News from Santa Monica.
Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade Entertainment Zone (EZ) has completed its first six months, with early results suggesting it has become a useful tool for boosting activity downtown. According to a staff report to City Council (link to report here),…
The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Image: From left to right, Brandon Kirbyson, Landon Kummer and Tobin Palmer Three Santa Monica High School (Samohi) students have been named finalists in the prestigious 2026 Conrad Challenge, an international innovation and…
There’s a handsome new photo book out that belongs on L.A. urbanist shelves. Wilshire Subway documents the history of what is now known as the Metro D Line. The 80-page paperback is written by historian India Mandelkern (one of the writers behind…
The Douglas Park Playground Reconstruction Project is nearing completion, with final finishing touches underway and a soft opening expected next week. The official ribbon cutting celebration is set for Saturday, April 18, from 9–11 a.m. at the park (2349 Wilshire…
(Every week we republish one article from the City Manager’s weekly update to staff. This week’s article has been lightly updated because it was written in the future tense.) Yesterday, Monday, April 13, new parking rates are in effect at…
This is what progress looks like. It’s practical, it’s measurable and it’s moving us forward,” said Mayor Caroline Torosis at a ceremonial groundbreaking yesterday for a major expansion of the city’s zero-emission bus system. “This systemwide move to cleaner transit…
The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Spring has officially sprung at the Santa Monica Pier as Locals’ Night returns Thursday, April 16, transforming the Pier into a vibrant, open-air celebration of music, art, and community from 3:30 to 10 p.m. Presented…
The following is a submission from SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC) will host Masanga Marimba — led by CSU Northridge ethnomusicologist and SMC Music instructor Dr. Ric Alviso — in “A Musical Journey from Africa to Latin America.” The concert explores the journey of the marimba, from its use…
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier has appointed Tim Defuria as its first Director of Government and Community Affairs, a newly created position aimed at strengthening the park’s relationships with public agencies and local stakeholders. Defuria, a Santa Monica…
The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The 30th annual Sustainability Quality Awards, which recognizes local businesses that demonstrate excellence in helping Santa Monica realize a more sustainable future, is set for April 29 from 4:30–7p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House. This year’s…
The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (SMCLC), a non-profit founded in 2005 to battle what it sees as the undue influence of developers in city politics, has announced its support for a ballot measure that would allow thousands…
The following is from the city manager’s weekly report. On Friday, March 27, City staff and Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya welcomed Yevgen Solodov from the Kyiv Traffic Management Center for a half-day planning discussion and walking tour, a small but meaningful…
The Santa Monica Rent Control Board’s 2025 Annual Report (pdf) highlights a year of notable policy updates and programmatic changes aimed at strengthening tenant protections and improving oversight. Among the key accomplishments, the Board adopted new rules to limit large,…
Santa Monica has not been shy about sharing its feelings about the Trump Administration. In addition to the No Kings rallies held in Palisades Park as part of the national movement, there are weekly demonstrations, at least a pair of…
Eagle-eyed reader (and superhero) Caro Vilain sends news and proof that the protected bikeway for Colorado Avenue is underway. This picture was snapped over the weekend of crews putting the finishing touches on the portion of the lane between 5th…
