Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
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Ask Rusty - When Should My Wife Claim Social Security Benefits? Dear Rusty: I turned 64 in July and my wife turned 62 in August. My wife has not worked for approximately 15 years but does qualify for Social Security on her prior work record. My wife is having some physical issues and would like to not return to work. Since she is eligible to collect Social Security, that would be an option to provide additional income, so she doesn't have to work. My question is how would it affect her future SS...
November 19, DALLAS – GasBuddy, the leading fuel savings platform saving North American drivers the most money on gas, today released the findings of its 2024 annual Thanksgiving Travel Survey, revealing that 72% of Americans plan to take a road trip over the holiday. This is a 75% increase from the 41% that planned to take a trip by car in 2023, amidst gasoline prices that have fallen to multi-year lows, including 29 states where average prices are currently below $3 per gallon. After s...
The magic of the holidays returns to The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage as Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents its 51st annual production of The Nutcracker from November 30 to December 8. This cherished holiday tradition, Southern California's longest-running Nutcracker, features more than 130 pre-professional student dancers bringing 236 stunning costumes to life, accompanied by the live Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra. Included are a remarkable 37 Santa Monica residents. Among the...
Bristol is the perfect place for a winter break – a place where everyone's welcome! Bristol transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with a kaleidoscope of activities that cater to everyone's festive spirit. Whether hunting for unique gifts, marveling at dazzling light displays, or diving into immersive experiences, this vibrant city has something for every holiday lover. Here's a closer look at how you can make the most of Christmas in Bristol this year. A Cracking Christma...
Ask Rusty -- Older Veteran Asks about Special Social Security Credit for Military Service Dear Rusty: I served in the U S Army from January 1958 to Feb 1961. What increase should I receive for those years and who do I call and at what phone number? Signed: Proud Veteran Dear Proud Veteran: First, thank you for your military service! I expect you are referring to the "special extra credits for military service" which are available to some who served in in the US Military in earlier years. It is...
Los Angeles, CA – August 27, 2024 – Pilates instructor and author Myra Valley has released her debut children's book, Flying Mats and Acrobats, an inspiring story for children ages 4 and up that combines action-packed adventures with lessons in kindness and the joy of movement. This origin story introduces readers to Evie and her friends, a group of young acrobats who, with the help of magical flying mats, take on exciting quests to help others and spread positivity. Evie leads this first story,...
Ask Rusty – Why Does the Government Raid Social Security? Dear Rusty: The Social Security program is funded by employees and their employers. The federal government does not contribute to the program, right? So why does the federal government feel they have the right to raid the fund? All the money sent to Ukraine and other unnecessary programs could have been used to pay back what they owe to Social Security. Signed: Disgruntled Senior Dear Disgruntled Senior: You are correct that the Social Se...
A comet, C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, is making its grand return to Earth's skies, marking the brightest comet visible since 2006. Starting October 12, you'll be able to catch it around twilight until the end of the month. Where to Watch It If you're on the West Coast, you've got a prime seat for this cosmic event. But there's one catch: light pollution. According to Bill Cooke from NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office, your best bet is to find the darkest possible location. In other words, "down...
Located on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Santa Monica, Shore Hotel will expand its culinary offerings with the anticipated opening of Shoreside, a modern lifestyle restaurant and bar opening this November. Soon-to-be Santa Monica's newest hotspot and "outdoor living room," the 76-seat restaurant will combine Southern California's charm with exceptional dining and breathtaking views just steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. "We are thrilled to introduce...
9/28/24: On National Dance Day, 36 ballerinas from Westside Ballet swapped pointe shoes for gloves and bags, dedicating their Saturday morning to environmental stewardship at Santa Monica's Coastal Cleanup Day. Joining forces with over a thousand volunteers, including divers from the Eco Dive Center, the dancers helped remove more than 400 pounds of trash from the shores, including unusual finds like electric scooters and even wedding dresses. Martine Harley, Westside Ballet's Artistic...
Surge! An Electrifying Luxury Gifting Lounge Experience by The Craig + Merritt + Ash Entertainment Group was on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Luxe Sunset Blvd Hotel, 11461 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles,90049 from 1-5 pm , with mini sound bath, aura photography, affirmation jewelry , and loungewear handpicked by esteemed brands, Caribbean music by DJ Alex, tasty Mimosas served from their brunch bar, surrounded by Emmy nominees, actors, producers, writers , and industry influencers. Later, from 6-8...
Ask Rusty - Will my Wife's Survivor Benefit Less if she Claimed Her Social Security Early? Dear Rusty: I claimed Social Security at 70. My wife claimed her own SS at 62, and her earnings were significantly lower than mine. I understand my wife will be eligible to claim my benefit if I pass before she does, but will Social Security reduce that benefit because she didn't wait until age 65 to claim hers? Signed: Concerned Husband Dear Concerned: Your wife's benefit as your surviving spouse will be...
Renowned filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Yi Zhou announces the release of her latest literary work, The Art of Triumph: Trauma, Sex, and Art, now available at Barnes & Noble. In this deeply personal book, Zhou explores the transformative power of trauma and love through the lens of contemporary art and culture. Her compelling narrative weaves together elements of vulnerability, healing, and creative expression, offering readers an intimate look into how pain and passion can fuel artistic...
Actress Erin Gavin seen celebrating her standing ovation at the Laemmle Theater in Santa Monica. The stunning Scottish import was in attendance for the theatrical release of her short movie 'Gaming For Love" which was a part of the 'Shorts By The Sea' event. The heart wrenching award winning short movie received a terrific unanimous audience reception. Talented Erin wrote, produced, directed and acted in the movie and also created the set design. Her recent hit record release 'Love For The...
Kitten season is still going strong and the shelters are incredibly full. We have primarily been rescuing cats and dogs from San Bernardino the past few months since we got our Intervention Program back up and running. The city shelter there is overflowing with animals - so much so that cats are now housed in an empty school and small dogs are kept in cat cages. We are doing our best to rescue as many animals as possible and find them loving homes. We rescued Eloise last week after receiving a...
Ask Rusty – Should my Husband File and then Suspend His Benefits? Dear Rusty: My financial advisor used a computer program which told my husband to take his SS at age 68, then suspend it after a few months. What I understood was if my husband started and then stopped taking distributions, he would earn delayed retirement credits and thus get more at age 70. I know waiting increases SS amounts, by 8% a year, but does purposely starting and then stopping SS increase distributions even more? Signed...
August 29, 2024 - Do you want your child to learn about his or her Jewish roots, to know what it means to be Jewish? Want him or to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but are ambivalent about joining a synagogue? Or maybe there are other issues that preclude a 'normal' religious school. On the other hand, you may simply be looking for a more creative and meaningful Jewish experience for your children. Then BAYIT is the place for you. The brain child of Masha Savitz, a veteran educator with 41 years' exp...
Solo artist Jake Stirn delivered last night at the Hotel Ziggy on Sunset Blvd. There has been a lot of buzz in the music industry about the young talented singer/songwriter/musician and last night hundreds of music lovers and fans got to see why. The hour long show was flawless and was a great mix of Jake's original songs from his critically acclaimed new EP 'Chicaglifornia' and a couple of classics! Stirn came out strong with the opening track off his new EP "Pennies on the dollar" which was...
On Friday evening , August 16th the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation Annual Gala 2024 was held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90210.` This was an exciting celebrity filled event, including the talented Rap singer Snoop Dogg, who opened up this fundraising gala with a DJ Set along with Cedric The Entertainer, and Glenn Turman The Lifetime Achievement Honorees included: Allen Iverson, Dominique Wilkins, Rickey Henderson and Lawrence Taylor The Humanitarian Honorees...
Sloomoo Institute, America's #1 slime museum, designed to bring the joy of multi-sensory play through hand-crafted, artisanal slime experiences, announces the company will open its fifth flagship location in the heart of Los Angeles. The new 13,000-square-foot venue brings the magic of slime and satisfying sensory fun to people of all ages in an over-the-top, interactive contemporary museum at 157 Fairfax Avenue. The permanent venue will officially open to the public on September 8, 2024. Ticket...
Imagine stepping into a space that feels like a time capsule of old Hollywood glamour, yet with a modern, laid-back California vibe. That's exactly what The Coco Club in Santa Monica offers---a rooftop retreat where the spirit of iconic Los Angeles destinations from the past mingles with the breathtaking views of today. As you ascend to The Coco Club, you're greeted by a panoramic vista that stretches from Venice Beach to the Malibu Coastline. Look straight out to the left and see the iconic...
As temperatures rise, many of us enjoy cooling off by the pool. If you're a pet owner, you may be tempted to bring your furry friends along for some fun in the sun. However, while pets and pools can mix, it's essential to prioritize their safety to prevent accidents and ensure everyone enjoys a worry-free day. Poolside pet safety involves more than just monitoring them while they swim-proper precautions are necessary before, during, and after pool time. 1. Understanding Your Pet's Swimming...
Ask Rusty – For Advice on When to Claim Social Security Dear Rusty: I could use some advice on whether or not I should start collecting my Social Security benefits now. I am 67 and 3 months old, and plan to continue working for at least for the next year or two. Signed: Seeking Answers Dear Seeking: Deciding when to claim Social Security is, indeed, an important decision, as it will affect you for the rest of your life. Mainly, deciding when to claim your SS retirement benefit should consider y...
You've visited Mexico and stayed at breathtaking beachside resorts, sipping the best margaritas made with the best Mexican Agave Tequila and eating all of the ceviche the ocean offers, but did you drink any wine? I mean authentic Mexican wine, a burgeoning industry just 90 miles south of San Diego and the Tijuana border. May I introduce you to El Cielo Resort & Winery in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's most celebrated wine region? This area produces 70-90% of Mexico's wine, often called the last...
Catalina Island is a place like no other. Consistently named one of the best island getaways by media outlets and digital influencers nationwide, Catalina Island, located just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, is a unique blend of laid-back vibe, rich and historic past, features water and land activities to suit any taste and modern-day amenities and services for every budget. The Island is constantly evolving to offer visitors the best experience, whether it's to relax and rejuvenate...