Following the launch of our AI SMMUSD meeting notes, we heard from several readers asking if we could do previews of the City Council meetings because the city’s website management system for council and commission meetings is, in the words…
When the legislative session ended at midnight on September 1, the clock started ticking for Gavin Newsom. The Governor has until the end of the month to sign legislation into law or veto it. If he takes no action, the…
Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109 and the Santa Monica Police Officers Association have broadened their slate of endorsed City Council candidates for the November election, adding challengers Doug Trussler and Ashley Oelsen to their earlier support for incumbent Councilmember Lana…
The first joint campaign message from Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights and UNITE HERE Local 11 is highlighting three candidates for Santa Monica City Council, while leaving two names notably absent. The message urges voters to support Mayor Caroline Torosis,…
Fifteen days after the death of feminist leader and longtime Santa Monica resident Gloria Steinem, an organization she helped bring into existence will gather in Santa Monica to honor her legacy and continue the campaign she spent decades supporting. Steinem…
Lincoln Middle School celebrated the reopening of its newly modernized Legacy Building last week, the latest milestone in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s ongoing effort to replace aging school facilities with modern learning spaces. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held September…
Earlier today, Goldenvoice announced the cancellation of the Ocean Way Festival, originally scheduled for the weekend of September 26, 27. Goldenvoice blamed damage caused to the beach by Hurricane Marie last weekend as the culprit for cancellation. “Storm surf and…
UNITE HERE Local 11 released its candidate endorsements yesterday in a way that is sure to stand out. The local hospitality union endorsed four candidates for three city council seats and also chose to dis-endorse two candidates. The text of…
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton says he wants to abolish the California Department of Motor Vehicles and slash annual vehicle registration fees to a flat $73. It’s being sold as a bold government-reform proposal, and it sure did generate a…
For more on the transportation items on tonight’s agenda, Juan Matute previewed the meeting and explained in an op/ed how the Safe System approach works and why he believes it is the right fit for Santa Monica. Update: the motion…
The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City, one of the city’s longest-running organized opponents of large-scale development, has endorsed Councilmember Lana Negrete and Planning Commissioner Ashley Oelsen for Santa Monica City Council. The endorsements also mark a notable break…
Thank You St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop for Joining OPA as a Silver Member!!! St. Matthew’s is a cherished Ocean Park gem where neighbors can uncover unique treasures and quality vintage finds while directly supporting vital local community programs. Every purchase and…
Santa Monica’s police union and firefighter’s union each announced the endorsement of Councilmember Lana Negrete for re-election this fall. Negrete is the only endorsed candidates for three seats, and the unions hinted that future endorsements may be forthcoming. “I’m incredibly…
The 2026 legislative session was gaveled to a close last night. What legislation is awaiting final approval from Governor Gavin Newsom and what failed to make it this year? The answers are below. Newsom has a dozen days to sign…
Image: Senator Allen speaks to a crowd on a film set while celebrating the signing of AB 1138. California lawmakers are moving to protect the state’s film and television industry after they say a new corporate tax law unintentionally put…
