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!