July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

The Weekly Hot Flash: A Santa Monica Staycation:

Recently, I had to move out of my house for a week. We were getting our hardwood floors redone, and the refinishers highly recommended we leave the house while the work was being executed.  

My husband took this as an opportunity to fly to Florida see his aged, ailing father of 88.  My rescue dog Zoey (a Maltese) and I were suddenly by ourselves! We planned a staycation in Santa Monica, determined to take advantage of all that the city by the sea had to offer.

Our base was to be the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. I think I get the better deal, between my husband and I. Zoey and I checked in on a Friday night. We were in the newly refurbished wing of the hotel. Nice. I looked out the window and discovered an ocean and pool view. Even nicer! I started to unpack my suitcase.  

On the bureau, I found a lovely surprise. There was a fruit and cheese plate from my friend who’s the manager of the hotel, and a dog bed, dog bowls, and some bones for my Zoey! We were elated. I could get used to this staycation, in the form of an extended-staycation!  

After unpacking, we walked from the hotel to Whole Foods to get Zoey her dog food. It was a beautiful, balmy night.  

Once back to the Miramar, we stayed in for the evening, Zoey eating her dog food out of her new bowl, and me ordering room service – a salad and a glass of wine. We snuggled on the soft, comfortable beds – Zoey on her new bed and me in mine. I think we were fast asleep by 9 pm.

The next morning, Zoey and I headed out the door to discover Santa Monica on foot. We started out at Palisades Park, right across the street from the hotel. It’s a beautiful, historical locale, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I brought my camera and started clicking away. Zoey was getting acquainted with all the neighborhood dogs. It was great fun. We continued to the farmer’s market. There I brought some sweet, juicy peaches, strawberries, and a muffin. We moved on, once I realized that no dogs were allowed in the confines. Oops!

We walked over to a coffee shop, ordered a cup and a bowl of water for Zoey, and sat for an hour or so, people watching. Zoey was having fun saying hello to everyone. It felt great, like home. Such a small-town feeling. Loved it.

We continued walking south to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It was still morning, and everyone was starting to come out. We passed all the restaurants, souvenir shops, and walked to the end of the pier. The Santa Monica Pier is one of my most favorite places in Santa Monica, with others being the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market, and the Hollywood Bowl. Such icons.

At the pier, we sat on the wooden steps, over- looking the ocean. There was a soft breeze blowing. Zoey sat on my lap, and we watched the seagulls, fishermen, exercisers and tourists, all blending together as one. We reluctantly decided to get up and head back to the hotel. As we were making our way back, I stopped to check out another favorite of mine, the Pacific Pier Ferris Wheel. I asked if I could take my dog on the ride, but as I expected they wouldn’t allow it.

We took our time walking back to the hotel, looking at stuff one rarely sees when racing around from one meeting to another in a car. Once back to the room, we took a long, leisurely nap and got ready for our next outing, an early dinner with a friend at Blue Plate Taco. I was running a little late from taking too long of a nap. We rushed from our room to the valet area, asking how long of a walk it was to the restaurant, explaining we might be late.

Again, an unexpected surprise. The hotel had complimentary car service! Zoey and I jumped into the passenger seat of the black Cadillac Esplanade and were whisked to the restaurant in less than five minutes. How fun!

The dinner of lobster tacos with truffle oil and a frozen margarita was the perfect meal for me. Zoey was quite happy sitting outside with her bowl of water and some Whole Foods dog food. I even gave her a small taste of lobster. She gobbled it up.

Zoey, you’re a long way from the high-kill shelter in Downey where they put you when they found you wandering as a sickly, stray puppy! I am so glad I found you and gave you your forever home. Thank you Santa Monica, for being part of her world!

Hot Flash Universe is the go-to source for women over 40 looking for insight into the hottest, most current trends, products, and issues.Topics are approached with candor, intellect, and a healthy dose of humor. We search for the best Santa Monica has to offer for women of any age to be sexy, smart, and savvy.

Barbara Bishop is President of Santa Monica-based BBPR, Inc. For comments or suggestions, email barbara.bishop@bbprinc.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...