Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
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It's not every day that the Los Angeles County Director of Animal Care and Control gets to participate in a hands-on animal rescue! On Sunday, August 22, 2021 Director Marcia Mayeda and a friend were riding their horses at Mccoy's Equestrian Center in Chino Hills, California when they heard the plaintive cries of a kitten stuck in a tree. Passersby were trying to help the kitten, but nobody could reach her. Marcia's horse Murphy, a 17.2 hand high rare Shire draft horse, was just what was...
Ask Rusty – Will Paying Social Security Tax Now Increase My Benefits later? Dear Rusty: I started drawing my benefits at age 62 due to being laid off from my job at age 60. I have continued working part time and been paying Social Security and Medicare taxes ever since. I am now 66. I have been told that even though I continue to pay these taxes, it will not help increase my monthly social security benefit. Is that true? Signed: Working Beneficiary Dear Working Beneficiary: Paying into Social S...
Big Hearted Comedians Donate Their Time For Nurses Charity. The HOLLIBLU " A Dose Of Laughter Gala' was a star studded night at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the jokes just kept on coming! The gala was to celebrate HOLLIBLU, an App to support the nursing community which was created by trailblazer (and nurse) Cara Lunsford, who works tirelessly with her dedicated team to provide help to healthcare workers. The line up was stellar, host/comedian Christine Peake (also Produced the sho...
Ask Rusty – My Social Security Income Hurts When I File My Taxes Dear Rusty: I am getting hammered with taxes on my Social Security (SS). I am retired and draw a meager work pension and SS benefits. When my wife and I filed our joint tax return we owed the IRS a substantial amount of money - they took 85% of my SS in taxes. We are just barely over the minimal amount of income allowed for SS tax exemption. Is there anything I can do so I do not have to pay all this money at once at the end of t...
Ask Rusty – If I Apply Now, When Will I Get My First Social Security Payment? Dear Rusty: If I were to apply for my Social Security retirement (I'm 68 on August 1, 2021), when could I realistically expect to receive my first check? Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready: Social Security suggests applying for benefits 2 - 3 months before you wish them to begin, to allow time for processing your application. When you apply, you will specify the month you wish your benefits to start, and that is when y...
It's true. State Prison Guards now wear body mounted cameras. They keep on rolling while performing strip searches of prisoners. So, how do I know this? I was in the medical building. An officer was stripping an inmate behind a toilet area. And my nosey self went over to look, and the camera was mounted and rollng with the Iight on... Not to mention that the officers' policy states the cameras must stay ON AT ALL TIMES. With the only exception being when officers go to the bathroom. So, they do...
The Director of Veterinary Public Health for Los Angeles County issued an animal health alert to veterinarians in the area, informing them that they have noted a large increase in reported confirmed and suspected canine leptospirosis cases over the last few weeks. Most of the affected dogs either live in or had exposures in locations on the west side of the county or in the San Fernando Valley. Additionally, a number of dogs may have been exposed at a boarding facility in Santa Monica. Some...
Five local artists have been awarded grants from the Santa Monica Artist Fellowship program. Two artists were presented with $16,000 Artist Fellowships while three received $4,200 Project Fellowships. This year, the Santa Monica Arts Commission created the Kate Johnson Digital Arts Fellowship in honor of the beloved local filmmaker and digital media artist who passed in 2020. This new award supports artists in the electronic and/or digital disciplines. The 2021 Artist Fellows include...
Thursday Night, July 29, 2021 -- The LA Art show has been a staunch supporter of St Jude Children's Research Hospital, a leading hospital devoted to medical research and the treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. This year, the LA Art show donated 15% of all ticket proceeds to St Jude Children's Research Hospitals' lifesaving dedication and mission. Rita Ora, popular British singer, song writer and actress ( with four #1 UK singles), was a charming speaker and happy...
During these uncertain times we all need to find laughter. Do we wear masks? Do we not wear masks? Are we heading for lock down? Do we care? Do I need to stock up on sanitizer and toilet paper again? Another booster vaccine? Should I have avoided the vaccine? What's Happening? Myself and my talented three comedian friends, the boisterous Jessica Winther, the dark and hilarious Teri S. and abstract humorist supermodel Eugenia Kuzmina embarked upon a mini-tour of comedy shows in Chicago and...
Experience quintessential California living at this destination resort where rest and recreation go hand in hand! The Quail Lodge and Golf Club is a beautiful, luxury hotel in Carmel, California that’s affordable, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and full of leisurely activities for your entertainment and enjoyment. The distinctly modern Quail Lodge, located on the sunny side of Carmel, is secluded and serene on 850 panoramic and scenic acres. Looking out on the horizon towards the Santa Lucia M...
Recently, the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (DACC) released a COVID-19 Impact Report detailing the Department's response to the pandemic and resulting operational changes. With the guidance and support of national organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Best Friends Animal Society and UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, DACC implemented a community-based approach to keep pets in homes, reunite lost pets with their owners and...
Ask Rusty – Disability vs. Survivor Benefit Dear Rusty: I have a question regarding Social Security. I'm 54 and applying for disability. I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 19. My son, 16 years old, receives survivor benefits from my deceased ex-husband. We were married for 20 years. I was told by Social Security that my monthly payments, if they found me eligible for disability, would be $1418 a month. When would I be eligible to collect my ex-husband's Social Security benefit? He made c...
On Friday July 16, 2021 the Del Mar Race Track, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA, opened its doors to about 14,984 fans for its 82nd racing season. In past seasons, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club at Del Mar Racetrack had close to 40, 000 attendees on Opening Day, but due to Covid-19 protocols there was a restriction to allowing this type of crowding. Seating was available in the Grandstand, Clubhouse, Turf Club, Skyroom's Luxury and Celebrity suites and the five major restaurants on the...
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Family Benefits? Dear Rusty: I was born in 1956 and my wife in 1961. I've got 45 years of SSA earnings, and I will have income in 2021. We have 4 minor children, the youngest born in 2012. When is the best time for us to apply for benefits? Are we eligible for family benefits? My statement infers that we are. Signed: Older Dad Dear Older Dad: Born in 1956, your full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security purposes is 66 years and 4 months. If you claim your SS benefit...
The Central California Coast along the Pacific Ocean is a favorite for family road trips year after year. Need some beach therapy? One stop you definitely MUST include on your itinerary for your next family vacation is the small town of Pismo Beach! Beach, sand, surf, and sunshine,... that is Pismo Beach. It's a place to relax, rest, and find tranquility. A shining star and the only hotel you should book while there is The Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, part of Marriott International's...
A pedestrian in Palisades Park recently recorded video of a dragon consuming a giant June Beetle. The video has been posted to YouTube and has gone viral. Ok, fine, it was really a Western Fence Lizard, not a dragon. And the other character is probably a June bug. But it was June 16th, 2021, that part is verifiably true. The western fence lizard (or blue belly), common throughout Southern California, is one of the few lizards found in Santa Monica, which is generally too cold and too wet for...
As suddenly as they disappeared 16 months ago, salad bars and hot food bars have returned to local markets this month. According to one source at a market, who asked not to be named, LA County Public Health has removed protocols that forbade salad bars and hot food bars during the Coronavirus pandemic. At Publichealth.lacounty.gov, there are a list of "Retired Protocols – Not in Effect." It does in fact say that "these following protocols and guidance documents are no longer in effect and are fo...
The parent company of many online dating sites - including Tinder, Match.com, PlentyofFish and OkCupid - will pay $2 million to settle a civil lawsuit alleging customers were charged for automatic renewal without their consent, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced this week. The lawsuit was filed last November by the California Auto Renewal Task Force (CART), which includes the District Attorney's Offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Santa...
Ask Rusty – When Should I Claim My Survivor Benefit? Dear Rusty: My wife passed away in 2014. I'm 60 years old and have been retired since August 2020. I know I'm entitled to survivor benefits, but my question relates to when to file for them. To say the information online is confusing is an understatement. Some background. My wife was born in 1960 and would have turned 62 next year. I was born in 1960 and turned 60 this past April. I do not plan on taking my SS until age 67 (I could wait u...
Dear Rusty: My husband and I were only married 5 years before he passed away from cancer. I am 61 and was told by SS that I don't qualify to receive his survivor benefits because we weren't married long enough, and because I made more money than him when he was alive. I still work fulltime and plan to continue until my full retirement age. Am I able to collect any of his benefits? Why can his daughter collect his benefits, but I cannot? Signed: Frustrated Widow Dear Frustrated: You were given...
Dear Rusty: When my father passed away and we went to update my mother's Social Security benefits, a question arose that I was confused by. We were asked "Do you want to claim just your father's benefit (which was larger) or claim my mother's benefit and the difference between the two?" Either way it would come to the same amount. Is there a reason to claim one way over the other? Perhaps a caveat that we are unaware of? Is there a loophole that we are missing that may potentially benefit the...
Ask Rusty – Can I Get a Higher Benefit Now Because I'm Older? Dear Rusty: I started getting Social Security at age 62 and I am now 77. Can I get a higher benefit now that I'm older? Signed: Needy Senior Dear Needy Senior: Probably not. When you first start collecting your Social Security retirement benefits (e.g., at age 62 or any other age) your SS benefit amount is permanently established and will change thereafter only if: · A Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is granted (which is usually do...
Britney Spears has committed no crime, she says. She alleges that her father and his conservatorship are blocking her from living her life, and becoming a mom again. The mother of two is of course one of the most successful musicians of the last 20 years. But she seemed to be suffering from bipolar disorder in 2007. That year, her father went to Court and proved by clear and convincing evidence that the pop queen was not able to manage her own financial affairs. Her father, Jamie Spears has mana...
On Saturday June 19, 2021 The GUARDaHEART Foundation Presented Unmasked Heart Disease Starring DIABETES predict at a beautiful mansion in Newport Beach from 5-10 PM. This was an extraordinary evening committed to raising awareness of the diabetic pandemic through early detection and treatment. The evening had a lavish buffet of incredible healthy salads. Fresh fruits, tapas and sugar free desserts, complementary cocktails, live music on the backyard of a gorgeous contemporary estate that had...