(Follow Todd’s socials LinkTree.) In April, I marked 29 years living in Santa Monica. In that time, I’ve enjoyed careers in public and government affairs, corporate philanthropy, manufacturing, journalism, and now, travel. I’ve been a travel agent and advisor for…
The city council passed a balanced budget last night that appears forward-looking and optimistic about better times ahead for Santa Monica. The combined city operating budget and capital improvements budget that was adopted nets out at $908.8 million, after reimbursements…
It’s no secret that City Council meetings are long. Sometimes a packed agenda pushes discussion of major issues into the following morning. Sometimes “closed session” discussions of legal or personnel issues take much longer than expected. However, while proposals to change several…
Image via Caroline Torosis/Instagram While multiple challenges remain, the city council and staff sound upbeat about Santa Monica’s financial prospects turning in a positive direction. On Tuesday night, the council was presented with an update on the city’s financial picture…
Santa Monicans can expect several changes to their boards and commissions over the next year. And a new Restorative Justice Commission will soon join the roster. A comprehensive review of city boards and commissions and proposed changes In January, city…
Santa Monica will see more housing produced near transit-oriented development (TOD) stops in the years to come. Last October, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the much-debated and amended Senate Bill 79 (SB 79). It takes effect on July 1. The law…
In the coming months and years, the city will see thousands of visitors swarm several high-profile events surrounding the World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games, and a signature music festival that may become an annual staple. As part of Santa…
(Damien Newton contributed background information for this article.) The city council moved Tuesday night to ensure its direction to staff is better reflected in the workings of the Neighborhood Grant Program, specifically, requirements in the grant application that had befuddled…
Image: Sir Speedy after a car slammed into it in 2025 by Todd Flora. Over the next several years, Santa Monicans can look forward to changes big and small on Santa Monica Boulevard. But it may take a couple months…
The Measure Would Include Hotels and Pier Hospitality Businesses Some laid-off hotel and Pier restaurant workers may soon return to their jobs. On Tuesday (Agenda, 10a. YouTube, 4:19:25) , the city council voted to adopt a measure that would, according…
Some changes may be coming for several of the city’s volunteer boards and commissions. While a restructuring took place at the end of 2021, the number of boards and commissions has since increased. Some were created to comply with state…
Downtown Santa Monica will soon host a bold new wave of illuminating signage that is sure to alter the downtown fabric. On Tuesday evening, the council voted to amend the Municipal Code and approve a new ordinance establishing a digital…
After countless hours of work on both sides of the debate, the yellow Craftsman-style home at 1125 18th Street will be designated as a Structure of Merit (SoM). The process all began in February when Plus Architecture Inc. submitted a…
Some major changes are coming to Santa Monica, and most hope they will lead to a firm financial footing and cultural renewal following several years of COVID-related malaise and a projected fiscal year deficit of nearly $30 million. Specifically, on…
It’s going to take a little longer to determine the fate of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. On Tuesday night, the city council ended its Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Revitalization Partners Group, LLC (RPG). The council approved the city…
