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  • Santa Monica Cancels 4th of July, Citing "Lingering Safety Concerns" over Crowds and Covid

    Observer Staff|Jun 25, 2021

    In a typical year, Santa Monica has an Independence day celebration at Santa Monica College. It's held the Friday before the holiday, a result of local disgust with a number of murders on July 4th 1998. Fireworks are launched from SMC, close to the center of the eight mile square town, so they may be seen from all over. The Main Street Independence Day parade has also been cancelled. Both events were cancelled on July 4th, 2020 as well. “SMC Event Producer and Associate Dean of Facilities P...

  • California Institute for Women: Female Prisoner Makes Money Doing Fully Nude Massages

    Amber S. Jackson, Lucky Lifer|Jun 24, 2021

    A girls got to eat. There's a woman on the yard here at CIW making money doing fully nude massages for other women. And for transgender men. No joke. On top of that, she's also a lesbian herself. As you can imagine, this is as taboo as it sounds... Hearing this at first, I assumed it was a joke. Nope. It's the real deal. For about $10 she'll bring her yoga mat and come to anybody's living quarters and do an approximately 45-minute, fully nude massag,e full body massage on anyone. For the fee,...

  • How Much Do You Know about the American Flag? Flag Day is June 14

    John Grimaldi, Association of Mature American Citizens|Jun 15, 2021

    June 11 -- It is said that the flag of the United States was designed by Betsy Ross, a seamstress who lived in Philadelphia during the American Revolution. But, according to PBS, "some historians believe it was designed by New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross." Whether it was Betsy Ross or Congressman Hopkins who designed the original Stars and Stripes, the Continental Congress, on June 14, 1777, adopted a resolution declaring that "the flag of...

  • Do You Need Social Security? Religious Dissenters Often Claim Exemptions From Social Security Taxes

    Glenn Mollette|Jun 13, 2021

    In 2020 over 64 million Americans were collecting Social Security. The National Institute for Retirement Security (NIRS)has reported that Social Security is the only income source for 40 percent of retirees over the age of 60." (Forbes.com) The study also claimed that only 6.8 percent of retirees receive income from the three-legged stool of Social Security, a defined benefit pension and a defined contribution plan. Another study conducted by researchers at the Social Security Administration,...

  • Will Pensions from Foreign Countries Affect Your Social Security Benefits?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Jun 11, 2021

    Ask Rusty – Will My UK Pension Affect My US Social Security? Dear Rusty: I am 57 years old, was born in the UK, and since 1988 have worked in the US. I have always paid US taxes and Social Security. For the last 20 years, my annual income has typically been well north of $100K. In recent years I have made voluntary payments to the UK National Insurance system looking to claim a retirement benefit from the UK as well as from the US. My concern is that if I claim the UK benefit, this will a...

  • Will Earnings from a State Pension Affect Social Security Benefits?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Jun 7, 2021

    Ask Rusty – Will My Retirement Benefits Be Cut Because of My State Pension? Dear Rusty: I took early retirement at 20 years from the Louisiana public school system in 1996. Since then, I have continued to work in private schools (except for 2 years in public). I now have over 20 years in the Social Security system. Are they going to take money out of my tiny early LA retirement check or lower my Social Security check? Is it true I can continue working and draw Social Security? I have reached f...

  • Between Two Worlds: a Rising Generation of Iranian-Americans Speaks Out

    Maureen, TheBraid.org|Jun 7, 2021

    Growing up, Iranian-Americans like Ora Yashar often saw themselves depicted only as the exotic Other: in her words, "either terrorists or Princess Jasmine." But Yashar's generation was raised in the United States - Iranian in heritage living their own American stories. "Now we're bridging the gap between our old world and our new," remarks another millennial Iranian-American, Asal Akhondzadeh. Yashar and Akhondzadeh are part of a plethora of Persian talent - writers, actors, musicians, and in...

  • As Pandemic Retreats, Disneyland Advances with Avengers Theme Park

    David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer|Jun 7, 2021

    As Covid retreats, Disney is advancing with the world's very first Avenger's theme park. The Avengers Campus will open on June 4 at Disney California Adventure Park. "In just a few days, you'll be invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies to live out your Super Hero dreams as Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park!" Said Disneyland in a press release. The avengers campus was dedicated and opened for a press preview, in a ceremony that included Ironman captain America,...

  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Will Require Reservations for Peak Travel Weekends This Summer

    May 31, 2021

    Reservations will be required on select weekends for Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® trains that travel between San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Additional train cars are being added when possible to increase the number of available seats on select trains. However, the number of seats onboard each Pacific Surfliner train is limited. To safely manage capacity during periods when more travelers are anticipated, customers will need a...

  • Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa entrance with circular drive

    The Renaissance Esmeralda, One of the Best Travel Destinations in California

    Chanin Victor, Contributing Editor|May 28, 2021

    Whether you're looking for a romantic vacation place or a family getaway idea, The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa at Indian Wells is one of the best travel destinations in Southern California. The Resort recently completed an exciting and dramatic multi-million dollar makeover of its 560 guest rooms, including 103 suites, to create one of the most breathtaking resort locations in the Coachella Valley. The mid-century modern inspired design embraces the iconic spirit of the Palm Springs...

  • Pacific Surfliner Offers New Connecting Bus Service Between Los Angeles and Las Vegas

    May 28, 2021

    A new Amtrak Thruway bus route is now offering daily service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, with intermediate stops in San Bernardino, Victorville, and Barstow. While bus-only trips for this service can be purchased without a train segment, these buses also offer guaranteed connections to Pacific Surfliner Trains 579, 580, 763 768, 777, and 796. Amtrak Thruway buses offer comfortable onboard amenities including reclining seats, foot rests, restrooms, individual lighting, and free Wi-Fi....

  • Will Applying for Disability Affect Your Social Security Benefit?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|May 24, 2021

    Ask Rusty – Will Applying for SS Disability Hurt SS Retirement Benefit? Dear Rusty: My husband turns 65 later this month. He has started having health issues - so much so that we are thinking about talking to his doctor about Social Security Disability. How would this affect him in applying for his Social Security benefits? Should we exhaust disability efforts before applying for his retirement benefits? Signed: Concerned Wife Dear Concerned Wife: In order to qualify for SS Disability I...

  • The Do's and Don'ts of Buying a Puppy

    Marcia Mayeda, LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control|May 22, 2021

    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 havens where they could receive treatment and ultimately be placed for adoption. We accepted this difficult and heartbreaking duty because of the compelling need to save these animals and help stem the fraud perpetrated on unsuspecting purchasers of their offspring. The memories of the atrocities I...

  • Science Debunks Gascon's "Science" Claims Regarding Light Sentencing; Parolee Shoots Officer Dead; Bar Owner Sells Fake Vaccination Cards and Other Stories: Monday Morning Memo

    Association of Deputy District Attorneys|May 20, 2021

    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 have reason to believe they're in danger. But inside the pockets is out of bounds, and any evidence the officers find there is inadmissible, a federal appeals court said Wednesday. San Francisco Chronicle Warrantless search of motel room of parolee was justified - court A parolee's assent to a...

  • Carlsbad

    The Ultimate Guide to Carlsbad, CA: The Best Places to Stay and Awesome Things To Do

    Chanin Victor and Michelle Steinhardt|May 17, 2021

    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 from Los Angeles, Carlsbad is an easy Southern California road trip destination. The laid-back town offers several luxurious and family-friendly places to stay and so many terrific things to see and do. The Best Time of Year to Visit Carlsbad The weather in Carlsbad is good most of the year. The best...

  • The Resilience of Westside Ballet / the arts in our backyard: Ballet Persists in Dancing Forward

    Jewels Solheim Roe, Observer Staff Writer|May 17, 2021

    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 pre-professional performers will serve as a final bow for seniors moving on to collegiate and professional careers. The performance will be held-adhering to all COVID protocols-in its newly enhanced black box, 'Theater Studio Six,' at Southern California's most well-known and celebrated ballet school, Westsi...

  • When is the Best Time to Collect Social Security?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|May 17, 2021

    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 Anxious: First, please understand that there is no one "best time" to claim your Social Security benefit, because when you should claim depends upon several factors, such as: • Your current health • Your life expectancy • Your immediate financial need • Whether you are married • Whether you are sti...

  • Make an Evacuation Plan for Your Pets in Advance of Wildfire Season

    LA County Department of Animal Care and Control|May 15, 2021

    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 and making an emergency plan can make all the difference when faced with evacuation during a wildfire incident. While DACC encourages all pet owners to prepare, DACC encourages guardians of livestock and horses to be mindful of the additional challenges and considerations these animals require. Ten...

  • Irvine Ranch Conservancy Hosts First Activity on New Mountain Bike Skills Course at City of Irvine's Portola Staging Area

    May 13, 2021

    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 Bike Skills Course has been in development for the past year with work executed by Irvine Ranch Conservancy's Infrastructure & Planning Crew. "We were thrilled to have people come out and experience the new bike skills course at the Portola Staging Area," said Dave Raetz, Vice President & Chief Oper...

  • What to do if Your Social Security Card is Incorrect

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|May 7, 2021

    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 consists of two family names, which gives us both four, with only our middle names unique. We received two Social Security cards with the same name (middle name excluded), each with a unique number, but with our last name misspelled. So, my questions are: · Which card is mine, and which is my sisters? · Is i...

  • Young Adults from the Foster Care System Need COVID Relief Funds Now

    Jasmine Harris, American Forum|May 1, 2021

    4 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 they'd always planned to watch, and spend more time with family or on the internet with friends. But, for me, it was a time when I aged out of the foster care system. I turned 21, March 26, 2020, ten days after California's original stay-at-home order. Of course, during those first two weeks, I was...

  • The HOTTEST Prisoner Dating Website REVEALED

    Amber S. Jackson, Lucky Lifer|May 1, 2021

    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 better than all the others combined. I have no family, so, I depend on these sites to meet people so I don't face this time alone. So, behold, as I reveal something very special and personal to me... Welcome to MEET-AN-INMATE.COM. LOG On, if you dare!... Many of us prisoners post to here. Looking for...

  • Will Taking 401K Distributions Affect My Social Security Benefit?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Apr 29, 2021

    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 rollover 401K IRA. My wife is still working full time, so we have medical, dental and vision coverage. I have a few questions: 1) When I take IRA distributions throughout the year, do those dollar amounts get reported to Social Security as income? 2) If not, will my SS benefit change (will I be penaliz...

  • How M.J. George Became a Body Double for Will Smith in Men In Black II. And What That Was Like

    David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 29, 2021

    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 Canyon mall when he was stopped by a casting director from Central Casting. She asked MJ, if he would like to try out to be a Body Double for Will Smith. Columbia studios was then filming Men in Black II, and they needed an actor who resembled Smith. She gave MJ a card and told him to meet her later...

  • Can I Claim My Social Security Early and Switch to Spousal Benefits Later?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Apr 27, 2021

    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 years ago. My husband is older, has been the major wage earner and will have a good amount in Social Security when he claims. I have been told that I should claim my social security now. It's a small amount - about $475 per month if I claim it now, and $550 after I'm age 66 - so it's not a life c...

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