Santa Monica Observer - Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Thirty years ago, I led an animal shelter in Topeka, Kansas and we were often called upon to assist when authorities raided illegal and inhumane puppy mills. These neglected, ill animals needed safe...

Courts & Rulings Ninth Circuit overturns drug conviction because search for weapon surpassed frisking Police conducting a "stop-and-frisk" can pat someone down for guns or other weapons if they...

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a trip for the whole family, Carlsbad is a beautiful place to get away and relax. Located in North County San Diego and less than a two-hour drive...

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica announces plans to "dance forward" with an intimate new workshop performance slated for May 15 & 16. This private offering for friends and family of the local...

Ask Rusty – When Is the Best Time to Claim Social Security? Dear Rusty: I will be 64 in May of this year, and I'd like to know the best time to claim Social Security. Signed: Anxious to Retire Dear...

With summer and warmer temperatures around the corner, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) reminds all pet owners to prepare for wildfire season. Preparing in advance...

Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) hosted its first public activity on the newly constructed Mountain Bike Skills Course at the City of Irvine's Portola Staging Area on Sunday, April 25. The new Mountain...

Ask Rusty – My Social Security Card Is Incorrect – What Should I Do? Dear Rusty: My sister and I have the same first and last names but are distinguished by our "middle" names. Our last name consi...

2020 was a year like no other, especially for young people who are a part of the child welfare system in California. For many, being in quarantine was a time to pick up new hobbies, finish the series...

Have you ever stumbled onto a prisoner website? Well, I'm about to reveal the hottest, most fun way for prisoners and pen pals to connect. There's tons of prisoner pen pal sites out there. One is...

Ask Rusty – Will Taking 401K Distributions Affect My Social Security Benefit? Dear Rusty: I'm 63 and retired from work, but not drawing Social Security. I have accumulated just over $300,000 in my r...

Ask Rusty – Can I Claim My SS Now and Switch to Spouse Benefits Later? Dear Rusty: I am 62 and have been a homemaker for much of my adult life. I have a small Social Security account from working...

Have you ever wished that you could be recruited by the Men in Black? This story is about a guy who actually was. One day in 2001, Mansour Jabbaar (M.J.) George was strolling through the Topanga...

It's true. Women's prisons like this are full of old ladies. Evil old ugly ladies. Not your sweet grandma. While reading this, you must suspend your typical idea of an average old lady out there,...

In my March blog, I discussed findings from the February 2021 Modern Pet Parent Report that highlighted the importance pets have played during the pandemic. This report also discussed pet owners' conc...

Ask Rusty – When Can I Get Benefits from My Ex-spouse? Dear Rusty: I know that I am able to get Social Security from my ex-husband. We were married for 16 years and I have not remarried. I will be...

Ask Rusty – Will My Widow's Benefit Replace My Own SS? Dear Rusty: My husband is 76, retired for 4 years, and receiving Social Security. I am only 59 and still working. We are both in good health...

Since the broadcast of the Oprah interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, speculations have abounded as to the identity of the senior royal family member who allegedly had expressed concerns abo...

I'm Amber. I'm the prisoner. You're the Crowd. I need you! I need you to make room in your heart and your budget for me. I'm talking to those who do HAVE it to give!! Yes, you. No, you don't owe me....

As the world slowly starts to open and we all look at ways to stretch our legs, see friends or family we haven't seen in a year how will we travel different?  The reality of travel and the ability t...

Cats have shared campfires with humans for the last 10,000 years. At one time it was thought that ancient Egyptian priests domesticated the house cat from African wildcats. But when archaeologists...

Like most females in Los Angeles - I had forgotten how to put makeup on and was feeling rather pleased that my weekly laundry was now monthly, and consisted of dark colored sweat pants! So when fellow...

I'm sitting in my cell, in a black chair. Curtains closed, fan on low, no lights. It's a hot day. Other than the fan, no noises. We're on 'quarantine'. Which means just another lockdown! We're on day...

I wanted to update you on my work. We were approached by the owner of American Credit Repair at 12237 Wilshire Blvd while i was working on a Covid-19 mural featured in the Observer. Mr. White told me...

WASHINGTON, DC, Apr 2 -- Today's seniors are stronger than ever. That's not wishful thinking, it's a fact with substantial proof. For one thing, the senior citizen segment of the U.S. workforce has...