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Welcome to 2026. If you still write checks, don’t forget..
We would like to start the year by thanking our readers for their patience during our technology transition last month. It actually went smoother than anticipated and we are 98% done fixing the potholes and re-enabling missing features.
We are excited for what our new platform enables. Most importantly, we will be able to spend more time creating content and less time managing it. We hope it shows.
The rain mostly stayed away for the Rose Bowl, but there’s still some more to go
Close to Home
UCLA: California Wildland Firefighters Would Use Respirators
California wildland firefighters are willing to wear respirators despite concerns about mobility and safety, according to new UCLA research on workplace protection.
Maaz Alin
Q4 2025 in review
Santa Monica’s December 2025: Council Conflicts & Major City Changes
Santa Monica’s December 2025 saw City Council controversies, a new pier bridge, Olympic event partnerships, and major decisions on housing, healthcare and airport operations.
Maaz Alin
November 2023 in Santa Monica: Waymo Shutdown Leads Local News
What happened in Santa Monica and Malibu during November 2023? Waymo operations halted, PCH safety funding approved, and new businesses opened amid controversy.
Maaz Alin
Santa Monica Approves Major City Revitalization Plan for 2025
Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved City Manager Oliver Chi’s revitalization plan addressing budget deficits and departmental reorganization to stabilize the city’s finances.
Maaz Alin
You can find the rest of 2025 reviews here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
In Case You Missed
Controversial developer defaults on Promenade loans
Leo Pustilnikov, a developer who has clashed repeatedly with Santa Monica city officials over downtown governance and housing projects, has defaulted on a $37.5 million loan
Matthew Hall
FAA rules Santa Monica violated federal law over fees
The FAA ruled Santa Monica illegally accumulated $19M in airport surplus revenue it planned to use for city services after closure rather than aviation purposes.
Matthew Hall
Events
Live Music Fridays at The Surfing Fox
120 Colorado Ave
Fri. Jan 2 6:00PM
CA Contact Info (424) 214-1830 matt.sedgwick@candrpr.com Visit thesurfingfoxsm.com to view menus and learn more, Santa Monica