The California Way

California has long been known as a progressive state. They–or
rather Levi Strauss & Co. up north–can be credited with making blue jeans a
must back in 1873. Yes, California and forward thinking go hand in hand like
electric cars and organic farming. Well, you get the idea.

From promoting legislation for saving dolphins from single-use
plastic to being the first state to pass a domestic partnership statute,
California has been on the cutting edge of change for many years. And certainly
Santa Monica ranks as one of the most out-to-change-the-world cities in the
country. Their environmental savviness along with their openness and free
spirited approach to life enhances the Santa Monica experience for residents
and visitors alike.

They have been blessed with a coastal Mediterranean climate (and
beauty!) that they are determined not to spoil. Santa Monica has introduced
many initiatives that serve toward the preservation of their environment,
particularly their land and water. The majority of the city’s public works
vehicles run on alternative fuels, including 100% of their municipal bus
system, one of the biggest in the country. They built an urban runoff facility
that catches and treats 3.5 million gallons of water each week from storm
drains, water that would normally flow into the Santa Monica Bay but is now
repurposed as grey water. The city has implemented numerous programs to promote
water conservation among its residents. It’s also very big on green building
and diverting waste from landfills. They’ve implemented a Bike Action Plan that
aims to facilitate and encourage more and more people to use cycling as a means
of transportation now and throughout the upcoming years. And that’s just a
sampling of some of their reforms.

So definitely come with your own water bottle, your reusable
shopping bags and if necessary, your own utensils if you plan on picnicking. A
visit to Santa Monica promotes a better way to be and a better way to treat
this planet.

It also encourages a better way to treat people, especially
people that might be different from you. California and particularly Santa
Monica are known to be very welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Peace, love, no
violence, no homophobia, no sexism and no racism are at the core of their belief
system. Los Angeles and its neighboring Santa Monica are among two of the most
inclusive and accepting places in the United States. There you’ll find lots of
LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, hotels, bars, beaches and more. They do, in fact,
pride themselves on being welcoming to all religions, countries of origin and
sexual orientations and genders.

Gotta love that California way!