, bees wax candles Energy Bee (W,M) - Honey, honey sticks, bee pollen Flora Bella Farms (W, S) - Blenheim apricot and Santa Rosa Plum jams Gean Farms (W, S, M) – Berry preserves, salsa, pickled beans Ha’s Apples (W, S, P) – Apple butter & various jams Honey Pacifica (P,M) - Honey, honey sticks, bees wax and candles Jimenez Family Farm (W, S, M) Nuts & Dried Fruit Avila & Sons (P, M) – Dried fruit & nuts especially packaged for holiday shipping Fat Uncle Farms – (M) Blistered almonds, nut butters and marzipan Peacock Farm (W) – Walnuts Betty Kennedy (W, S, M) – Dried cherries, nuts and other dried fruits

Bautista Dates (W, S, M) – Dried dates Stackhouse (W, S) – Almonds and flavored almonds Santa Barbara Pistachio (W, S) – Various flavored pistachio and pistachio butter gift boxes Cal Pecan (W) – Pecans Jim Russell (W) - Macadamia nuts Oils Adams Olives (W, S, P) – Olive oil and cured olives Arria Brasseur (M) – Lavender oils Buon Gusto (M) – Cold pressed olive oils Rancho La Vina (W) – Walnut oil and walnuts Plants, wreathes, Christmas trees Sugar Bush – (W, S, M) Protea wreathes The Living Christmas Tree Company (M) - Potted live Christmas trees (for rent) Casa Blanca (W) - Poinsettias It Began in the Garden (W, S) – Potted plants and herbs Cosgrove Cymbidium (W) – Orchids and succulents Aroma Orchids (S, M) - Orchids Other Peter Schaner (W) – Vinegar

Fruits Frog Hollow Farm (W) – Various gift boxes of fresh or dried fruit and nuts Friends Ranches (W) – Fresh seasonal tangerines and raw Ojai honey Baked Goodies and Confections Valerie Confections (S) - Holiday fruitcakes & seasonal confections Marcie’s Pies (M) – Various pies, quiche and jams Bezian Bakery (W) – Various sourdough breads (sweet potato during Thanksgiving week only) Gifts Santa Monica Farmers Markets Market Gift Certificate Booklets, $20, $40, call (310) 458-8712 ext. 5 or e-mail farmersmarket@smgov.net to order.

About the Santa Monica Farmers’ Markets For more info on the SMFM and their vendors, visit smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket.

Locations Wednesday, Downtown (W) Arizona Avenue (Between Fourth & Ocean)

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Downtown (S) Closed Nov. 24, 2012 Arizona Avenue (Between Fourth and Second streets)

8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Pico (P) 2200 Virginia Ave. (Pico and Cloverfield boulevards)

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday, Main Street (M) 2640 Main St. (In Heritage Square)

9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

‘Tis the Season

ENTERTAINING FROM PAGE 14

John Kelly Chocolates Be it a last-minute gift or end of the meal treat, this chocolate shop satisfies. The store highlights its signature truffle fudge, a creamy, intense confection with a silky smooth center. The company produces 17 unique flavors. Chocolate Collections are also available for delicious gifting. Address: 1111 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 899-0900; Website: www.johnkellychocolates.com.

Marmalade Cafe Ever wished your food could taste as good as Marmalade’s? Never fear — the delectable café is one of several restaurants on Montana Avenue that offers catering just in time to save the weary holiday

SMALL BIZ FROM PAGE 15 the city by the sea, said Jennifer Taylor, economic development administrator with City Hall. “It really resonates with residents and businesses,” Taylor said. “It’s a nice day of appreciation to celebrate small local businesses and small mom and pops, of which we have a lot. It makes people think local first and, more importantly, think

BOUTIQUES FROM PAGE 16

Palmetto Santa Monica is almost synonymous with “green” living, and Palmetto led the charge. Established in 1980, the natural beauty apothecary specializes in chemicalfree personal care products. Those looking for gifts can also find candles, fair-trade accessories and vintage items. Address: 1034 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 395-6687.

Pure Sense by Paula Many stores will sell you wonderful smelling perfumes, but how many let you craft your own? Paula Naples secured essential oils and natural fragrances sans irritating alcohol and mineral oils so that

WALK FROM PAGE 14 Those sales are a relatively new feature of the walk which has a decadeslong history on the street, Walker said, and the idea is to extend a warm “thank you” to the customers that support the businesses of their friends and neighbors. “This is all about giving back to the local community and that’s why we started having those specials,” Walker said.

‘Tis the Season 2013

cook. This staple establishment does work for the likes of Boeing, Mattel and Warner Brothers Studios — your dinner will be a breeze. Address: 710 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 829-0093; Website: www.marmaladecafe.com.

Nothing Bundt Cakes There’s little better than the look on a guest’s face when you slice into a beautiful, moist cake at the end of a satisfying meal. Nothing Bundt Cakes on Montana Avenue serves up 10 flavors and 40 designs that please a crowd and keep you out of the kitchen. And if you claim it’s yours, who’s to know? Address: 927 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 395-8037; Website: www.nothingbundtcakes.com. loved ones. Address: 931 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 393-3236; Website: www.rostituscankitchen.com.

If you want to make it seem like you have an Italian grandmother stashed away

in your kitchen, look no further than Rosti. Your guests will savor the flavors of Tuscany with any of their catering packages which offer a tasty, cost effective way for you to maximize your time with

small.” Over 630 businesses responsible for 51,000 jobs — Santa Monica residents hold 3,518 of those — participate in the Buy Local campaign. Online surveys of Santa Monicans indicate that support for the effort has much to do with a desire to help community members and improve the quality of life for Santa Monicans. “They believe in reinvesting money back into the community and local businesses because they tend to be more involved,” she said.

Small businesses are often cheered as the engine of the American economy, and certainly they play a huge role in California. According to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, businesses with fewer than 500 employees account for 99.2 percent of all employers in the Golden State and hire 50.4 percent of the private-sector labor force. Although that sounds like a wide range of employment, roughly 80 percent of businesses have no employees, and most

have fewer than 20, according to the Small Business Administration. Small business owners still feel the impact of the Great Recession, and government data shows they shed jobs between 2007 and 2010. Events like this one serve as a way to encourage spending in a critical season, and remind people that most of what they want is close to home, said McCoy. “This is all about buying local,” McCoy said. “We need to have support of local neighbors during the holiday season.”

clients can find — or create — a scent that’s perfect for them. Then, ask the staff to add it to one of their other products for a customized line just for you. Gift baskets available. Address: 729 Montana Ave.; Phone: (818) 760-0226; Website: www.puresensebypaula.com.

Skin Laundry

Rosti Tuscan Kitchen

If you treat your clothes to special cleanings, why wouldn’t you do the same for your face? Skin Laundry specializes in laser and light facials that “dry clean your skin,” tightening, toning and improving your complexion. Address: 1230 Montana Ave., Suite 101; Phone: (310) 319-9400; Website: www.skinlaundry.com.

To Wag For

TEXTURE the sweater store

Weathervane for Men

Santa Monica may have a mild climate, but this store proves that sweaters are an all-weather fashion accessory. With items ranging from $50 to $1500, and a host of other options besides, TEXTURE stocks unique, beautiful clothing perfect for the holiday season. Address: 716 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 393-0707.

For the men on your list, think Weathervane for Men. This boutique clothing store offers quality, distinctive items that put a sophisticated spin on casual dress. Names like Alberto, Gardeur and Jack Victor are available, as well as accessories and unusual gifts. Address: 1132 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 395-0397.

Sure, your special someone needs a holiday gift too, but what if they have four legs? To Wag For provides not only clothing for pets, but grooming. Address: 1123 Montana Ave.; Phone: (310) 656-9663; Website: www.towagfor.com.

Ruti For a taste of the exotic, try Ruti, a boutique that sells clothing from Tel Avivbased designers. Stylist Ruti Zisser despaired of finding her favorite Israeli designers in the United States. Rather than go without, she decided to make them local. Address: 1406 Montana Ave.; Phone: (424) 272-9232; Website: www.rutiboutique.com.

It links beautifully with the wider Buy Local campaign, a big emphasis of the business district that encourages Santa Monicans to spend their hard-earned scratch at businesses that reinvest in local institutions like the schools, which benefit from sales tax revenues collected within Santa Monica’s borders. However, the real beauty of the night lies not in the shopping, but in the effort to bring the Santa Monica community together for a fun, family-friendly evening that kicks off the holiday season in style.

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season 2013

Happy Holidays Holiday event calendar Nov. 1 - Jan. 20 ICE at Santa Monica Fifth Street at Arizona Avenue Downtown’s ice skating rink is a popular spot during the holidays. The grand opening takes place Nov. 7 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Nov. 22 - Christmas Eve Holiday Photos with Santa Claus Santa Monica Place, Center Plaza Get a picture taken with the big fella. Visit santamonicaplace.com/Santa_20 13 for hours of operation.

Nov. 27 - Dec. 5 Menorah Lightings Third Street Promenade at Arizona Avenue Celebrate Chanukah with menorah lightings each day at sundown.

from the Visit us online at

1640 5th Street, Suite 218 | Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 458-PRESS (7737)

Nov. 29 Pico Boulevard Holiday Walk Noon - 9 p.m.

Dec. 7 Main Street Holiday Event 5 p.m.

The fifth annual Pico Boulevard Holiday Walk will reflect holiday spirit in the form of entertainment, art, and, most importantly, food. The five-block stretch between 27th Street and Centinela Avenue will be transformed into a holiday getaway. For more information, visit picopassport.com.

Join Main Street’s merchants for their annual holiday extravaganza that begins at the California Heritage Museum. There will be pictures with Santa, two tree lightings and plenty of parties at a number of stores in this popular shopping district. For more information, visit www.mainstreetsm.com.

Dec. 4 Chanukah Celebration Santa Monica Place 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. L3 Event Space on Level 3 at Santa Monica Place will host this special event for Chanukah. For more information, visit santamonicaplace.com.

Dec. 6 Montana Avenue Holiday Walk 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Storeowners in one of Santa Monica’s most unique shopping districts are wrapping presents, striking up the bands and sending invites to the big man himself — Santa Claus — to make this year’s walk the most fun and festive yet. For more information, visit montanaave.com.

Dec. 7 Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run 7 a.m. 5K/10K run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. For more information, visit www.christmasrun.com

Dec. 12 Holiday Community Celebration Third Street Promenade and Wilshire Boulevard 7 p.m. A holiday tree will shine brightly this year with a holiday ceremony. Santa will arrive in

time to help light the tree and local students from Green Brooms Music Academy will provide musical entertainment.

Dec. 13-15 GIFTED: Holiday Craft Market on the Pier Santa Monica Pier 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Arts and crafts market on the Santa Monica Pier for holiday shoppers. For more information, call (310) 458-8901 or visit www.santamonicapier.org.

Dec. 21 National Children’s Chorus: Jubilate The Broad Stage 7 p.m. Back by popular demand, the impeccable National Children’s Chorus returns for its fifth year residence. Experience the city’s most pristine voices as these young talents sing festive holiday selections accompanied by harp in Jubilate. For more information, visit thebroadstage.com.

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season 2013