RecScape (Fall Classes)

“NATIONAL NIGHT OUT” SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
A BIG HIT WITH THE COMMUNITY

Police Chief Tim Jackman greets the crowd

The Santa Monica Police Department welcomed more than 1,000 people to its 1950s-themed block party to observe National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7, held along Olympic Drive between the Public Safety Facility and City Hall. Enjoying food, refreshments, giveaways and entertainment, block party attendees met with their neighbors, members of the police department and various service organizations. More than 1,100 hot dogs, 1,000 bags of chips, 50 pizzas, 600 ice creams and 100 liters of soft drinks—all donated by local businesses—were consumed!

Celebrating the city’s lowest crime rate since 1956 and the community partnerships that make it possible, National Night Out included a performance by the ’50s-era musical revue group, The Wonderelles. Also on the program were PAL’s cheerleaders and boxing and karate teams, and Grupo La Rosa, a ballet folklórico group. The Santa Monica Fire Department, McGruff the Crime Dog, the SWAT Team, Harbor Patrol, K-9 & Mounted units rounded out the festivities. Next year’s event is already being planned for Tuesday, August 5, 2008—mark your calendar now!

The Wonderelles--pony-tailed and poodle-skirted!

PAL'S cheerleaders show their stuff

NEIGHBORHOOD BUDGET MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER

• Hear an update by the City Manager and staff of issues raised in community meetings last December and items in the city’s current budget.
• Voice your latest concerns, both neighborhood-focused and citywide.
• Meetings will be scheduled during November as a kick-off to the development of the FY 2008-09 budget.

More information will be posted on the web at www.smgov.net and published in local papers as meeting details are confirmed.

OUR FARMERS’ MARKETS OFFER GREAT FOOD AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT!

Santa Monica’s Farmers’ Markets are widely acclaimed as among the best in the nation—if you haven’t been to one lately, check out these coming attractions and see what you’ve been missing:

SATURDAY PICO MARKET (VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK)

Pumpkin Decorating October 27, 9 a.m. – 12 noon (while supplies last)
Celebrate Halloween with FREE* pumpkin decorating and a special prize for all kids who come in a costume! Halloween has never tasted so good.
* Pumpkins and all decorating supplies provided. One pumpkin per child, please.

WEDNESDAY DOWNTOWN MARKET (ARIZONA AT SECOND ST.)

All You Can Carry Pumpkins – Just $5 October 31, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (while supplies last)
Swaddled in your arms, clenched in your teeth, balanced on your head—how many can you carry? Come test your balancing and teetering skills at our annual event!
Note: The Wednesday Downtown Market will be open November 21 for the Thanksgiving holiday, but the Saturday Downtown Market will be closed on November 24.

SUNDAY MAIN STREET MARKET (2640 MAIN STREET)

Live Music! Market Hours 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Performances: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

SANTA MONICA WATER GETS FLUORIDE

Beginning in early November, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), the agency that supplies the majority of our water, will start to add fluoride to its treated water supply. Extensive research conducted over the past 50 years indicates that fluoridation of drinking water is safe and healthy. According to the Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control, water fluoridation is the single-most cost-effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health for people of all ages. Santa Monica will join more than 14,000 communities across California and the nation that have fluoridated water supplies.

Fluoride is nature’s cavity-fighter. Although there has always been a certain amount of fluoride naturally present in all of our water sources, including the MWD supply, the levels are not sufficient to protect against tooth decay. MWD will adjust the natural levels of fluoride in its water supply to the recommended optimum range of 0.7 – 0.8 mg/L (parts per million), which has proven to be safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. There will be no change in the taste, smell or appearance of your water. Nor will your water bill change, because this program will be conducted within the city’s current rate structure.

Concurrently with MWD’s actions, the City of Santa Monica Water Resources Division will begin fluoridation at a single well that pumps directly into our system in the northern part of the city, at a level to match that of the MWD supply to ensure consistency of fluoride levels in that neighborhood. Like the MWD supply, the fluoride level at the city’s well will be monitored around the clock.

Drinking optimally fluoridated water on a regular basis makes the use of fluoride tablets or drops unnecessary. However, consultation with your dental caregiver is recommended.

For more information regarding fluoridation in Santa Monica, call our Fluoride Information Line at (310) 820-5764 or visit  waterquality.smgov.net/fluoride.