In today's competitive world of sales, one man decided to add a bit of humor to his insurance business.

So they're the perfect place to save money by implementing efficiency, conservation and green building techniques - all while educating students about energy issues.

The oc mart MiX , a marketplace for gourmet foods, coffee, and wine, will soon welcome the addition of N'iceCream , specializing in made-fresh, organic gelato and sorbet.

Pigeons roost under the pier in Pismo Beach this week. The birds, which at one point numbered more than 450, are blamed for the poor water quality around the pier and for beach contamination.

A website attacking a consumer group that often does battle with the insurance industry was launched on Friday, setting off more sparks in a roiling battle between proponents of two competing measures that Californians may see go head-to-head on the November ballot.

Lots of winners say it, but accepting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica "Youth of the Year" accolade last weekend was actually a dream come true for David Ramirez.

Disgruntled musicians continued their protest of the Santa Monica-based National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences this week, announcing plans to stage a counter concert in reaction to months-old news that 31 Grammy categories were eliminated from this year's award ceremony.

In the fitness studio behind his home, Tony Horton grabbed a chin-up bar and lifted himself, attempting to execute a routine called the gyrating lever.

The singer-songwriter, 28, consistently beamed throughout the sold-out concert as he breezily played about a dozen songs with a "just happy to be here" attitude.

Vergara attends the Opening Of Louis Vuitton Santa Monica To Benefit Heal The Bay at the Annenberg Community Beach House on August 19, 2010 SANTA MONICA, CA - AUGUST 19: Sof?a Vergara attends the Opening Of Louis Vuitton Santa Monica To Benefit Heal The Bay at the Annenberg Community Beach House on August 19, 2010 in Santa Monica, California.