Community Corner

Top Blogs on Patch: Remembering Marineland, Plastic Bag Ban and More

Don't miss the most popular and talked about blogs on Patch sites this week and catch up on Santa Monica blogs.

The Local Voices section on Patch is where the community goes to share viewpoints and interesting happenings in the community each day. Check out some of the most interesting and popular blog posts in the Los Angeles County area for the week starting April 22.

Little Spacemen Spotted on the Beach

Well, not exactly. Peter Michel shared that members of the Palos Verdes Peninsula 4H Bee Project were out saving the Torrance Beach Lifeguard Tower from a swarm of bees recently. The group took the opportunity to educate the community about the issue of "Colony Collapse" and the need to preserve the bee population. Read more about the project and see these cute "spacemen" in action. http://patch.com/B-dpSN

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Do you support or oppose a plastic bag ban in California?

The case for and against plastic bags struck a cord with blog readers this week. Cathy Browne, an employee in the plastics industry, shared her view that 2,000 jobs in California are dependent on the plastic bag and recycling industry and that information has been used to "demonize" its use. The blog post was among the most-commented this week! http://patch.com/B-dqwl

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Andy Shrader published a blog post a day later pointing out why he believes it's essential to ban single-use plastic bags. You'll have to see his post for a view of "Playa Vista Garbage Patch." What a sight. http://patch.com/B-dqNx

Remembering Marineland of the Pacific

Maureen Megowan dug up her memories of Marineland, the primary tourist attraction for Rancho Palos Verdes from 1954 to 1986. The oceanarium was home to killer whales, tropical fish and water features. It's a great read for anyone interested in local history. Bonus points if you can name the 5-star resort that resides in Marineland's place. http://patch.com/B-dq0C

An Espresso Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name

Joe Marchelewski vists Bob's Espresso Bar in the Noho Arts District to interview Robert Romanus, an actor turned coffee shop proprietor. Romanus, admits he's no expert at running a business, but had a vision to open up a shop focused on personal experience. http://patch.com/B-dqG5

Tasty Events Planned This Weekend

Deborah Pisaro encouraged readers to hit Barnsdall Art Park on Sunday for "The Taste of the Eastside." This annual event showcases the diverse food scene of the surrounding neighborhood. http://patch.com/B-dq1z

Jill Weinlein shared about the Pasadena restaurants participating in "LA Drinks to Boston." Participating restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds to www.onefundboston.org.  http://patch.com/A-3TrB

And from Santa Monica's blogs:

Frank Gruber continues his discussion about the complicated issue of housing and the factors that drive the market. http://patch.com/B-dqNq

Jaya V Bhumitra urges readers consider the impact on the environment of raising animals for consumption. http://patch.com/B-dpbt

Interested becoming a blogger? We make it simple and it's free! Patch's Local Voices section is the place for the community to share viewpoints and neighborhood happenings with each other. Email Community Editor Lindsey Baguio at lindsey.baguio@patch.com to get started.

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