Newsletter: Dec 29, 2025
Front & Center Biblical levels of rain (for SoCal) fell over Christmas During the calm before our next storm, we can't help but marvel at our season-to-date rainfall..READ Get your…
Cities can’t punish outreach workers for helping homeless Californians under new law
By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters Physician assistant Brett Feldman checks Carla Bolen’s blood pressure at her encampment on the Figueroa Street Viaduct above Highway 110 in Elysian Valley Park in Los…
Santa Monica Downtown Shooting Latest in String of Violent Crimes
June Entertainment Zone Debut Downtown Santa Monica is launching an entertainment zone allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas, starting with seven participating restaurants. Additionally, a proposal was made to host…
Santa Monica Safety Concerns: Shootings, Beach Closures Rise
May Parking Overhaul Debated Consultants proposed replacing downtown’s 90-minute free parking with flat rates to raise revenue. Business leaders opposed the plan, fearing it would deter visitors. The DTSM board…
Santa Monica News Roundup: Malibu School Separation Setback
Malibu School Separation A county report recommended against the creation of an independent Malibu School District, stating it fails eight of nine state criteria. The report cited concerns regarding financial…
Santa Monica Tackles $33M Budget Deficit with Bold Solutions
March ZJ Boarding House Closes Iconic surf shop ZJ Boarding House closed after 37 years as its parent company, Liberated Brands, files for bankruptcy. The store, a Main Street staple,…
Santa Monica News Recap: Fire Recovery, School Updates
February School board stumped by low grades and high test scores SMMUSD officials expressed concern regarding over 800 secondary students receiving D or F grades in math during the fall…
Newsletter: Dec 27, 2025
Devastating Palisades Fire Marks Catastrophic Start to 2025 How did the 2025 Palisades Fire impact Santa Monica? The wildfire destroyed 6,800+ structures, killed at least 12 people, and led to…
SMPD prevent downtown suicide
The Santa Monica Police Department prevented a suicide in the Downtown area on Saturday when they pulled a man off a ledge after a brief standoff. While Santa Monica officers…
California Proposed Tax on $1M Part-Time Homes to Help Students
Getting into college is harder than ever. Every year, Americans spend about $500 million on “educational consultants” who help students navigate applying to college. Most first-generation, low-income students don’t have…