News from Santa Monica.
Last night, the Santa Monica City Council approved two controversial measures: reforms to how the city funds neighborhood groups and an extension of the Off-Site Affordable Housing Program first launched in August. Off-Site Affordable Housing Program In August, the city…
The following is a PSA from the Santa Monica Fire Department The Santa Monica Fire Department is raising awareness about lithium-ion batteries in the home this Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11 with two free community events and activities on Oct.…
Right now, the city of Santa Monica has 3,598 market-rate and 642 affordable units that are approved but stuck, unable to break ground. The problem is this: the math doesn’t work to build new housing. Tariffs are raising prices on…
On Wednesday, October 1, enjoy FREE RIDES on Big Blue Bus in honor of the 8th annual California Clean Air Day! Reduce your carbon footprint and join a unified day of action. Take the Clean Air Day Pledge to abstain…
The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. The short-form documentary “Rhythm & Harmony” showcasing BroadStage’s artistic residency with four-time GRAMMYⓇ Award-winning musician Stanley Clarke, is an official selection at the 26th Newport Beach Film Festival, which runs Oct. 16-23, 2025. The documentary was made by Santa…
The following is a submission from SMMUSD. The Santa-Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) accepted a $2.52 million grant from the Santa Monica Education Foundation (SMEF) at its Aug. 14, 2025, Board of Education meeting. This grant goes to support…
Tomorrow night, the project team for a new mixed use apartment building at 3205 Ocean Park Boulevard, across the street from the Santa Monica Business Park, will hold a virtual community meeting on Zoom at 6:00 p.m. You can join…
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is pleased to announce its high ranking in the 2025 Best School Districts in California by national academic ranking service, Niche. SMMUSD is ranked seventh in Los Angeles County and 18th in California…
At last night’s endorsement meeting, the Santa Monica Democratic Club voted to endorse Dr. Sion Roy for State Senate in the race to replace Ben Allen who is term-limited out of office. Roy, a former president of the Dem. Club…
Reader Jacob Wasserman caught the city in the act…the act of making streets safer for all road users that is. Wasserman snapped the picture on the right of the installation of a twenty five mile per hour speed limit sign…
City Manager Oliver Chi announced the appointment of Jing Yeo as the new director of the Community Development Department. Yeo has served the city since 2006, and as planning manager since 2016. She served as interim director following longtime Director…
Last night (Thursday, September 11), the State Assembly passed Senate Bill 79, the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener (D-SF), by a 41-17 vote. Because of amendments made after the Senate first passed the legislation, SB 79…
The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Haven Services is offering free VITA Tax Assistance preparation on two dates at the Santa Monica Public Library. These services are in response to the Federal and California State…
Santa Monica may soon see a few more cannabis shops in commercial areas. On Tuesday evening, the city council heard the first reading of a new ordinance designed to implement a permitting process for new retailers, establish operational controls, and…
At tomorrow night’s City Council meeting, the Council is expected to “declare a fiscal emergency” (Agenda, Item 4s, direct link) and give City Manager Oliver Chi to “take all necessary steps to address, alleviate, and mitigate this emergency. The resolution…
