Jan. 18: David Lynch Speaks, Elizabeth Taylor Is Honored

"Deep thought" of the day: Can you believe that, only a few weeks ago, we were getting battered by ? It's been so consistently warm and sunny as of late, it's easy to forget.

The sun shone strong on Monday for Santa Monica's final two events, which were preceded by additional, related observances over the weekend. Also on Monday, the city council discussed a controversial biking ordinance for which we solicited your opinions. And Popeye—who was born downtown—celebrated his birthday. Speaking of downtown, if you were there on Monday afternoon, you can attest to the city's severe .

With businesses open again following the holiday, today should be bustling.

Schools are also back in session. On a personal note, I'll be thinking of the kids at as they return to class following the that occurred late Friday. Counselors will be on hand to meet with those who need support. On behalf of this Web site and the team behind it, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of the deceased, the other students and their families, and the Samohi administrators.

Weather Forecast

• warm and sunny
• high temperature: 73 degrees
• low temperature: 54 degrees
• chance of precipitation: 0 percent
• sunrise: 6:58 a.m.
• sunset: 5:11 p.m.

The Main Event

• David Lynch—best known as the director of surrealist films like Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart and Mulholland Drive—checks in with KCRW to chat about his new fixation: making electro-pop music. The interview will air as part of the radio station's Morning Become Eclectic program at 10 a.m.

The Runner-Up

• Also on the celebrity front, Elizabeth Taylor will be feted by the Women’s Image Network as part of its WIN Awards, a ceremony honoring individuals who promote gender equality. While she won't be there—Mickey Rooney (her co-star from "National Velvet") will accept the award on her behalf—Rose McGowan, Lea Thompson and other celebs are slated to be in attendance. The event happens at starting at 6:30 p.m.

Other Happenings

• El concluye hoy con la última película, Tijuaneados Anónimos. Se trata de un grupo de personas quien conversan sobre la violencia en Tijuana. Los realizadores de Tijuaneados Anónimos van a estar presente al para hablar de la película, que empieza a las 7.
• Worried about getting hacked? Find out how to ward off viruses, scams and other online miscreants with a free, one-hour class on Internet security. It's taking place from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Computer Classroom, on the second floor of the .
• 's sustainable-landscaping series continues with a free class on how to install projects such as permeable hardscapes and plant material. The session—which is mandatory to be eligible for the Sustainable Landscape Installation Professionals Program—will last from 4 to 7 p.m. at SMC's Bundy campus.

Last but Not Least

• The Council of PTAs holds its full council meeting today at 11 a.m., with unit presidents convening an hour earlier.

(Go here for more events happening today.)

This Day in Santa Monica History

• On Jan. 18, 1994, Santa Monicans were coming to grips with the 6.7 earthquake that devastated the city the day before. While the epicenter was in Northridge, the damage in SM was extensive: 2,300 housing units were destroyed, and 1,500 buildings were damaged.

Did you take a great pic of SM in the early morning? Want to see it in The SM AM Report? Drop a note to Kurt.Orzeck@patch.com.