The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) today announced details of new tentpole programs launching with the opening of its new wing and community hub, NHM Commons: Ocean Encounters, an innovative puppet performance featuring hand-crafted, large-scale puppets, and T.REX 3D, a 22-minute film using the latest technology and sharing the latest research about the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, including NHM’s own Thomas the T.rex. 

T.REX 3D will debut on November 18 and Ocean Encounters will begin on November 23. The celebration will also feature community organizations, food, and music, as well as hands-on activities, engaging discussions, artist workshops, and meet-and-greets with NHM Scientists.

“NHM Commons is a physical manifestation of our important work as museums of, for and with Los Angeles, a philosophy which has evolved from years of research, planning, and community listening, and actively drives partner engagement, programming and the evolution of the Natural History Museum,” said Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County. “The programs visitors will experience in NHM Commons nurture and celebrate community co-creation and belonging. I hope everyone will find something special to experience each time they visit.”

Following more than a year of close collaboration with the NHM Commons Advisory Coalition, community-centered offerings in the new NHM Commons theater will expand over the coming months to include new film series, theatrical experiences, live animal meet-and-greets, collection-related discussions, festivals, and other educational content. The NHM Community Plaza will also provide space for a range of outdoor programming—from live performances to science demonstrations. 

Now Welcoming You to NHM
NHM Commons will open on November 17 with a festive Opening Day Celebration and Block Party with a variety of free indoor and outdoor events at NHM Commons and programs throughout the museum that are free with general admission. Events include a Block Party on the new Plaza with a Community Resource Fair, food trucks, and music; live performances and engaging discussions in the new NHM Commons Theater. The day will also include meet n’ greets with NHM scientists, up-close collection previews, and hands-on activities and artist workshops. 

NHM Commons will be a modern and inviting “front porch” to the NHM campus. This new wing and community hub will feature 75,000-square feet of renovated space, new construction, and landscaping. A key design element of the new indoor-outdoor experience is the building’s transparent glass façade, which will enable the public to see into the Museum and its collection while offering views of the park from inside. Its centerpiece is an expansive Welcome Center that is free to the public, featuring Gnatalie, a 75-foot sauropod dinosaur skeleton with distinctive green fossils; Barbara Carrasco’s landmark 1981 mural L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective; and a temporary exhibit dedicated to NHM’s Community Science initiatives.

Additional highlights will include a new landscaped Community Plaza and Museum entrance, a new LA-focused retail space, a grab-n-go cafe from South LA Café, a new multi-purpose theater and a new exhibition gallery adjacent to the theater, which will initially feature Collective Knowledge, an exhibition highlighting the breadth of NHM’s vast collection with photos by National Geographic photographer Craig Cutler and Scott Bremner.

Sea-Creature Puppets Transport Visitors to the Prehistoric Past
Following the decade-long success of NHM’s Dinosaur Encounters program, the Museum will present a new live-performance puppet show featuring both prehistoric and contemporary sea-creature puppets (all of which are based on specimens found at NHM). The imagination-expanding show positions viewers as time-traveling deep-sea explorers who explore the under-the-sea lives of creatures like the Mosasaur and Ammonites —giant marine critters from the Age of Dinosaurs—through a kelp forest to meet a Desmostylian, and to share a meal with a Megamouth feeding on glowing, Bioluminescent Plankton. 

Created and performed by some of the nation’s best puppet makers and puppeteers, Ocean Encounters features large-scale puppets, spanning up to fifteen feet in length and some requiring multiple puppeteers. 

Ocean Encounters is family-friendly and will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, 11 am and 12 pm. Each showing is about 15 minutes long. The show is $10 with general admission and free for Members. 

T.Rex Takes the Big Screen
NHM will also debut T.REX 3D, a new film that shares the latest research about the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, from hatchling to hulking adult, and prominently features NHM and its collections. Narrated by Sam Neill of Jurassic Park fame and made in collaboration with top tyrannosaur scientists, a coalition of natural history institutions, and pioneering paleo and visual effects artists, this original Giant Screen Films production aims to be the most engaging and accurate T.rex documentary ever made. With leaps in CGI technology and revolutions in tyrannosaur paleontology over the past twenty-five years, this family-friendly film offers a thrilling, immersive experience that brings visitors face-to-face with the iconic predator–including NHM’s own Thomas the T.rex–and his fierce Cretaceous counterparts.

In addition to Thomas the T.rex, NHM’s signature film will feature the Museum’s award-winning T.rex Growth Series, the Dueling Dinos, the Dino Institute, and interviews with Dr. Luis Chiappe Senior VP, Research & Collections and Curator, Dinosaur Institute. With hat tips to famous specimens, landmark discoveries, and wild cinematic depictions over the last century, the film will explore the interplay between speculation and evidence and reveal how the process of science refreshes and reimagines our understanding of this legendary dinosaur. 

T.REX 3D will screen daily in the new NHM Commons Theater and will be available initially in English, Spanish, and Simple Mandarin, as well as closed captions. The family-friendly film is $10 with general admission and free for Members.

Credit: NHM.

 Universal CityWalk Hollywood celebrates global pop icon Hello Kitty’s milestone 50^th anniversary by unwrapping a selection of scrumptious new menu items available at the highly-popular Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe along with 50th-anniversary merchandise at the all-new Sanrio Smile Shop. This kicks off on Friday, November 1, which is Hello Kitty Day when Hello Kitty celebrates her birthday and limited-time 50^th items will be available through December 31.

The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe and the Sanrio Smile Shop are located adjacent to one another at the heart of Universal CityWalk and complement the Animation Studio Store located within Universal Studios Hollywood which features a wide selection of Hello Kitty merchandise including exclusive items only found at the theme park.

The one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe is adding an assortment of 50^th-themed items to its unique, grab-and-go menu with artfully designed creations to reflect Hello Kitty’s playful spirit, including a 50th Cookie Sandwich, 50^th Anniversary Cake and Sparkling 50^th Drink, which is a strawberry sodawith coconut cream foam on top.Prepared by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash, the limited-time offerings join other Hello Kitty and Friends-themed sweet treats, including Hello Kitty® Mousse Dome, Seasonal Mousse Domes, Strawberry Cake, Berry & Cream Churro, Macaron Set and Hello Kitty® Cookie. The venue also serves supercute signature beverages, including Hello Kitty® Strawberry Green Iced Tea, My Melody™ Lemonade, Kuromi™ Berry Iced Tea, Tuxedosam™ Lemonade, Keroppi™ Matcha Latte, Chococat™ Frozen Mocha, as well as two new hot drinks – the Mocha Bow Bomb Latte and the Hot Chocolate Bow Bomb – that will make their debut on November 1.

The Sanrio Smile Shop, located next to the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, is a vibrant new store that celebrates all things Sanrio and Hello Kitty, inviting guests to step into the very pink world of Hello Kitty and her beloved friends – Cinnamoroll™, Keroppi™, Kuromi™, My Melody™, Badtz-Maru™ and Chococat™.

The shop features an assortment of themed merchandise and a treasure trove of iconic statement pieces, featuring a limited-time-only Hello Kitty 50^th Anniversary merchandise line available now until the end of the year, while supplies last. The celebratory line features an array of Hello Kitty t-shirts, plush, ceramic mugs, tumblers, notepads, stationery kits, lanyards, cell phone bags and backpacks. Customers will also find a selection of products themed in honor of the new Hello Kitty and Friends Café, including bright pink aprons emblazoned with the cafe’s logo, magnets, signs and hats. All merchandise at the new shop radiates the cheerful spirit of Hello Kitty, making it a paradise for fans looking to take home a piece of beloved memorabilia.

To commemorate Hello Kitty’s 50^th anniversary within the theme park, Hello Kitty debuted a soft pastel pink dress that reflects her iconic sense of style while capturing her endearing timeless appeal. Donning this new outfit, Hello Kitty can regularly be spotted welcoming and posing with guests and fans when they visit her at the Animation Studio Store.

More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter)

To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

 Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) is excited to announce the return of Ice at Santa Monica, the city’s beloved holiday tradition. From  November 8, 2024, to January 20, 2025, the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue will be transformed into a winter wonderland, offering a magical ice-skating experience in the heart of downtown. Operated in partnership with Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions, Ice at Santa Monica provides community members and visitors with festive fun throughout the holiday season.

The festivities kick off with the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, November 8, from 5 to 11 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free ice skating during the 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. sessions (available on a first-come, first-served basis), groove to live DJ sets and enjoy captivating on-ice performances featuring Olympic hopeful skaters Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman, who have recently achieved notable successes in their competitive careers. Throughout the season, visitors can also indulge in rink-side fire pits, rent private party tents and participate in themed events like DJ nights, KUSC Classical Sundays, a Taylor Swift-themed night and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve countdown.

Admission to Ice at Santa Monica is $22 for a 60-minute session, including skate rental. The rink will be open daily:

• Sundays through Thursdays: from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
• Fridays and Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
• Extended Hours (December 15 through December 30): Open daily until 11:00 p.m. every day.

In addition to the ice rink, DTSM, Inc. will host the Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa Claus and City officials will light the official Santa Monica holiday tree on the world-famous Third Street Promenade. The event will feature live entertainment, holiday arts and crafts, free photos with Santa and even snowfall to create a magical experience for all ages.

Every Thursday in December leading up to Christmas–December 5, 12, and 19–from 5 to 7 p.m., the Third Street Promenade will come alive with Holiday Thursdays. These family-friendly events will feature live holiday entertainment, holiday arts and crafts activities, opportunities to write and hand-deliver letters to Santa and free holiday treats. Guests can also enjoy magical snowfall right on the Promenade and shop for unique gifts at the holiday markets. Pets are welcome to join in the festivities, making it a fun evening for the entire family. 

For more information on Ice at Santa Monica, please visit iceatsantamonica.com or call 310-807-4822. For details on all holiday happenings in Downtown Santa Monica, visit downtownsm.com/calendar. 

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)

A baby is a blessing that brings you an exciting feeling and an overwhelming experience you never had before, especially when you try to choose their wearable items. For instance, parents find it somewhat hard to find the best option available in diapers for their premature babies. Initially, if you understand the main difference between preemie vs newborn diapers then it will be easy for you to choose what your baby needs the best. Here we have presented clear distinctions between the two diapers to help you guide in choosing the best fit.

Does a Diaper Size Matter for Newborns and Preemies?

So the answer is simply, yes. Diapers, for preemies or newborns, come in different sizes therefore it is best to find the right fit for your baby’s developmental stages. For a preemie, it is compulsory you look for the right fit, to ensure their good health and comfort. Diapers for preemies are designed specifically for babies who are born before the duration of 37 weeks. Their weight capacity is more or less around 5 pounds, which is why the diaper material is also light and smooth on the touch. In terms of comfort and softness, these diapers are more carefully crafted than newborn diapers, providing the right fit without irritating your baby. So, let us talk about preemie diapers and newborn diapers in detail.

Preemie Diapers

As premature babies are more delicate and need extra care for their better health, the best preemie diapers are the right fit for your baby. Preemie diaper sizes are useful in many ways:

• Smaller sizes are available for babies weighing around 5 pounds.
• The right size of the preemie diaper fits snugly while also maintaining space for air circulation.
• The material used in preemie diapers makes them smooth and soft on the touch, hence useful for sensitive skin.

There are different factors to consider when buying a preemie diaper. Here we have some of the best diapers for preemies that will help you find the right choice while exploring more options.

Moony Preemie Diapers

The Moony preemie newborn diapers are highly regarded for the company’s good quality diaper production that offers comfort and protection. These diapers are designed to meet the requirements and needs of a premature baby such as:

• Fits perfectly to the back’s curves and protects against leaks. The wavy cut gather fits softly around the baby’s tiny legs.
• As the product is for preemies, therefore the material used is hypoallergenic while the texture is smooth and gentle for your baby’s skin.
• Easy to know when to replace the diaper, because the wetness indicator line changes blue-green after urination.

Merries Preemie Diapers

Merries products are a popular choice among parents for their quality. Merries newborn preemie diapers are no less. With exceptional quality and soft texture, this brand has become a popular choice for preemie products as well.

• The diapers are designed by providing breathable layers that keep the moisture at bay, hence reducing the risk of skin rashes.
• A reliable option of wetness indicator helps new parents identify the diaper change routine.
• The comfortable material offers a snug fit and reduces leak mishaps.

Newborn Diapers

Similar to the requirements of a preemie diaper, a newborn baby’s diaper also has some beneficial purposes in terms of size and absorbance.

• These baby diapers are designed for your young ones weighing over 5 pounds.
• The stretchy and elastic material fits comfortably around the waistline and legs, making your child feel comfortable.
• A special feature in the form of a wetness indicator is also present in newborn baby diapers that helps you realize the need for a diaper change.

Based on the key differences between preemie and newborn diapers, parents find it helpful to choose which one is the right option for their baby. Let us take a look at some examples of newborn diapers.

Moony Diapers

The Moony diapers are popular for their innovative designs and gentle texture making it the most sought out brand.

• This brand of diaper contains organic cotton in the upper layer and plant-derived oils, making it a good option for skin-sensitive babies.
• There is an additional stool zone that helps prevent the mess from leaking.
• The material is super absorbent and does not stick to your baby’s skin, keeping them dry and comfortable.

Merries Diapers

Merries diapers are another top-choice brand that parents buy for newborn babies. They are best known for their gentle touch and light texture, which makes them useful for delicate skin.

• The indicator line in the diaper helps you identify when to change the baby’s diaper by changing the color of the line to bluish-green.
• The three layers of the diaper allow easy flow of air to keep moisture away.
• The material is gentle to the touch and contains argan oil which works as an anti-inflammatory product.

Where Can You Buy Preemie Diapers?

If you are looking for good quality preemie diapers and are wondering where to buy preemie diapers then try exploring the 21st Century Essential store. They offer both preemie and newborn diapers from the Moony and Merries brands.

Conclusion

In the end, it is your call to pick which brand or which diaper you need for your baby. Mostly diapers with navel cut-out space are preferred for healing umbilical cords, hence consider the qualities before deciding on preemie vs newborn diapers. Newborn baby diapers have features such as adjustable tabs or wetness indicators to help make your baby feel comfortable. But besides these, try finding better options based on your baby’s weight, and age, and consider skin sensitivity. It will not only help your young ones feel comfortable but also give you time for yourself.

Engagement rings hold deep significance, symbolizing commitment, love, and a promise for the future. While many opt for ready-made designs, others seek something more personal and unique, choosing to craft custom engagement rings. Designing a custom engagement ring offers the chance to create a one-of-a-kind piece that perfectly reflects the relationship’s individuality. However, like any significant decision, going the custom route has both benefits and drawbacks. This article will explore the pros and cons of custom engagement rings  to help you decide whether this approach suits you.

Pros of Custom Engagement Rings

1. Personalization and Uniqueness

One of the biggest advantages of custom engagement rings is the ability to create something completely unique. When you design a custom ring, you have the freedom to incorporate elements that have personal meaning to you and your partner. Whether it’s a specific gemstone, a unique band shape, or an engraving that holds sentimental value, custom rings offer unmatched personalization.

For example, if your partner loves vintage jewelry, you can design a custom ring that blends vintage elements with modern touches. This ensures that the engagement ring will be one-of-a-kind and tailored specifically to your relationship, something that cannot be replicated with a mass-produced design.

2. Creative Control Over the Design

Another significant benefit of opting for a custom engagement ring is the creative control you have over the entire design process. From choosing the metal type and setting style to selecting the gemstones and band details, every aspect is within your control. This means you can craft a ring that reflects your partner’s style, whether they prefer something minimalist, glamorous, or traditional.

Creative control also allows you to experiment with ideas and collaborate with a jeweler to bring your vision to life. If your partner has hinted at specific design features they love, or if you have ideas on how to make the ring special, a custom process ensures these preferences are included.

3. Incorporating Meaningful Elements

Customization allows for the integration of meaningful elements into the ring’s design. You can add birthstones, engrave important dates, or incorporate design aspects from family heirlooms. These personalized touches make the ring a meaningful representation of your love and history together.

For instance, many couples choose to include stones from family jewelry, creating a ring that not only symbolizes their future but also honors their past. Others may engrave important coordinates, initials, or symbols that reflect their relationship’s journey. These personal flourishes elevate the emotional value of a custom engagement ring.

4. High-Quality Craftsmanship

A custom engagement ring is often handcrafted by a skilled jeweler, which generally leads to higher quality than mass-produced rings. When a jeweler creates a custom piece, they devote their attention to every detail, ensuring the craftsmanship is impeccable. They are invested in making your unique vision come to life, which often means using high-quality materials and taking extra care with the final product.

In many cases, jewelers who specialize in custom engagement rings use superior techniques and higher-grade metals, gemstones, and settings, ensuring your ring stands the test of time.

5. Flexibility with Budget

Contrary to popular belief, custom engagement rings don’t necessarily have to break the bank. While custom designs can get expensive depending on the materials and complexity, they also provide flexibility. You can work with your jeweler to adjust the design to fit your budget. For instance, if your desired ring features a costly center stone, you can explore alternatives like lab-grown diamonds or different gemstones that fit within your financial range.

This flexibility means you can prioritize certain aspects of the ring—like the stone or metal type—while being more conservative with other details. Additionally, custom rings don’t include the markup typically found in pre-designed rings, which can be inflated by brand names or retail locations.

6. Emotional Satisfaction

There’s a sense of deep emotional satisfaction in creating something entirely unique for the love of your life. A custom engagement ring becomes a testament to your effort and thoughtfulness, showcasing your commitment to the relationship. When you hand over a custom-designed ring, it carries the story of its creation and reflects the personal touch you invested in the process.

Cons of Custom Engagement Rings

While custom engagement rings come with many advantages, they also have their downsides. Below are some of the challenges and potential drawbacks of opting for a custom design.

1. Time-Consuming Process

One of the biggest cons of designing a custom engagement ring is the time involved. Unlike ready-made rings that can be purchased immediately, custom rings take time to conceptualize, design, and produce. The process can take several weeks, or even months, depending on the complexity of the design and the jeweler’s schedule.

For couples who are under a tight timeline—perhaps planning a surprise proposal or a wedding in the near future—the lengthy process of designing a custom ring can be a significant drawback.

2. Higher Potential Costs

While custom engagement rings can offer flexibility with your budget, they can also be more expensive than off-the-shelf designs. Depending on the materials you choose, the jeweler’s fees, and the intricacy of the design, costs can add up quickly.

A highly detailed, one-of-a-kind ring with rare gemstones or complex engraving may cost significantly more than a mass-produced design. Additionally, any changes made during the process—such as upgrading the materials or modifying the design—can lead to extra expenses.

3. Risk of Miscommunication

Designing a custom ring requires clear communication between you and your jeweler, which can sometimes be challenging. If you have a specific vision in mind, but the jeweler doesn’t fully understand your preferences or lacks experience with the type of design you want, the final product may not meet your expectations.

Miscommunication regarding details like gemstone size, band thickness, or setting style can lead to disappointment when the ring is finished. To avoid this, it’s important to choose a jeweler with a strong reputation and communicate clearly throughout the process. Regular consultations and feedback can help minimize misunderstandings.

4. Limited Return or Exchange Options

Because custom engagement rings are specifically designed and made-to-order, returning or exchanging them can be difficult, if not impossible. If the ring doesn’t turn out exactly how you envisioned, or if you or your partner change your mind about the design, your options may be limited.

Many jewelers have strict policies on custom pieces, and the costs associated with reworking or redesigning the ring can be high. This lack of flexibility in returning or exchanging a custom ring is something to consider before committing to the process.

5. Uncertainty About the Final Design

Even with computer-aided design (CAD) models and sketches, it can be hard to visualize the final product. Sometimes, the ring may not look or feel exactly like you imagined once it’s complete. Certain design elements, like stone settings or band thickness, may appear differently in person than they did during the design phase.

While many jewelers offer CAD renderings to provide an accurate preview of the design, the translation from digital to physical can still surprise some clients. The inability to try on the ring before it’s made is another potential drawback, as it can lead to second-guessing or concerns about comfort and fit.

6. Finding the Right Jeweler

Not all jewelers are skilled in creating custom engagement rings, and finding the right professional for your project can take time. You’ll want to research jewelers who specialize in custom work, have positive reviews, and have a portfolio of previous custom designs that align with your vision.

Working with a jeweler who understands your design preferences, listens to your ideas, and provides expert guidance is essential to creating a ring that meets your expectations. However, the search for the right jeweler can take time and may involve trial and error.

Is a Custom Engagement Ring Right for You?

Choosing between a custom engagement ring and a pre-designed one ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and timeline. If personalization, creative control, and emotional significance are at the top of your list, a custom ring could be the perfect choice. However, if time, convenience, and minimizing costs are more important, an off-the-shelf design may be a better option.

By weighing the pros and cons outlined above, you can make an informed decision that best fits your relationship, ensuring that the engagement ring you choose is a symbol of love and commitment tailored to you and your partner’s unique journey.

For 33 years, KIDS FIRST! has been at the forefront of empowering young people to become critical media consumers. Our programs equip kids and their parents with the tools to discern age-appropriate content and make informed choices. 

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Central to our mission is the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics program. Our team of 65 dedicated young reporters, ages 9 to 22, immerse themselves in the world of film, attending press screenings, junkets, and red carpet events. They review the latest PG-13 and under-rated films, interview celebrities, and share their insights with over 5 million people through our website, social media, and partner publications.

Today, we are at a critical junction. To sustain and grow these impactful programs, we need your support. As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we’re asking for your help to fuel our mission. While our young reporters volunteer their time, our dedicated staff – responsible for training, coaching, editing, and promoting their work – requires financial support.

Our goal is to cultivate a generation of informed and conscientious consumers. We measure our success not by awards, but by the positive impact we have on young lives. As we celebrate our 33rd Anniversary, we invite you to join us in shaping the future by making a donation of $33, $330, or $3300.

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• KIDS FIRST! Film Critics: Empowering young voices, reaching millions. 
• Education: Training the next generation of media critics and advocates.

With your support, we can continue to empower young people to make informed choices, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for your partnership and support.

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 Woofie’s of Torrance is introducing its premier pet care services for owners of dogs, cats, and other animals in the Southern California communities of El Segundo, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, and Torrance.  Its new owner, Gloria A. Gutierrez – a long-term resident of the area, raised in Hawthorne, and formerly a banking executive in business and legal affairs – has planned a number of local events during Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden to formally introduce her pet care business to the public, on Saturdays Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, and Oct. 26, and Sundays Oct. 13, 20, and 27.  Her official grand opening event will be on October 26th during three timed sessions throughout the day from 8am to 5 pm.

Woofie’s of Torrance offers a wide range of personalized pet care services, including dog walking, grooming via its mobile pet spa, and daytime as well as overnight pet sitting and other services, for all types of pets including dogs, cats, birds, and lizards. Woofie’s also has access to 24/7 vet telehealth services through a partnership with Pet Vet Connection to help give pet owners peace of mind when they receive services from the company.

“Our mission at Woofie’s of Torrance is to redefine local pet care through unwavering professionalism and a sprinkle of positivity.  We are committed to enhancing pet care, fostering valuable partnerships, and introducing a wave of excellence and innovation for area residents,” says Gloria.  “We look forward to meeting local pets and their parents and participating in Dogtoberfest, as we formally announce our opening.”

During Dogtoberfest weekends, Woofie’s will provide an abbreviated menu of pet care options such as nail trims, ear cleanings, paw pad treatments, and teeth brushing, as examples of its luxurious services for furry attendees, from its completely self-contained Mobile Pet Spa.  Its booth will be stocked with giveaways, alongside delectable treats and food samples from Farmer’s Dog.  On October 26th, during each of the 2-hour timed event sessions (tickets here), Woofie’s of Torrance will celebrate its official grand opening with free paw treatments for all dogs in attendance, guaranteed to elicit tail-wagging joy.  Both humans and dogs alike are invited to join the festivities.

The Woofie’s brand traces its origin back to Virginia in 2004, evolving into a successful franchise operation in 2018. Woofie’s of Torrance is currently hiring professional pet groomers; apply via Woofie’s website.

For more information or to set an appointment, visit www.woofies.com/torrance or call 310-254-9791. Woofie’s can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram

Check out our Pet Corner for some fabulous Pet Tips from Gloria!

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.), a nonprofit organization that works with the City of Santa Monica to promote economic stability, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica, is thrilled to announce Third Thursdays at Third Street, a free monthly block party on the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade. This lively gathering welcomes locals and visitors of all ages, including pets, to enjoy an evening of entertainment and community on the Third Thursday of the month, from August to October, 2024. 

Third Thursdays at Third Street will feature music in multiple locations. Acts slated for the first event on August 15th are DJ Penny Wild spinning electronic music, the 1969 Rock Band playing classic rock and blues, and Jontha Links, performing pop and hip-hop. More performers will be added to the line-up. Attendees can also play games for all ages, register to vote, view community booths, and enjoy interactive exhibitions.      

In addition to the entertainment and activities, attendees can enjoy outdoor dining at Promenade restaurants on the 1200 Block including 1212 Santa Monica, Ugo Trattoria, Cabo Cantina, and Casa Martin. 

WHEN

• Thursday, August 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, September 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, October 17 from 5 to 8 p.m.

WHERE

1200 Block of the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, please visit downtownsm.com/events-calendar.

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)