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# Santa Monica Next

Local News and Views

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## Posts

- [Kool Happenings: The Land of Broken Toys in a Land of Broken Boys](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/kool-happenings-the-land-of-broken-toys-in-a-land-of-broken-boys/) - The Land of Broken Toys In each of the continuing films of Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, we have been introduced, in several ways, to the fates of broken toys. In Toy Story 1, we meet the mutant toys, who have been broken and mutilated by a cruel boy named Sid Phillips, who gleefully dismembers them and reassembles the
- [Council to Consider School Funding Parcel Tax for November Ballot](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/council-to-consider-school-funding-parcel-tax-for-november-ballot/) - The Santa Monica City Council will officially decide Tuesday (Agenda, Item 11a) whether to place a proposed school funding parcel tax before voters this November. The citizen-sponsored initiative would levy a $495 annual parcel tax on property owners, with all proceeds dedicated to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Supporters say the measure would replace
- [Santa Monica Forward Endorses Torosis, Gill, and Morrow for City Council](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/santa-monica-forward-endorses-torosis-gill-and-morrow-for-city-council/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica Forward. Santa Monica Forward is proud to endorse Caroline Torosis, Eli Gill, and Brett Morrow for Santa Monica City Council in November 2026, three leaders with the record, urgency, and expertise to make this city affordable, vibrant, and safe for everyone who calls it home. Santa Monica
- [SMC’s Emeritus Acting Troupe to Perform July 18, “Conversations: Scenes from Film and Theater”](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/smcs-emeritus-acting-troupe-to-perform-july-18-conversations-scenes-from-film-and-theater/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Acting Troupe is pleased to announce its Summer 2025 Showcase: “Conversations: Scenes from Film and Theater.” The performance is free and will be presented online as a live virtual event at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. A Zoom link at the July 18 event listing at smc.edu/calendartakes guests directly to the online event. The performance, which features students
- [OPA Update 7/9/26: Ocean Park Summer Picnic Series Kicks Off Tonight, 2026 Most Loved Businesses, City Issues Fines in Automated Bike Lane Enforcement Program, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/opa-update-7-9-26-ocean-park-summer-picnic-series-kicks-off-tonight-2026-most-loved-businesses-city-issues-fines-in-automated-bike-lane-enforcement-program-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Golden Hour at Third Street Promenade: Designed to complement the Pier fan experience with free pre- and post-match activities, Golden Hour features exhibitors, fan experiences, local vendors and more. July 10 santamonicacup.com/events/golden-hour World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Venice Beach: Enjoy two days of quarter-finals on the beach with Live match viewing, food,
- [Santa Monica COAST World Cup Finale Will Open Downtown Streets on 7/19](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/santa-monica-coast-world-cup-finale-will-open-downtown-streets-on-7-19/) - Santa Monica's six-week FIFA World Cup celebration wraps up with COAST 2026 on Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free, all-ages event will transform more than a mile of Downtown Santa Monica—including the Third Street Promenade, Ocean Avenue, Arizona Avenue, Colorado Avenue, the Metro station, and the Santa Monica Pier—into a
- [Environmental Justice Group Sues Over California’s New Cap-and-Trade Rules](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/environmental-justice-group-sues-over-californias-new-cap-and-trade-rules/) - Just days after California’s controversial overhaul of its cap-and-trade (called cap-and-invest by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office) program took effect, an environmental justice organization has filed suit (link directly to lawsuit) seeking to overturn the regulations. On July 1, Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) filed a petition in Sacramento County Superior Court arguing that the California Air
- [National Media Focuses on Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/national-media-focuses-on-santa-monica/) - The Wall Street Journal and MSN checked in on Santa Monica’s economic struggles caused in large part by the decline in retail shopping nationally that’s impacted the Promenade, the global pandemic, and the decline in international tourism in recent years (the so-called “Trump Slump.” The picture presented isn’t the prettiest: business owners interviewed for the
- [City Publishes New Housing Data](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/city-publishes-new-housing-data/) - (Every week, Santa Monica Next republishes an article from City Manager Oliver Chi's newsletter) This past week, our team in Community Development published fresh data to our Housing Progress Dashboard which provides the clearest current picture of housing production in Santa Monica. Here’s where the City currently stands as it relates to our 6th Cycle
- [Election Season Officially Kicks Off on 7/13](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/election-season-officially-kicks-off-on-7-13/) - The nomination period for three seats on the Santa Monica City Council, three seats on the Rent Control Board, four seats on the Santa Monica-Malibu School District Board and four seats on the Santa Monica College District Board opens on Monday, July 13. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend the Candidate Workshop on July 13
- [Santa Monica Block Fest Vol. V Returns to Downtown Santa Monica with Music, Food, and a World Cup Watch Party](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/santa-monica-block-fest-vol-v-returns-to-downtown-santa-monica-with-music-food-and-a-world-cup-watch-party/) - The following is a submission from Downtown Santa Monica Inc. Santa Monica Block Fest ("SMBF") returns Saturday, July 11, taking over all three historic blocks of Third Street Promenade for an open-air celebration of music, food, and World Cup watch parties. Building on the momentum of over 20,000 attendees at SMBF Vol. IV in June,
- [Dan Hall Breaks Down the State of Tourism](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/dan-hall-breaks-down-the-state-of-tourism/) - Councilmember Dan Hall's latest newsletter argues that Santa Monica's tourism industry is showing encouraging signs of recovery but faces significant headwinds that require the city to adapt its long-term strategy. While visitor spending, hotel performance, and major events have helped stabilize the local economy since the pandemic, Hall notes that international tourism remains below historic
- [OPA Update 7/6/26: Main St. Parade Recap, OPA Meeting Next Monday, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/opa-update-7-6-26-main-st-parade-recap-opa-meeting-next-monday-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week USA v Belgium World Cup Game (Monday 5pm): There are a lot watch parties around town, including on the Promenade, The Edgemar, etc. Here’s a fun video report from NBC4 on last week’s watch party on the Promenade that had nearly 1000 people…including me front and center. 😜 Bubblemania (Tuesday 2:30 PM Fairview Library,
- [Don’t Park in the Bike Lane! Santa Monica Started Issuing Automated Bike Lane Tickets Yesterday](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/dont-park-in-the-bike-lane-santa-monica-started-issuing-automated-bike-lane-tickets-yesterday/) - Since May 1, the city of Santa Monica has been using AI camera technology to ticket drivers parked in bike lanes. Starting today, the program shifted from issuing warnings to issuing actual $93 tickets. Santa Monica is the first California city to use this new technology; cameras are mounted on city vehicles. If you drive in
- [Kool Happenings: Our Flag Was Still There](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/kool-happenings-our-flag-was-still-there/) - As America was fighting its war against the British in 1812, the commander of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Major George Armistead, commissioned a local seamstress named Mary Pickersgill to sew a large flag to fly over the citadel. Bringing together her daughter, two nieces, two free women of color and seamstresses from her Baltimore community,
- [Eyes on the Street: Sidewalk Construction on Ashland](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/eyes-on-the-street-sidewalk-construction-on-ashland/) - Both images by Matthew Stevens. Image above was construction on the north side earlier this week. Image below is the north side yesterday afternoon after work had completed. Ocean Park resident Matthew Stevens has been asking the city to improve the sidewalk on Ashland Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets for three years, and over
- [OPA Update 7/1/26: OPA Main St. 4th of July Parade Details, How to Keep Pets Safe on the 4th, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/opa-update-7-1-26-opa-main-st-4th-of-july-parade-details-how-to-keep-pets-safe-on-the-4th-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Penmar Sunset Sessions Independence Day Weekend: They are getting patriotic for Independence Day by having the Red Bull Air Force drop parachutes over this Friday’s Sunset Session. Friday, July 3, 4 - 9p.m., https://www.instagram.com/p/DaJyCK1shwC/ Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest (Friday starting at 5pm ): About two dozen food trucks are expected to line
- [Next 3.0 - Back to Our Roots](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/next-3-0-back-to-our-roots/) - When we launched Santa Monica Next in 2013, we had a simple idea: create a news site that focused not just on what happened today, but on how today’s decisions shape the future. To do that, we recruited young journalists, most notably Gary Kavanagh, Lindsey Miller, and Jason Islas. Today, I’m proud to announce that
- [Yup. That's Damien in a Video About AI Enforcement in Bike Lanes](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/yup-thats-damien-in-a-video-about-ai-enforcement/) - Back in April, our editor gave an interview to the city of Santa Monica about his experiences bicycling in the city and his excitement for the coming AI enforcement of bike lane laws. Given both that there's a certain irony about AI writing about AI and that Damien hates writing about himself, he gave this
- [Santa Monica College to Stage “The SpongeBob Musical:Theatre for Young Audiences Edition”July 17-26](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/07/santa-monica-college-to-stage-the-spongebob-musicaltheatre-for-young-audiences-editionjuly-17-26/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Photo: Heidi Laubach. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Arts Department will perform “The SpongeBob Musical: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition”July 17-26 in the Theatre Arts Main Stage on the SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17 and July 24, and Saturday, July 18 and July 25. Matinees are at 1
- [Community Meeting for Housing Project at 1435 Fifth Street Will Be Tomorrow, July 1, at 6:00 p.m.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/community-meeting-for-housing-project-at-1435-fifth-street-will-be-tomorrow-july-1-at-600-p-m/) - Learn more about plans for the proposed 1435 Fifth Street affordable housing development at a community open house tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 1, at 6:00 p.m. The project would bring new affordable homes to downtown Santa Monica, replacing a city-owned parking lot with a mixed-use development that includes housing for low-income households, ground-floor community space,
- [Watch the World Cup knockout stage on Third Street Promenade](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/watch-the-world-cup-knockout-stage-on-third-street-promenade/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica’s World Cup fun continues this week as both the Mexico and U.S. teams advance to the Round of 32. WHAT: Enjoy a drink, grab a bite and watch all these matches with your peers with free outdoor watch parties. WHERE: Third Street Promenade (1300
- [Minimum Wage Set to Rise Tomorrow](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/minimum-wage-set-to-rise-tomorrow/) - Photo: Activists advocate for a $15 minimum wage in Los Angeles in 2015 from Capital and Main. Happy fiscal New Year Santa Monica. Every year on July 1, the minimum and living wages in the City of Santa Monica increase thanks to an ordinance passed in 2016. Santa Monicans take pride in having one of
- [City Continues to Crow About World Cup Rally](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/city-continues-to-crow-about-world-cup-rally/) - (Every week, Santa Monica Next republishes one (or two!), articles from the City Manager's Newsletter.) Two and a half weeks into the FIFA World Cup, the verdict is in… Santa Monica knows how to throw a great party that people want to go to! Since the tournament kicked off on June 11, the City has
- [14TH Street Parking Lot Now Closed To Make Way for Affordable Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/14th-street-parking-lot-now-closed-to-make-way-for-affordable-housing/) - (Every week we take a story, or two, from the City Manager's Newsletter. This story was originally published before the lot was closed.) We wanted to remind everyone that the public parking lot at 1211-1217 14th Street is scheduled to close permanently on Sunday, June 28, at 10:00 p.m., as the site prepares for the
- [OPA Update 6/29/26: Main St. July 4th Parade Details, SaMoHi Choral Programs Thank You Statement to the Community, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-29-26-main-st-july-4th-parade-details-samohi-choral-programs-thank-you-statement-to-the-community-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week World Cup Knockout Stage Watch Parties (Tuesday & Wednesday): Come to 3rd St. Promenade to watch Mexico vs. TBD (Tuesday @ 6p.m.) and USA vs. Bosnia Wednesday at 5p.m. Pulse in the Park (Saturday 11:30am - 3pm): Enjoy a high energy, World Cup themed festival in Tongva Park, following the annual community
- [JSX Expands Service From Santa Monica Airport With New Oakland Flights](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/jsx-expands-service-from-santa-monica-airport-with-new-oakland-flights/) - Despite ongoing controversy surrounding scheduled passenger service at Santa Monica Airport, JSX is expanding its operations with new nonstop flights to Oakland beginning this fall. The public charter carrier announced this week that it will begin offering up to three daily roundtrip flights between Santa Monica Airport and Oakland International Airport starting September 14. Introductory
- [Eyes on the Street: Culver City Upgrades Elenda Street Bikeway](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/eyes-on-the-street-culver-city-upgrades-elenda-street-bikeway/) - Culver City recently upgraded its two-way protected bikeway along Elenda Street. Elenda was already a comfortable safe place to ride since the city installed armadillo-type bikeway protection back in 2021. See that bikeway in Streetsblog L.A.’s armadillo-spotting video.
- [OPA Update 6/25/26: OPA Membership Drive, Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-25-26-opa-membership-drive-santa-monica-pier-360-beach-festival-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - (This week's OPA Update was sent after our publishing day ended yesterday and has been lightly edited to remove events that have already happened.) Things to Do This Weekend World Play Zone at the Metro Station (Now through June 28): The E Line Downtown Station Lot is transforming into a family-friendly World Cup activation featuring soccer
- [Kool Happenings: Face the Music and Compare and Contrast](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/kool-happenings-face-the-music-and-compare-and-contrast/) - There are two prevailing theories about the origin of the term "face the music", a phrase widely used to express the experience of having to face the consequences of your actions and accept the punishment. The first theory stems from advice given to stage actors debuting in the early 20th century American theatre. A new,
- [2026 State of the City event to Highlight Realignment Plan and "Santa Monica’s Emerging Renaissance"](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/2026-state-of-the-city-event-to-highlight-realignment-plan-and-santa-monicas-emerging-renaissance/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica invites residents to attend the State of the City 2026 on Thursday, July 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. This free community event will be an open street celebration, taking place on Main Street between Hollister Avenue and Ocean
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel Launches America 250 Celebration With Fourth of July Light Spectacular](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-launches-america-250-celebration-with-fourth-of-july-light-spectacular/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will celebrate Independence Day and kick off America’s 250th birthday commemoration with a special patriotic lighting program on the iconic Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel. From July 2 through July 5, the nine-story Ferris wheel will illuminate the coastline with
- [Santa Monica Happy with World Cup Returns. Plans More Watches.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-happy-with-world-cup-returns-plans-more-watches/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica is celebrating two weeks of successful events and activations and gearing up for even more to come as both the U.S. and Mexico teams finish their final games in the Group Stage and head toward the Knockout Stage of the FIFA World
- [Fairview, Montana and Ocean Park Branch Libraries to Open Four Days Per Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/fairview-montana-and-ocean-park-branch-libraries-to-open-four-days-per-week/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Last fall, the Santa Monica City Council approved funding to restore library hours as part of the city of Santa Monica’s Realignment Plan. The phased expansion began in January 2026 with the return of three days of full-service hours at the Fairview and Ocean Park
- [Council Passes Operating and Capital Improvements Budgets](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/council-passes-operating-and-capital-improvements-budgets/) - 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 and transfers, for fiscal year (FY) 2026-2027 and the first year of the fiscal 2026-2028
- [Bill to Reform Coastal Commission Scaled Back, but Still Delivers Wins for Bicycle/Pedestrian Projects and Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/bill-to-reform-coastal-commission-scaled-back-but-still-delivers-wins-for-bicycle-pedestrian-projects-and-santa-monica/) - Assemblymember Rick Zbur's Assembly Bill 1740 is likely headed for Assembly approval, but the bill lawmakers are considering is far narrower than it was when it was first introduced in February. For months, the legislation was moving through the Senate, where it was ultimately approved by a unanimous vote, but at each committee hearing the
- [Pier 360 Returns This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/pier-360-returns-this-weekend/) - The following submission is from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica “Pier 360” Beach Festival returns June 27–28, 2026, bringing two action-packed days of ocean sports, live entertainment, beach culture, and community celebration to the iconic Santa Monica shoreline. The free, all-ages festival transforms the beach and Pier into the ultimate Southern California summer experience, welcoming thousands of locals
- [Santa Monica Shows Up for the World Cup, and Other Economic Development News](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-shows-up-for-the-world-cup-and-other-economic-development-news/) - (Every week, Santa Monica Next publishes an article first published by City Manager Oliver Chi in his weekly newsletter.) This past week may be remembered as one of the strongest demonstrations of Citywide momentum that Santa Monica has seen in years! As the FIFA World Cup 2026 came to Southern California, our City teams launched
- [OPA Update 6/22/26: OPA Membership Drive, Beach Clean-Up this Weekend, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-22-26-opa-membership-drive-beach-clean-up-this-weekend-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Cult-Favorite Restaurant La Copine Celebrates Debut Cookbook w/ James Beard Foundation with a Book Signing at Wednesday Farmers Market (Wednesday): Claire and Nikki opened La Copine in 2015, shortly after getting married. What began as an eclectic, “IYKYK” restaurant has grown into a destination beloved by California locals, travelers, and celebrities
- [Kool Happenings: Weak Tea, and A Hotbed of Cold Feet](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/kool-happenings-weak-tea-and-a-hotbed-of-cold-feet/) - Weak Tea I don't often find myself asking AI about the behavior of men who might be insecure about their masculinity. (How's that for an opening sentence?) However, I just couldn’t help myself when I began to add up the white house squatter’s unseemly excitement at the sight of a cageful of men beating each
- [Pacific Wheel Illuminates Juneteenth with Special Tribute Light Display on June 19](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/pacific-wheel-illuminates-juneteenth-with-special-tribute-light-display-on-june-19/) - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will commemorate Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, with a special lighting program on the Pacific Wheel. The nine-story Ferris wheel will showcase vibrant red, white, and blue patterns inspired by the official Juneteenth flag, along with dynamic red, black, and green animations representing the Pan-African flag. The colorful
- [OPA Update 6/18/26: Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events This Weekend, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-18-26-main-st-summer-soulstice-make-music-la-events-this-weekend-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend How to Taste Wine Like a Pro (Thursday 7pm):Join our sommelier and winemaker Amanda Rubin for a fun and interactive evening as they guide you through how to properly taste wine like the pros. Learn how to swirl, sniff, sip, and identify aromas and flavors while gaining insider tips straight
- [Why Are These 11 People Running for City Council?](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/why-are-these-11-people-running-for-city-council/) - For the last week, Next has been publishing the responses to one question from the Santa Monica Democratic Club's candidate questionnaire for candidates seeking seats on the Rent Control Board, SMMUSD School Board, and Santa Monica College Board of Trustees. Today, we're publishing the answer 11 candidates for City Council gave to the question, "Why
- [Tired of Local Politics Threatening Your Favorite Bike Lane?](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/tired-of-local-politics-threatening-your-favorite-bike-lane/) - Calbike is rallying behind new legislation that will protect bicycle infrastructure from being removed for purely local political reasons. Senate Bill 569, authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), would make it significantly harder for local governments to remove or weaken existing bicycle infrastructure. The bill prohibits cities, counties, regional agencies, and other local governments from
- [Celebrating Juneteenth This Friday in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/celebrating-juneteenth-this-friday-in-santa-monica/) - Every week, Next reprints (at least) one article from the City Manager's Weekly Update. HHS, RAD, and our the Juneteenth committee members (pictured below) would love to see everyone at Santa Monica’s Juneteenth weekend celebration, a vibrant series of community- centered events honoring Black history, culture, wellness, creativity, and joy. The celebration begins on Friday,
- [Meet the Five Candidates for the SMC College Board](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/meet-the-five-candidates-for-the-smc-college-board/) - As we continue our series where we republish the answers given to the Santa Monica Dem. Club candidate questionaires, today we keep it simple. The first question given to candidates for the Santa Monica College Board is simply, "What qualifications do you bring to this office?" Here are the answers from each of the five
- [Santa Monica College Planetarium Shows in July Feature Women in Space, Exoplanets, and Search for Life Beyond Earth](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-college-planetarium-shows-in-july-feature-women-in-space-exoplanets-and-search-for-life-beyond-earth/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica College Planetarium will present live-hosted, on-campus shows on three Friday evenings in July, with a Sunday Family Matinée on July 12. The July shows include the popular “The Night Sky Show” and Feature Programs on women in space, exoplanets, and the search for life beyond earth. Each show is
- [What Are School Board Candidates' Top Priorities](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/what-are-school-board-candidates-top-priorities/) - This week, the Santa Monica Democratic Club published the responses to their questionnaires for all four city elections: City Council. School Board, College Board, and Rent Control Board. In a random order determined by ChatGPT, here are the answers from four candidates for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District to the question, “What are your
- [OPA Update 6/15/26: Epic World Cup Drone Show at the SaMo Pier, Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events This Weekend, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-15-26-epic-world-cup-drone-show-at-the-samo-pier-main-st-summer-soulstice-make-music-la-events-this-weekend-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Dragon Alley Coffee Grand Opening (Monday 9:30am): Welcome the newest coffee spot to the neighborhood! Join for a ribbon cutting, live DJ, and free tacos and coffee giveaways. @ 312 Santa Monica Blvd. More details here. Whistle Pig - From the Farm to The Coast (Wednesday 7pm): Some evenings are just dinner. This isn't
- [Original Airport -> Housing Measure is Off. Update: No, It's Still On...](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/breaking-ballot-measure-to-allow-housing-at-future-airport-park-pulled-will-not-be-on-fall-ballot/) - (Update: Cloverfield Commons has released a letter stating that the measure is still on. Read all about it. Original reporting below.) (Update Again: The measure is on hold until 2028 at the earliest. Signature gathering continues.) Here's a piece of election news that could have big impacts on the fall ballot. The Santa Monicans for
- [Cloverfield Commons: Airport -> Housing Ballot Measure Is Still On](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/cloverfield-commons-airport-housing-ballot-measure-is-still-on/) - (Update, 6/15/26: The signature gathering campaign mentioned below is for the 2028 ballot.) Earlier this week, Santa Monica Next reported that the measure that would allow housing to be built on the land that is currently the Santa Monica Airport. The reporting was based on conversations with two people close to the issue, however yesterday
- [Airport -> Housing Measure Will Wait Until 2028...at Best](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/airport-housing-measure-will-wait-until-2028-at-best/) - A proposed ballot initiative that would have allowed housing on part of the future Santa Monica Airport site will not appear on the November 2026 ballot after organizers failed to gather enough signatures before the deadline. Supporters of the measure are still trying to get enough signatures to place the measure on the 2028 ballot.
- [Here's What the Five Candidates for Rent Control Board Said When Asked What Issues Define Their Campaign](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/heres-what-the-five-candidates-for-rent-control-board-said-when-asked-what-issues-define-their-campaign/) - This week, the Santa Monica Democratic Club published the responses to their questionnaires for all four city elections: City Council. School Board, College Board, and Rent Control Board. In a random order determined by ChatGPT, here are the answers from five candidates for Rent Control Board to the question, “What are the top issues of
- [City Seeking New Members for new Restorative Justice Commission](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/city-seeking-new-members-for-new-restorative-justice-commission/) - Santa Monica is now accepting applications for the city’s new Restorative Justice Commission. Commission members will be appointed by the City Council and must be a Santa Monica resident. Each appointee should have subject matter expertise relevant to restorative justice or have lived experience representing communities impacted by past and present inequities. Applications are due
- [Kool Happenings: The Face That Launched a Thousand Quips and The Devil Wears Nada](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/kool-happenings-the-face-that-launched-a-thousand-quips-and-the-devil-wears-nada/) - I could see that people all around the world were becoming alarmed at the negative direction our country's leadership was heading when I Googled "signs of a dictatorship" and so many American sites showed up, I couldn't possibly read them all. The list of behaviors that characterize an authoritarian government is long, but all seem
- [Santa Monica to Spend "Up to" $650,000 on Rose Parade Float as Part of Economic Revitalization Push](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-to-spend-up-to-650000-on-rose-parade-float-as-part-of-economic-revitalization-push/) - The Santa Monica City Council voted this week to move forward with plans for a city-sponsored float in the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade, approving a budget of up to $650,000 and launching a fundraising campaign intended to offset much of the cost. The float will mark Santa Monica's official participation in the internationally televised
- [Legislators Urge Newsom to Restore Transit Funding as Budget Negotiations Continue](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/legislators-urge-newsom-to-restore-transit-funding-as-budget-negotiations-continue/) - A coalition of 28 California legislators is calling on Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders to protect hundreds of millions of dollars in transit funding that they say is threatened by both proposed changes to the state’s Cap-and-Trade program and omissions in the governor’s proposed budget. If you’re unfamiliar with how the Cap-and-Trade program or
- [OPA Update 6/11/26: Volunteers Needed Next Weekend, World Cup Festivities Kickoff, Pride on the Promenade, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-11-26-volunteers-needed-next-weekend-world-cup-festivities-kickoff-pride-on-the-promenade-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Community Corp. Annual Summer Social (Thursday 5:30pm): This evening promises to be a meaningful celebration of our work, and all our amazing partners and stakeholders. The evening will feature live music, beverages, appetizers, and a variety of raffle prizes. Ticket sales and sponsorships go to support our resident services programs, which
- [Council Asks for More Time to Consider Changes to How Meetings Will Be Conducted](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/council-asks-for-more-time-to-consider-changes-to-how-meetings-will-be-conducted/) - 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 rules of order for city council meetings were proposed, the city council opted on Tuesday
- [Santa Monica Secures $10.5 Million for "Great Park" Planning and Development](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-secures-10-5-million-for-great-park-planning-and-development/) - The Santa Monica City Council voted Tuesday night to accept more than $10.5 million in state and county grants to advance planning and development of the future Great Park at the site of the Santa Monica Airport. The funding includes a $10 million grant from California's Proposition 4 Climate Bond program and a $499,149 Measure
- [Santa Monica Changes Map on Neighborhood Website, the Facts Behind the Conspiracy](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-changes-map-on-neighborhood-website-the-facts-behind-the-conspiracy/) - Image: The "new map" on the city's website showing the four neighborhood organizations taking part in the city's grant program. Last month, the City of Santa Monica changed its website for community involvement by reducing the number of recognized neighborhood associations from seven groups to four groups. The change was made after the city implemented
- [A New (TEMPORARY!) Front Door for the Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/a-new-temporary-front-door-for-the-pier/) - Every week, Santa Monica Next republishes a story from City Manager Oliver Chi's Weekly Update. The Pier Bridge Replacement Project reached a visible milestone this week. On Friday, June 5, the Engineering and Street Services Division completed construction of a new temporary pedestrian bridge that will serve as the primary public entrance to the Pier
- [Eyes on the Street: Santa Monica Colorado Avenue Protected Bike Lanes Appear Complete](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/eyes-on-the-street-santa-monica-colorado-avenue-protected-bike-lanes-appear-complete/) - All photos: Joe Linton Santa Monica is installing concrete-curb-protected bike lanes on two well-biked east-west streets: Colorado Avenue and Broadway. Streetsblog was in the area last weekend and rode the Colorado Avenue facility, which appears complete. The one-way westbound Colorado bikeway runs about 0.8 mile from 17th Street to 5th Street. The bikeway runs along the
- [OPA Update 6/8/26: Monthly OPA Meeting Tonight/Monday, Bowlmor Construction Update, Two New Exciting SaMo Restaurant Openings this Week, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-8-26-monthly-opa-meeting-tonight-monday-bowlmor-construction-update-two-new-exciting-samo-restaurant-openings-this-week-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Raising Cane’s Grand Opening (Wednesday): There’s a sign outside of the new Downtown Santa Monica branch of crazy/popular poultry purveyor Raising Cane’s announcing their June 10 opening at the corner of Third St. and Santa Monica Blvd. instagram.com/raisingcanes Community Corp. Annual Summer Social (Thursday 5:30pm): This evening promises to be a meaningful celebration
- [Santa Monica Celebrates the World Cup with Soccer Events and Activations](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/santa-monica-celebrates-the-world-cup-with-soccer-events-and-activations/) - Image: Soccer fans check out the still-being-built WC headquarters on the pier on a sunny Saturday afternoon. From the first match to the final whistle, Santa Monica will offer a host of opportunities to gather, watch matches and celebrate the energy of the World Cup from June 12-July 19. On Friday, June 12, Santa Monica
- [As November Ballot Takes Shape, Santa Monica Voters Get a Clearer Picture of What's Ahead](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/as-november-ballot-takes-shape-santa-monica-voters-get-a-clearer-picture-of-whats-ahead/) - With the June primary largely settled and two major local announcements arriving on the same day, the contours of Santa Monica's November election are finally coming into focus. While some uncertainty remains around who else may enter local races, voters now have a much clearer sense of both the candidates and issues likely to dominate
- [Legislative Update: The Good E-Bike Legislation Is Moving, the Bad Legislation Is Not](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/legislative-update-the-good-e-bike-legislation-is-moving-the-bad-legislation-is-not/) - “Well, the good news is, we’ll have plenty of chances to educate,” sighed one bicycle safety advocate to me after a series of well-intentioned but harmful e-bike legislation moved in the Assembly Transportation Committee last April. But while all sorts of e-bike related legislation was moving in April, only the legislation endorsed by safety groups
- [Kool Happenings: The Long Blink and the Ultimate 250](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/kool-happenings-the-long-blink-and-the-ultimate-250/) - On Thursday, May 21st, as almost everyone breathing in this country knows, Stephen Colbert aired his last live show on CBS. The cowardly, obedient new dictatorship at the network, overseen by the latest toady, Bari Weiss, decided that Colbert was just too funny to continue, having offended its constant target, the inadvertently hilarious oval office
- [What's in the City's MOU with the Coastal Commission? Here's What the City Says](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/whats-in-the-citys-mou-with-the-coastal-commission-heres-what-the-city-says/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council voted last Tuesday to authorize the city manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Coastal Commission to complete the city’s Local Coastal Program, or LCP. The LCP consists of a Land Use Plan, which contains
- [Want to Win a Statewide Race? Embrace Transit Early and Often](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/want-to-win-a-statewide-race-embrace-transit-early-and-often/) - “No better day to ride the D (train) than election day,” posted Tom Steyer Tuesday morning at 11:12 a.m. on X. The problem isn’t that Steyer talked about transit on election day. The problem is that he waited until election day. California voters consistently support transit funding at the ballot box, yet no major candidate in the governor’s
- [OPA Update 6/4/26: Ocean Park Social Club Chili Cookoff Sunday, Route 66 Steak Challenge, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-4-26-ocean-park-social-club-chili-cookoff-sunday-route-66-steak-challenge-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Route 66 Steak Challenge (Thursday 4 - 8pm): The famous 72-ounce steak challenge from Texas' Big Texan Steak Ranch arrives at the Santa Monica Pier as the Big Texan Steak Ranch is taking over Route 66-where brave contenders attempt to devour a massive steak dinner in under one hour on a
- [A Month of Pride, Celebrated Across Santa Monica!](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/a-month-of-pride-celebrated-across-santa-monica/) - Every week we republish an article from the City Manager's Newsletter. Here's this weeks. June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and across Santa Monica, it’s taking shape as a full month of celebration, connection, and community. From storytelling and live theater to family mornings on the Pier and a night swim under the stars, SaMo Pride
- [Navy Pier and Santa Monica Pier Unite for Historic Route 66 ‘Pier to Pier’ Celebration on 6/6/26](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/navy-pier-and-santa-monica-pier-unite-for-historic-route-66-pier-to-pier-celebration-on-6-6-26/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Two of America’s most iconic piers — the historic Santa Monica Pier and Chicago’s Navy Pier — will unite coast-to-coast on Saturday, June 6, 2026 (6/6/26), for a special Route 66 “Pier to Pier” celebration honoring the Centennial anniversary of the legendary highway connecting Chicago and
- [High-Speed Rail Board Meeting Recap: New Chair, New Construction Team, New Timeline, New Business Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/high-speed-rail-board-meeting-recap-new-chair-new-construction-team-new-timeline-new-business-plan/) - Yesterday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors met with a full agenda. When the meeting was over, the Board had appointed a new chair, approved the staff recommendation for a team to oversee track construction, and formally approved the business plan that calls for tracks to be laid “later this year.” Business Plan
- [Registration Now Open: Santa Monica PAL Charity Golf Classic](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/registration-now-open-santa-monica-pal-charity-golf-classic/) - The following is a submission from the Police Activities League. Greetings Golfers!! Get ready to tee off for a great cause in just two weeks! Registration is still open for the Santa Monica PAL Charity Golf Classic, taking place on Monday, June 15 at 10:00 AM at the newly renovated Mulholland Hills Country Club (formerly Braemar Country Club).
- [California Just Pulled the Rug Out From Under Transit](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/california-just-pulled-the-rug-out-from-under-transit/) - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted Friday to approve sweeping changes to the state’s cap-and-trade (or cap-and-invest) program, moving forward despite warnings from transit agencies, affordable housing advocates, environmental organizations, and local elected officials that the proposal could divert billions of dollars away from climate investments. The centerpiece of the overhaul is the creation
- [You Don't Need a TAP Card for the BBB Anymore](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/you-dont-need-a-tap-card-for-the-bbb-anymore/) - Big Blue Bus riders can now pay their fare by simply tapping a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, directly on the bus fare validator. The update was rolled out this week as part of a soft launch of TAP-to-Pay, a new feature from TAP,
- [OPA Update 6/1/26: OPA Monthly Meeting Next Monday (6/8), Tuesday is Primary Voting, June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/06/opa-update-6-1-26-opa-monthly-meeting-next-monday-6-8-tuesday-is-primary-voting-june-is-lgbtqia-pride-month-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Read Between the Wines (Monday 6pm): Bring your favorite book — romance, sci-fi, smut, whatever you're to Reading Rhythms at Bodega Wine Bar and settle in for a night of reading with wine, food, and good company as the backdrop. Happy hour pricing all night long. 📗 @ 814 Broadway luma.com/reading-cpn6 Winemaker Dinner at
- [City Approves MOU with Coastal Commission](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/city-approves-mou-with-coastal-commission/) - The first half of the story was written with an AI Assist. This week, the city council approved a memorandum of understanding with the California Coastal Commission (Agenda, Item 4I) establishing a framework to pursue a fully certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) — both a Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan — by December 31,
- [Pacific Park Continues 30th Anniversary Celebration With Special Ride Offers Through June 11](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/pacific-park-continues-30th-anniversary-celebration-with-special-ride-offers-through-june-11/) - via the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is extending its 30th Anniversary celebration with special pricing and ride offers for guests now through Thursday, June 11, including discounted rides on the world-famous Pacific Wheel. As part of the continued anniversary celebration, guests can ride the Pacific Wheel for $10, a savings
- [Here’s How to Vote Before Election Day in California](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/heres-how-to-vote-before-election-day-in-california/) - With the June 2, 2026, Election Day approaching, California election officials are encouraging voters to make a plan now for returning their ballots or voting in person. Because California conducts elections primarily by mail, most registered voters have already received ballots — but timing and return methods may stop your vote from being counted. Here’s what
- [City Opens Applications for Boards and Commissions Seats](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/city-opens-applications-for-boards-and-commissions-seats/) - Santa Monica residents interested in shaping city policy and governance will soon have a chance to apply for dozens of openings on city boards and commissions. Applications due by noon, June 16, 2026 and can be found here. According to the City Clerk’s Office, annual appointments to Santa Monica’s boards and commissions are scheduled for
- [OPA Update 5/28/26: Massilia Restaurant to Open on Main St., Venice Beach’s ‘Ballerina Clown’ CVS is Closing, SMPD Santa Monica Place Substation Grand Opening Event Tody& Other Things To Do This...](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-28-26-massilia-restaurant-to-open-on-main-st-venice-beachs-ballerina-clown-cvs-is-closing-smpd-santa-monica-place-substation-grand-opening-event-tody-o/) - Things to Do This Weekend Santa Monica College Mariachi Ensemble Los Corsarios Presents Free Concert (Thursday 11:15am): Directed by Mary Alfaro, the ensemble will perform a program of traditional rancheras, boleros and huapangos. @SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St. More details here. SMPD Santa Monica Place Substation Grand Opening Event (Thursday 12pm): This new space will serve as
- [Santa Monica Budget Proposal Signals Shift From Deficits to Investment](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-budget-proposal-signals-shift-from-deficits-to-investment/) - 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 and proposed adjustments to the fiscal ’26-’27 operating budget. But also a centerpiece of the
- [California Climate Funding Fight Pits Transit and Housing Advocates Against Oil Industry Giveaways](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/california-climate-funding-fight-pits-transit-and-housing-advocates-against-oil-industry-giveaways/) - A looming overhaul of California’s cap-and-trade program is raising alarm among transit advocates, affordable housing organizations, and environmental justice groups, who warn the state could weaken a key climate funding source at a moment when cities already face transit funding crises and worsening housing pressures. At the center of the debate is a proposal to
- [Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop Presents “Great Adventure” June 5-7](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-college-musical-theatre-workshop-presents-great-adventure-june-5-7/) - The Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop will celebrate live theater with performances of “Great Adventure” onFriday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m. Performances will be held in the Studio Stage at the SMC Theatre Arts Complex, located on the SMC Main Campus(1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). With direction by SMC Theatre Arts faculty Aric Martin and musical direction by SMC Music faculty Megan Gillespie, the lively, entertaining revue will feature SMC students performing solos,
- [Santa Monica Conservancy Unveils New Self-Guided Coastal Tour for June 7](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-conservancy-unveils-new-self-guided-coastal-tour-for-june-7/) - The Santa Monica Conservancy is launching a new self-guided historical tour called “Coastal Crossroads,” highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Santa Monica’s coastline. For more information, or to make a reservation, click here. The new tour is part of the Conservancy’s ongoing effort to expand public access to local history through walking tours and
- [SMRR Leadership Declares War Against YIMBYs in Announcement of 2026 Endorsement Meeting](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/30714/) - Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, one of Santa Monica’s most influential political organizations, will hold the 2026 Annual Membership Convention on August 9 at 1 p.m. at the Grant Elementary School Auditorium. Amongst other things, members will vote on endorsements for this November's election. To vote at SMRR’s annual convention, members must attend in person
- [Culver City Celebrates New Bus and Bike Lanes on Washington and Adams](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/culver-city-celebrates-new-bus-and-bike-lanes-on-washington-and-adams/) - Last week, Culver City leaders cut a ceremonial ribbon to open newly completed bus and bike improvements, called the Move Culver City Eastern Segment. Mayor Freddy Puza praised the project as “an absolute gamechanger for our network.” “This infrastructure gives you options,” Puza declared. “It takes the stress out of the commute and puts the joy
- [TONIGHT: Pacific Park Celebrates 30 Years on the Santa Monica Pier With Birthday Light Show](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/tonight-pacific-park-celebrates-30-years-on-the-santa-monica-pier-with-birthday-light-show/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is celebrating its 30th anniversary today, marking three decades as one of Southern California’s most iconic oceanfront destinations. Pacific Park opened on May 26, 1996, as the first amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier since the 1930s, helping
- [Kool Happenings: From Crown Jewel to Clown Mule](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/kool-happenings-from-crown-jewel-to-clown-mule/) - "How the mighty have fallen." So writes King David, in 2 Samuel 1:19, lamenting the deaths of King Saul and his son, Jonathan. This mournful passage, often called "The Song of the Bow", was originally quoted as a portion of the lost Book of Jashar (The Book of the Just Man), which is mentioned in,
- [Happy Bike to Anywhere Day, to Those Who Celebrate](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/happy-bike-to-anywhere-day-to-those-who-celebrate/) - Between this morning’s Bike to Anywhere Day festivities and the Rick Crocker 5K in just a couple of hours, I didn’t have a lot of time to explore Bike to Anywhere Day, but I did manage to hit three stops on a speed route: Santa Monica College on Pearl (pictured above, not all Bike Day
- [OPA Update 5/21/26: MAINopoly AND Entertainment Zone Event Sunday, Santa Monica’s Coastal Commission Fight, & Other Things To Do This Memorial Day Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-21-26-mainopoly-and-entertainment-zone-event-sunday-santa-monicas-coastal-commission-fight-other-things-to-do-this-memorial-day-weekend/) - Things To Do This Weekend and Next Week Pier Locals’ Night Season Finale: Some nights on the Santa Monica Pier just feel like summer. Thursday, May 21 is one of them, as Locals’ Night returns for its spring season finale from 3:30 to 10 p.m., bringing together live music, storytelling, classic cars, and community celebration across
- [Santa Monica Will Celebrate Bike Anywhere Day With Pit Stops, Happy Hour, and Local Specials - TOMORROW 5/21](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-will-celebrate-bike-anywhere-day-with-pit-stops-happy-hour-and-local-specials-tomorrow-5-21/) - Tomorrow, Santa Monica cyclists won’t just be riding...they’ll be celebrating. Santa Monica Spoke and a coalition of local businesses and advocacy groups are organizing a full day of events for Bike Anywhere Day on Thursday, May 21, including morning pit stops for riders, discounts at local businesses, and an evening “Handlebar Happy Hour.” The annual
- [Locals’ Night Season Finale Returns May 21 with Live Music, Community Celebration, and Pier-Wide Programming](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/locals-night-season-finale-returns-may-21-with-live-music-community-celebration-and-pier-wide-programming/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. The image is by Damien from the 2024 Rick Crocker 5k. Some nights on the Santa Monica Pier just feel like summer. Thursday, May 21 is one of them, as Locals’ Night returns for its spring season finale from 3:30 to 10 p.m., bringing together live music, storytelling, classic cars,
- [ESPN to Make Santa Monica Beach Its Super Bowl LXI Broadcast Home](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/espn-to-make-santa-monica-beach-its-super-bowl-lxi-broadcast-home/) - Every week we pick a story or two from the City Manager's newsletter to highlight. You may have caught a major announcement this past week… ESPN has selected Santa Monica Beach as the home for “ESPN Beach” – the network’s expansive, week-long broadcast headquarters and free fan activation site for Super Bowl LXI in February
- [City Touts Success of Realignment Plan with Release of Digital Dashboard](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/city-touts-success-of-realignment-plan-with-release-of-digital-dashboard/) - The City of Santa Monica promised to make the results of its "Realignment Plan" public through an online dashboard of statistics. Yesterday, the city released its first update, “Realignment Plan Performance Measurement Dashboard” and the early results seem to show progress. The dashboard measures progress across five broad priorities: safer and cleaner neighborhoods, economic revitalization,
- [Streetsblog Legislative Update: What Legislation Didn’t Make It to the First Checkpoint](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/streetsblog-legislative-update-what-legislation-didnt-make-it-to-the-first-checkpoint/) - Last Friday was the first “deadline” for legislation to have moved through the Appropriations and/or Finance Committees in its house of origin or it would have to wait for the next legislative session for a chance to become law. As a result a lot has changed since Streetsblog’s last update two weeks ago, so read on
- [BBB Memorial Day Schedule](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/bbb-memorial-day-schedule/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. In observance of Memorial Day, Big Blue Bus will operate a weekend schedule on Monday, May 25, 2026 Customer Service and Blue: The Transit Store will be closed. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Please note: Routes 5, 15, 16, 41, 44, and
- [City Opens a Second Front in Battle with Coastal Commission](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/city-opens-a-second-front-in-battle-with-coastal-commission/) - Santa Monica’s Coastal Fight Is Moving From Sacramento Back to City Hall Two separate but closely connected debates over the future of development in Santa Monica are now unfolding at the same time: one in Sacramento over Assembly Bill 1740, and another locally over the city’s long-delayed Local Coastal Program. Together, the fights could reshape
- [Tomorrow Is Streetsblog's D-Line Dash](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/tomorrow-is-streetsblogs-d-line-dash/) - Streetsblog’s Great Commuter Race, The D Line Dash is sponsored by Cohen Law Group, the David Bohnett Foundation, and HaydenAI. The D Line Dash race will take place next Tuesday May 19. Three racers will leave the new Metro D Line Wilshire/La Cienega Station in Beverly Hills, and will make their way to Downtown L.A.’s
- [OPA Update 5/18/26: OPA Happy Hour Wednesday, MAINopoly AND Entertainment Zone Event Sunday, & Much More!](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-18-26-opa-happy-hour-wednesday-mainopoly-and-entertainment-zone-event-sunday-much-more/) - Things to Do This Week Annual Soundwaves Concert Series - Vicki Ray's Rilke Project: Enjoy a compilation of works by various composers inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry, and koven: multimedia artist Carole Kim's improvising group with saxophonist M. A. Tisenga, Kazoue Matsumoto on koto, and gamin on Korean reed instruments. Tuesday, May 19, 7:30p.m., 12424 Wilshire Blvd. soundwavesnewmusic.com
- [Santa Monica’s Once-in-a-Century Choice: A “Great Park” or a Grass Shopping Mall?](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monicas-once-in-a-century-choice-a-great-park-or-a-grass-shopping-mall/) - Juliette van der Meijden is an Urbanist & Strategic Advisor specializing in regenerative city building. She can be reached at juliette@curatedbyjuliette.com. All images in this piece are of Emscher Park Nord in Germany. "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans;
- [Kool Happenings: Unable To Be Able](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/kool-happenings-unable-to-be-able/) - Remember when the white house wrecking ball made fun of a person with a disability? Oh, which time, you ask? Well there was the crass mocking of NYT reporter Serge Kovaleski for his denial to ratify the white house squatter's exaggeration of a piece he wrote. Kovaleski, a contributor to an earlier article that had
- [Santa Monica Marks Successful First Year of SaMo Bridge Diversion Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-marks-successful-first-year-of-samo-bridge-diversion-program/) - The following article and lead image were provided by the City of Santa Monica. One year after its launch, the city of Santa Monica’s SaMo Bridge diversion program has exceeded initial goals, connecting hundreds of justice-involved individuals to housing, treatment and supportive services. On May 14, the city celebrated four recent graduates in a special ceremony, recognizing program participants
- [My Pre-Bike to Anywhere Day Rush Hour Ride](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/my-pre-bike-to-anywhere-day-rush-hour-ride/) - In most parts of the state, today is “Bike to Anywhere” day. And while Santa Monica, and many other parts of SoCal, are waiting a week; I decided to take a morning rush hour ride to mark the occasion by myself. (For information on next Thursday's bike fun, click here.) I don’t actually ride my
- [We Went to Sacramento Because Enough Is Enough](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/we-went-to-sacramento-because-enough-is-enough/) - Julie Nicholson is a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Families for Safe Streets chapter and is an educator and mother of three children On January 4, 2020, I was running in a San Francisco park when a speeding driver ran a red light, hit me head-on, and threw me 20 feet through the
- [OPA Update 5/14/26: SaMo to Stage a Kings Game on the Beach?, OPA Mixer Next Wednesday (5/20), & LOTS of Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-14-26-samo-to-stage-a-kings-game-on-the-beach-opa-mixer-next-wednesday-5-20-lots-of-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend AJA Vineyards Trivia Night (Thursday 6:30pm): Rounding off the first quarter of the 21st century with some fun 2000s until now trivia! Winners will receive special AJA prizes-- bottles of wine, merch and more. @ 1417 2nd St. ajavineyards.com/event/trivia-night EEEEEATSCON (Saturday & Sunday): The Infatuation’s signature food event returns to The SaMo Airport Barker
- [Council Reforms Board & Commission Structures and Adds New Restorative Justice Commission ](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/council-reforms-board-commission-structures-and-adds-new-restorative-justice-commission/) - 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 staff presented a Boards and Commissions Comprehensive Review, which included several recommendations to achieve greater
- [Only Porter and Steyer Would Spare Central Valley from More Oil Extraction…and Air Pollution](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/only-porter-and-steyer-would-spare-central-valley-from-more-oil-extractionand-air-pollution/) - With ballots already in the mail and televised debates between the candidates already over, this may be the last check-in on the positions taken for the major candidates for governor. Last week, Streetsblog discussed the candidates’ answers to debate questions on the future of high-speed rail and cutting or suspending the state’s gas tax. This week’s
- [Legislation to Loosen Coastal Commission Power in Santa Monica Faces Opposition…from Community Groups in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/legislation-to-loosen-coastal-commission-power-in-santa-monica-faces-oppositionfrom-community-groups-in-santa-monica/) - Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D-Santa Monica)’s legislation to reduce the power and influence of the coastal commission has already gone through a lot of changes as it has sailed through committee votes and is now on its way to the Assembly floor before heading to the Senate and the Governor’s Desk. While the scaled-back legislation hasn’t
- [Santa Monica College Gallery Program in collaboration with the Mentor Show Program presents "Well Fed" 5/19-5/30](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-college-gallery-program-in-collaboration-with-the-mentor-show-program-presents-well-fed-5-19-5-30/) - The following is a submission from SMC. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Art Department presents Well Fed, an exhibition showcasing work by student artists from the Mentor Program led by Professor Emily Silver. The exhibition is a collaborative effort, curated by Gallery Exhibitions & Display students led by Professor Kim Garcia. Well Fed rewrites the
- [Big Blue Bus On-Track for 10 Million Riders in 2026](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/big-blue-bus-on-track-for-10-million-riders-in-2026/) - Every week, Next republishes one or two article(s) from the City Manager's Report. Big Blue Bus provided 904,000 rides in April 2026, a 3% increase over April 2025 and the latest in a string of steady monthly gains putting the BBB system on track to surpass the 10 million riders milestone for the second consecutive
- [Metro Opens New D Line Subway from Koreatown to Beverly Hills](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/metro-opens-new-d-line-subway-from-koreatown-to-beverly-hills/) - Metro’s $3.5 billion, four-mile D Line Extension Section 1 is open. The public can ride “the D” all weekend for free; the entire Metro rail/bus/bike-share system is free now through Sunday. The D extends from Wilshire/Western in Koreatown to La Cienega/Wilshire in Beverly Hills. The section includes three new stations: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. A
- [OPA Update 5/11/26: OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight, OPA Spring Mixer Next Wednesday (5/20), SaMo World Cup Activations, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-11-26-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-opa-spring-mixer-next-wednesday-5-20-samo-world-cup-activations-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Thursday is Bike Anywhere Day and Big Blue Bus is celebrating its growing community of multimodal riders, by offering free rides to bicyclists! On May 14, your ride is FREE when you board Big Blue Bus with a bike or helmet. There’s no better way to bike and ride! Venice Family
- [New D Line Subway Will Change How Angelenos Get Around](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/new-d-line-subway-will-change-how-angelenos-get-around/) - Metro’s new D Line subway extension will open tomorrow. The transit riding public can get on “the D” starting at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8. The entire Metro rail/bus/bike-share system is free from Friday through Sunday. Read more about tomorrow’s opening celebrations. The $3.5 billion four-mile D Line Extension Section 1 will travel from Wilshire/Western
- [OPA Update 5/7/26: May OPA Meeting Features City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln, JazzFest, Mother's Day Events, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-7-26-may-opa-meeting-features-city-attorney-heidi-von-tongeln-jazzfest-mothers-day-events-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things To Do This Weekend Sunset Sessions Returns to the Penmar (Friday 5pm): Join for good music, good company, and something that smells really good as ⁠by/rosie jane is collabing with Penmar so that every ticket comes with a Rosie travel spray, plus the first 100 guests will receive a free glass of wine. @ 1233 Rose
- [Gas Taxes and High-Speed Rail, What We Can Learn from the Candidates’ Debate](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/gas-taxes-and-high-speed-rail-what-we-can-learn-from-the-candidates-debate/) - Earlier this week, the six highest-polling candidates for Governor of California met on a debate stage to make their case to California voters. There was no mention of the state’s transit funding crisis, ways the state could stop the flood of traffic deaths, or the need for more resilient cities from either the candidates or
- [Kool Happenings: That's Not Funny and Rescued By Monopoly](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/kool-happenings-thats-not-funny/) - British author and playwright, W. Somerset Maughm, once wrote, "Impropriety is the soul of wit." This observation came to mind as I watched Stephen Colbert prepare to leave CBS, and again, as I read numerous news reports of the hounding of Jimmy Kimmel and his network over a remark about Melania's impending widowhood, a jab
- [](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/30591/) - Cooper Crane is a public historian studying the history of infrastructure and transportation in Southern California. His current research includes the history of the Los Angeles metro, and the development of infrastructure along the Santa Ana River, the largest river in Southern California. His goal is to imagine sustainable and equitable alternatives and futures for
- [Here’s a Primer to Understand What’s Really Driving Prices in California.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/heres-a-primer-to-understand-whats-really-driving-prices-in-california/) - As Californians prepare to head to the polls, or to their mailboxes, to vote in the gubernatorial election, people who vote based on candidates’ support for clean transportation policies and safe streets may have trouble finding good information on candidates’ views on these issues. Thanks in large-part to the massive spike in gas prices in
- [BBB Wants You On Board to Get to the World Cup](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/bbb-wants-you-on-board-to-get-to-the-world-cup/) - As Los Angeles prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Big Blue Bus is positioning itself as a key part of a car-free game day experience for Santa Monica residents and visitors. The agency, which operates 17 routes across the Westside and connects to the broader Metro system, is highlighting multiple
- [John Adams Middle School Student Receives Marian Huhn MemorialAward for Excellence and Service](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/john-adams-middle-school-student-receives-marian-huhn-memorialaward-for-excellence-and-service/) - John Adams Middle School (JAMS) eighth-grade student Steven Hernandez has been named a regional recipient of the Marian Huhn Memorial Award, recognizing his academic excellence and service to both his school and the broader community. The award, presented by the California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF), honors outstanding student members who demonstrate a strong commitment to
- [Streetsblog Legislative Update: May 2026](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/streetsblog-legislative-update-may-2026/) - It feels like year since our last legislative update, but there’s been a lot of hearings, movement, amendments, and more that happened in the capitol in the last month. Below is all of the legislation Streetsblog has been tracking. Assembly bills come first, and then Senate bills. Legislation is also listed in order by bill
- [Restoring the Sunset - Beach Parking Hours Extended](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/restoring-the-sunset-beach-parking-hours-extended/) - Every week, Next republishes one (or two) articles included in City Manager Oliver Chi's update to staff and stakeholders. For years, residents and visitors have raised the same simple frustration with the City’s beach parking operation… they couldn’t park in time to actually watch the sunset! With the current 8 p.m. closing time for most
- [Winterer: Let's Pass the SMMUSD Ballot Measure for Better Schools](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/winterer-lets-pass-the-smmusd-ballot-measure-for-better-schools/) - Ted Winterer is a former Mayor and City Councilmember and chair of Santa Monicans for Reliable School Funding I recently read that “Massachusetts, with no significant natural resource extraction industry, has leveraged its highly educated workforce and research institutions to rank among the richest economies in the world. As of 2025, it holds one of
- [The Election Season Is Underway in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/the-election-season-is-underway-in-santa-monica/) - The race for three seats on the Santa Monica City Council is quickly coming into focus, with a growing field of candidates entering ahead of the November 2026 election. Filing deadlines are still months away, but the pace of announcements signals what could be one of the city’s most closely watched contests in years. The
- [Santa Monica Marks May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/may-as-asian-american-native-hawaiian-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month/) - The Santa Monica City Council has proclaimed May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating this year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” Celebrate with events across the city: One Book, One Coast: “They Called Us Enemy” Discussion Wednesday, May 13 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Main Library, 601 Santa
- [OPA Update 5/4/26: May OPA Meeting Features City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln, Launches Automated Bike Lane Enforcement, Free Cookies Today, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/opa-update-5-4-26-may-opa-meeting-features-city-attorney-heidi-von-tongeln-launches-automated-bike-lane-enforcement-free-cookies-today-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Food Inc. 2 Film Screening & Panel Discussion (Wednesday 7pm): Food, Inc. 2 is a follow-up to the Oscar®-nominated documentary with the filmakers reuniting with investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to take a fresh look at our vulnerable food system. FREE. @ Miles Playhouse
- [Santa Monica Kicks Off Bike Month By Starting Automated Bike Lane Enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/santa-monica-kicks-off-bike-month-by-starting-automated-bike-lane-enforcement/) - The city of Santa Monica will begin automated enforcement of vehicles parked illegally in bike lanes on May 1, marking a first-in-California effort to use camera technology mounted on parking enforcement vehicles to keep bike lanes clear. The new Automated Bike Lane Enforcement program, operated in partnership with Hayden AI, builds on a pilot that identified nearly
- [SMC Vocal Jazz Ensemble to Perform May 15](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/smc-vocal-jazz-ensemble-to-perform-may-15/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department will present the SMC Vocal Jazz Ensemble in a concert that blends Latin rhythms, R&B, and the energy of Swing and Bebop, all into one night. The performance will be held Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Under the direction of SMC music instructor Marisa Bradfield, who is
- [SMMUSD: Adopts New Math Curriculum](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/05/smmusd-adopts-new-math-curriculum/) - The following is a letter to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District from Superintendent Antonio Shelton concerning a new math curriculum recently approved for SMMUSD. At the April 23 SMMUSD Board of Education Meeting, the Department of Educational Services, math teachers, and students presented about recommended Math curriculum to be used beginning in the 2026-2027
- [Kool Happenings: The Unreal Olympics](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/kool-happenings-the-unreal-olympics/) - For decades, many of us who are sci-fi fans have seen increasing fictional speculation, in books and movies, depicting the use of drugs, cyber augmentations, gene swaps and body sculpting to artificially increase human strength and senses beyond those of even the strongest and most acute. These enhancements are applied, most often, to create a
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel To Illuminate In Celebration Of ‘AAPI Heritage Month 2026’](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-to-illuminate-in-celebration-of-aapi-heritage-month-2026/) - In honor of AAPI Heritage Month 2026, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will light its iconic 90-foot-tall Pacific Wheel with a custom-designed lighting program on Friday, May 1 at sunset. The Ferris wheel display will showcase vibrant red colors, dynamic patterns, and themed icons, joining landmarks across the country in celebrating Asian American and Pacific
- [OPA Update 4/30/26: May is Mental Health Awareness Month & Bike Month, SaMo Jazz Fest, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-30-26-may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-bike-month-samo-jazz-fest-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Pier Burgers with the Police (Thursday 11am-1pm): Stop by, grab a bite, and connect with your Santa Monica Police Department in a relaxed, informal setting. No speeches. No agenda. Just good food and real conversation. 330 Santa Monica Pier More details here. Country Night Presents - Beach Country (Friday 3 - 8pm): Saddle up
- [Council Adopts Approaches to Implement New State Housing Law](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/council-adopts-approaches-to-implement-new-state-housing-law/) - 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 increases allowable height, density, and floor area ratio (FAR) for qualifying housing projects located within
- [Santa Monica Students Ride Free During Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/santa-monica-students-ride-freeduring-bike-it-walk-it-bus-it-week/) - The following is a submission from the Big Blue Bus. Big Blue Bus is celebrating Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! (BIWIBI) Week by offering free rides to Santa Monica K-12 students from Monday, May 4, 2026, through Friday, May 8, 2026. BIWIBI Week is held twice a year to encourage Santa Monica families to forgo driving in favor of sustainable modes of
- [You’re Invited to Celebrate 10 Years of the Preservation Resource Center at the Shotgun House on Sunday, 5/17](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/youre-invited-to-celebrate-10-years-of-the-preservation-resource-center-at-the-shotgun-house-on-sunday-5-17/) - The following is a submission from the Santa Monica Conservancy. All first person references refer to them. Photo: Carol Lemlein, Former Councilmembers Kevin McKeown and Ted Winterer, and State Senator Ben Allen at the Preservation Resource Center grand opening at the Shotgun House. In 2016, a rare survivor of Santa Monica’s earliest residential homes was saved from imminent demolition, restored,
- [City Council Race Begins to Take Shape: Torosis, Negrete, Eli Gill, and Brett Morrow Are In](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/city-council-race-begins-to-take-shape-torosis-negrete-and-brett-morrow-are-in/) - It may still be a few months until candidates can “pull papers” and officially begin their campaigns for City Council, but the past week has seen a few developments that are shaping the race. The city will decide three of the seven seats on the City Council in the November election. Mayor Caroline Torosis had
- [Advice on Living with Caltrans](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/advice-on-living-with-caltrans/) - This story first appeared at Streetsblog. Photo: Paul Martin, City of Costa Mesa Transportation Services Manager Arlis Reynolds, Costa Mesa City Councilmember Hunter Oatman-Stanford, Associate Planner, Caltrans District 4 Susan Lindsay, Complete Streets Lead Adviser, Caltrans HQ Jeanie Ward-Waller, Director of Transportation Advocacy, Fearless Advocacy Last week, the California Bicycle Coalition held its biennial Bike Summit,
- [New Housing Tool Delivers: First 3 AHPP Projects Set to Move Forward](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/new-housing-tool-delivers-first-3-ahpp-projects-set-to-move-forward/) - Every week, Next republishes one article from the City Manager's weekly update to staff. Three significant housing developments on Wilshire Boulevard are moving toward issuance of building permits as the first applicants to use Santa Monica's new Off-Site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program, a tool the City Council approved in August 2025 specifically designed to
- [Santa Monica Bets on Surveillance Tech with New “SMART” Crime Center](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/santa-monica-bets-on-surveillance-tech-with-new-smart-crime-center/) - The Santa Monica Police Department has officially launched a new high-tech policing hub, the Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center), backed by more than $6 million in state funding and framed by city leaders as a key piece of Santa Monica’s public safety strategy. Funded through a $6.125 million grant from the California Board
- [Bike Month Starts This Week!](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/bike-month-starts-tomorrow/) - The following article first appeared in the Take the Friendly Road newsletter produced by SaMo DOT. May is National Bike Month! Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate biking, encourage others to give biking a try, and celebrate the many reasons we ride, whether it’s for your commute, saving money and time, or for exercise!
- [OPA Update 4/27/26: Thank You Chi Trainer for Joining OPA as a Gold Member, Free Pier Burgers with the Police, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-27-26-thank-you-chi-trainer-for-joining-opa-as-a-gold-member-free-pier-burgers-with-the-police-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things To Do This Week Venice Beach's First Surf, Skate, and Snow Museum Grand Opening (Wednesday @ 7pm): The Chameleon Museum and Gallery, the first Los Angeles institution dedicated to preserving the history of surf, skate, and snow culture, will hold its grand opening at 6 Rose Ave. in Venice Beach. Admission is free. Regular museum
- [Santa Monica Remains in Zbur's Bill to Limit Coastal Commission Powers](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/santa-monica-remains-in-zburs-bill-to-limit-coastal-commission-powers/) - Assemblymember Rick Zbur’s (D-Santa Monica) legislation to give greater local permitting powers to a handful of cities in areas where the California Coastal Commission has authority has been watered down and narrowed in scope, but for the one city it would still impact - Santa Monica - it remains a top priority. Zbur and other
- [Opposition Melts Away as Durazo Announces Major Changes to SB 1361](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opposition-melts-away-as-durazo-announces-major-changes-to-sb-1361/) - With the way advocates, and news reports, were talking about Senate Bill 1361, legislation written in response to cities balking at supporting transit projects to avoid last year’s Senate Bill 79, a new law facilitating greater density near major transit stops, one would have thought that a hearing on the bill would have been a major confrontation. Instead—thanks to
- [Kool Happenings: Bully v. Bully Pulpit](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/kool-happenings-bully-v-bully-pulpit/) - Columnist Peggy Noonan wrote, a few days ago in the Wall Street Journal, that the middle-of-night-blogger-in-chief had "met his match" in taking on Pope Leo. She quoted early TV religio-celebrity, Bishop Fulton Sheen, whose live TV show regularly drew more viewers than the very popular Milton Berle comedy show, as saying "Well, I just had
- [Celebrate Earth Day with the Big Blue Bus - Free Rides on Wednesday](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/celebrate-earth-day-with-the-big-blue-bus-free-rides-on-wednesday/) - From the Big Blue Bus e-mail. On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Big Blue Bus will offer free rides in celebration of Earth Day! Reduce your carbon footprint, save on gas and parking costs, avoid traffic headaches, and support sustainable transportation in your community by riding Big Blue Bus! Earth Day is a global call to action to flex your power
- [Great Park Coalition Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Original Great Park Vote with Picnic as Airport->Survey Deadline Approaches](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/great-park-coalition-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-original-great-park-vote-with-picnic-as-airport-survey-deadline-approaches/) - Photo of 1934 golf tournament at the original park. Credit UCLA Archives provided by Great Park Coalition. Santa Monica residents will have a chance to celebrate the city’s past—and its future—this weekend at a community picnic hosted by the Santa Monica Great Park Coalition. RSVP here. The event, set for Saturday, April 25 from 12
- [Group of E-Bike Regulation Bills Advance in Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/group-of-e-bike-regulation-bills-advance-in-assembly/) - On Monday night, the Assembly Transportation Committee advanced four pieces of legislation designed to regulate the growing e-bike and e-motorcycle industries. As the popularity of e-bikes and e-motorcycles has grown, so has the number of crashes and fatalities. There is a lot of confusion around the differences between e-bikes, which use electric motors to make
- [OPA Update 4/23/26: Baywatch Returns to Santa Monica, Porto's on Abbot Kinney, CicLAvia, YALLWEST, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-23-26-baywatch-returns-to-santa-monica-portos-on-abbot-kinney-ciclavia-yallwest-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Stand Up for Democracy Comedy Fundraising Show (Thursday 7:30pm): OPA Board Member Tony Dimond is helping put on an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy packed with big laughs and even bigger impact. Every donation supports Field Team 6 — a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization registering Democratic voters in battleground states and flippable districts
- [Surf-Inspired Eatery Set to Open at Colorado Center As City Sees Growth in Eateries](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/surf-inspired-eatery-set-to-open-at-colorado-center-as-city-sees-growth-in-eateries/) - Image provided by BXP. A new all-day cafe and restaurant is getting ready to open its doors in Santa Monica this summer, bringing a mix of Australian surf culture, California coastal cuisine, and neighborhood hangout energy to the east side of the city. Called Bower Santa Monica, the 6,500-square-foot space is aiming to be less
- [Op/Ed: Oil Shocks Will Keep Coming. High-Speed Rail Can Boost Our Resilience](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/op-ed-oil-shocks-will-keep-coming-high-speed-rail-can-boost-our-resilience/) - Alan Minsky is the Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America and a resident of California. If and when oil once again moves freely through the Strait of Hormuz, there is little doubt that global energy prices — and America’s security — will continue to be subject to the whims of profiteering oil giants and
- [Multifaceted Approach to Reduce Fire Risk Advances out of Committee](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/multifaceted-approach-to-reduce-fire-risk-advances-out-of-committee/) - The following is a submission from the office of State Senator Ben Allen. Senator Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades/Santa Monica) celebrated the passage of SB 894 and SB 1297 out of committee this week to reduce fire risk across California. Both bills received bipartisan, unanimous support. “Too many lives are being lost, homes destroyed, and public resources wasted to more
- [Baywatch Returns to Santa Monica...Back Where It Belongs](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/baywatch-returns-to-santa-monica-back-where-it-belongs/) - Every week, Santa Monica Next reprints a story from City Manager Oliver Chi's newsletter. If you spotted red lifeguard uniforms and slow-motion beach sprints along our coastline this past week, your eyes weren’t deceiving you! Baywatch – yes, that Baywatch! – was officially filming in Santa Monica! Fox and Fremantle’s long-anticipated revival of the iconic
- [John Adams Middle School Student Earns Top Honors in Elks LodgeWriting Competitions](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/john-adams-middle-school-student-earns-top-honors-in-elks-lodgewriting-competitions/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. A student from John Adams Middle School (JAMS) has earned top honors in two writing competitions hosted by the Elks Lodge, highlighting student voice and critical thinking across the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Daniela Kadish, a seventh-grade student at JAMS, was awarded first place in the competition
- [Bill to Exempt Metro from Housing Density Near-Transit Bill Heads to the Senate Committee](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/bill-to-exempt-metro-from-housing-density-near-transit-bill-heads-to-the-senate-committee/) - Update: Staff for Senator Durazo reached out noting that our description of the legislation, which was based on what was said at the Metro meeting last week, is different than the analysis on the official legislative website, available here (click on the analysis tab.) The official description is more broad, it doesn’t just apply to L.A. Metro.
- [Celebrate Earth Day with the Santa Monica Pier!](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/celebrate-earth-day-with-the-santa-monica-pier/) - More Earth Day! In celebration of Earth Day 2026 and this year’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will illuminate its iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel with vibrant green and blue lighting, highlighted by a striking 90-foot-tall spinning globe. The one-night-only display on Wednesday, April 22 will feature eco-inspired patterns and imagery designed
- [OPA Update 4/20/26: Approves Framework for Major Events Tied to World Cup & Olympics, FREE Heavy Handed Burgers Today, Earth Day Activities, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-20-26-approves-framework-for-major-events-tied-to-world-cup-olympics-free-heavy-handed-burgers-today-earth-day-activities-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week The City of Santa Monica is hosting an Extreme Heat & Resilience Community Workshop (Tuesday): It’s a great chance to learn, share ideas, and connect with fellow community members who care about making Santa Monica cool and safe. The Office of Sustainability and the Environment will be using your input to inform a
- [Gruber: How to Stuff 1,000 Acres of Hopes into 200 Acres of Land](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/gruber-how-to-stuff-1000-acres-of-hopes-into-200-acres-of-land/) - t’s going on 15 years since the movement to convert Santa Monica Airport into a Great Park began. Back then, in the early twenty-teens, the focus was on making sure Santa Monica could close the airport. This was because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reneged on its agreement, contained in a 1984 settlement with Santa
- [City Council Authorizes the Activation of Major Cultural Events ](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/city-council-authorizes-the-activation-of-major-cultural-events/) - 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 Monica’s sweeping Realignment Plan, several measures were approved to give the city’s economic comeback a
- [Kool Happenings: The Perfect Model](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/kool-happenings-the-perfect-model/) - The term "cosplay" was coined as a portmanteau of "costume" and "play" to describe the burgeoning practice of buying or making costumes so you can pretend to be your favorite anime or streaming character, not only by wearing the clothing, but by emulating their bravado, brains or reckless abandon, in public spaces like conventions, or
- [Early Results Shows the Entertainment Zone Is Working](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/early-results-shows-the-entertainment-zone-is-working/) - 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 EZ has helped expand and enhance events, support local businesses, and draw residents back
- [Samohi Students Named Finalists in International Conrad Challenge for Aerospace Innovation](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/samohi-students-named-finalists-in-international-conrad-challenge-for-aerospace-innovation/) - 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 entrepreneurship competition that draws more than 1,500 student teams from around the world. Landon Kummer
- [OPA Update 4/16/26: OPA April Monthly Meeting Recap, New Downtown Parking Rates, Pier Locals Night, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-16-26-opa-april-monthly-meeting-recap-new-downtown-parking-rates-pier-locals-night-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Springtime at the Pier: 'Locals' Night' Returns Thursday with Live Music, Art, Salsa, and 'Save the Pier!' Play:Enjoy two stages of live music, Spring art mart, salsa dancing, classic cars, and live theater come together for one night at the Santa Monica Pier. Starting at 4p.m. santamonicapier.org/localsnight "Be" the Change @ Ishihara
- [Op/Ed: AI already Is in Your Public Comment. Santa Monica Should Have Something to Say About That.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/op-ed-ai-already-is-in-your-public-comment-santa-monica-should-have-something-to-say-about-that/) - Image via Freepic. Shawn Landres PhD, a Senior Fellow at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, is a second-term Santa Monica Planning Commissioner and former chair of the Planning and Social Services commissions. The views expressed here are his own. Story Update, 4/15 - CivicClick and its client the CommonSense Coalition reached out claiming
- [Op/Ed: Supply Shows Up as Santa Monica Rents Cool](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/op-ed-supply-shows-up-as-santa-monica-rents-cool/) - Sam Shapiro-Kline is the co-chair of Santa Monica Forward. Image: 711 Colorado via Santa Monica Community Corporation. For years, Santa Monicans have looked at rising rents as an unavoidable reality, yet the latest data tells a different story. As of April 2026, Santa Monica rents have fallen 8.1% compared to last year. Though likely partially
- [Check Out ‘Wilshire Subway’ Book and Exhibition](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/check-out-wilshire-subway-book-and-exhibition/) - 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 Metro’s The Source), and propelled by the noble heroic photographs of Ken Karagozian. The book tells
- [Ribbon Cutting for the Renewed Douglas Park is Set for This Saturday](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/ribbon-cutting-for-the-renewed-douglas-park-is-set-for-this-saturday/) - 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 Boulevard), and families across the community are invited. The project delivers a fully renovated, modern
- [New Downtown Parking Rates and Validation Programs Went Into Effect Yesterday at City Lots - Updated Cost Means $1 Hour for First 90 Minutes](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/new-downtown-parking-rates-and-validation-programs-went-into-effect-yesterday-at-city-lots-updated-cost-means-1-hour-for-first-90-minutes/) - (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 all downtown parking structures (PS 1–9 and the Ken Edwards Center), along with two new
- [Eyes on the Street: Trees in the Bike Lanes](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/eyes-on-the-street-trees-in-the-bike-lanes/) - Have you ever been gliding along in one of Santa Monica’s protected bikeways and suddenly found yourself dodging overhanging tree branches? You’re not alone. This underreported problem has been an issue for years, but the good news is that there’s something you can do about it—assuming you don’t want to start trimming branches yourself, as
- [L.A. Bus Lane Enforcement Camera Citations Generated Nearly $20 Million Last Year](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/l-a-bus-lane-enforcement-camera-citations-generated-nearly-20-million-last-year/) - Public service announcement: never never ever park a car in a bus lane or at a bus stop! You will get a $293 citation. It’s not worth it. Don’t park in the bus lane. According to a new Transporation Department (LADOT) memorandum, city bus lane ticketing brought in nearly $20 million dollars during 2025. LADOT’s M-ABLE
- [OPA Update 4/13/26: Meet Mayor Caroline Torosis at Tonight's OPA Meeting, SaMo Rents Decline, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-13-26-meet-mayor-caroline-torosis-at-tonights-opa-meeting-samo-rents-decline-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do at the Pier Mahjong Mondays at Zinque Venice: Join either a beginner-friendly night where you’ll learn the fundamentals or if you. already know the basics, skip the lesson & join for guided play. If you’ve been looking for a reason to leave the house on a Monday, this is it. Come solo or
- [Kool Happenings: AI Wrote That and The Cabinet Lines Up To Report](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/kool-happenings-ai-wrote-that-and-the-cabinet-lines-up-to-report/) - AI Wrote That On the morning of Easter Sunday, the current white house mental case sent another in his tirade of ever-changing and unhinged threats to Iran about the Strait of Hormuz blockade. This one, however, was filled with expletives and ended with a mocking reference to Allah. Yeah. That was his Easter Sunday message.
- [SMC Emeritus Program to Host “Earth Day at Emeritus” April 22](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/smc-emeritus-program-to-host-earth-day-at-emeritus-april-22/) - SMC Emeritus, a program of Santa Monica College (SMC), will host “Earth Day at Emeritus,” a special event screening short films and clips from works by eco filmmakers Sheila Laffey, Joseph Rosendo, and Nidhin Patel, with a panel discussion on the impact of storytelling in cinema and an audience Q&A moderated by Anabelle Munro, founding Director of the Ethos Film Awards. The event is free and will be held Wednesday, April 22, from 1:30 p.m. to 4
- [Santa Monica Breaks Ground on $56 Million Big Blue Bus Electrification Project](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/santa-monica-breaks-ground-on-56-million-big-blue-bus-electrification-project/) - 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 is something for our city and residents to be proud of. When transit is reliable
- [Springtime at the Pier: 'Locals' Night' Returns April 16 with Live Music, Art, Salsa, and 'Save the Pier!’](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/springtime-at-the-pier-locals-night-returns-april-16-with-live-music-art-salsa-and-save-the-pier/) - 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 by Pacific Park in partnership with Harvelle’s, this free, all-ages event brings together two stages of live music,
- [OPA Update 4/9/26: OPA Meeting Next Monday with Mayor Caroline Torosis, Pet Resource Fair, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-9-26-opa-meeting-next-monday-with-mayor-caroline-torosis-pet-resource-fair-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Santa Monica’s first-ever municipal art gallery opens at Bergamot Station Arts Center (Friday 10 am–Noon): Kicking off the celebration is an opening reception for the gallery’s inaugural exhibit “Case Study: Adapt.” The reception will feature light refreshments and remarks by California for the Arts Executive Director Julie Baker and a commendation for
- [Legislation to Define E-Bikes Advances in Sacramento.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/legislation-to-define-e-bikes-advances-in-sacramento/) - Yesterday, the California Senate Transportation Committee unanimously moved Senate Bill 1167, legislation by Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) that would create statewide definitions for e-bikes and regulate how faster, and more dangerous, e-motorcycles (e-motos) could be sold and marketed. You can watch yesterday’s hearing at CalMatters’ Digital Democracy page for the legislation. “SB 1167 will address the lack of
- [Christopher Dishlip appointed director of Public Works](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/christopher-dishlip-appointed-director-of-public-works/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Dishlip has been with the city for nearly 17 years and has served as assistant director of Public Works since 2022. He previously led both Santa Monica’s Facility Maintenance and Architecture Services divisions and served as the city’s capital program manager. Dishlip will take the helm from Director Rick Valte, who announced his retirement this year after nearly 26 years of service to the city. “What sets Chris
- [Legislative Update: E-Bikes, Road Charge, Active Transportation, and MoreWe've added some new bills since last month's update in addition to all of the legislation that's moving (or was already defeated).](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/legislative-update-e-bikes-road-charge-active-transportation-and-moreweve-added-some-new-bills-since-last-months-update-in-addition-to-all-of-the-legislation-thats-moving-or-was-already-def/) - It’s time for our monthly legislative update. In our last update, we only included legislation that Streetsblog had previously covered. Today, we’re adding legislation that was sponsored by groups such as CalBike, Streets for All, Streets Are For Everyone. Assembly Legislation Assembly Bill 1421, Vehicles: Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee, directs the California Transportation Commission
- [SMC to Host Masanga Marimba in Free Concert April 21](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/smc-to-host-masanga-marimba-in-free-concert-april-21/) - 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 in the 1960s for teaching music in schools in Zimbabwe, to becoming an essential instrument in dance music in Latin
- [Pacific Park Names Tim Defuria Director of Government and Community Affairs](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/pacific-park-names-tim-defuria-director-of-government-and-community-affairs/) - 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 resident, will oversee government relations and community partnerships for the amusement park. The role is
- [SMC & 18th Street Arts Center to Co-Host Free “Calls from Home” Gallery Reception April 24](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/smc-18th-street-arts-center-to-co-host-free-calls-from-home-gallery-reception-april-24/) - The following is a submission from SMC. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Art Department, in collaboration with the 18th Street Arts Center (18SAC), is pleased to present “Calls from Home,” a free exhibition curated and mounted by students in SMC’s Art 80/82/84 Gallery Exhibitions & Display course taught by SMC art instructor Kim Garcia. The exhibition will be on view April 6 through April 30, 2026. A free gallery
- [OPA Update 4/6/26: Tree Trimming, Pressure Washing and Street Cleaning to Expand to Main St., Rent Control Board Annual Report, Easter Weekend, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-6-26-tree-trimming-pressure-washing-and-street-cleaning-to-expand-to-main-st-rent-control-board-annual-report-easter-weekend-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - (Next was off yesterday, and this newsletter is lightly edited to remove events that have already happened. - DN) Things to Do This Week Pop-Up Pool Day (Thursday 11am - 5pm): Pop-Up Pool Days are here for Spring Break! Annenberg Community Beach House is opening the pool for three special days—just in time for sunshine, splashes,
- [Kool Happenings: The Fisher King](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/kool-happenings-the-fisher-king/) - The ancient legend of the Fisher King, which formed much of the basis for T.S. Eliot's epic poem, The Wasteland, is one of the lesser known tales in the quest stories of King Arthur and his Round Table. Like many of the pieces brought together in the Arthurian legend, the story came from a much earlier
- [Buffy Wicks Pushes Legislation to Cut Red Tape for Transformational Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/buffy-wicks-pushes-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-for-transformational-bicycle-and-pedestrian-projects/) - Photo: AB 1976 seeks to make building projects such as the North Chorro Neighborhood Greenway in San Luis Obispo easier to build by cutting red tape. Assembly Bill 1976, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Berkeley), has caught advocate’s attention after it was heard and amended in the transportation committee earlier this month. In short, AB
- [All Roads Still Lead to Santa Monica: Route 66 Launches New Starting Point at Navy Pier in Chicago](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/all-roads-still-lead-to-santa-monica-route-66-launches-new-starting-point-at-navy-pier-in-chicago/) - The following submission and both images are via the Pier Corporation. Santa Monica Pier executives joined national leaders and Route 66 advocates in celebrating a historic milestone as the City of Chicago officially dedicated Navy Pier as the new symbolic eastern starting point of Historic Route 66 on March 25, 2026. The designation comes as part of the iconic highway’s 100th
- [Streetsblog Visits Colorado, Broadway and Other Westside Bike Improvements](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/streetsblog-visits-colorado-broadway-and-other-westside-bike-improvements/) - Two of the more bike-friendly westside cities – Culver City and Santa Monica – have green mobility projects under construction. Santa Monica Colorado and Broadway Improvements Santa Monica is installing a new westbound curb-protected bike lane on Colorado Avenue. The 0.9-mile project, previewed by SBLA in February, parallels the Metro E Line light rail tracks from
- [Wellness & Waves Returns to the Santa Monica Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/wellness-waves-returns-to-the-santa-monica-pier/) - (The following submission is from...you guessed it!...the Pier Commission) The Santa Monica Pier Corporation invites the community to move, stretch, and recharge by the ocean as Wellness & Waves returns for its 2026 season. Taking place every Saturday from April 4 through October 17, 2026, from 8 to 10 a.m., this free, all-ages wellness series transforms the iconic Santa
- [SMC Barrett Gallery Offers Free Guided Tours of “Concrete Hope | Esperanza Concreta” Exhibition April 9 & April 11](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/smc-barrett-gallery-offers-free-guided-tours-of-concrete-hope-esperanza-concreta-exhibition-april-9-april-11/) - he SMC Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery will offer free guided tours of the “Concrete Hope | Esperanza Concreta” exhibition. The tours will be led by SMC Art 80, 82, & 84 Gallery Exhibition & Display students. The tours will be held Thursday, April 9, and Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the SMC Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery, located at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica
- [City Announces Winners of Sustainable Quality Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/city-announces-winners-of-sustainable-quality-awards/) - 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 awards, a partnership between the city of Santa Monica and Sustainable Works, include three Grand Prize
- [OPA Update 4/2/26: Tree Trimming, Pressure Washing and Street Cleaning to Expand to Main St., Rent Control Board Annual Report, Easter Weekend, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/opa-update-4-2-26-tree-trimming-pressure-washing-and-street-cleaning-to-expand-to-main-st-rent-control-board-annual-report-easter-weekend-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Pop-Up Pool Day (Saturday and next Thursday 11am-5pm): Pop-Up Pool Days are here for Spring Break! Annenberg Community Beach House is opening the pool for three special days—just in time for sunshine, splashes, and a perfect day at the Beach House. More details here. Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest (starting
- [Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City Backs “A Lot of Housing at the Airport" Ballot Measure](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/04/santa-monica-coalition-for-a-livable-city-backs-a-lot-of-housing-at-the-airport-ballot-measure/) - 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 of units of new housing to be built on the property that currently houses Santa
- [Santa Monica Shares Transportation Expertise with Kyiv as Ukraine Looks Towards Rebuilding](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-shares-transportation-expertise-with-kyiv-as-ukraine-looks-towards-rebuilding/) - 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 act of city-to-city knowledge sharing at a moment when it matters deeply. Yevgen, who was
- [Rent Control Board Releases 2025 Annual Report](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/rent-control-board-releases-2025-annual-report/) - 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, banked rent increases, a shift from prior years that allowed landlords to accumulate and apply
- [SMMUSD Financial Oversight Committee Looking For Volunteers and Student Representatives](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/smmusd-financial-oversight-committee-looking-for-volunteers-and-student-representatives/) - The following is from the SMMUSD Wave Newsletter: The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s (SMMUSD) Financial Oversight Committee (FOC) is seeking qualified candidates who can put their financial and/or management expertise to work in support of the school district. There are four upcoming vacancies with three-year terms beginning July 1. The SMMUSD FOC also is
- [Thousands Gather at Palisades Park to Rally for No Kings](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/thousands-gather-at-palisades-park-to-rally-for-no-kings/) - 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 student walkouts, and countless other acts of protest. This Saturday’s No Kings protest in Palisades
- [Eyes on the Street: Protected Bikeway Sprouting Up on Colorado Avenue](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/eyes-on-the-street-protected-bikeway-sprouting-up-on-colorado-boulevard/) - 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 and 7th. The Colorado Avenue Protected Bikeway project in Santa Monica will add a one-way,
- [OPA Update 3/30/26: City's Sit-Lie Prohibition Expands to Main St., Maverick Helicopters Launches SaMo Flight Operations, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-30-26-citys-sit-lie-prohibition-expands-to-main-st-maverick-helicopters-launches-samo-flight-operations-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Seed Swap (Tuesday 3pm): Stop by this informal drop-in event to pick up free seeds from the SMPL Seed Library, connect with fellow gardeners, ask questions, share tips, and get inspiration for your garden. More details here. Wine Tasting 101 Class (Wednesday 6pm): Discover the art of wine tasting with Sommelier Murphy Perng,
- [CM Dan Hall Explains Santa Monica’s Financial Report Card](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/cm-dan-hall-explains-santa-monicas-financial-report-card/) - The following is from a special edition of the Councilmember's Newsletter. It is reprinted with permission. Interested in more? Subscribe here. Every summer, the City closes its books on the prior fiscal year. Then the accountants come in, review everything, and produce what is called the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, or ACFR — think of it
- [Council Recap: City Launches Economic Revitalization Strategy](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/council-recap-city-launches-economic-revitalization-strategy/) - Here's another article from the city on this week's meeting. The Santa Monica City Council this week approved a sweeping package of economic development measures as part of the City’s Realignment Plan Update, signaling an aggressive push to attract private sector reinvestment and revitalize the local economy. The package combines direct financial incentives, regulatory reform,
- [Kool Happenings: Imperial Madness](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/kool-happenings-imperial-madness/) - For Pete’s sake—invoke the 25th Amendment! Adopted after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 25th Amendment to our Constitution provides a path for succession in the event that "the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." Powers and duties. Though there is no doubt that this white house bully is
- [OPA Update 3/26/26: Realignment Plan Drops Serious Crime by 12.5%, City Approves Entertainment Zone for Main St. Events, No Kings Rally, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-26-26-realignment-plan-drops-serious-crime-by-12-5-city-approves-entertainment-zone-for-main-st-events-no-kings-rally-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things To Do This Weekend No Kings 3 Santa Monica (Saturday 11am - 1pm): As with the others, this is planned at and around Palisades Park near Ocean Ave @ Montana Ave. Expect “Signs - Fun - Music DJ - Speakers - Protest - Community” mobilize.us/nokings/event/900817 Making Herstory at City Hall: A Candid Conversation with Santa Monica's
- [“No Kings” Protest Planned for Santa Monica This Weekend; City Issues Safety Guidance](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/no-kings-protest-planned-for-santa-monica-this-weekend-city-issues-safety-guidance/) - A national day of protest will come to Santa Monica this weekend, as local organizers plan a “No Kings” rally along the city’s iconic coastline. The event, organized through Indivisible, is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ocean Avenue and Montana Avenue in Palisades Park. The Santa Monica gathering
- [On No Kings Day, Ferris Wheel Will Go Dark for "Biggest Hour for Earth" in the Evening](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/on-no-kings-day-ferris-wheel-will-go-dark-for-biggest-hour-for-earth-in-the-evening/) - The following is a submission by the Pier Corporation. On Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour, one of the largest global environmental movements returns to create the “Biggest Hour for Earth” by calling on supporters across the globe to switch off their lights and give an hour for Earth, spending 60 minutes doing something - anything- positive for the planet. Pacific Park on
- [Council Clarifies Its Direction for the Neighborhood Association Grant Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/council-clarifies-its-direction-for-the-neighborhood-association-grant-program/) - (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 potential applicants. The debate over the grant program—and the need for clarification at this week’s
- [Santa Monica Approves Slate of "Business-Friendly Initiatives"](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-approves-slate-of-business-friendly-initiatives/) - The City gives its official update on the Realignment Plan after last night's council meeting. The city has seen a major decrease in crime with a fully staffed police department, and a downtown “glow-up” has made streets cleaner and more beautiful. Building on this foundation, the city is pushing full speed ahead toward a new
- [John Adams Middle School Named 2026 California Distinguished School](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/john-adams-middle-school-named-2026-california-distinguished-school/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) congratulates John Adams Middle School (JAMS) for being named a 2026 California Distinguished School. JAMS is recognized in the category of Exemplary High Achievers, honoring schools that demonstrate among the highest academic achievement in the state while ensuring continued progress for all
- [SMC Corsair, Journalism Students Earn 23 National and Statewide Awards & Honors](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/smc-corsair-journalism-students-earn-23-national-and-statewide-awards-honors/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Lead Photo Credit: Gerard Burkhart Santa Monica College’s (SMC) student-run media outlet The Corsairand its staff won 16 state awards this month from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC), plus seven awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP). Most awards were announced at the 2026 National College Media Conference held March 5-7, 2026 in San Francisco, while
- [City Touts Success of Realignment Plan on Safety, Infrastructure. Calls for Renewed Economic Focus](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/city-touts-success-of-realignment-plan-on-safety-infrastructure-calls-for-renewed-economic-focus/) - The Santa Monica City Council is touting measurable progress on public safety, city services, and fiscal stability as it shifts its focus toward long-term economic recovery, according to a recent staff report and council discussion outlining the results of the city’s “realignment plan.” The full staff report on the plan's update can be found here.
- [Why Santa Monica Needs More "Agile" Streets](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/why-santa-monica-needs-more-agile-streets/) - If you drive, walk, or bike around Santa Monica, you’ve seen them: white and yellow plastic bollards—those flexible posts meant to protect bike lanes or tighten corners—lying flat on the ground, mangled by the tires of a passing SUV or a delivery truck. To a frustrated resident, a mangled plastic post looks like a failure
- [BBB Reminder: Service Changes on April 5th](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/bbb-reminder-service-changes-on-april-5th/) - From the Big Blue Bus: Beginning Sunday, April 5, new service improvements will take effect. These enhancements are part of our ongoing Brighter Blue service improvement plan, which focuses on making public transit a more appealing alternative to driving and supports Santa Monica's commitment to a cleaner greener future. You can see the changes to your favorite
- [OPA Update 3/23/26: Major Update for the Victorian, Eater LA's Best Santa Monica Restaurants List Includes Multiple Main St. Spots, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-23-26-major-update-for-the-victorian-eater-las-best-santa-monica-restaurants-list-includes-multiple-main-st-spots-things-to-do-this-week/) - Major Update for the Victorian & Maybe Main St. Farmers Market: Things To Do This Week: Bergamot Comedy Festival: The Fest brings together up-and-coming and underrepresented comedians for shows, panels, and community programming that spotlight voices not always seen on traditional stages. Over the course of the week, attendees can expect multiple comedy showcases, free educational
- [New Proposals for City World Cup/Olympics Events Shows 2023-2024 Council Got it Right by Rejecting Beach Volleyball](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/new-proposals-for-city-world-cup-olympics-events-shows-2023-2024-council-got-it-right-by-rejecting-beach-volleyball/) - In 2024, the Santa Monica City Council faced a tough decision. The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organizing committee (LA28) presented the city with a proposal to host the beach volleyball competition in a temporary mini-stadium built near the Pier. The City Council expressed strong reservations about the proposal and instructed city staff to renegotiate its
- [Fake News KO's Allen's SB 549...At Least for 2025](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/fake-news-kos-allens-sb-549-at-least-for-2025/) - California State Senator Ben Allen (D–Santa Monica) has officially put Senate Bill 549 on hold for the remainder of 2025, halting efforts to advance the legislation designed to aid wildfire recovery after a an online misinformation campaign and compliant media sullied the legislation. SB 549, initially introduced by Allen on February 20, 2025, sought to amend existing
- [Santa Monica College to Hold Holiday Glass Sales Fundraisers Dec. 7 & Dec. 13](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/santa-monica-college-to-hold-holiday-glass-sales-fundraisers-dec-7-dec-13/) - Following is a submission from SMC. Photo by Terri Bromberg. Santa Monica College (SMC) will hold two special fundraising Holiday Glass Sales offering wonderful opportunities to buy handcrafted vases, jewelry, platters, and other artworks created by SMC glass artists. Each glass piece is a unique work of art that can add seasonal home and office decor, as well as
- [OPA Update 12/1/25: OPA Holiday Party & Miracle on Main St. THIS Sunday, New City Law Requires Owners to Register Vacant Properties, & Street Seen Update on Main St. Businesses](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-1-25-opa-holiday-party-miracle-on-main-st-this-sunday-new-city-law-requires-owners-to-register-vacant-properties-street-seen-update-on-main-st-businesses/) - OPA Holiday Party Details Mark your calendar to join us the Edgemar Restaurant THIS Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Click here to add the holiday party to your calendar. Apps and soda and one drink are free for OPA members and $10 for guests. Edgemar Restaurant will be extending their 25% off employee pricing to their Sunday menu
- [Pier Hosts First-Ever Drive-In Movie Night Featuring 'Grease' On January 15](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/pier-hosts-first-ever-drive-in-movie-night-featuring-grease-on-january-15/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Get ready to rev your engines and relive the golden age of drive-ins as the Santa Monica Pier transforms into a nostalgic beachfront cinema for“Locals’ Night” on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:30-9:30 p.m., offering a special, first-ever drive-in movie on the Pier featuring the beloved film “Grease” presented by Pacific Park. As part of the
- [OPA Update 3/2/26: OPA Happy Hour Wednesday, March OPA Monthly Meeting Next Monday, & Much More!](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-2-26-opa-happy-hour-wednesday-march-opa-monthly-meeting-next-monday-much-more/) - Things to Do This Week Mishkon Temple Family-Friendly Purim Party with a Bounce House (Monday 5 - 7 pm): Join a fun-filled, family-friendly Purim Party for little ones. Enjoy music, tasty snacks, face painting, delicious hamantaschen, and of course, costumes! We will also join in an interactive, kid-friendly Megillah reading with groggers and laughter. This event
- [OPA Update 3/16/26: Airport Conversion Project Moves into Next Phase, City Appoints Heidi Von Tongeln City Attorney & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-16-26-airport-conversion-project-moves-into-next-phase-city-appoints-heidi-von-tongeln-city-attorney-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week OPA and City Meetings Arts Commission Meeting (Monday 6:30pm): In-person only in the SMi Training Room (northwest corner of the 2nd floor of the Civic Center Parking Structure - 330 Olympic Drive). More details here. Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment (Monday 7pm): More details here. OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here
- [SMC Symphony Orchestra Performs March 28:  Evening of Music Features Program with Something for Everyone](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/smc-symphony-orchestra-performs-march-28-evening-of-music-features-program-with-something-for-everyone/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department will presentan evening of exceptional live music performed by the SMC Symphony Orchestra, led by Conductor Mercedes Juan Musotto. The concert will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. in The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. The concert’s vibrant program of orchestral masterworks features “the exhilarating Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin, a
- [Santa Monica College to Stage “Noises Off” March 27-April 5](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-college-to-stage-noises-off-march-27-april-5/) - The following is a submission from SMC. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Arts Department will perform “Noises Off”March 27-April 5 in the Theatre Arts Main Stage on the SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. “Noises Off” is a farce that follows a theatre company attempting to mount a touring production while everything around them steadily unravels. Missed cues, misplaced props,
- [Santa Monica Airport Park Planning Gets Funding Boost](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-airport-park-planning-gets-funding-boost/) - The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) announced its 2026 Measure A grant awards this week, including $499,149 for the City of Santa Monica to support planning and design for the first 20 acres of the future “Great Park” that will replace the airport after its scheduled closure in 2028. The
- [Help Send All Samohi Students to Prom](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/help-send-all-samohi-students-to-prom/) - The following is a notice sent from SMMUSD. Prom season is approaching, and Santa Monica High School is inviting the community to support students who may not otherwise be able to attend. Donations of new or gently used formal dresses, men’s formal wear, and accessories such as purses and jewelry are being collected for the
- [Dumbing Down the Military and Owning the Press](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/dumbing-down-the-military-and-owning-the-press/) - Quite randomly today, I settled on writing about two not-so-much-in-the-news issues on the agenda of the most incompetent secretary of defense in the history of our country. In an obvious attempt to dumb down our future military leadership so that he is, finally, the smartest one in the room (because, as they say, "In The
- [Santa Monica Could Use This One Trick to Increase Density Near Transit Stops](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-could-use-this-one-trick-to-increase-density-near-transit-stops/) - New research and story maps from UCLA's Institute of Transportation Studies pose an interesting—and potentially useful—hypothetical question: how does California define the area of a transit stop? According to the research, every municipality and regional planning organization maps a transit stop only as the small, physical location where one boards or gets off a bus,
- [OPA Update 3/20/26: Pier Locals’ Night Celebrates Hip-Hop, The Venice Love Fest, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-20-26-pier-locals-night-celebrates-hip-hop-the-venice-love-fest-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend SaMo Pier Locals’ Night Celebrates L.A. Hip-Hop Culture (Thursday 3:30 - 10 pm): This edition highlights the diversity and legacy of L.A.’s independent hip-hop scene with a curated lineup by Top to Bottom LA on the Main Stage with additional entertainment and activities, and Route 66 salute. Venice Art Crawl (Thursday
- [Community Mapping creates guiding principles for Santa Monica Public Library’s future](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/community-mapping-creates-guiding-principles-for-santa-monica-public-librarys-future/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) released its Community Mapping Findings and Insights Report earlier this month, which will serve as a key resource for the development of SMPL’s next strategic plan. The report’s findings and insights will help SMPL shape its programs and services, plan future partnerships and
- [Pacifica Christian Soccer Season Ends with Division Championship, Win in State Tournament](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/pacifica-christian-soccer-season-ends-with-division-championship-win-in-state-tournament/) - The following is a lightly edited story first printed in the city manager's newsletter. Pacifica Christian High School’s girls soccer team made history this season, turning a championship breakthrough into a deep postseason run that brought CIF State playoff games to Santa Monica parks. Pacifica is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. Fresh off
- [Supes Approve Bi-Partisan Motion to Reform Mental Health in County's Homeless Response](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/supes-approve-bi-partisan-motion-to-reform-mental-health-in-countys-homeless-response/) - The following is a press release from Supervisor Horvath's Office. Image: Horvath and Barger take part in the annual homeless count in 2025. Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger to reform and better integrate mental health care within the County’s homeless
- [Westside Cities Advance Bus Lane Plan Ahead of 2028 Olympics](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/westside-cities-advance-bus-lane-plan-ahead-of-2028-olympics/) - A coalition of Westside cities is moving forward with a plan to speed up bus service across some of the region’s most congested corridors, with an eye toward delivering improvements before the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Westside Cities Council of Governments is developing the Westside Bus Connection Project, a package of relatively low-cost upgrades along
- [Chi: Santa Monica Set to Become First Jurisdiction to Launch Automated Bike Lane Enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/chi-santa-monica-set-to-become-first-jurisdiction-to-launch-automated-bike-lane-enforcement/) - Every week we pick a story or two from the City Manager's newsletter to highlight. The City is advancing its work to become the first jurisdiction in California to implement automated bike lane enforcement, and the program hit another important milestone this week! Two SMPD parking enforcement vehicles have now been equipped with camera systems
- [Santa Monica Selects Jay Baldwin as Poet Laureate](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-selects-jay-baldwin-as-poet-laureate/) - The Santa Monica City Council has confirmed Jay Baldwin as the city’s second poet laureate, approving a two-year appointment during its most recent meeting. Baldwin, who was born and raised in Santa Monica, currently works as a school librarian at a Santa Monica elementary school and is completing a master’s degree in library science. A
- [Kool Happenings: AI...Not A Real Boy](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/kool-happenings-ai-not-a-real-boy/) - In the story of Pinocchio, written in the 1880s as a children’s serial by Italian author, Carlo Collodi, a wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy learns, over time, the meaning of honesty, bravery, and selflessness. Because of this, he gets his wish. Alas, our current electronic puppets, loosely called Artificial Intelligence
- [City Attorney Obtains Judgments and Injunctions Against Landlords in Tenant Relocation](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/city-attorney-obtains-judgments-and-injunctions-against-landlords-in-tenant-relocation/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office has obtained final judgments in two cases filed against landlords who failed to pay mandatory temporary relocation benefits to tenants who were displaced from their homes. Through the judgments, tenants will receive over $50,000 in unpaid relocation fees and landlords
- [Shamrocks in the Sky: Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel Glows Green for St. Patrick's Day](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/shamrocks-in-the-sky-pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-glows-green-for-st-patricks-day/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is turning SoCal green with “Shamrocks in the Sky” for St. Patrick’s Day as its iconic, 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel debuts a custom computer-generated lighting program in celebration of the Irish holiday on Tuesday, March 17 from sunset to midnight.
- [Eyes on the Street: Red Bus Lanes on Broadway](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/eyes-on-the-street-red-bus-lanes-on-broadway/) - Eagle-eyed reader Eli Gill sends another picture of modern transportation improvements. This time it's a red bus-only lane on Broadway. Santa Monica has opened new bus-only lanes on Broadway as part of the city’s ongoing Broadway Safety Project, a corridor overhaul designed to improve safety and mobility for people walking, biking, and riding transit. The
- [SMC Music Department Faculty Presents “YAS, QUEEN!” March 27](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/smc-music-department-faculty-presents-yas-queen-march-27/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department Faculty is pleased to present “YAS, QUEEN!” — featuring SMC faculty Jeremiah Selvey Convento, baritone, and UCLA guest Daniel Gledhill, piano — in an evening of classical music with LGBTQ+ connections. The concert will be held Friday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. in The Edye at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. The concert will be a solo voice recital of queer voices
- [OPA Update 3/12/26: OPA March Monthly Meeting Recap, SaMo Retail Market Showing Signs of Rebound, Most Loved Business Voting Closes this Friday, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-12-26-opa-march-monthly-meeting-recap-samo-retail-market-showing-signs-of-rebound-most-loved-business-voting-closes-this-friday-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Compression with a Cop (Thursday 10am-12pm): Join us at Restore Hyper Wellness 1031 Montana. This is a fun way to meet some of our officers and learn about wellness options in the city. More details here. Unleash Your Inner Parista (Thursday 4:30 – 6:30pm): Paris Hilton and International Delight are hosting a "glamorous"
- [City Removes the Interim Tag, Appoints Von Tongeln City Attorney](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/city-removes-the-interim-tag-appoints-von-tongelin-city-attorney/) - The Santa Monica City Council voted at their 2/298 meeting night to appoint Heidi von Tongeln as the city’s permanent city attorney, elevating her from the interim role she has held since last year. Contract details were just worked out earlier this week prompting the city's announcement. Von Tongeln, a longtime member of the city’s
- [Santa Monica College to Present Spring 2026 Visiting Arts Professional Talks - Series Starts Saturday](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-college-to-present-spring-2026-visiting-arts-professional-talks-series-starts-saturday/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Image: Emilia Lin The Santa Monica College Art Department's ART 80, 82, and 84 Gallery Exhibition & Display Course is pleased to present the Spring 2026 Visiting Arts Professional Talks, a free series opening March 13. The special guest speakers will share their experiences and insights as professionals working in the art
- [City Manager Chi Celebrates Success of Samo Bridge Program's First Year](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/city-manager-chi-celebrates-success-of-samo-bridge-program-after-anniversary/) - The following article is reprinted from the City Manager's Newsletter. SAMO BRIDGE PROGRAM APPROACHING THE ONE-YEAR MARK HAVING DELIVERED TERRIFIC RESULTS! As we approach the one-year anniversary of SaMo Bridge – Santa Monica's diversion program that opened its doors in spring 2025 – we wanted to take a moment to share an update on what
- [OPA Update 3/5/26: OPA Monthly Meeting Monday 3/9, Spring Forward & LA Marathon Sunday, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-5-26-opa-monthly-meeting-monday-3-9-spring-forward-la-marathon-sunday-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Padel Courts Grand Opening: Fernando Belasteguín — widely considered the greatest padel player of all time, with 16 consecutive years at world No. 1 — is traveling from Spain for the grand opening. If you haven't heard of padel, think tennis meets squash in a glass-walled box. Thursday, March 5, 1318 4th
- [LA Plans Bike Improvements for Westside Streets and Other Updates on LA Bike Projects](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/la-plans-bike-improvements-for-westside-streets-and-other-updates-on-la-bike-projects/) - This story is a lightly edited version of one that appeared yesterday in Streetsblog Los Angeles. Below are four recent bike project updates. Some of these may benefit cyclists, but all are laden with serious drawbacks. Westside Bikeway Meetings Speaking of dead cyclists, LADOT is making plans for West L.A. safety improvements on Pershing Drive, Westwood
- [Santa Monica Pier’s ‘Locals’ Night’ Celebrates L.A. Hip-Hop Culture on March 19](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-piers-locals-night-celebrates-l-a-hip-hop-culture-on-march-19/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Commission. The Santa Monica Pier turns up the volume on Thursday, March 19, as “Locals’ Night” returns with a powerful celebration of Los Angeles hip-hop culture, live music, art, classic cars, and community energy—all free and open to the public from 3:30 to 10 p.m. Presented by Pacific Park
- [Gruber: Say no to ballot box planning (and support a Great Park to replace Santa Monica Airport)](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/gruber-say-no-to-ballot-box-planning-and-support-a-great-park-to-replace-santa-monica-airport/) - This piece first appeared in The Healthy City Local website by Frank Gruber and is syndicated here with the author's permission. If you have been reading me since I started writing my column in the Lookout News 26 years ago, or if you’ve been reading this blog since I began writing it in 2013, or
- [OPA Update 3/9/26: OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight, Bowlmor Construction Updates, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-9-26-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-bowlmor-construction-updates-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Santa Monica College Planetarium Offers Spring Sky Shows in March: Enjoy live-hosted shows on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughout March, featuring programs on spring skies, the spring equinox, and the life cycle of stars. Each show runs approximately 40 minutes and is followed by a Q&A with Planetarium Lecturer Sarah
- [The Field Is Set for Race to Represent SaMo at County Supes: Horvath Draws Two Challengers](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/the-field-is-set-for-race-to-represent-samo-at-county-supes-horvath-draws-two-challengers/) - Image: St. John's Cancer Institute With the candidate filing deadline now closed, three candidates will compete for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ Third District seat in 2026: incumbent Lindsey Horvath and challengers Roxanne Hoge and Tonia Arey. Horvath, who was first elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2022, is
- [Kool Happenings: The Art of Distraction](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/kool-happenings-the-art-of-distraction/) - Like every magician you've ever seen, the current white house squatter is a master of distraction, more accurately, in magic, called misdirection, or audience management, in which the audience's gaze is manipulated in order to divert attention away from a secret maneuver. Direction is focused on a chosen event, or incident, and not on that which
- [Los Angeles' Measure HLA at Two Years: a Timeline of How L.A. City has Resisted Safer Multimodal Streets](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/los-angeles-measure-hla-at-two-years-a-timeline-of-how-l-a-city-has-resisted-safer-multimodal-streets/) - “Large Asphalt Repair” on Melrose Avenue. Photo by Joe Linton This story first appeared at Streetsblog. Disclaimer note: I, Streetsblog Editor Joe Linton, do not claim to be a neutral observer here. Outside of my Streetsblog reporting, I have repeatedly challenged the city's Measure HLA inaction. I am fighting for HLA in court and at
- [Roosevelt Elementary Marks Topping Off of New Library andTransitional Kindergarten Building](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/roosevelt-elementary-marks-topping-off-of-new-library-andtransitional-kindergarten-building/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Rendering Above: DSK Architects. Picture Below: SMMUSD. Roosevelt Elementary marked a major construction milestone Feb. 23 with a topping off ceremony to celebrate the placement of the final beam atop its new library and Transitional Kindergarten building. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education members, school
- [Eyes on the Street: City Moves Fast to Fix Daylighting Mistake](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/eyes-on-the-street-city-moves-fast-to-fix-daylighting-mistake/) - Earlier this week, Next reported that the city made a mistake when repainting curbs after completing storm drain repairs. Instead of red painted curbs near intersections as required by the state's daylighting laws, the city accidentally repainted them white, as was custom in 2024. Red painted curbs remind drivers where it is legal to park,
- [Santa Monica Democratic Club to Honor Regional Leaders at 2026 Sammy Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-democratic-club-to-honor-regional-leaders-at-2026-sammy-awards/) - The following is a submission from the Santa Monica Dem Club. The Santa Monica Democratic Club will host its fundraising gala, the Sammy Awards, now in its third year, on March 15, 2026, bringing together elected officials, grassroots leaders, labor champions, and community activists for one of the Westside’s signature progressive political events of the
- [NTSB Offers Initial Assessment of Waymo Crash Near Grant Elementary](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/ntsb-report-absolves-waymo-in-crash-near-school/) - A newly released federal report concludes that a Waymo robotaxi did not behave recklessly when it struck a child near Grant Elementary School earlier this year — but investigators say the crash underscores ongoing safety challenges for autonomous vehicles operating in complex, real-world environments. In its preliminary findings, the National Transportation Safety Board determined that
- [OPA Update 3/4/26: OPA Happy Hour Tonight/Wednesday!](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/opa-update-3-4-26-opa-happy-hour-tonight-wednesday/)
- [League of Women Voters to Honor Four Local Leaders at 2026 Yellow Rose Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/league-of-women-voters-to-honor-four-local-leaders-at-2026-yellow-rose-awards/) - The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica will honor four local leaders later this month at its annual Yellow Rose Award celebration, an event that blends history, civic engagement and community recognition. The 2026 program, themed “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” takes place Wednesday, March 18, at the Brookdale Ocean House.
- [Eyes on the Street: City Forgets Daylighting When Repainting Curbs](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/eyes-on-the-street-city-forgets-daylighting-when-repainting-curbs/) - Photo: Eli Gill is seeing white, not red, at 5th and Washington. Recently, the city had a lot of work to do to repair and in some cases even rebuild storm drains following the heavy storms of January and February. Eagle-eyed Next readers Eli Gill and Bradley Ewing noticed that something was amiss. In at
- [This Saturday Is the Spring Fling on Montana Ave.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/this-saturday-is-the-spring-fling-on-montana-ave/) - Spring Fling on Montana Avenue11:00 AM – 6:00 PMMontana Avenue Spring has arrived and Montana Avenue is ready to celebrate! Join neighbors, friends, and visitors for a festive Spring Fling filled with shopping, strolling, and community vibes. Visit the official website, here. What to Expect:• Shop local — explore seasonal arrivals and curated finds at
- [Santa Monica’s Therapeutic Transport Team Shows Strong Results Two Years Into Pilot](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monicas-therapeutic-transport-team-shows-strong-results-two-years-into-pilot/) - City Manager Oliver Chi released data from the first two years of service for the Therapeutic Transport Team and the program is showing measurable results. The city began the Therapeutic Transport Team (TTT) pilot in January 2024 in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to provide specialized responses to people experiencing
- [Santa Monica Celebrates Women's History Month](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/santa-monica-celebrates-womens-history-month/) - March arrives in Santa Monica with longer light, salt in the air, and banners quietly unfurling in honor of Women’s History Month — a tradition federally recognized each March since 1987. This year, the city’s celebration stretches from library craft tables to the glow of the Pier and all the way to City Hall. It
- [Dr. Shelton's Monthly Letter to the SMMUSD Community.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/03/dr-sheltons-monthly-letter-to-the-smmusd-community/) - The following letter to the community is part of The Wave newsletter sent to SMMUSD faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. For more details, past issues, or to sign-up, visit The Wave's official website. As February comes to a close, I am reminded of the many ways our District reflects the richness, diversity and strength
- [Santa Monica Forward Opposes Airport Housing Initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-forward-opposes-airport-housing-initiative/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica Forward. Santa Monica Forward Opposes Airport Housing Initiative Santa Monica Forward has long championed building more housing at all income levels to address the city’s acute housing shortage; it is a bedrock principle on which our organization operates. However, we believe the Airport Housing Initiative ballot measure
- [Metro D Line Subway Extension Will Open Friday May 8](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/metro-d-line-subway-extension-will-open-friday-may-8/) - Metro will open four new miles of D Line subway on Friday May 8! The new Metro D Line Extension (Section 1) will travel from Wilshire/Western in Koreatown all the way to La Cienega/Wilshire in Beverly Hills. The project includes three new stations: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. Subway riders will be able to
- [Kool Happenings: The Two Hundred Word Vocabulary](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/kool-happenings-the-two-hundred-word-vocabulary/) - Last week, the preeminent French newspaper, Le Figaro, revealed the results of a study conducted by Professor Frederique Sandretto, an expert in American Culture at the Parisian University, Sciences Po. Based on a careful evaluation of the wording of the last several speeches and off-hand press statements made by the current white house resident, Prof. Sandretto
- [Residential Development Adjacent to Clover Park and Business Park Heads to ARB](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/mixed-use-development-adjacent-to-clover-park-and-business-park-heads-to-arb/) - The Santa Monica Architectural Review Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 2, 2026, to consider the design for the proposed 2800 28th Street residential development, a project that would replace an existing commercial property with a contemporary multi-unit building adjacent to Clover Park. Because the proposal qualifies for ministerial approval and must
- [Santa Monica Launches One SaMo People’s Academy](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-launches-one-samo-peoples-academy/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica The city of Santa Monica is inviting residents to apply for the new One SaMo People’s Academy, a six-week course offering an inside look at city operations, priorities and civic engagement opportunities. The program aims to build understanding, transparency and trust between Santa Monica residents and their local government. Participants will gain insight into
- [OPA Update 2/26/26: City Could Move Some Homeless Services Outside the City, Arrests Reach Record-Breaking Pace, Frieze Art and Virginia Greens Festivals, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-26-26-city-could-move-some-homeless-services-outside-the-city-arrests-reach-record-breaking-pace-frieze-art-and-virginia-greens-festivals-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Frieze Los Angeles (Thursday - Sunday): Bringing together approximately 100 galleries, ambitious installations, nonprofit collaborations and local food pop-ups. As a leading international art fair focused on contemporary art, Frieze LA celebrates Southern California's dynamic creative culture and global influence in the arts. This is a must-attend event for art lovers,
- [Eyes on the Street: Removal of Colorado/Yale Crosswalk](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/eyes-on-the-street-removal-of-colorado-yale-crosswalk/) - Normally, "Eyes on the Street" is celebrating the installation of some new infrastructure, high-tech bus stop, or something else to celebrate. This time, eagle-eyed reader Allon Percus brings the surprising news that the city removed a crosswalk at Colorado and Yale Avenue as part of a bike lane project. The current configuration can be found
- [Council Asks for Improvements to Initial Recommendations to Improve Safety on Santa Monica Blvd.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/council-asks-for-improvements-to-initial-recommendations-to-improve-safety-on-santa-monica-blvd/) - 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 to readjust priorities based on a staff presentation which received significant skepticism and feedback on
- [Looking to Protest the Administration But Can't Wait for No Kings? Indivisible Has a Weekly Protest on Thursdays](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/looking-to-protest-the-administration-but-cant-wait-for-no-kings-indivisible-has-a-weekly-protest-on-thursdays/) - A local community action group is organizing a weekly demonstration called “Venice & Santa Monica Take Back Our Streets”, bringing together residents and allies to advocate for civil liberties, community safety, and systemic reform. The protest — organized through Indivisible and hosted by local chapters Venice Resistance and Indivisible Westside LA — takes place every
- [Bergamot Comedy Festival Returns to Santa Monica, March 24–28](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/bergamot-comedy-festival-returns-to-santa-monica-march-24-28/) - Laughter, learning and rising voices in stand-up come to Santa Monica this spring with the Bergamot Comedy Festival, a week-long celebration of comedic arts blending performance, education and industry connection. Produced by Comedy Reflects Our World — the Santa Monica-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit also known as “The Crow” — the festival runs March 24–28, 2026 at
- [New Legislation, Backed by Bike Safety Groups, Proposed to Regulate E-Motos/E-Bikes](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/new-legislation-backed-by-bike-safety-groups-proposed-to-regulate-e-motos-e-bikes/) - Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-SD) has introduced Senate Bill 1167, legislation aimed at tightening California’s oversight of electric mopeds and other higher-speed electrically powered two-wheelers that fall into gray areas of existing law. The bill seeks to create a clearer regulatory framework for vehicles marketed as e-bikes but capable of speeds and performance more akin to mopeds
- [Santa Monica College Designated a Black-Serving Institution](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-college-designated-a-black-serving-institution/) - Image and story below provided by SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC)—a longstanding Hispanic-Serving Institution—has also become a designated California Black-Serving Institution. The state’s Governing Board for Black-Serving Institutions named SMC among 31 higher education institutions throughout California to receive the designation— including the University of California Berkeley, CSU Northridge, Long Beach City College, Bakersfield College, and Loyola Marymount University,to name just a few.
- [PSA: Tips to Avoid Falls at Night](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/psa-tips-to-avoid-falls-at-night/) - Image: AARP Greetings, I'm Dr. Paul Drew. I wrote a periodical called “Swish” about youth basketball at the Santa Monica Family YMCA. Now that I have retired from running the program, I have asked SantaMonicaNext if I can do articles about our community in regards to health and fitness or various happenings around the city.
- [OPA Update 2/23/26: Superbloom Collective Joins OPA, Church in Ocean Park Vandalized, IKEA Heads to Culver City, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-23-26-superbloom-collective-joins-opa-church-in-ocean-park-vandalized-ikea-heads-to-culver-city-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Frieze Los Angeles (Thursday - Sunday): Bringing together approximately 100 galleries, ambitious installations, nonprofit collaborations and local food pop-ups. As a leading international art fair focused on contemporary art, Frieze LA celebrates Southern California's dynamic creative culture and global influence in the arts. This is a must-attend event for art lovers,
- [“Water is Life” Workshop Focuses on Santa Monica Watershed, This Wednesday](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/water-is-life-workshop-focuses-on-santa-monica-watershed-this-wednesday/) - The Santa Monica Great Park Coalition is partnering with the Verdant Venice Group to host a community workshop focused on stormwater, watershed health, and climate resilience. Titled “Water is Life,” the event will take place on Wednesday, February 25, from 5–7 p.m. at the Santa Monica Institute (SMI Room), 330 Olympic Drive, 2nd Floor. Organizers
- [East Pico Safety Project Finished — City Hosting Celebration March 7](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/east-pico-safety-project-finished-city-hosting-celebration-march-7/) - Construction is complete on the City of Santa Monica’s East Pico Safety Project, and officials are inviting residents to celebrate and experience the new safety improvements firsthand. The City will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at 3010 Pico Blvd. The event will feature a family-friendly
- [CalBike: Enforce Existing Laws, Don’t Create New Nuisance Ones](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/calbike-enforce-existing-laws-dont-create-new-nuisance-ones/) - Earlier this week, Streetsblog reported on Assembly Bill 1942, also known as the E-Bike Accountability Act, introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda). As part of her outreach for the legislation, Bauer-Kahan has released a survey for people (bicyclists and everyone else) to share their opinions and experiences with e-bikes. You can take the E‑Bike Accountability &
- [Kool Happenings: The Loser in the Mirror](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/kool-happenings-the-loser-in-the-mirror/) - A few recurring themes converged this week when the dress-up Attorney General Barbie Doll yelled and deflected her way through a five hour Congressional hearing, setting a new record for embarrassing behavior by a federal appointee, which was, already, a pretty low bar. Referring often to her little book of personal insults, she perfectly displayed
- [City Releases Draft Framework, Another Survey, for Santa Monica Airport Great Park](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/city-releases-draft-framework-another-survey-for-santa-monica-airport-great-park/) - The City of Santa Monica has released a Draft Framework Diagram for the future Great Park that will replace the Santa Monica Airport when it closes after 2028, marking the beginning of Phase 3B of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion (SMAC) Project. City officials say the Framework builds on City Council direction and thousands of
- [California Expands State-Backed Mortgage Assistance for LA Fire Survivors](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/california-expands-state-backed-mortgage-assistance-for-la-fire-survivors/) - The following is a submission from Ben Allen. Senator Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades) applauded the unveiling of a significant expansion to the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to provide more financial relief to more homeowners impacted by the LA Fires. “The financial burdens of recovering and rebuilding in the wake of the 2025 LA Fires have left too many people in
- [OPA Update 2/19/26: 2028 Olympic Road Race Course Planned to go Down Main St, Lunar New Year & Mardi Gras Celebrations, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-19-26-2028-olympic-road-race-course-planned-to-go-down-main-st-lunar-new-year-mardi-gras-celebrations-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Locals' Night: Jazz Night (Thursday 3:30 - 10 pm): Locals’ Night is bringing the rhythm with BroadStage's Jazz Night featuring phenomenal alumni from Stanley Clarke's Artist Residency program. Enjoy serious grooves to celebrate Black History Month, while Offhand Wine Bar keeps the vibe smooth with perfectly paired selections. @ Santa Monica Pier santamonicapier.org/jazznight
- [New E-Bike Legislation That Includes Mandatory License Plates Panned by Bike Safety Advocates](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/new-e-bike-legislation-that-includes-mandatory-license-plates-panned-by-bike-safety-advocates/) - California lawmakers have introduced Assembly Bill 1942, also known as the E-Bike Accountability Act, as part of the 2025-26 legislative session. Sponsored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), the bill would require owners of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles to register those bikes with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and display a special license
- [Eyes on the Street...Errr....Beach Path: Bridge Connecting SaMo to Will Rogers Beach/Palisades Is Reopened](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/eyes-on-the-street-errr-beach-path-bridge-connecting-samo-to-will-rogers-beach-palisades-is-reopened/) - In May 2023, local officials celebrated a major milestone when a new dedicated two-way bike and pedestrian path opened, closing a long-standing gap between the Santa Monica beach path and Will Rogers State Beach. The project included improved safety features such as adequate lighting and rest areas, making the popular corridor safer and more enjoyable
- [Big Blue Bus Ridership Continues Its Surge](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/big-blue-bus-ridership-continues-its-surge/) - Story via the City Manager's Weekly Update. I’m excited to share that in early 2026, we are seeing encouraging signs of continued ridership recovery and growth in our renowned Big Blue Bus transit system! In January 2026, Big Blue Bus provided 796,000 rides, representing a 4.3% increase compared to January of last year. This marks
- [SMRR, Unite Here, Cloverfield Commons Prepare for Signature Gathering Effort for Airport -> Park/Housing Ballot Measure](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/smrr-unite-here-cloverfield-commons-prepare-for-signature-gathering-effort-for-airport-park-housing-ballot-measure/) - Supporters of a controversial proposed ballot measure that would allow up to 3,000 units of housing to be built on the current site of Santa Monica Airport — should the airport be closed by the city in 2029 — are moving forward with signature gathering efforts. The city is constrained in what it can build
- [Winners and Losers in California’s VMT-Based CEQA System](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/winners-and-losers-in-californias-vmt-based-ceqa-system/) - (Sean Noonan is an environmental planner. He also teaches urban planning at CSU, Fullerton. This is the second time he's written on Vehicle Miles Traveled analysis in California with Streetsblog. Want to share your own thoughts and research on VMT? Email damien@streetsblog.org) Under Senate Bill (SB) 743, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) replaced Level of Service (LOS) as
- [OPA Update 2/16/26: Thanks Beach House Cowork for Joining OPA! President's Day Storms, City Looking for Homeless Shelter Beds Away from Downtown, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-16-26-thanks-beach-house-cowork-for-joining-opa-presidents-day-storms-city-looking-for-homeless-shelter-beds-away-from-downtown-things-to-do-this-week/) - Thank You Beach House Cowork for Joining OPA as a "Gold Business Member"! Upcoming OPA Events Ocean Park Social Club - Special Event this Friday (Feb. 20): You're invited to experience The Jar for an evening of art, conversation, and community. Here's a Washington Post feature on The Jar. The Jar brings people together through cultural gatherings
- [Santa Monica Fire Department expands Advanced Provider Unit](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-fire-department-expands-advanced-provider-unit/) - The Santa Monica Fire Department is expanding its innovative Advanced Provider Unit (APU) program, adding a second team to help respond to complex medical and behavioral health calls citywide, officials announced earlier this week. The move by the City Council builds on early success from the first APU, which began responding to 911 calls in
- [L.A. Seeks Input on Proposed Speed Camera Locations](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/l-a-seeks-input-on-proposed-speed-camera-locations/) - The L.A. City Department of Transportation shared proposed locations for the city's speed camera pilot program, now expected to get underway later this year. For a 30-day period starting today, LADOT is seeking public comment on the locations and the program. 2023 State legislation enabled six California cities to pilot life-saving speed cameras. State law specifies
- [Gallop Into The Lunar New Year: 90-Foot-Tall Ferris Wheel Rides High For The ‘Year of the Horse’](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/gallop-into-the-lunar-new-year-90-foot-tall-ferris-wheel-rides-high-for-the-year-of-the-horse/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will light up its iconic Ferris wheel to celebrate the “Year of the Horse” with a dazzling 90-foot-tall “Lunar New Year” display. The celebration will feature an animated “Horse,” the phrase “Happy New Year” in Mandarin, and vibrant red and gold colors,
- [Rollout of New Housing-Near-Transit Law Encountering Confusion and Delay](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/rollout-of-new-housing-near-transit-law-encountering-confusion-and-delay/) - The debate, amendments, passage, and signing of Senate Bill 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, dominated headlines at Streetsblog and across the state last year. Heated debates over SB79 continue today. SB 79 is facing a messy rollout, visible fractures within the Democratic supermajority, and, as noted in a previous article at Streetsblog, open
- [OPA Update 1/12/26: SMTT Joins OPA, Valentine's/Galentine's/President's Day Weekend Happenings, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-1-12-26-smtt-joins-opa-valentines-galentines-presidents-day-weekend-happenings-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Upcoming Calendar of Events Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are March 4 (The Vanishing Half), April 1 (The Housemaid), May 6 (Demon Copperhead), June 3: (Remarkably Bright Creatures). Email alexabarrett@gmail.com for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.). Ocean Park Social Club - Special Event on Feb. 20: You're
- [Santa Monica College Dance Department to Hold Spring 2026 Meet and Mingle Open House Feb. 17](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-college-dance-department-to-hold-spring-2026-meet-and-mingle-open-house-feb-17/) - The following is a press release from Santa Monica College. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Dance Department will hold its Spring 2026 Meet and Greet Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in SMC Core Performance Center 310, locatedon the SMC Main Campus(1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. The Open House offers the chance
- [Eyes on the Street: Bikeway Construction on Broadway at 6th Street](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/eyes-on-the-street-bikeway-construction-on-broadway-at-6th-street/) - Via reader Eli Gill comes this picture, taken earlier this morning, of construction of the Broadway protected bikeway at its intersection with 6th Street. The City of Santa Monica is implementing the Broadway Safety Project, which includes upgrading Broadway with protected bike lanes from 5th to 26th Streets, new crosswalks, traffic calming features, and improved
- [SMFD Launches City Ambulance Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/smfd-launches-city-ambulance-program/) - The following is via the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Fire Department launched a new, in-house Ambulance Operator Program on Feb. 1, part of the ongoing implementation of the city’s two-year strategic Realignment Plan. The Ambulance Operator Program establishes a dedicated team focused on safely operating ambulances and supporting paramedic teams during emergency
- [Rick Crocker 5k Run/Walk Coming Back on 5/21](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/rick-crocker-5k-run-walk-coming-back-on-5-21/) - 📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026⏰ 4:30 PM📍 Santa Monica Pier💲 $45 entry fee (Free for youth and active military – registration required) Lace up and join us for the 6th Annual Rick Crocker 5K Challenge in support of the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL)! Whether you’re chasing a personal best or enjoying a fun
- [Another Conspiracy Theory, This One Around a Vehicle Miles Tax, Comes to California](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/another-conspiracy-theory-this-one-around-a-vehicle-miles-tax-comes-to-california/) - In early 2026, California’s plan to explore replacing its long-standing gas tax with a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee ignited a firestorm of public debate and online outrage. Headlines and social media feeds on the conservative right lit up with claims that the state was on the verge of imposing a new “mileage tax” that
- [West LA Councilmembers Offer Different Responses to Deadly Streets After Crashes](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/west-la-councilmembers-offer-different-responses-to-deadly-streets-after-crashes/) - Lead Photo: Memorial where a driver killed three crashing into 99 Ranch Market on Westwood Boulevard. Photos by Joe Linton/Streetsblog. Last week saw two tragic Westside car crashes where drivers killed four people. On February 5 on Westwood Boulevard in Westwood, a 92-year-old driver crashed into a bicyclist then into a supermarket, killing three people and
- [Spoke/City Host Sunday Bike Ride to Showcase Bergamot Improvements](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/spoke-city-host-sunday-bike-ride-to-showcase-bergamot-improvements/) - City staff and Santa Monica Spoke will host a free community bike ride on Sunday, Feb. 15, offering residents a firsthand look at recent First/Last Mile safety improvements in the Bergamot Area. The event begins at 9 a.m. at Ishihara Park, 2909 Exposition Blvd., with a brief bike-handling refresher and safety tips. Light refreshments, including
- [Zbur Legislation Would Increase "Local Control" in Coastal Regions for Cities with High Quality Transit](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/zbur-legislation-would-increase-local-control-in-coastal-regions-for-cities-with-high-quality-transit/) - California lawmakers are advancing a bill that could reframe how housing, transportation, and infrastructure projects are approved in urbanized coastal communities, seeking to balance environmental protections with the state’s urgent housing and climate goals. Assembly Bill 1740 (AB 1740) — introduced by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-West Hollywood/Santa Monica) — would allow qualifying cities to bypass
- [SMPD Downtown Bike Patrols Are Back](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/smpd-downtown-bike-patrols-are-back/) - Santa Monica police have redeployed bike patrol units in Downtown and along the Pier and beach areas, restoring a visible law enforcement presence in some of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors. The move was announced in the city manager’s weekly update, which credited a recent shift realignment for allowing the Santa Monica Police Department to
- [OPA Update 2/9/26: OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight Features Police Chief Jacob, Circle Bar Sells for $2M, PCH Off-Ramp Closed, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-9-26-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-features-police-chief-jacob-circle-bar-sells-for-2m-pch-off-ramp-closed-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Sushi Class at Soko Sushi (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday): Discover the art of sushi with a new hands-on sushi-making class led by Chef Masa Shimakawa. This 90-minute, beginner-friendly experience begins with a sparkling sake welcome drink, followed by miso soup and salad, and guided instruction on crafting classic salmon, yellowtail, crab,
- [Santa Monica/West LA Leaders Urge Caltrans to Build “Ohio to Ohio” Bike Link With Santa Monica Boulevard Rehab](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-west-la-leaders-urge-caltrans-to-build-ohio-to-ohio-bike-link-with-santa-monica-boulevard-rehab/) - A growing chorus of elected officials representing Santa Monica are pressing Caltrans to stop treating bike safety as an afterthought and instead deliver a long-planned protected bicycle connection at the same time it repaves Santa Monica Boulevard. In letters sent to Caltrans leadership over the past six weeks, Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis, State Senator
- [Two-week Closure to Southbound PCH/Moomat Ahiko Way Ramp](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/two-week-closure-to-southbound-pch-moomat-ahiko-way-ramp/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. As part of the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, construction crews will temporarily close the Moomat Ahiko Way off-ramp from southbound Pacific Coast Highway from Feb. 9 through Feb. 27 to construct the foundation for a temporary pedestrian bridge ahead of the pier bridge reconstruction.
- [Kool Happenings: Music, Poetry, Art and Rebellion](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/kool-happenings-music-poetry-art-and-rebellion/) - In the 60s, from Dylan and Baez to Country Joe and the Fish, from "I Feel Like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag" to "Fortunate Son" to "Blowin' In The Wind" to (fill in your favorite), our protest, our rage, our growing clamor for change, found expression and inspiration in songs by artists who were equally
- [West LA Councilmember Park Shares Concerns with SMO Operations](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/west-la-councilmember-park-shares-concerns-with-smo-operations/) - Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park, who's district includes Mar Vista, West Los Angeles, the Palisades and Venice and more wrote last month to the Santa Monica City Council to ask for a formal assessment of the Santa Monica Airport's operational impacts on communities within her district. The text of the letter can be found
- [OPA Update 2/5/26: Details for Monday's OPA Meeting, Pump Station 5 Anniversary Party, Super Bowl Events, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-5-26-details-for-mondays-opa-meeting-pump-station-5-anniversary-party-super-bowl-events-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend DineLA Restaurant Week runs now through Feb. 6 and nearly 50 SaMo restaurants are participating. Floral Arrangement Class at the YMCA: The local YMCA is coming in clutch with an affordable and unique date night idea! They’re hosting a succulent-making class, and spots are limited—so grab yours before it fills up. Perfect
- [Franklin Elementary Students Protest Plans to Replace Natural Grass Field](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/franklin-elementary-students-protest-plans-to-replace-natural-grass-field/) - Franklin Elementary’s campus plan is a multi-phase renovation and modernization effort by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) to improve learning spaces, outdoor areas, and support early education programming on a site that is currently undersized relative to state recommendations for enrollment. The plan has been developed and updated over several years and includes
- [Westside Bike Project Round-Up: Culver City Better Overland, Colorado Ave](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/westside-bike-project-round-up-culver-city-better-overland-colorado-ave/) - This is a slightly edited version of this story from Streetsblog Los Angeles. Below are several recent developments concerning bicycle facilities around the Westside. More Protected Bike Lanes Coming to Santa Monica Santa Monica is about to begin construction on its Colorado Avenue Protected Bikeway project, installing a new protected bikeway running next to the Metro E
- [Santa Monica Pier Invites the World to Share Their Love Stories During February¹s 'Month of Love'](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/santa-monica-pier-invites-the-world-to-share-their-love-stories-during-february¹s-month-of-love/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. From first dates and lifelong friendships to family traditions and once-in-a-lifetime proposals, the Santa Monica Pier has been the backdrop for millions of meaningful moments. This February, the Pier invites the community and visitors from around the world to be part of its annual “Month of Love” by sharing
- [Big Blue Bus Rapid to Pali Returns](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/big-blue-bus-rapid-to-pali-returns/) - The following is from the City Manager's Weekly Newsletter. With Palisades High School returning to its home campus in Pacific Palisades this week, Big Blue Bus has restored its Route 9 Palisades High Express trips, providing direct, reliable service between Downtown Santa Monica and the Pali campus. The restored express service departs twice each morning
- [West Hollywood Paints All of Its Bike Lanes Green](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/west-hollywood-paints-all-of-its-bike-lanes-green/) - The city of West Hollywood is painting its existing bike lanes green. In April 2025, the WeHo City Council approved greening its bike lanes. In West Hollywood's two square miles, there are only three streets with bike lanes: Fairfax Avenue, San Vicente Boulevard, and Santa Monica Boulevard. (The city is also planning to add bike lanes to
- [Bipartisan Team of Assemblymembers Introduce DUI/Traffic Safety Laws](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/bipartisan-team-of-assemblymembers-introduce-dui-traffic-safety-laws/) - Even after the exceptional reporting by CalMatters in its License to Kill series, which demonstrated how California is failing its residents through lax enforcement and weak traffic safety laws, the 2025 Legislature still failed to pass Assembly Bill 366. AB 366 was a modest effort to expand the state’s ignition interlock device (IID) program — breathalyzers that prevent a vehicle
- [Waymo Says Autonomous System Reduced Impact Speed in Santa Monica Crash Involving Child as Critics Call for Suspension](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/waymo-says-autonomous-system-reduced-impact-speed-in-santa-monica-crash-involving-child-as-critics-call-for-suspension/) - Waymo is releasing new details about a January collision in which one of its autonomous vehicles struck a child near a Santa Monica elementary school, saying its self-driving system significantly reduced the severity of the crash — even as the incident fuels mounting criticism from labor leaders and remains under federal investigation. The collision occurred
- [OPA Update 2/2/26: February is Black History Month, LA Rents Decreasing, Final DineLA Days, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/opa-update-2-2-26-february-is-black-history-month-la-rents-decreasing-final-dinela-days-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week DineLA Restaurant Week runs now through Feb. 6 and nearly 50 SaMo restaurants are participating. Together in Grief: A Wine Tasting & Intention-Setting Workshop (Tuesday 6:30pm): This is a 90-minute guided workshop with a curated wine tasting, offering space to reflect, honor what you’re carrying, and set intentions for the year ahead.
- [Walkout on Friday, Protest Ride on Saturday: Santa Monica's Most Recent Weekend of Protest](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/02/walkout-on-friday-protest-ride-on-saturday-santa-monicas-most-recent-weekend-of-protest/) - Photo: New Roads Students march down Nebraska Avenue towards the Water Garden. Credit: Sammy Newton Santa Monicans took to the streets Friday as part of a nationwide “blackout” strike opposing federal immigration enforcement actions, gathering along Olympic Boulevard to call for an end to aggressive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. Protesters also specifically
- [Samohi Law and Public Policy Academy Advocacy Showcase Highlights Student-Led Policy Solutions](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/samohi-law-and-public-policy-academy-advocacy-showcase-highlights-student-led-policy-solutions/) - The following article first appeared in The Wave, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District's Newsletter. For the rest of the issue, past issues, and information on subscribing, click here. To see the rest of the finalists profiles, click here. Students from Santa Monica High School’s (Samohi) Law and Public Policy Academy presented youth-focused policy proposals
- [City Files Lawsuit Against Serial Short-term Rental Violator](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/city-files-lawsuit-against-serial-short-term-rental-violator/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Image via AirBNB, does not necesarily reflect image of property named in lawsuit. The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit has filed a lawsuit against the landlords of more than 25 rent-controlled properties, alleging violations of a Santa Monica short-term rental law. In the complaint, the city alleges that landlords
- [Kool Happenings: The Infectious Pathology Of Lying](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/kool-happenings-the-infectious-pathology-of-lying/) - We often use the term "pathological" to describe a person who lies so consistently, they seem unable to stop. When the condition goes further, however, and the speaker appears to believe his own fabrications, the condition is described as "mythomania" or "pseudologia fantastica". These fantastic confabulations are also one of the certain signs of dementia. These labels
- [Waymo Robotaxi Strikes Child Near Santa Monica Elementary School, Prompting Federal Safety Probe](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/waymo-robotaxi-strikes-child-near-santa-monica-elementary-school-prompting-federal-safety-probe/) - A Waymo autonomous robotaxi struck a child near a Santa Monica elementary school during morning drop-off hours on January 23, leading to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation and renewed debate over the safety of self-driving vehicles in school zones. The incident occurred near Grant Elementary School when a young pedestrian “suddenly entered
- [Santa Monica to Launch Historic Restorative Justice Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/santa-monica-to-launch-historic-restorative-justice-program/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Image via Project Lift. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved the launch of one of the largest locally funded restorative justice initiatives of its kind, establishing a $3.5 million Restorative Justice Fund and a new Restorative Justice Commission. The citywide Restorative Justice Program aims to address historically rooted harm caused by past municipal actions, advancing a
- [OPA Update 1/29/26: Main St. Chef Gets James Beard Award Nomination, SaMo Tournament of Roses Float, DineLA, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-29-26-main-st-chef-gets-james-beard-award-nomination-samo-tournament-of-roses-float-dinela-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend DineLA Restaurant Week runs now through Feb. 6 and nearly 50 SaMo restaurants are participating. The Consequences of Living with Authoritarianism (Thursday 6pm): What makes people fall for authoritarian leaders? What psychological tricks and tools of persuasion do they use to turn people away from supporting democracy? Dr. Edward Dunbar, UCLA Professor,
- [Shock Poll Shows Overwhelming Support to Keep Airport Open](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/shock-poll-shows-overwhelming-support-to-keep-airport-open/) - A new poll released earlier today in the Santa Monica Daily Press claims overwhelming support among Santa Monica voters for keeping the Santa Monica Airport open, a somewhat shocking result given the prevailing political view closing the airport on the first possible day, January 1, 2029, is a foregone conclusion. The survey (PDF), conducted last
- [Los Angeles Anti–Housing Law Push Escalates as Metro Board Seeks SB 79 Exemption](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/los-angeles-anti-housing-law-push-escalates-as-metro-board-seeks-sb-79-exemption/) - Just because Senate Bill 79 was signed into law in October doesn’t mean the war over housing near transit in Los Angeles is over — it’s intensifying. Metro - L.A. County's transportation agency - is now pushing to gut SB 79. City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, one of the law’s earliest and most vocal opponents,
- [Council Votes to Recall and Retain Workers Operating on City-Owned Property ](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/council-votes-to-recall-and-retain-workers-operating-on-city-owned-property/) - 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 to a staff report, “Require the operators of hotels on city-owned property and hospitality businesses
- [Santa Monica College Continues 2025 Fall Jazz Series with Justo Almario Oct. 17](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-college-continues-2025-fall-jazz-series-with-justo-almario-oct-17/) - The following is a release from SMC The Santa Monica College Music Department continues the 2025 Fall Jazz Series with renowned saxophonist, flutist, and clarinetist Justo Almario performing on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Admission is free with any student ID. General admission tickets are $10 (plus a modest service charge). Advance tickets may
- [Author Readings to Celebrate Release of Fall 2025 Santa Monica Review on Oct. 26](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/author-readings-to-celebrate-release-of-fall-2025-santa-monica-review-on-oct-26/) - The following is a press release from SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC) is pleased to announce the release of its fall 2025 edition of the Santa Monica Review (SMR), SMC’s esteemed national literary arts journal. Published twice yearly, the Review showcases the work of established authors alongside emerging writers, with a focus on narratives of the West Coast. The journal is the only nationally distributed literary magazine published
- [OPA Update 10/16/25: Main St. Festival This Weekend, OPA October Monthly Meeting Recap, Ocean Park School News, & A LOT of Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-update-10-16-25-main-st-festival-this-weekend-opa-october-monthly-meeting-recap-ocean-park-school-news-a-lot-of-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Main Street Block Party The Main Street Block Party returns THIS Sunday, Oct. 19th! Main Street is shutting down to vehicles for a massive, free community festival presented in partnership with the Day of the Dog—the largest pet festival in North America! This all-ages event features: Day of the Dog (12-5pm): Bring your furry friends for an epic day of fun, featuring
- [SMC Emeritus Concert Band and Santa Ana College Concert Band Combine to Hold Free Concert Nov. 9](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/smc-emeritus-concert-band-and-santa-ana-college-concert-band-combine-to-hold-free-concert-nov-9/) - The following is an event announcement from SMC. “The Impression That I Get” is Concert Theme Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band under the baton of Yosuke Miyoshi will combine with the Santa Ana College Concert Band under the direction of Adam Gerling to present “The Impression That I Get,” a free concert on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. The performance will be held in The Eli & Edythe
- [Santa Monica College Theatre Arts to Stage “Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika” Nov. 21-Dec. 7](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/santa-monica-college-theatre-arts-to-stage-angels-in-america-part-two-perestroika-nov-21-dec-7/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Photo: Ziare Rene (as Belize) in the Santa Monica College production of “Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika.” Photo by Heidi Laubach The Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Arts Department will perform “Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika”Nov. 21-Dec. 7 in the Theatre Arts Main Stage on the SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico
- [Kool Happenings: Murder Most Foul and Dumb and Dumber](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/kool-happenings-murder-most-foul-and-dumb-and-dumber/) - It began with a growing discomfort among many Americans concerning the questionable uses of our military forces. First, we saw soldiers in full battle gear invading several (Democratic-run) American cities, deployed, ostensibly, to "protect" federal property. We immediately understood, however, that it was more than that--it was a show of force to intimidate those who
- [OPA Update 12/29/25: SaMo Hospitals Rank Highly, Automated Traffic Enforcement, New Year's Events, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-29-25-samo-hospitals-rank-highly-automated-traffic-enforcement-new-years-events-other-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [OPA Update 1/26/26: Downtown Santa Monica Hires New CEO:, Palisades High Returns to Campus, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-26-26-downtown-santa-monica-hires-new-ceo-palisades-high-returns-to-campus-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week OPA: Retirement Planning Workshop (Wednesday 6pm): Justin Hinton from Money Management Educators hosts an informative workshop designed for adults who want to build a secure financial future. Pico Branch Library More details here. Katie Porter visits SMDC (Wednesday 6:30pm) @ The Church In Ocean Park (235 Hill Street) and on Zoom ✍️ RSVP Here.
- [Santa Monica Retail Cannabis Applications Now Open](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/santa-monica-retail-cannabis-applications-now-open/) - Image: An interior shot of Local Cannabis, the first marijuana retailer open in Santa Monica, via Yelp. Story via the City of Santa Monica. Applications are now open for new cannabis retailers interested in opening their adult-use cannabis retail and/or delivery businesses in Santa Monica. The city’s comprehensive retail cannabis program includes a social equity component designed to lower barriers to
- [Santa Monica Could Explore Entry into 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/santa-monica-could-explore-entry-into-2027-tournament-of-roses-parade/) - Image from Gemini. Santa Monica city officials are considering whether to pursue a civic float in the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade, a move supporters say could serve as a high-profile symbol of the city’s recovery and renewed civic energy. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting (Agenda, Item 16F), members will discuss a proposal directing staff
- [Opinion: Mayor Torosis, Councilmembers Hall and Raskin Unveil Bold Cost-of-Living Agenda to Ensure Everyone Can Thrive in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opinion-mayor-torosis-councilmembers-hall-and-raskin-unveil-bold-cost-of-living-agenda-to-ensure-everyone-can-thrive-in-santa-monica/) - The following was submitted by Mayor Caroline Torosis. Santa Monica, CA — Mayor Caroline Torosis, Councilmember Dan Hall, and Councilmember Ellis Raskin today introduced a sweeping cost-of-living agenda focused on reducing everyday expenses, protecting workers and renters, and ensuring Santa Monica’s economic momentum reaches the people who live and work here. The Council action directs
- [January 2026 Metro Board Round-Up: Sepulveda Rail Approved, Torrance Rail Kneecapped](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/january-2026-metro-board-round-up-sepulveda-rail-approved-torrance-rail-kneecapped/) - Big Metro news yesterday as L.A.'s multimodal future took one big step forward, and one big step backward. Sepulveda Heavy Rail Approved The Metro board unanimously approved plans [staff report] for a new heavy rail mega-project connecting the San Fernando Valley to the Westside. Metro's Sepulveda Transit Corridor project had considered an inferior low-ridership monorail alternative. Today's decision
- [Kool Happenings: Dumpster Fire](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/kool-happenings-dumpster-fire/) - After beginning its life as one critic's description of the disastrous 2003 remake of Texas Chain Saw Massacre Two, the term "dumpster fire" began, by 2010, to gain popularity in the sports world as a way of characterizing a totally disastrous performance by a team. Building on the idea of a huge out-of-control trash conflagration that
- [Will City Place Parcel Tax on Fall Ballot?](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/will-city-place-parcel-tax-on-fall-ballot/) - Last week, the Citizens United Ordinance to Preserve City Funding of the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) was submitted to the city clerk for approval. The measure would create a $540 parcel tax, with all of the funding going to maintain funding levels for SMMUSD. Should the city deem its language in compliance with
- [OPA Update 1/22/26: The Board is looking to create a list of potential speakers.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-22-26-the-board-is-looking-to-create-a-list-of-potential-speakers-email-opa-president-robbie-leer-at-rleer1gmail-com-with-your-suggestions-to-help-us-determine-our-calendar/) - Things to Do This Weekend Upcoming Calendar of Events Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are February 4 (Project Hail Mary), March 4 (The Vanishing Half), April 1 (The Maid), May 6 (Demon Copperhead). Email alexabarrett@gmail.com for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.). Ocean Park Branch Library Re-Opening Celebration: Wednesday, January 21,
- [Proposed 456-Unit Mixed-Use Housing Project at 2716 Ocean Park Boulevard Advances; Community Meeting Scheduled](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/proposed-456-unit-mixed-use-housing-project-at-2716-ocean-park-boulevard-advances-community-meeting-scheduled/) - A proposed mixed-use development at 2716 Ocean Park Boulevard could bring 456 new homes and ground-floor retail to a key corridor just north of the Santa Monica Airport, as the city’s housing pipeline continues to evolve. Developer Trammell Crow Company is planning an eight-story building with 456 residential units and about 6,200 square feet of
- [Ocean Park Branch Library Re-Opening Celebration Today, 1/21/26](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/ocean-park-branch-library-re-opening-celebration-today-1-21-26/) - Two Santa Monica neighborhood libraries have officially reopened with expanded, in-person services, restoring full-service library access to the Fairview and Ocean Park communities. The Fairview and Ocean Park Branch Libraries resumed full-service operations on Tuesday, Jan. 20, expanding beyond the self-service model that had been in place. The reopening brings back librarian staffing, technical assistance,
- [Construction Begins on Santa Monica’s Broadway Safety Project, Major Upgrades Set Through Spring](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/construction-begins-on-santa-monicas-broadway-safety-project-major-upgrades-set-through-spring-2026/) - All images by Carter Rubin. Construction is now underway on the Broadway Safety Project, a transformational street redesign aimed at improving safety and connectivity for people walking, biking, rolling, riding transit, and driving along one of Santa Monica’s key east-west corridors. The city has broken ground on repaving, sidewalk upgrades, and protected bike infrastructure between
- [OPA Update 1/19/26: Happy MLK Day, Bowlmor Project Updates, DineLA Coming, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-19-26-happy-mlk-day-bowlmor-project-updates-dinela-coming-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week: Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / Kindergarten Roundup Planned for Thursday Jan. 22: The annual event is an opportunity for Santa Monica and Malibu parents of children entering TK or Kindergarten for the upcoming year to meet the principal and teachers of their neighborhood school, learn about before and after school care and
- [What the ‘Abundance’ Agenda Could Mean For Equitable Transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/what-the-abundance-agenda-could-mean-for-equitable-transportation/) - This story first appeared at Streetsblog USA. The new "abundance" agenda can deliver a wealth of equitable transportation options — but only if its proponents recognize how our glut of highways has contributed to the "scarcity" they say they hope to tackle, advocates are saying. Inspired by the Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's book of the same
- [Language Submitted for Ballot Measure to Allow Housing on Airport Property](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/language-submitted-for-ballot-measure-to-allow-housing-on-airport-property/) - It went from rumor to reality in just under a week. Yesterday, three Santa Monica residents began a process that could lead to a citywide vote on whether to allow housing to be built on land currently occupied by Santa Monica Airport after its scheduled closure on January 1, 2029. Hajar Muqtasid, a board member
- [Kool Happenings: The Next Nuremberg](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/kool-happenings-the-next-nuremberg/) - Last week, as part of a December-January movie-going binge, I finally saw Nuremberg, the latest film about the famous war crimes trials held in Nuremberg in 1945-6. Unlike those that have preceded it, this film centers on the psychological chess game played out, over time, between Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring (played by Russell Crowe) and US Army
- [OPA Update 1/15/26: Congrats to the 2026 OPA Exec Board, Downtown Parking Rate Increase Paused, Grease Drive-In Movie at the Pier Tonight, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-15-26-congrats-to-the-2026-opa-exec-board-downtown-parking-rate-increase-paused-grease-drive-in-movie-at-the-pier-tonight-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - (Note: This newsletter was emailed by OPA yesterday, Thursday 1/15. It has been edited slightly to remove calendar listings for events that happened yesterday.) Things to Do This Weekend MUD\WTR :club x The Oracle Project: NIGHT OF HOUSE featuring DJ Brookie Breeze (Friday 7 - 10:30pm): Enjoy a night of alcohol-free night of dance, connection, and
- [City: Downtown Glow-up Continues with Offramp Cleanup, Landscaping and Fresh Sidewalks](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/city-downtown-glow-up-continues-with-offramp-cleanup-landscaping-and-fresh-sidewalks/) - Photo and image via the City of Santa Monica Santa Monica has completed the next phase of the Downtown Santa Monica glow-up, beautifying city gateways and shopping corridors to create a more welcoming and thriving downtown, including: Planting fresh landscaping with approximately 300 California native plants at the 4th/5th Street off-ramp and preparing the 2,000 square foot site for the use of recycled water Clearing brush and debris at the 20th Street off-ramp
- [Registration Open for CalBike Summit April 22-24](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/registration-open-for-calbike-summit-april-22-24/) - Registration is now open for the 2026 California Bicycle Summit, inviting bike advocates, planners, policymakers, and community leaders to Sacramento on April 22–24. You can register here. Hosted by the California Bicycle Coalition, this biennial event brings together hundreds of participants to explore strategies for safer streets, sustainable transportation, and equitable biking infrastructure across California.
- [Hayden AI to Deploy on Parking Enforcement Vehicles for the First Time (Not Just Buses)](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/hayden-ai-to-deploy-on-parking-enforcement-vehicles-for-the-first-time-not-just-buses/) - (Image: Santa Monica “yellow flag” bike lane violation (cars parked partially encroaching into bike lane) spotted by AI camera. Image via City of Santa Monica.) Hayden AI is expanding the use of its artificial intelligence-powered enforcement technology beyond public transit buses to include parking enforcement vehicles for the first time, the company announced. Under the
- [City Council to Consider Changes to Boards & Commissions](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/city-council-to-consider-changes-to-boards-commissions/) - 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 law, while others were created as a result of voter initiatives passing that require oversight
- [Metro Recommends Heavy Rail Subway for Valley-Westside Sepulveda Transit Project](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/metro-recommends-heavy-rail-subway-for-valley-westside-sepulveda-transit-project/) - Metro is poised to approve a heavy rail subway project running in a tunnel from Westwood to the San Fernando Valley. This very likely means the dreadful monorail alternative is dead. The mega-project is called is the Sepulveda Transit Corridor. Ultimately, it will extend from the middle of the San Fernando Valley, through the Santa Monica Mountains,
- [Supes Approve Motion to Create "ICE-Free" Zones on County Property](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/supes-approve-motion-to-create-ice-free-zones-on-county-property/) - The following is a press release from Lindsey Horvath. Image is the County Building in DTLA. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Chair Hilda L. Solis initiating the development of an ordinance to establish ICE-Free Zones across County-owned and County-controlled properties. The Board action
- [New Building Permits Will Streamline Business Openings, Aims to Boost growth](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/new-building-permits-will-streamline-business-openings-aims-to-boost-growth/) - Santa Monica officials have approved a new pilot program aimed at dramatically speeding up the permitting process for commercial tenant improvements, part of the city’s broader effort to revitalize its economy and make it easier for businesses to open and expand. The voluntary Self-Certification Pilot Program is part of the city’s Realignment Plan renewal, which
- [Happy Birthday Marion! Annenberg Beach House Celebrates Birthday of First Resident](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/happy-birthday-marion-annenberg-beach-house-celebrates-birthday-of-first-resident/) - The Santa Monica Conservancy, in partnership with the city of Santa Monica, will host a birthday celebration for the original Annenberg Community Beach House resident, silent film star Marion Davies, on Jan. 25 from 1-3 p.m. A famed actress and legendary hostess of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Davies lived on the site of the Annenberg Community Beach House throughout the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, which served as her expansive beachfront estate. Opened as
- [First Look at the First Draft of Newsom’s Budget for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/first-look-at-the-first-draft-of-newsoms-budget-for-the-2026-2027-fiscal-year/) - On Friday, January 9, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his 2026–27 proposed state budget, presenting a balanced fiscal plan that aims to strengthen California’s financial footing while protecting prior progress and making historic investments in education and other core services. The proposal reflects stronger-than-expected revenues, in large part because it assumes the AI Boom will continue, resulting
- [Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights Tests the Waters on Housing Ballot Measure for Airport Land](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/santa-monicans-for-renters-rights-tests-the-waters-on-housing-ballot-measure-for-airport-land/) - Over the weekend, rumors swirled that leadership at Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) is preparing language for a citizen-led ballot initiative for the fall that would allow up to 3,000 units of housing to be built on land currently occupied by Santa Monica Airport. If it moves forward, the measure would appear on this
- [OPA Update 1/12/26: First OPA Meeting of the Year Tonight/Monday, LA28 Olympic Ticket Draw Registration, Volunteers Needed for Homeless Count on Jan. 22, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-12-26-first-opa-meeting-of-the-year-tonight-monday-la28-olympic-ticket-draw-registration-volunteers-needed-for-homeless-count-on-jan-22-things-to-do-this-week/) - Things to Do This Week Samohi Band Concert (Tuesday 6:30pm): @ Barnum Hall; More details here. Advanced Care and End of Life Options (Wednesday 11am): Mark Greenberg of End of Life Choices California presents the legal choices we have to make for advanced care, and tips for relaying your wishes to loved ones. at the Montana Branch Library More
- [Eyes on the Street: Caltrans Santa Monica Blvd. Construction in West L.A.](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/eyes-on-the-street-caltrans-santa-monica-blvd-construction-in-west-l-a/) - In early December, Streetsblog shared photos of work underway on Caltrans State Route 2 Multimodal Project. At that time, project work was underway primarily along Alvarado Street in Echo Park. Today, Streetsblog spotted work underway on Santa Monica Boulevard in the Sawtelle neighborhood in West L.A. This project spans three separate locations. The scope includes plenty
- [Eyes on the Street: Bergamot Station Bike/Walk Project Construction](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/eyes-on-the-street-bergamot-station-bike-walk-project-construction/) - Yes, Streetsblog keeps reporting Santa Monica's excellent Bergamot/26th Street Station first/last mile bike/walk project as nearly complete. This time SBLA really means it! Yesterday SBLA biked through the area. Construction crews were out resurfacing Pennsylvania Avenue, where the city recently added new sidewalks. Pennsylvania Avenue will also receive new trees and lighting, and then project construction
- [Kool Happenings: Draw Your Throne Up Close and Who Watches the Watchers?](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/kool-happenings-draw-your-throne-up-close-and-who-watches-the-watchers/) - In a posthumous collection of essays, letters and notes by F. Scott Fitzgerald, titled The Crack-Up, his friend, Edmund Wilson, pulled together the author's writings about his mental and physical breakdown in the 1930s. Fitzgerald wrote of his struggles with disillusionment and alcoholism and his growing disappointment with the failed promises and spiritual emptiness of the Jazz
- [Landmarks Commission Far Outpaces Other Boards in Staffing Costs, City Data Shows](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/landmarks-commission-far-outpaces-other-boards-in-staffing-costs-city-data-shows/) - The Santa Monica Landmarks Commission costs nearly twice as much as the city’s next two highest-cost commissions combined, according to a city analysis of staff time and expenses for boards, commissions, and task forces. The snapshot shows the Landmarks Commission requires an estimated $255,089 per year in staff time, dwarfing the costs of the Airport
- [OPA Update 1/8/26: Details for Monday's OPA Meeting, Ocean Park Branch Library Reopening, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-8-26-details-for-mondays-opa-meeting-ocean-park-branch-library-reopening-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Santa Monica Forward Happy Hour (Thursday 6-8pm): @ Brew Works Candlelight: Film Scores & Hollywood Epics (Thursday 6:30pm): Part of the "Candlelight" series, but held at the newly renovated Regent Beachfront. A string quartet performs iconic music from films like Interstellar and Gladiator in a stunning, flicker-lit room overlooking the Pacific. @ Regent
- [Aileen Reynolds appointed as Santa Monica’s new Director of Housing and Human Services](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/aileen-reynolds-appointed-as-santa-monicas-new-director-of-housing-and-human-services/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. The City of Santa Monica has announced the appointment of Aileen Reynolds as the next Director of the Housing and Human Services Department. Reynolds brings more than a decade of experience in affordable housing and housing policy. Most recently, she served as Assistant Commissioner of Housing Opportunity at the New York
- [Los Angeles County, Santa Monica Mark One-Year Anniversary of Palisades Fire With Recovery Updates](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/los-angeles-county-santa-monica-mark-one-year-anniversary-of-palisades-fire-with-recovery-updates/) - One year after the January 2025 wildfires devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, local and county officials are highlighting progress in recovery efforts while acknowledging that many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Los Angeles County officials say rebuilding is actively underway, supported by faster permitting, financial
- [Fairview and Ocean Park Branch Libraries reopen for full service with expanded hours as part of city’s Realignment Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/fairview-and-ocean-park-branch-libraries-reopen-for-full-service-with-expanded-hours-as-part-of-citys-realignment-plan/) - The following is a release from the City of Santa Monica. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Fairview and Ocean Park Branch Libraries will expand from a self-service model to in-person, full-service operations three days per week. Full-service offerings include librarian staffing, technical assistance, library services, programs, and events available to both the general public and
- [Uber’s Controversial Ballot Measure Seeks Caps on Lawyers Fees in Traffic Crashes](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/ubers-controversial-ballot-measure-seeks-caps-on-lawyers-fees-in-traffic-crashes/) - Rideshare giant Uber Technologies Inc. (Uber) is pushing a ballot measure in California that has ignited fierce debate among trial lawyers, consumer advocates, and public safety advocates — coming at a time when the company is simultaneously under intense legal scrutiny for its handling of rider safety and crash accountability. So far, Uber has put
- [4 News Stories You Might Have Missed from the End of Last Year and Start of This One](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/4-news-stories-you-might-have-missed-from-the-end-of-last-year-and-start-of-this-one/) - Here at Next we don't aspire to cover every news story in the city, just to add context or go deeper on as many stories as we can. That being said, we were on a light schedule for nearly two weeks, and if you were on a local news break too, you might have missed
- [Reminder: New Car Parking Rates on January 12](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/reminder-new-car-parking-rates-on-january-12/) - Starting January 12, motorists will see a mix of higher hourly rates and new discounts as Santa Monica rolls out a revised parking pricing structure approved by the City Council in August. Parking generates about $51.4 million annually for the City, according to budget projections. Of that total, $36.1 million supports the General Fund, while
- [UCLA Study Finds Metro Transit Ambassador Program Is Benefitting Metro Riders](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/ucla-study-finds-metro-transit-ambassador-program-is-benefitting-metro-riders/) - The UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies recently published a study evaluating the results of Metro's Transit Ambassador program. A Path Forward for Transit Rider Experience and Safety: Lessons from the L.A. Metro Ambassador Pilot Program [full ~80-page report, 3-page policy brief] found that Ambassadors "advance a community safety approach towards meeting riders’ needs" and "mak[e] a
- [The Swish: Volume 21](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/the-swish-volume-21/) - Welcome to the only issue of volume twenty one of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program. After 7 years of running this program, the theme of this season was: I have retired from running
- [OPA Update 1/5/26: FIRST OPA Monthly Meeting of the Year Next Monday (Jan 12), New Parking Rates to Go into Effect, How to Recycle Your Holiday Tree, & Things to do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2026/01/opa-update-1-5-26-first-opa-monthly-meeting-of-the-year-next-monday-jan-12-new-parking-rates-to-go-into-effect-how-to-recycle-your-holiday-tree-things-to-do-this-week/) - Headlines Things To Do This Week Palisades Fire Remembrance Ceremony (Wednesday 9am – 1pm): A moving, community-led "White Glove Flag Presentation" marking the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire. The event features a color guard procession, a bell tribute, and music by the Palisades Symphony. It’s a powerful moment of local solidarity and reflection. @ American
- [Streetsblog USA Year in Review: What Gave Us Hope](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/streetsblog-usa-year-in-review-what-gave-us-hope/) - This year packed a wallop for transportation reform advocates across America — but that doesn't mean there wasn't anything to celebrate, or a lot of hope for the future. We covered the bad news yesterday, most of which was caused by a guy whose name rhymes with "Chump." Let's end the year, though, on a
- [Don't Forget Our EOY Fundraising Drive, or the AMA Podcast with Me!](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/dont-forget-our-eoy-fundraising-drive-or-the-ama-podcast-with-me/) - On Friday, I challenged readers to help us make a weekend fundraising goal of $2,500 and if we made it, I would do an AMA for our first podcast of 2026. We brought in just under $4,000, putting us just $5,000 shy of our $25,000 goal for Streetsblog and Santa Monica Next in December. Well,
- [Scofflaw Manufacturers Could Be The Downfall of E-bikes](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/scofflaw-manufacturers-could-be-the-downfall-of-e-bikes/) - This article first appeared at Streetsblog California. Bob Mittelstaedt is a retired lawyer, avid e-biker, and co-founder of E-Bike Access which is dedicated to expanding access for legal e-bikes and combatting illegal e-motos. He consults with state and local governments, school officials and law enforcement on how to address e-bikes and e-motos. He was featured
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel Celebrates The Arrival Of 2026 With 'Happy New Year' In 16 Languages](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-celebrates-the-arrival-of-2026-with-happy-new-year-in-16-languages/) - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier’s Ferris wheel will ring in the New Year with a dazzling display of “Happy New Year” in 16 different languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, German, French, and Japanese. The animated messages will light up the night sky on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, starting at sunset. While the Santa
- [State's Fair Political Practices Committee Discourages Activists from Seeking Public Office](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/states-fair-political-practices-committee-discourages-activists-from-seeking-public-office/) - A ruling by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) could have far-reaching implications for political activists seeking part-time political offices. Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick has been told by state political regulators that he should step back from participating in City Council housing production decisions because of his paid role with a
- [City Drops the Interim: Darick Jacob Appointed as Chief of Police](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/city-drops-the-interim-darick-jacob-appointed-as-chief-of-police/) - Santa Monica officials have appointed Darrick Jacob as the city’s next Chief of Police, marking the first time in more than 40 years that the department’s top post has been filled from within its own ranks. The appointment was announced by City Manager Oliver Chi on December 19, 2025, and took effect on December 14.
- [OPA Update 12/22/25: 2026 OPA Board Members, NBC Channel 4 Covers the “Large-scale music festival coming to Santa Monica”, Police Chief Jacob Appointed Permanently, & Christmas Restaurant Options](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-22-25-2026-opa-board-members-nbc-channel-4-covers-the-large-scale-music-festival-coming-to-santa-monica-police-chief-jacob-appointed-permanently-christmas-res/) - 2026 OPA BOARD: The results are in! We have tabulated the votes and we are proud to welcome / re-elect the following people for the OPA Board of Directors in 2026: Andrew Lee (new) Dave Tann (re-elect) Jeff Jarow (re-elect) Lucy Stone (re-elect) Mary Burch (new) Robbie Leer (re-elect) Tess Nelson (new) The next OPA meeting is
- [New State Law Brings Safer Streets Within Reach for Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/new-state-law-brings-safer-streets-within-reach-for-santa-monica/) - Santa Monica has a new legal option to enforce red lights and stop signs. It is an option I think our community needs to make our streets safer for everyone. Street racing and reckless driving impact our community daily, often with dire results. In October, a reckless driver killed two people and injured two others
- [Applications Open for County Rental Relief Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/applications-open-for-county-rental-relief-program/) - Los Angeles County residents affected by the January 2025 wildfires or by sudden income loss tied to federal immigration enforcement can now apply for rental assistance through the County’s Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP). The program follows the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ approval of nearly $30 million in emergency housing funding earlier this
- [Kool Happenings: Even AI Thinks They're A Joke](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/kool-happenings-even-ai-thinks-theyre-a-joke/) - I know that many of you, like me, are devoted readers of the excellent emails sent every day by historian and Boston College Professor, Heather Cox Richardson. I also imagine, since so much is coming in over our virtual transoms, as it were, that many of us might skip a day, here and there, or
- [Study: More Protected Bike Lanes = More Micromobility Users](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/study-more-protected-bike-lanes-more-micromobility-users/) - The following email was first published at Streetsblog USA. It's no secret that installing new bike lanes can boost ridership and safety across sustainable transport modes — but leveraging data from shared bikes and scooters can help cities illustrate just how massive that public appetite is, a new study suggests. The League of American Bicyclists,
- [OPA Update 12/18/25: City Planning Several MAJOR Beach Events, New Downtown Digital Signs, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-18-25-city-planning-several-major-beach-events-new-downtown-digital-signs-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Santa Monica to take center stage with new annual music festival and big-name activations as FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, LA28 Olympics/Paralympics come to LA: This City press release details many of the plans that include an annual beach festival, and major World Cup, Superbowl and Olympics activations.More details in this SMDP report and This SaMoMirror report. Council
- [Council Passes Ordinance to Allow for New Series of Digital Signs Downtown](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/council-passes-ordinance-to-allow-for-new-series-of-digital-signs-downtown/) - 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 display district, which would permit digital installations to be approved by development agreement, in specified
- [Santa Monica PAL Celebrates the Spirit of the Season](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/santa-monica-pal-celebrates-the-spirit-of-the-season/) - The following is a submission from the Police Athletic League The Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) kicked off the holiday season with two joyful events that brought together local youth, families, police officers, firefighters, and community partners to celebrate, connect, and spread holiday cheer. On the morning of Tuesday, December 2, 15 PAL youth and their families participated
- [Annual Polar Bear Plunge set for Jan. 10 at Annenberg Community Beach House](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/annual-polar-bear-plunge-set-for-jan-10-at-annenberg-community-beach-house/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The eighth annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, is an opportunity for community members of all ages to dive into the new year with an invigorating ocean plunge. The day starts at the Annenberg Community Beach House Guest Services kiosk for
- [Ride E-scooters, Do Crime?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/ride-e-scooters-do-crime/) - The following story by John Greenfield first appeared in Streetsblog Chicago, where you can also read a full interview with the report author. Read the University of Illinois Champaign-Urban's News Bureau's writeup here. Check out an abstract for the article, and access and purchase options here. It took me a while to come around to embracing
- [‘Holiday Cheer on the Pier’ Brings Holiday Magic to Santa Monica with Free Family Fun, Festive Art, Santa Visit, and More On Dec. 18](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/holiday-cheer-on-the-pier-brings-holiday-magic-to-santa-monica-with-free-family-fun-festive-art-santa-visit-and-more-on-dec-18/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. This holiday season, the Santa Monica Pier will sparkle with festive cheer, creative spirit, and community joy as “Holiday Cheer on the Pier” returns for a final magical evening on Thursday, December 18—offering free, all-ages programming filled with wonder by the waves. Presented by Pacific Park on the Santa
- [OPA Update 12/15/25: Coachella Promoter in Talks With Santa Monica Over Major Beachfront Event Site, Multiple Main St. Spots on the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants List, Realignment Plan Progress...](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-15-25-coachella-promoter-in-talks-with-santa-monica-over-major-beachfront-event-site-multiple-main-st-spots-on-the-la-times-101-best-restaurants-list-realignment-plan-progress/) - Thank You Aquasurf for Joining OPA as a Silver Member!!! “Awarded as the best surf school in SoCal! Aqua Surf School teachers are available for surfing instruction, all year round. We teach Private Surf Lessons every day, year-round. Our team has experience coaching people of all ages and abilities. Beginners and experienced surfers are welcomed with aloha to join our surfing classes and surf lessons.”Learn
- [John Adams Middle School Student Recognized with ACSA Region 14 Every Student Succeeding Award](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/john-adams-middle-school-student-recognized-with-acsa-region-14-every-student-succeeding-award/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Photo: Lee with his principals, Lee with Christian Fuhrer and Dr. Martha Chacon. John Adams Middle School (JAMS) student Andrew Lee has been selected as the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 14 honoree for the 2025-26 Every Student Succeeding Award. Thedistinction celebrates students who have overcome
- [Pier Bridge Replacement Project Construction Begins](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/pier-bridge-replacement-project-construction-begins/) - The following submission, and both renderings, come from the City of Santa Monica. Construction is officially underway on the long-anticipated project to replace and upgrade the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge. Construction crews are mobilizing onsite and staging equipment this week and next week to begin early fieldwork and site preparation for the Pier Bridge
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel Dazzles With 90-Foot-Tall Snowman And Holiday Light Spectacular](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-dazzles-with-90-foot-tall-snowman-and-holiday-light-spectacular/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is lighting up the season with a dazzling holiday show on its world-famous Pacific Wheel. The 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel will sparkle with brilliant patterns and animations, including a super-sized snowman waving cheerfully over the Pacific Ocean, blinking-nosed reindeer, shimmering
- [CA Approves $1.1 Billion in Transportation Grants, Including Zero-Emission Transit](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/ca-approves-1-1-billion-in-transportation-grants-including-zero-emission-transit/) - At last week’s (December 4 and 5) meeting of the California Transportation Commission, the commission approved $1.1 billion in new funding for highway and road projects. Most of this funding was aimed at expanding zero-emission transit, improving safety on local roadways, and strengthening resilient transportation infrastructure statewide. The move builds on the governor’s “Build More, Faster
- [Kool Happenings: Amateur Hour](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/kool-happenings-amateur-hour/) - There have been various attempts, in the last three or four decades, to push the idea that lack of experience is some kind of qualifier for government service, positing that "fresh ideas" are needed. Just bring a fresh perspective to a social problem, the theory goes, and new thoughts will give rise to new programs
- [Santa Monica College #1 in UC Transfers for 35 Consecutive Years](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/santa-monica-college-1-in-uc-transfers-for-35-consecutive-years/) - The following story, and photo, were provided by SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC) has maintained a streak as the No.1 transfer college to the University of California (UC) system for 35 straight years, per 2024-2025 transfer data released by the UC Information Center. SMC sent 995 students to UC campuses in the prior academic year. SMC also continued to be
- [Metro Hosts Open House in Santa Monica This Saturday, December 13](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/metro-hosts-open-house-in-santa-monica-this-saturday-december-13/)
- [Caroline Tororsis' First Speech as Mayor of Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/caroline-tororsis-first-speech-as-mayor-of-santa-monica/) - The following is the first speech given by Mayor Caroline Torosis moments after her swearing in ceremony last night, Tuesday, December 9. The video begins at the start of her speech. A transcript follows. Thank you colleagues. Thank you former Mayor Negrete. I'm humbled, and I'm energized to be here today as your mayor. And
- [What Is an E-Bike, and What’s an Unlicensed Motorcycle: A Parents’ Guide](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/what-is-an-e-bike-and-whats-an-unlicensed-motorcycle-a-parents-guide/) - Photo: A day of family fun at McKinley Elementary featuring a bike rodeo via Santa Monica Spoke/Flickr. As a Santa Monica parent, I’ve put over 3,000 miles on my e-bike toting my kid around. It’s revolutionized how I get around town, bringing more smiles to my commutes and errands, saving me money, beating traffic and
- [City Earns $50 Million State Grant for Affordable Housing at Former Site of Parking Structure 3](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/city-earns-50-million-state-grant-for-affordable-housing-at-former-site-of-parking-structure-3/) - The City of Santa Monica was awarded a $50 million grant from the state's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, funded through the Cap-and-Trade program for EAH Housing's "4th Street Project" in the city's downtown. The 4th Street project is a proposed mixed-use, mixed-income development at 1318 4th Street, just one block from the popular
- [City Invites Santa Monica Residents to Share Opinions on Third Street Promenade Entertainment Zone](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/city-invites-santa-monica-residents-to-share-opinions-on-third-street-promenade-entertainment-zone/) - Earlier this week, the city, together with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., launched a new survey to gather resident feedback on the Third Street Promenade Entertainment Zone. The “Entertainment Zone Survey – Residents” aims to assess how the promotion of expanded entertainment options — meant to enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses — is
- [SMPD: Holiday Safety Tips: Keeping the Season Merry, Bright, and Safe](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/smpd-holiday-safety-tips-keeping-the-season-merry-bright-and-safe/) - The following was originally posted by the City of Santa Monica. The holidays have officially arrived in Santa Monica—lights are twinkling, storefronts are buzzing, and our streets are filled with shoppers, visitors, and neighbors enjoying the season. With all that excitement (and all those shopping bags), it’s a great time to slow down for a
- [Announcing All the Parking Rate Increases Coming Next Year](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/announcing-all-the-parking-rate-increases-coming-next-year/) - City Manager Oliver Chi has announced a new set of parking rates for city-owned lots that will take effect early next year. In his weekly letter to city staff and stakeholders, Chi outlined updates that include both permanent adjustments and seasonal pricing changes beginning January 12, 2026. A PDF of the full rate schedule, shared
- [OPA Update 12/8/25: OPA Receives Heal the Bay Certification, Caroline Torosis To Be Sworn in as Santa Monica Mayor Tuesday, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-8-25-opa-receives-heal-the-bay-certification-caroline-torosis-to-be-sworn-in-as-santa-monica-mayor-tuesday-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Receives Heal the Bay Certification: We received the Adopt-a-Beach Certification for 2025. Thank you Dave Tann for leading this effort and to everyone else who participated in the program. Two Significant Frank Gehry Projects are on Main St: This LA Times story detailing “11 fascinating Frank Gehry buildings in LA” highlights the Edgemar Center and the Binoculars
- [City Offers Energy Efficient Appliances to Income-Qualified Renters](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/city-offers-energy-efficient-appliances-to-income-qualified-renters/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Applications opened this week for the city’s new Renter’s Energy and Cooling/Heating (REACH) Program, which provides free portable heat pump HVAC units and other energy-efficient appliances to improve indoor air quality and comfort for residents in older rental properties. The program also aims to
- [California Awards More Than $140 Million of Federal Funds for Local Road-Safety Programs](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/california-awards-more-than-140-million-of-federal-funds-for-local-road-safety-programs/) - California officials announced more than $140 million in federal traffic-safety grants, funding nearly 500 endeavors aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on streets and highways across the state. The grants, administered through the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), will support programs in cities, counties, school districts, fire departments, police agencies, universities, and nonprofits through
- [City Says JSX Lease Doesn't Change Cities Long-Term Plans for Airport Park](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/city-says-jsx-lease-doesnt-change-cities-long-term-plans-for-airport-park/) - The City of Santa Monica has formally issued a Commercial Operations Permit and signed a three-year lease agreement allowing JSX to operate at Santa Monica Airport (SMO) through November 30, 2028. The move follows a rigorous technical and legal review by city staff and legal counsel, and comes as part of the city’s ongoing compliance
- [City's Annual Landlord/Tenant Forum to be held Dec. 10, Spanish Seminar Tonight! (12/4)](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/citys-annual-landlord-tenant-forum-to-be-held-dec-10-spanish-seminar-tonight-12-4/) - The City Attorney’s Office and Rent Control Board invite Santa Monica landlords, tenants, property managers, service providers, and community partners to attend the annual Landlord/Tenant Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Main Public Library’s Martin Luther King Auditorium. This event is an opportunity to receive updates on key housing-related
- [Santa Monica College Presents the SMC Voice Showcase Dec. 18](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/santa-monica-college-presents-the-smc-voice-showcase-dec-18/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Singers: August Vargas and Ziare Rene. (Photo by Ed Gandera). The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department is pleased to present the SMC Voice Showcase, an evening concert featuring a selection of talented SMC voice students performing songs from a variety of genres. The concert will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in The Edye at the SMC Performing
- [OPA Update 12/4/25: OPA Holiday Party & Miracle on Main St. THIS Sunday, City Christmas Tree Lighting, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/opa-update-12-4-25-opa-holiday-party-miracle-on-main-st-this-sunday-city-christmas-tree-lighting-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Holiday Party Details Mark your calendar to join us the Edgemar Restaurant THIS Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Click here to add the holiday party to your calendar. Apps and soda and one drink are free for OPA members and $10 for guests. Edgemar Restaurant will be extending their 25% off employee pricing to their Sunday menu
- [](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/29465/) - (Yup, it’s the fundraising post. Already convinced? Click here to get started on making your tax-deductible donation.) Normally at this time of the year, you’re bombarded with non-profits (and the Daily Press) asking for donations while demonstrating how well positioned they are for the next year. After seeing steady growth since our 2022 relaunch in
- [SMMUSD Board Unanimously Approves Agreements to Split Into Santa Monica and Malibu School Districts](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/smmusd-board-unanimously-approves-agreements-to-split-into-santa-monica-and-malibu-school-districts/) - The Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to approve a set of agreements that would formally begin the process of dividing the district into two independent entities: the Santa Monica Unified School District (SMUSD) and the Malibu Unified School District (MUSD). The 7–0 vote, taken during a special
- [‘Holiday Cheer on the Pier’ Brings Holiday Magic to Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/holiday-cheer-on-the-pier-brings-holiday-magic-to-santa-monica/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. This holiday season, the Santa Monica Pier will sparkle with festive cheer, creative spirit, and community joy as “Holiday Cheer on the Pier” returns for three magical Thursdays—December 4, 11, and 18—offering free, all-ages programming filled with wonder by the waves. Presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, this year’s “Holiday Cheer
- [SMC Symphony Orchestra Performs Dec. 14](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/smc-symphony-orchestra-performs-dec-14/) - The following is a submission from SMC. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department will present an unforgettable afternoon of orchestral music with the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra, led by Conductor Mercedes Juan Musotto. The program features Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia by Aram Khachaturian, Carmen Suite No. 1 by Georges Bizet, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. “These works showcase some of the most passionate and dramatic
- [Celebrating New Deal History at Samohi](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/celebrating-new-deal-history-at-samohi/) - The following is a very lightly edited submission from the Santa Monica Conservancy. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the Santa Monica Conservancy invite the public to an open house on Wednesday, December 3, from 4 to 6 p.m., celebrating the restoration of art and architecture created during the New Deal in the 1930s. For more information, you can download
- [County Seeks Public Input on Transit Gaps; Santa Monica Neighbors Encouraged to Participate](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/county-seeks-public-input-on-transit-gaps-santa-monica-neighbors-encouraged-to-participate/) - Do you take transit in Culver City? How about heading to beach cities south of Marina del Rey? Consider riding transit to the airport? Los Angeles County is asking Westside residents—including those in Santa Monica who regularly travel into nearby unincorporated communities—to help shape the future of local transportation. As part of the SD2 Transit
- [SMMUSD Students Honored by National Merit Scholarship Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/12/smmusd-students-honored-by-national-merit-scholarship-program/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Photo: The finalists from SMMUSD with teachers and staff. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is thrilled to congratulate five National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists and 29 Commended Students who have been recognized for academic excellence. These students rank among the top-scoring participants in the National Merit Scholarship
- [Feast on a Ferris Wheel With a 90-Foot-Tall Turkey and All the Light Trimmings for Thanksgiving - And Next Will Be Back Next Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/feast-on-a-ferris-wheel-with-a-90-foot-tall-turkey-and-all-the-light-trimmings-for-thanksgiving-and-next-will-be-back-next-week/) - The following is a press release from the Pier Corporation. Next will be on break until next week. For the week of Thanksgiving, nighttime visitors to the Santa Monica Pier can enjoy Pacific Park’s seasonal salute to the holiday with a spectacular light show on the Pacific Wheel. The 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel will feature custom,
- [SMC's Corsair Track Closed to the Public from 12/1 to Spring 2026](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/smcs-corsair-track-closed-to-the-public-from-12-1-to-spring-2026/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair Track & Field, located at SMC’s Main Campus at 1900 Pico Blvd. is closed to all users, including the community, through mid-April 2026 for major construction and repairs funded by local voter-approved bond Measure AA (2008). The construction and revamp efforts include resurfacing the track, regrading the field, and installing a new digital scoreboard. Throughout the
- [Metro November 2025 Board Committee Round-Up: Gondola, Valley Light Rail, Open Streets, and More](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/metro-november-2025-board-committee-round-up-gondola-valley-light-rail-open-streets-and-more/) - Photo: Arroyo Fest 2023, by Joe Linton/Streetsblog This week, Metro Board committees approved a handful of noteworthy items. These approvals are preliminary and will require final approval at the full board meeting on December 4. Dodgers Stadium Gondola In a split vote, the board's Executive Management Committee re-approved plans for an aerial gondola connecting Dodgers
- [OPA Update 11/24/25: OPA Holiday Party Sponsor Match Challenge, Thanksgiving Dine-Out Options, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-24-25-opa-holiday-party-sponsor-match-challenge-thanksgiving-dine-out-options-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Holiday Party Details: Mark your calendar to join us the Edgemar Restaurant Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Click here to add the holiday party to your calendar. OPA Holiday Party Sponsor Match: Jeff Jarow, Patty & Dave Tann have generously offered to collectively match any donations towards the holiday party up to $250. Click here and/or reply to
- [Kool Happenings: It Tolls For Thee](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/kool-happenings-it-tolls-for-thee/) - In 1623, in one of a series of prose Meditations titled No Man Is An Island, poet John Donne wrote, "Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee," affirming that the death, suffering or deprivation of even one person ultimately affects each of us. "Any man's death diminishes me," he wrote, "because I
- [‘OUR PIER: Moments From A Century At The Santa Monica Pier’Opens At The Georgian Hotel, Gallery 33](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/our-pier-moments-from-a-century-at-the-santa-monica-pieropens-at-the-georgian-hotel-gallery-33/) - The following was a submission from the Pier Corp. In celebration of the City of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and The Georgian Hotel present “OUR PIER: Moments From A Century at the Santa Monica Pier,” a landmark photo exhibition honoring the Santa Monica Pier’s enduring cultural, civic, and architectural legacy. The exhibit
- [City Council Affirms Landmarks Commission’s Decision on Home at 1125 18th Street](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/city-council-affirms-landmarks-commissions-decision-on-home-at-1125-18th-street/) - 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 demolition permit application for the property, with the Santa Monica Conservancy countering them two months
- [OPA Update 11/20/25: SaMo Tree Lighting Rescheduled, Learn About 2026 OPA Board Nominees, Venice Winter Fest, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-20-25-samo-tree-lighting-rescheduled-learn-about-2026-opa-board-nominees-venice-winter-fest-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Holiday Party Details Mark your calendar to join us the Edgemar Restaurant Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Click here to add the holiday party to your calendar. Apps and soda and one drink are free for OPA members and $10 for guests. Edgemar Restaurant will be extending their 25% off employee pricing to their Sunday
- [Feast on a Ferris Wheel With a 90-Foot-Tall Turkey and All the Light Trimmings for Thanksgiving ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/feast-on-a-ferris-wheel-with-a-90-foot-tall-turkey-and-all-the-light-trimmings-for-thanksgiving/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. For the week of Thanksgiving, nighttime visitors to the Santa Monica Pier can enjoy Pacific Park’s seasonal salute to the holiday with a spectacular light show on the Pacific Wheel. The 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel will feature custom, computer-generated designs including a larger-than-life Thanksgiving turkey, swirling harvest
- [City Reaches Settlement With Descendants of Silas White](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/city-reaches-settlement-with-descendants-of-silas-white/) - Following a daylong mediation on October 30, 2025, the City of Santa Monica and Constance White reached a settlement outlining steps the city will take to recognize the legacy of Silas White and his efforts to establish the historic Ebony Beach Club. While the agreement includes no admission of liability by either party, it provides
- [CalBike, Other Advocates, Pressure State on Renewing E-Bike Incentive Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/calbike-other-advocates-pressure-state-on-renewing-e-bike-incentive-program/) - Last month, news broke that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) was ending the state’s E-Bike Incentive Project to help people of lower and middle income afford e-bikes. CARB hasn’t made an official announcement yet, the official webpage has gone dark and CARB’s page for the project hasn’t been updated. Instead of helping people buy e-bikes, the $17
- [SMMUSD Announces New Name for Neighborhood School in Ocean Park,Campus Relocation Plans](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/smmusd-announces-new-name-for-neighborhood-school-in-ocean-parkcampus-relocation-plans/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Image: Screenshot from construction video provided by SMMUSD. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has announced Ocean Park School House as the new school name for the neighborhood school in Ocean Park. The Board of Education approved the school name at its Oct. 7 regular board meeting.
- [Locals' Night at the Santa Monica Pier Postponed Due To Weather, New Holiday Celebration Set For Dec. 18 - Press Release](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/locals-night-at-the-santa-monica-pier-postponed-due-to-weather-new-holiday-celebration-set-for-dec-18-press-release/) - The following announcement is from the Pier Corp: Due to expected inclement weather, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation has postponed the November 20 Locals’ Night event out of an abundance of caution for guests, performers, vendors, and staff. The popular community program will return Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 3:30 to 10 p.m., with a special holiday‑themed
- [CalBike Extends Deadline to Submit Ideas/Proposals for Panel Discussions at April Summit](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/calbike-extends-deadline-to-submit-ideas-proposals-for-panel-discussions-at-april-summit/) - The California Bicycle Summit will be held on Thursday and Friday, April 23–24, 2026, in Sacramento at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. If you’d like to participate by planning one of the sessions, the deadline to submit your idea has been extended until a week from tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25. You can start your submission or
- [SMC Public Policy Institute and Westside School of Ballet to Host Tchaikovsky’s“The Nutcracker” Ballet Performances Nov. 29-Dec. 7](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/smc-public-policy-institute-and-westside-school-of-ballet-to-host-tchaikovskysthe-nutcracker-ballet-performances-nov-29-dec-7/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Public Policy Institute (PPI) and the Westside School of Ballet will host live, in-theater performances of Tchaikovsky’s“The Nutcracker” Ballet Nov. 29-Dec. 7. Holiday performances to entertain audiences of all ages will be held at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. In partnership with SMMUSD, special performances for fifth graders — designed to give them the
- [Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble Presents Live Concert Dec. 1](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/santa-monica-college-jazz-ensemble-presents-live-concert-dec-1/) - Following is a submission from SMC. Photo of Adam Schroeder. Santa Monica College (SMC) presentsthe SMC Jazz Ensemble in a live concert on Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street(at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Led by conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont, the accomplished musical group will explore “The Masters,” a program featuring music that highlights the genius of Duke Ellington,
- [OPA Update 11/17/25: Will Rogers State Park Reopens, Official City Tree Lighting, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-17-25-will-rogers-state-park-reopens-official-city-tree-lighting-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - Oct. 26 - Nov. 1: Here is the weekly recap of police activity. The Street Seen: Ocean Park Arena (Pico Between Main & 3rd St): “The circular tent-like Ocean Park Arena opens in 1938 on Pico between Main St and 3rd St. It is a premier venue
- [Kool Happenings: The Emperor Has No Clues, Just Add HaHaHaHa](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/kool-happenings-the-emperor-has-no-clues-just-add-hahahaha/) - By now, I am sure that everyone has become familiar with the story of the Emperor who was so misled by his lackeys about the quality of his new (non-existent) clothes, he failed to see that he was naked. The phrase, "The Emperor Has No Clothes" has become the go-to phrase for a wanna be
- [Downtown Santa Monica Gets a Glow Up](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/downtown-santa-monica-gets-a-glow-up/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica Crews were hard at work in downtown Santa Monica this week, giving the popular shopping and dining destination a glow up. Work includes pruning the historic Ficus trees along six city blocks, planting 37 new trees, and regularly power washing the city’s five downtown
- [OPA Update 11/13/25: Major Ocean Park School Updates, OPA Holiday Party Details, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-13-25-major-ocean-park-school-updates-opa-holiday-party-details-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Things to Do This Weekend Giant Puppet Making Workshop (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday nights) Nov 12, 13 and 14): Want to make giant puppets for protests or parades, or just to keep around the house? Henry Lipkis is a puppet master artist. He will be offering giant puppet worksips where you create giant puppets that you
- [Zwick: Leading with Integrity](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/zwick-leading-with-integrity/) - If you’ve followed me at all over the past four years, the one thing you likely know is that I ran for office in Santa Monica to play a part in solving our region’s dire housing crisis. If you’ve heard me say one thing, it’s that housing scarcity may drive homeowner property values and landlord
- [Planetarium Shows Resume on Friday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/planetarium-shows-resume-on-friday/) - The following is a submission from SMC: The Santa Monica College (SMC) Planetarium will resume its live, on-campus Friday Evening shows on Nov. 14 with two inaugural shows — the Night Sky Show and the Feature Show “Welcome to the Universe,” a show that explores the cosmic web and the Milky Way. The planetarium is now located in room MSB 126 of the recently opened LEED Gold-certified Mathematics + Science Building on
- [OpEd: Santa Monica’s New Council is Delivering a Safe, Affordable City](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/oped-santa-monicas-new-council-is-delivering-a-safe-affordable-city/) - Photo by Eli Gill: Tree trimmers get to work shorty after the passage of the Santa Monica Realignment Plan Last year, Santa Monicans took the decisive step of electing an entirely new city council, rejecting the old politics of Santa Monica in favor of a vision to make our community vibrant, thriving, and safe. Now,
- [OPA Update 11/10/25: Last OPA Meeting of the Year Tonight/Monday, Veterans Day Celebration, Pie with the Police, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-10-25-last-opa-meeting-of-the-year-tonight-monday-veterans-day-celebration-pie-with-the-police-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Final OPA Meeting of the Year Tonight/Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.), starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the Zoom link, here’s the full agenda, and here's the schedule: 6:00 - 6:30: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45: SaMo Police Department 6:45 - 7:00: SaMo Fire Department 7:00 - 7:30: Carey Upton
- [CalBike Demands Statewide Permanent Fund for E-Bikes](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/calbike-demands-statewide-permanent-fund-for-e-bikes/) - The California Air Resources Board (CARB) quietly cancelled the statewide e-bike incentive program; a week after the announcement made news, the official website for the program and the CARB webpage still read as though the program is active. Now the California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) is demanding that the state direct remaining funding toward CA e-bike
- [CARB Quietly Ends the Statewide E-Bike Voucher Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/carb-quietly-ends-the-statewide-e-bike-voucher-program/) - (Update, 11/7: CARB requested some corrections to our timeline to when the authorization for the program came from the legislature and the amount that could be requested in the first window. After confirming the accuracy of their requests, the article was updated below.) Despite demand for e-bike vouchers being so high that it crashed the
- [OPA Update 11/06/25: FINAL OPA Monthly Meeting of the Year Monday, ICE at Santa Monica Reopening, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-06-25-final-opa-monthly-meeting-of-the-year-monday-ice-at-santa-monica-reopening-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - FINAL OPA Monthly Meeting of the Year Monday 11/10: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.), starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link, here’s the full agenda, and here's the schedule: 6:00 - 6:30: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45: SaMo Police Department 6:45 - 7:00: SaMo Fire Department 7:00 - 7:30: Carey Upton (SMMUSD)
- [Sixth annual Veterans Day Ceremony to be held Nov. 11 at Santa Monica Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/sixth-annual-veterans-day-ceremony-to-be-held-nov-11-at-santa-monica-pier/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica will join the U.S. Army for a Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. on the Santa Monica Pier. Now in its sixth year, the event will feature exciting performances, a Chinook helicopter flyover, a presentation
- [AI in Action: How Hayden AI is Solving Real-World Mobility Challenges](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/ai-in-action-how-hayden-ai-is-solving-real-world-mobility-challenges/) - By Marty Beard, CEO of Hayden AI Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the headlines today. From generative tools creating artwork to bold visions of autonomous vehicles, companies across industries are racing to attach themselves to the AI wave. But there is a big difference between experimenting with AI and actually delivering meaningful results that make
- [Kool Happenings: The Kingdom Was Lost](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/kool-happenings-the-kingdom-was-lost/) - Whether taken as a proverb or a nursery rhyme, the lesson of the lost nail stands today as a warning of the escalating damage that can be caused by a seemingly trivial loss. "For want of a nail," the saying goes, "the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe, the horse was lost; for
- [Prop. 50 Is Passed Overwhelmingly by Voters. What’s Next?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/prop-50-is-passed-overwhelmingly-by-voters-whats-next/) - Proposition 50 passed in California on Tuesday with a decisive margin—roughly 4,971,914 “Yes” votes vs. 2,826,189 “No” votes, out of about 7,809,756 total votes counted as of the most recent tally. Some prognosticators were predicting a close contest. But given the collapse of the “No on 50” fundraising machine, the result was not in question
- [Santa Monica College Celebrates New Mathematics + Science Building With Open House](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/santa-monica-college-celebrates-new-mathematics-science-building-with-open-house/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC) celebrated its new state-of-the-art LEED Gold-certified Mathematics + Science Building on its Main Campus at 1900 Pico Boulevard with an open house held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Built with funding from voter-approved bond measures AA, V, and the State of California, this building brings together four departments—Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences—under one roof for
- [Santa Monica Installing 10 Sleek, Modern, Bus Shelters](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/santa-monica-installing-10-sleek-modern-bus-shelters/) - Santa Monica has unveiled nine new bus shelters, with another on its way, across the city to upgrade the experience for the city’s riders. There’s a full list of the new shelters at the end of the article. “We’re excited to introduce new Big Blue Bus shelters in Santa Monica that enhance rider comfort with
- [Supervisors Horvath, Hahn, Advance Motion to Strengthen County's Office of Food Systems](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/supervisors-horvath-hahn-advance-motion-to-strengthen-countys-office-of-food-systems/) - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday advanced a motion by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn to expand and strengthen the County’s Office of Food Systems (OFS), a key agency coordinating efforts to ensure equitable food access and public health across the region. The move comes as more than 1.5 million
- [Santa Monica Super Advocate Featured in Momentum Magazine](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/santa-monica-super-advocate-featured-in-momentum-magazine/) - "We might not proclaim Caro Vilain our new hero, but we certainly need a few more like her in the world using her creative energy for the greater cycling good," begins a profile in Momentum Magazine of Santa Monican "by choice" Caro Vilain. The story profiles how Vilain, a video editor by day, used those
- [SMC Board Seeks Applicants for Personnel Commission - Applications Due 11/14](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/smc-board-seeks-applicants-for-personnel-commission-applications-due-11-14/) - The following is a submission from SMC. (Photo Credit: Charles Mark-Walker / Santa Monica College) The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board of Trustees is seeking applications for a vacancy on the SMC Personnel Commission, a five-member public body responsible for the administration of the college’s Merit System. The appointment will be effective December 1, 2025 for a three-year term through November
- [OPA Update 11/3/25: Details for Next Week's Final OPA Meeting of the Year, Ocean Park Traffic Signals Receive an Update, Police Substation Opening at SaMo Mall, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/11/opa-update-11-3-25-details-for-next-weeks-final-opa-meeting-of-the-year-ocean-park-traffic-signals-receive-an-update-police-substation-opening-at-samo-mall-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Nov. 10 Monthly Meeting Next Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.), starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link, here’s the full agenda, and here's the schedule: 6:00 - 6:30: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45: SaMo Police Department 6:45 - 7:00: SaMo Fire Department 7:00 - 7:30: Carey Upton (SMMUSD) 7:30 - 8:30: Board
- [Two Weeks After Anniversary of Fatal Malibu Crash, City Could Reject PCH Safety Improvements](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/two-weeks-after-anniversary-of-fatal-malibu-crash-city-could-reject-pch-safety-improvements/) - Image: by Karim Saafir IG @karims123 – via Streets Are For Everyone “This community was forever changed by the loss of four bright young women whose lives were full of promise. That day became a turning point. Malibu has been united in one purpose — to make PCH safer for everyone,” Malibu City Councilmember Doug
- [Santa Monica Democratic Club Executive Board Statement on the Passage of the Santa Monica Renaissance Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-democratic-club-executive-board-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-santa-monica-renaissance-plan/) - Printed as submitted. Emphasis choices were those of the Dem. Club For more on the realignment plan, aka Renaissance Plan, click here and/or here. The Santa Monica Democratic Club Executive Board applauds the City Council and City Manager Oliver Chi for adopting the Santa Monica Realignment Plan, what we proudly call the Renaissance Plan for our city.
- [OPA Update 10/30/25: City Council Approves Sweeping Realignment Plan, Enterprise Fish Co. Update, LOTS of Halloween Events, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-update-10-30-25-city-council-approves-sweeping-realignment-plan-enterprise-fish-co-update-lots-of-halloween-events-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA is Looking for 2026 Board Nominations: Sunday, November 9 is the deadline for 2026 OPA Board Nominations. Reply to this email asap if you're interested in joining the board and want to learn more about it and/or want to nominate someone else. Enterprise Fish Co. Update: This construction notice has been posted at 174 Kinney (aka Enterprise
- [Kool Happenings : The Perfect Metaphor](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/kool-happenings-the-perfect-metaphor/) - I've just returned from a travel break and, of course, it's tough to disconnect these days, even if your trip is to the moon. So...like you, I've been In Touch With The News, which is becoming more and more disconnected from anything we used to think of as reality. It’s as though we are all
- [Santa Monica Police Department Substation to Open at Santa Monica Place Mall](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-police-department-substation-to-open-at-santa-monica-place-mall/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Place Mall today announced the upcoming opening of a new Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) substation in the heart of the Downtown retail and dining district – a cornerstone investment of the City’s newly adopted Realignment
- [When Landmarks Fall: Honoring the Past to Inspire the Future, Premier and Watch Party on Sunday.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/when-landmarks-fall-honoring-the-past-to-inspire-the-future-premier-and-watch-party-on-sunday/) - The following is a submission from the Santa Monica Conservancy Ever since wildfires ripped through Pacific Palisades and Altadena back in January, we’ve mourned the loss of cherished landmarks like Will Rogers' meticulously preserved ranch house, or the Palisades’ iconic Business Block, which anchored the village for more than a century. Beyond these heartbreaking tragedies, many other historically significant places were impacted by the fires – from vintage homes with prized collections to beloved businesses that served generations of customers. So how do we appropriately honor the memories
- [City Council Passes City Manager’s “Realignment Plan,” Billed as Roadmap for Civic Renewal](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/city-council-passes-city-managers-realignment-plan-billed-as-roadmap-for-civic-renewal/) - 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 Tuesday, the council passed a comprehensive set of proposals put forward by new City Manager
- [Horvath Announces "Termination" of Ocean Avenue Mental Health Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/horvath-announces-termination-of-ocean-avenue-mental-health-housing/) - Lindsey P. Horvath, Supervisor for Los Angeles County, has directed the termination of two proposed interim housing projects on Ocean Avenue in the City of Santa Monica, calling on the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), St. Joseph Center and the city to identify alternative locations. The projects had become the focal point
- [SMMUSD Schools Honored on 2025 California Honor Roll](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/smmusd-schools-honored-on-2025-california-honor-roll/) - The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is proud to announce that six schools have been named to the 2025 California Honor Roll, presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) Honor Roll, recognizing their high achievement and student success. The honored schools include: Edison Language Academy: Star School Franklin Elementary School: Scholar School Grant Elementary School:
- [OPA Update 10/27/25: OPA Halloween Mixer Wednesday @ Ashland Hill, City Manager's "Realignment Plan", & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-update-10-27-25-opa-halloween-mixer-wednesday-ashland-hill-city-managers-realignment-plan-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Halloween Mixer Wednesday @ Ashland Hill: We hope to see you at @ Ashland Hill’s back patio (2801 Main St.) from 4:00-6-30pm. Costumes optional, but encouraged. Come enjoy FREE appetizers and GREAT company. See you there! OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading, please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a
- [Council Will Consider “Road Map for Cities Renewal,” New City Manager’s Plan to Recreate City’s Renaissance](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/council-will-consider-road-map-for-cities-renewal-new-city-managers-plan-to-recreate-citys-renaissance/) - At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council will consider City Manager Oliver Chi’s “Realignment Plan” aimed at addressing the city’s financial instability, economic decline, and deteriorating public spaces. The proposal seeks to restore public safety, economic vitality, and long-term fiscal balance after years of pandemic-related disruption, rising homelessness, and the financial impact of large legal settlements.
- [Santa Monica Pier Celebrates Día de los Muertos with Two-Day Celebration](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-pier-celebrates-dia-de-los-muertos-with-two-day/) - Cultural Tribute, Art Installations, and Live Performances on November 1–2 The Santa Monica Pier Corporation will honor the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—with its sixth annual celebration on Saturday, November 1, from 3 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, November 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., inside the historic Merry Go-Round
- [Metro to Offer Free Rides Countywide on Election Day to Help Voters Get to the Polls](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/metro-to-offer-free-rides-countywide-on-election-day-to-help-voters-get-to-the-polls/) - Voters Can Also Drop off Mail-in Ballots at 10 Metro Stations The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will make it easier for Angelenos to get to the polls on Election Day by offering free rides across its entire system on Tuesday, November 4. From 4 a.m. on Election Day until 3 a.m. the
- [Santa Monica College to Hold Open House Nov.1 to Showcase New Mathematics + Science Building & Preview of SMC Planetarium](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-college-to-hold-open-house-nov-1-to-showcase-new-mathematics-science-building-preview-of-smc-planetarium/) - The following is an event announcement from SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC) will celebrate its new, state-of-the-art, LEED Gold-certified Mathematics + Science Building on its Main Campus at 1900 Pico Boulevard with an open house. Built with funding from voter-approved bond measures AA, V, and the State of California, this building brings together four departments—Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences—under one
- [OPA Update 10/23/25: OPA Halloween Mixer Details, Dodgers Pep Rally on 3rd St. Promenade, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-update-10-23-25-opa-halloween-mixer-details-dodgers-pep-rally-on-3rd-st-promenade-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Halloween Mixer @ Ashland Hill (10/29): We hope to see you at @ Ashland Hill’s back patio (2801 Main St.) from 4:00-6-30pm. Costumes optional, but encouraged. Come enjoy FREE appetizers and GREAT company. See you there! Free Way to Support OPA: We’re testing out permormance ads in our newsletter. We only make money from the 1440 Media ad below if you click
- [Third Street Promenade hosts 'We Believe in Blue' LA Dodgers World Series Pep Rally](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/third-street-promenade-hosts-we-believe-in-blue-la-dodgers-world-series-pep-rally/) - Yeah, that's an AI Image. SORRY. The test was provided by the City of Santa Monica. As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to take the field for the 2025 World Series, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) and the City of Santa Monica are hosting a first-ever “We Believe in Blue” Dodgers Pep Rally on Thursday, October
- [Culver City Wants In on "Entertainment Zone" for Its Downtown](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/culver-city-wants-in-on-entertainment-zone-for-its-downtown/) - Image: Culver City. View the entire PDF here. The City Council of Downtown Culver City has directed staff to work with the Economic Development Subcommittee to begin modifying an ordinance that would allow an entertainment zone designation for the area. The proposed zone would include the entire Downtown Culver City Business Improvement District — covering Town Plaza,
- [California Bicycle Summit 2026 Dates, Location Announced](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/california-bicycle-summit-2026-dates-location-announced/) - This article first appeared at CalBike. Image: Evan Dudley, CalBike Every two years, CalBike gathers bike advocates, transportation planners, government staffers, and more from around the state and globe at the California Bicycle Summit to exchange ideas and shape best practices for safer streets. In 2026, the Summit will return to Sacramento on April 23 and 24. Attendees
- [California Rallies for No Kings](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/california-rallies-for-no-kings/) - The public square is the lifeblood of protest movements—a physical stage where democracy becomes visible. Streets, plazas, parks, and sidewalks give people a place to gather, speak, and be seen, transforming individual frustration into collective action. Last weekend marked the second No Kings Protest, as hundreds of thousands of Californians across hundreds of cities took to the
- [Malibu Marks Two Years Since Tragic PCH Crash, Highlights Major Safety Progress](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/malibu-marks-two-years-since-tragic-pch-crash-highlights-major-safety-progress/) - Senator Allen speaks at last Friday's press event. Photo: Damian Kevitt The City of Malibu joined state and local leaders, law enforcement, and community members in commemorating the second anniversary of the crash that killed four Pepperdine University students on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The event, held Friday, October 17, underscored both the tragedy’s lasting
- [Santa Monica 150th Anniversary Grand Finale Celebration](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-150th-anniversary-grand-finale-celebration/) - Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Third Street Promenade, Santa MonicaFree community event Santa Monica will close out its 150th anniversary year with a grand finale community festival and cultural celebration on the Third Street Promenade. The free event will bring residents, partners, and visitors together for an afternoon of live entertainment,
- [Roughly 1,000 People Attend No Kings March in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/roughly-1000-people-attend-no-kings-march-in-santa-monica/) - Roughly 1,000 people gathered at Palisades Park for a march down Ocean Avenue as part of the No Kings Day protests that took part across the county on Saturday, October 18. The event incliuded a handful of speakers and a voter registration drive. The event itself, one day after an ICE raid at a local
- [ICE Hits Local Carwash](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/ice-hits-local-carwash/) - Image: Screenshot of Instagram video by Caroline Torosis. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly detained several people at a Santa Monica car wash Friday morning, leading city officials to respond publicly and help connect affected families with support services. The detentions occurred around 10 a.m. at the Santa Monica Car Wash on Pico Boulevard,
- [OPA Newsletter: October 20, 2025](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-newsletter-october-20-2025/) - OPA News OPA Halloween Mixer @ Ashland Hill (10/29): We hope to see you at @ Ashland Hill’s back patio (2801 Main St.) from 4:00-6-30pm. Costumes optional, but encouraged. Come enjoy FREE appetizers and GREAT company. See you there! OPA wants to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to Susan Leary for making a generous $250 donation to help us support our events, outreach,
- [No Kings Rally at Palisades Park Tomorrow](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/no-kings-rally-at-palisades-park-tomorrow/) - Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Location: Palisades Park at Montana Avenue, Santa Monica Supporters of the “No Kings” movement plan to gather in Santa Monica for a peaceful rally emphasizing opposition to authoritarian leadership and a commitment to democratic principles. Organizers describe the movement as grassroots and nationwide, uniting participants from
- [Vons Is Open on Lincoln/Broadway](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/vons-is-open-on-lincoln-broadway/) - Image: The Slay Mama/Reddit This morning, Santa Monica got a new grocery store when Vons opened its newest branch at 710 Broadway. A line snaked around the block for people wanting to be part of the festivities including free groceries, free samples and gift cards for the first 250 shoppers. The new 710 Broadway location
- [Statements on the Civic from Councilmembers Hall and Torosis](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/statements-on-the-civic-from-councilmembers-hall-and-torosis/) - On Tuesday night, the Santa Monica City Council voted to end the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Revitalization Partners Group on a 4-3 vote. Two of the Councilmembers that voted to end the agreement sent statements to Santa Monica Next, which are printed below in the order we received them. For Next's coverage of the vote
- [Santa Monica College to Stage Julius Caesar Oct. 24-Nov. 2](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-college-to-stage-julius-caesar-oct-24-nov-2/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Arts Department will perform a bold, modern-dress staging of Julius Caesar Oct. 24-Nov. 2 in the Theatre Arts Studio Stage on the SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Written by William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar is a reminder of the timeless themes of power, loyalty, and public unrest, which take on urgent resonance in today’s world. The production, set against a contemporary backdrop, invites the audience
- [Two More Nights of K-Pop Tribute at the Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/two-more-nights-of-k-pop-tribute-at-the-pier/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will join fans around the world in celebrating K-Pop sensation “SEVENTEEN” with a special Ferris wheel lighting, Oct. 15–17. The 90-foot-tall, solar-powered Pacific Wheel will glow in SEVENTEEN’s signature colors from sunset to midnight including both nights of the group’s sold-out BMO Stadium concerts in Los Angeles.
- [City Council Terminates Exclusive Negotiating Agreement for Redevelopment of Civic Auditorium, Favoring a Competitive Process](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/city-council-terminates-exclusive-negotiating-agreement-for-redevelopment-of-civic-auditorium-favoring-a-competitive-process/) - 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 manager to negotiate and execute the ENA last July, but negotiations dragged on until April
- [Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble Presents Live Concert Oct. 27 “Our Wasted Youth” is Concert Theme](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-college-jazz-ensemble-presents-live-concert-oct-27-our-wasted-youth-is-concert-theme/) - Santa Monica College (SMC) presentsthe SMC Jazz Ensemble in a live concert on Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street(at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Led by conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont, the accomplished musical group will explore “Our Wasted Youth,” a program featuring the world of great (and not so great) television themes. “How many hours of your youth
- [Santa Monica's Westside Chamber Orchestra Wins National Award](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monicas-westside-chamber-orchestra-wins-national-award/) - The following is a submission from the Westside Chamber Orchestra Santa Monica-based Westside Chamber Orchestra is the winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming—The Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award, 2025 in the professional division. The orchestra was selected from applications reviewed recently from all across the United States. The Westside Chamber Orchestra is conducted by Santa Monica native Brian Stone and is governed by Sounds LIke LA with The Da Camera Society producing the
- [Newsom Vetoes Allen's SB 682 Which Would Have Limited Sale of Items with "Forever Chemicals"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/newsom-vetoes-allens-sb-682-which-would-have-limited-sale-of-items-with-forever-chemicals/) - Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 682, authored by Senator Ben Allen, sought to dramatically limit the presence of harmful “forever chemicals” in consumer products sold in the state. Known formally as the Environmental Health: Product Safety: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Act, the bill targeted a wide range of goods that often contain intentionally
- [CicLAvia Turns 15, Enlivens the Heart of L.A.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/ciclavia-turns-15-enlivens-the-heart-of-l-a/) - Sunday, tens of thousands of Angelenos participated in CicLAvia's Heart of L.A. open streets event. The 7.5-mile route opened streets through Boyle Heights, Chinatown, MacArthur Park, Little Tokyo, and Downtown L.A. With cars temporarily removed, streets filled with people of all ages - on bike, on foot, on skates, scooters, and more. The very first CicLAvia
- [Governor Signs Package of Transportation Safety/Funding Bills](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/governor-signs-package-of-transportation-safety-funding-bills/) - With just hours left to sign or veto yesterday, Governor Newsom signed all five pieces of legislation we've been waiting on. Full coverage coming tomorrow, but for now you can see the final status of all the legislation we've covered at Streetsblog California. Signed Into Law AB 289, State highway work zone speed safety program:
- [Commissioner Lara and Senator Allen Limit “the List” as Consumer Protection Measure is Signed by Governor](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/commissioner-lara-and-senator-allen-limit-the-list-as-consumer-protection-measure-is-signed-by-governor/) - California wildfire survivors will now face one less burden on their road to recovery as Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Senate Bill 495, authored by Senator Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades) and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Beginning January 2026, in the event of a declared emergency, insurance companies will be required to pay 60 percent
- [OPA Update 10/13/25: OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight/Monday, Main St. Festival This Weekend, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-update-10-13-25-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-monday-main-st-festival-this-weekend-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [Newsom Signs SB 79, Legislation to Spur Housing Production Near Transit](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/newsom-signs-sb-79-legislation-to-spur-housing-production-near-transit/) - Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 79, the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, a major land-use reform aimed at promoting housing construction near rail and bus corridors. “For too long, California has poured billions into transit without building the housing density needed for those systems to reach their potential,” Newsom wrote in his signing message.
- [Zbur Legislation to Expand Electrification Signed by Governor](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/zbur-legislation-to-expand-electrification-signed-by-governor/) - California cities and counties with populations over 75,000 will soon be required to develop detailed electrification plans under a new law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this week. Assembly Bill 39, authored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by the Building Decarbonization Coalition and CALSTART, aims to ensure that communities across the
- [Newsom Signs Zbur Bill to Streamline Student and Staff Housing at California Community Colleges](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/newsom-signs-zbur-bill-to-streamline-student-and-staff-housing-at-california-community-colleges/) - Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 648, legislation aimed at making it easier for California’s community colleges to build housing for students, faculty, and staff. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) and sponsored by Santa Monica College, Abundant Housing LA, the Student Homes Coalition, and the Los Angeles Community College
- [Use That Library Card for Discounts at Participating Santa Monica Businesses](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/use-that-library-card-for-discounts-at-participating-santa-monica-businesses/) - The following comes from the City of Santa Monica. A successful kickoff of the Santa Monica Public Library Community Discount Program last month continues by connecting Santa Monica Public Library’s 53,000 cardholders with discounts and offers at 20 popular Santa Monica businesses. Patrons can show their library card at aa diverse array of local businesses
- [Legislative Update: The Final Countdown](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/legislative-update-the-final-countdown/) - Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign or veto legislation passed during the recently concluded legislative session. If he doesn't act on a piece of legislation, it also becomes law. Below is a list of all of the legislation Streetsblog has covered this year. Legislation is first broken down by status: signed into
- [Streetsblog California Opens Its Short Video Series](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/streetsblog-california-opens-its-short-video-series/) - Yesterday, Streetsblog Los Angeles opened its short video account at Tik Tok with a fun and informative look at Santa Monica's first mile/last mile efforts around the Bergamot Transit Station. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to encourage more local content.
- [Teacher Spotlight: Jasson Martinez, From Samohi Student to Samohi Teacher](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/teacher-spotlight-jasson-martinez-from-samohi-student-to-samohi-teacher/) - The following story and all images are from a submission from SMMUSD. Santa Monica High School (Samohi) math teacher Jasson Martinez has come full circle, returning to the campus where he once studied as a student, now standing at the front of the classroom to inspire the next generation. Martinez, a proud member of Samohi’s
- [Pier Bridge Replacement Project Moves Forward](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/pier-bridge-replacement-project-moves-forward/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. The long-anticipated project to replace and upgrade the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge will break ground by the end of the year, following the construction contract approval at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and conclude by
- [Wellness & Waves Season Finale at the Santa Monica Pier to Feature UCLA Health Takeover, Pet Therapy, and More](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/wellness-waves-season-finale-at-the-santa-monica-pier-to-feature-ucla-health-takeover-pet-therapy-and-more/) - The following is a press release from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation is thrilled to announce the grand finale of its popular Wellness & Waves series with a special UCLA Health Takeover on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free community event invites guests of all ages to “Be A Kid For
- [DocDrew’s Swish Issue 1, Volume 20](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/docdrews-swish-issue-1-volume-20-4/) - Welcome to the first and only issue of volume twenty of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program. Last season, we were still in recovery mode from the devastating fires that happened earlier this year,
- [Advocates: Governor Needs to Sign Bill to Modernize Red Light Regulations](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/advocates-governor-needs-to-sign-bill-to-modernize-red-light-regulations/) - Fresno is the most deadly county in the state for red light crashes. Not a surprise because the City of Fresno does not have a red light camera program. Image: Streets Are for Everyone. Streets Are for Everyone (SAFE) held a press event outside California’s Capitol building earlier this week to urge Governor Gavin Newsom
- [Santa Monica Joins 29-city Lawsuit to Protect Federal Emergency and Disaster Funding](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/santa-monica-joins-29-city-lawsuit-to-protect-federal-emergency-and-disaster-funding/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica joined 28 other local governments in a lawsuit filed Wednesday challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to impose unlawful and unrelated conditions on federal emergency and disaster preparedness funds. The conditions would force local governments to adopt the administration’s political agenda or
- [Santa Monica’s Biggest Pro-Housing Policy is on the Chopping Block](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/santa-monicas-biggest-pro-housing-policy-is-on-the-chopping-block/) - 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 materials, inhumane deportations are making construction workers harder to find, and high interest rates make
- [Kool Happenings Is Going on Hiatus - See You in November](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/kool-happenings-is-going-on-hiatus-see-you-in-november/)
- [City Issues Statement on Federal Shutdown: No Changes Expected to Services](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/city-issues-statement-on-federal-shutdown-no-changes-expected-to-services/) - The City of Santa Monica released the following statement yesterday regarding the federal shutdown: The city does not anticipate any disruptions to Santa Monica services or programs as a result of the current federal government shutdown. In anticipation of the potential shutdown, city teams have worked over the past week to ensure any federally-funded programs, such as housing
- [OPA Update 10/2/25: Huge Areal Space Update, OPA is Looking for 2026 OPA Board Nominations, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/opa-update-10-2-25-huge-areal-space-update-opa-is-looking-for-2026-opa-board-nominations-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading, please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE. OPA is Looking for 2026 OPA Board Nominations: Nov.
- [City Continues Funding for Neighborhood Groups with Condition AgainstCandidate Endorsements](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/city-continues-funding-for-neighborhood-groups-with-condition-againstcandidate-endorsements/) - Some small changes are coming for neighborhood associations accustomed to receiving a predictable amount of city funding for their own newsletters. According to a staff report, “Currently, the city provides funding to seven neighborhood organizations through the Neighborhood Organization Grant Program (NGP), which allocates up to $7,000 annually per group for outreach, events, and communications.
- [Council Approves Neighborhood Association Reforms, Extends Off-Site Affordable Housing Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/10/council-approves-neighborhood-association-reforms-extends-off-site-affordable-housing-program/) - 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 approved a pilot program aimed at speeding up the delivery of affordable housing. Under the
- [Next Week Is WalkIt! BusIt! BikeIt! Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/next-week-is-walkit-busit-bikeit-week/) - The origins of Santa Monica’s “Bike It! / Walk It!” initiative trace back to a student-led effort at Santa Monica High School in 2007. At that time, the Samohi Solar Alliance—a student environmental club—launched a “Bike It Day” to encourage students and families to choose bicycling instead of driving to school. Over the years, the
- [From Phones to Power Tools: Know the Risks of Lithium-ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/from-phones-to-power-tools-know-the-risks-of-lithium-ion-batteries-this-fire-prevention-week/) - 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. 5 and Oct. 11 along with hosting a proclamation at the Sept. 30 at City
- [New OPA Newsletter Format, Free Meter Parking for EVs Ends This Week, Pizza with the Police, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/new-opa-newsletter-format-free-meter-parking-for-evs-ends-this-week-pizza-with-the-police-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - The OPA newsletter has a new format for those that get it in their inbox. To subscribe, click here. Santa Monica Eyes Major Parks Expansion in New ‘City as Habitat’ Vision Plan: The city is moving to dramatically expand its park system with a new vision plan that could more than double available parkland over
- [Big Blue Bus Rides Are Free This Wednesday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/big-blue-bus-rides-are-free-this-wednesday/) - 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 from driving and switch to sustainable modes of transportation. Visit bigbluebus.com to plan your CLEAN
- [Big Blue Bus Route 3 Now Goes to SoFi](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/big-blue-bus-route-3-now-goes-to-sofi/) - Via the Friendly Road newsletter: Traveling from Santa Monica to SoFi Stadium has never been easier than with the newly improved Big Blue Bus Route 3 service on Lincoln Boulevard to the brand new LAX/Metro Transit Center! Departing every 10 minutes or better on weekdays and every 15 minutes or better on weekends, Route 3 is an affordable
- [Streetsblog California/Santa Monica Next Endorsement: Yes on Prop 50](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/streetsblog-california-santa-monica-next-endorsement-yes-on-prop-50/) - This endorsement also appears at Streetsblog California. Streetsblog California endorses Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act. Streetsblog urges a yes vote, either by mail or on election day, Tuesday, November 5, 2025. Normally, Streetsblog would sit out a vote on redistricting. But as California strives to meet its own goals for clean air, electrification,
- [Newsom Names Names in Battle for Clean Air](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/newsom-names-names-in-battle-for-clean-air/) - For better or worse, Governor Gavin Newsom has shown remarkable message discipline when targeting President Donald Trump and Republican leaders, often pinning responsibility on them for many of California’s—and America’s—problems. But last week, when asked why he was backing away from a 2024 promise to protect electric vehicle subsidies if the federal program ended, he slipped. Instead
- [Museum of Illusions Coming to the Promenade This November](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/museum-of-illusions-coming-to-the-promenade-this-november/) - The following is a release from the Museum of Illusions Museum of Illusions, the largest growing museum chain in the world, is turning heads and bending realities as it enters the Los Angeles market this fall. The new location marks the second in California on the heels of the brand’s San Diego opening earlier this
- [Kool Happenings: The Madman Theory](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/28963/) - Sometime during the years of our country’s seemingly endless "Cold" War, President Richard Nixon and his minions developed a strategy they hoped would bring our enemies in North Vietnam to the negotiating table. Nixon wanted them to believe that he was so unstable, so reckless, that he might actually press the big red button and
- [OPA Update 9/25/25: OPA Beach Clean-Up, Opera at the Beach, Oktoberfest on 3rd St. Promenade, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/opa-update-9-25-25-opa-beach-clean-up-opera-at-the-beach-oktoberfest-on-3rd-st-promenade-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - PA BEACH CLEAN-UP THIS SUNDAY: The event is 10AM until noon, we meet at Tower 26, Ocean Park Blvd at the beach, supplies are provided and there will be a Heal The Bay speaker to coordinate the cleanup. Parents, students, families and neighbors are all welcome. Email Dave Tann with questions. Ocean Park Community Planning
- [“Rhythm & Harmony” Made by Santa Monica College Short-Form Visual Media Production Students, Will Screen at Newport Beach Film Festival](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/rhythm-harmony-made-by-santa-monica-college-short-form-visual-media-production-students-will-screen-at-newport-beach-film-festival/) - 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 Monica College (SMC) students from the college’s Short-Form Visual Media Production (Media 21) class taught by Communications &
- [Santa Monica Education Foundation Grants Over $2.5 Million to FundAcademics, Arts, and Athletics in Santa Monica Public Schools](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/santa-monica-education-foundation-grants-over-2-5-million-to-fundacademics-arts-and-athletics-in-santa-monica-public-schools/) - 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 vital programs and staff positions in Santa Monica schools for the 2025-26 school year. The
- [Local Parking Benefit for Clean Air Vehicle Decals Expires Sept. 30 ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/local-parking-benefit-for-clean-air-vehicle-decals-expires-sept-30/) - This reminder comes to us via the City of Santa Monica. A city of Santa Monica parking program, which permitted vehicles displaying a California Department of Motor Vehicles’ Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal to park free of charge at city-operated meters for the posted time limit, will expire on September 30, 2025, pursuant to Santa
- [Virtual Community Meeting for Multi-Story Apartment Building at 3205 Ocean Park Blvd. Tomorrow Night (9/24)](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/virtual-community-meeting-for-multi-story-apartment-building-at-3205-ocean-park-blvd-tomorrow-night-9-24/) - 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 meeting here. As proposed, the project is a 4- to 7-story building with a
- [Playland Arcade Celebrates 71 Years of Classic Fun on the Santa Monica Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/playland-arcade-celebrates-71-years-of-classic-fun-on-the-santa-monica-pier/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Top image of the Arcade facade, year unknwown. One of Southern California’s last true boardwalk arcades, Playland Arcade will celebrate its 71st anniversary this October, continuing its cherished legacy of family fun and seaside nostalgia on the world-famousSanta Monica Pier. As part of the celebration, guests can enjoy a
- [Culver City Is Also Doing Bike/Ped Improvements Near Their Metro Rail Stations](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/culver-city-is-also-doing-bike-ped-improvements-near-their-metro-rail-stations/) - Photo: Curb-protected bike lane construction on Robertson Boulevard in Culver City. Photos by Joe Linton/Streetsblog Construction is well underway on Culver City's Robertson Blvd Complete Street Project. The bike/walk/transit project is located on one 700-foot-long block of Robertson Boulevard - from Venice Boulevard to Washington Boulevard - immediately south of the Metro E Line Culver City
- [Metro Pomona A Line Extension is Open](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/metro-pomona-a-line-extension-is-open/) - Last week, Metro opened four new A Line stations on the agency's growing light rail system: Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. The A Line now runs 57.6 miles from Pomona to Long Beach. Since Metro combined the former Blue and Gold Lines in 2023, the A Line was already the world's longest light rail
- [Douglas Day 2025 – Honoring LA Wildfire First Responders and Celebrating Aviation Innovation](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/douglas-day-2025-honoring-la-wildfire-first-responders-and-celebrating-aviation-innovation/) - The following is a submission from the Spirit of Santa Monica. The above photo also provided by Spirit of Santa Monica. The Spirit of Santa Monica proudly presented Douglas Day 2025, a free community celebration honoring Santa Monica’s legacy of aviation innovation and community resilience. The event was held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from
- [OPA Update 9/22/25: OPA Housing Committee Meeting Wednesday, 120 Year History of Big Deans, Happy Rosh Hashanah, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/update-opa-update-9-22-25-opa-housing-committee-meeting-wednesday-120-year-history-of-big-deans-happy-rosh-hashanah-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Housing Committee Meeting Wednesday (9/24) 6 - 7:30pm @ Ocean Park Library: Feel free to show up or get more information by clicking here to email Robbie. Mishkon Welcomes you for the High Holy Days: The High Holy Days have arrived in Los Angeles and Mishkon would love to welcome you to our historic
- [Kool Happenings : Cancel Culture’s New Fans](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/kool-happenings-cancel-cultures-new-fans/) - In Kurt Vonnegut's darkly prophetic novel, Mother Night, the Reverend Doctor Lionel J.D. Jones is a minor character, but, like so many in that thinly disguised description of the growth of American Nazism in the 1930s and 40s, his character is eerily prophetic. He is the publisher of The White Christian Minuteman, a hate-filled rag, funded
- [National Poll Ranks SMMUSD Among State’s Best Districts](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/national-poll-ranks-smmusd-among-states-best-districts/) - 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 of 490 California school districts included. The ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key
- [OPA Update 9/18/25: SaMo Dune Restoration Project Approved, Locals Night Returns, Thai Fest on the Pier, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/opa-update-9-18-25-samo-dune-restoration-project-approved-locals-night-returns-thai-fest-on-the-pier-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA published their newsletter yesterday after we published Santa Monica Next for the day. The newsletter has been edited to remove events that have already happened. OPA Housing Committee Meeting Next Wedneday (9/24) 6 - 7:30pm @ Ocean Park Library: Feel free to show up or get more information by clicking here to email Robbie.
- [Metro Approves $85 Million for Bike/Ped Grants, Including Bergamot Connector](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/metro-approves-85-million-for-bike-ped-grants-including-bergamot-connector/) - Yesterday, Los Angeles Metro approved $85 Million in grants for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements throughout Los Angeles County. Included in those grants is $1,451,003 for bike lanes as part of the first mile/last mile projects for the Bergamot light rail stop and the arts community. The Bergamot Connector project funds bike lanes to connect
- [Santa Monica Democratic Club Endorses Sion Roy for State Senate](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/santa-monica-democratic-club-endorses-sion-roy-for-state-senate/) - 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 himself, was considered the front runner for the endorsement. But with West Hollywood Councilmember John
- [Pier Remembers Robert Redford, Santa Monica's "Favorite Son"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/pier-remembers-robert-redford-santa-monicas-favorite-son/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica Pier honors the life and legacy of Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16 at the age of 89. Born in Santa Monica in 1936, Redford was widely regarded as “Santa Monica’s favorite son,” a title earned not only through his cinematic achievements but also
- [Locals Night at the Pier Returns Tonight with Reggae and "Community Vibes"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/locals-night-at-the-pier-returns-tonight-with-reggae-and-community-vibes/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Santa Monica’s iconic Locals’ Night series is back! The first event of the new season takes place Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 3:30 to 10 p.m. at the Santa Monica Pier, featuring a lively reggae theme and a robust lineup of community-based entertainment, vendors, performances, and family activities. Presented
- [Streetsblog's Last Legislative Update of 2025](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/streetsblogs-last-legislative-update-of-2025/) - The legislative session is over. What is heading to the governor’s desk and what will have to wait until next year. The list of bills below is in alpha-numerical order. If you're just looking for bill status, you can find it in bold. Assembly Bills AB 289, State highway work zone speed safety program: AB
- [Eyes on the Street: Speeds Drop on Colorado Avenue](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/eyes-on-the-street-speeds-drop-on-colorado-avenue/) - 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 at Colorado and 4th. The previous speed limit was 30 miles per hour. The Colorado
- [Samohi, Malibu High, Rank High in US News and World Reports School Rankings](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/samohi-malibu-high-rank-high-in-us-news-and-world-reports-school-rankings/) - The following article was submitted by SMMUSD. Malibu High School (MHS) and Santa Monica High School (Samohi) have been recognized among the nation’s best in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, which evaluated nearly 18,000 public schools. Samohi placed 777th, earning a spot in the top 5 percent, while Malibu
- [Heidi von Tongeln Appointed Interim City Attorney ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/heidi-von-tongeln-appointed-interim-city-attorney/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday appointed Chief Deputy City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln as interim city attorney, replacing outgoing City Attorney Doug Sloan. Von Tongeln has nearly 20 years of municipal law experience. She joined the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office in 2012
- [Senator Ben Allen Announces Campaign for Insurance Commissioner](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/senator-ben-allen-announces-campaign-for-insurance-commissioner/) - State Senator Ben Allen (D–Santa Monica) announced Tuesday that he will run for California Insurance Commissioner in 2026. Allen, who has represented parts of Los Angeles County in the State Senate since 2014, said he would focus on making insurance more affordable and accessible while ensuring the system adapts to climate-related risks. “The Palisades Fire
- [Santa Monica Helped Lead on AI Traffic Enforcement. Now Over 2,000 Hayden AI Cameras Are In-Use](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/santa-monica-helped-lead-on-ai-traffic-enforcement-now-over-2000-hayden-ai-cameras-are-in-use/) - The following is a release from HaydenAI. Hayden is an advertiser with Streetsblog, a companion publication to Santa Monica Next. That correlation did not factor in to the decision to post this release. As of this week, Hayden AI, a leading provider of vision AI solutions powering safer, smarter, and more efficient cities, has installed over 2,000
- [Jing Yeo Appointed Director of Community Development ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/jing-yeo-appointed-director-of-community-development/) - 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 David Martin’s retirement in December 2024. “More than her technical expertise and deep familiarity with
- [OPA Update 9/15/25: SB 79 Passes, City Expands Cannabis Retail Opportunities in Non-Residential Districts, Ocean Park Book Club Meeting Wednesday, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/opa-update-9-15-25-sb-79-passes-city-expands-cannabis-retail-opportunities-in-non-residential-districts-ocean-park-book-club-meeting-wednesday-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - SB 79 Passes: "Senate Bill 79, authored by San Francisco Democrat Sen. Scott Wiener, would “upzone” neighborhoods immediately surrounding train, light rail and subway stations in many of the state’s most populous metro areas. That means apartment developers will be able to construct residential buildings — some as tall as 75 feet — regardless of
- [Kool Happenings: Chi-POPE-alypse Now--A Fantasy](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/kool-happenings-chi-pope-alypse-now-a-fantasy/) - "There he goes again," as former President Ronald Reagan liked to say to his opponent, Jimmy Carter. Yet again, the current white house resident has posted a selfie in costume, this time posing as the demented Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore in Francis Ford Coppola's darkly insane Vietnam War film, Apocalypse Now. Remember him? Played by Robert
- [Zbur Takes a Stand for Single Family Zoning, but SB 79 Sails Through the Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/zbur-takes-a-stand-for-single-family-zoning-but-sb-79-sails-through-the-assembly/) - 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 still requires a concurrence vote from that body, which is widely expected to happen before
- [Last Minute Bill Would Allow Thousands of New Oil Wells Annually in Kern County](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/last-minute-bill-would-allow-thousands-of-new-oil-wells-annually-in-kern-county/) - As the legislature inches closer to its Saturday deadline to pass legislation, there’s more than just Cap-and-Trade being put on the agenda at the last minute. Early yesterday morning—the deadline for bills to be printed in order to be eligible for a vote during the final legislative session on Saturday—amendments to Senate Bill 237 were introduced that would allow
- [Free VITA Tax Assistance Preparation Services At Santa Monica Public Library in October](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/free-vita-tax-assistance-preparation-services-at-santa-monica-public-library-in-october/) - 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 tax filing deadlines being postponed to October 15, 2025, for LA County residents due to
- [All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/all-new-funhouse-at-pacific-park-to-open-at-the-santa-monica-pier-will-celebrate-eerie-historic-past/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Guests to the all-new “Funhouse at Pacific Park” will explore a lost world of spooky, chilling, and haunting experiences. The legendary “Toonerville Funhouse” appeared in two eras of Santa Monica amusement history – first at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and later at Pacific Ocean Park in
- [Conservancy Seeks Volunteers to Help Special Events for Santa Monica's 150th Birthday - First Events at Shogun House This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/conservancy-seeks-volunteers-to-help-special-events-for-santa-monicas-150th-birthday-first-events-at-shogun-house-this-weekend/) - The following is a submission from the Santa Monica Consercancy. The Santa Monica Conservancy is looking for volunteers to tell the stories of Santa Monica’s most iconic and beloved sites in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary. Volunteer opportunities range from conducting guided tours of historic places like Main Street and the Marion Davies Guest House (at Annenberg
- [Los Angeles VisionWalk Is This Saturday - Starting at Crescent Bay Park](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/los-angeles-visionwalk-is-this-saturday-starting-at-crescent-bay-park/) - This Saturday morning (details below), the Los Angeles Vision Walk, a 5K walk benefitting the Foundation Fighting Blindness, will take off from Crescent Bay Park. The stroll along the beach path will head north, cut under the pier, before turning around at the half-way point for a finish back at the park. The route mirrors
- [Cap-and-Trade Reauthorization Legislation Makes the Deadline, Could Be Approved by End of Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/cap-and-trade-reauthorization-legislation-makes-the-deadline-could-be-approved-by-end-of-week/) - The final draft of legislation must be submitted to the legislative clerk’s office 72 hours before it can be voted on. With a Friday deadline to pass legislation, the cutoff was 12:01 a.m. this morning, meaning it is now officially too late for any changes. However, late last night a deal was reached between legislators
- [City Council approves first Aging and Disability Action Plan ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/city-council-approves-first-aging-and-disability-action-plan/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved the city’s first-ever Aging and Disability Action Plan, a three-year roadmap to improve community livability for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Santa Monica is experiencing a demographic shift with nearly one in five residents over
- [OPA Update 9/11/25: Alfalfa Joins OPA, OPA August Monthly Meeting Recap, Mayor Explains What the Fiscal Emergency Declaration Means, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/opa-update-9-11-25-alfalfa-joins-opa-opa-august-monthly-meeting-recap-mayor-explains-what-the-fiscal-emergency-declaration-means-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Thank You Alfalfa for Joining OPA as a Gold Member!!! "Alfalfa is a California-inspired eatery, serving high-end salads, nourishing plates, and gluten-free desserts. Our mission is to inspire joy through balance. With bi-coastal locations, we bring an ingredient-driven approach to real food and create elevated, community-centered experiences." They have been very generous to OPA over
- [City Establishes a Permitting Process and Operational Conditions for CannabisRetailers](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/city-establishes-a-permitting-process-and-operational-conditions-for-cannabisretailers/) - 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 consider establishing an equity program for the cannabis industry. In June 2023, the council held
- [Legislation to Streamline Environmental Review for Transit, Bike, and Ped Projects Passes Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/legislation-to-streamline-environmental-review-for-transit-bike-and-ped-projects-passes-assembly/) - Earlier today, the California Assembly passed Senate Bill 71, legislation designed to make it easier to build bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities. The bill streamlines project delivery by reducing/eliminating required environmental studies. The legislation passed 56-1, with Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) voting against. Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-SD) spoke for the legislation on behalf of the bill’s
- [Meet the 2024-25 Santa Monica Family YMCA Player of the Year: Chloe Scofield](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/meet-the-2024-25-santa-monica-family-ymca-player-of-the-year-chloe-scofield/) - Photo: Mia Kondratyeva, Chloe Scofield, and Kay Roberts. Photo by Robert Clark This past month, during the halftime of the Platinum game on 8/23/25 of the 2025 Summer youth basketball season, the 2024-25 Santa Monica Family YMCA Player of the Year was awarded to Chloe Scofield. On hand to present the award were the recipient
- [Doc Drew's The Swish, Volume 18](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/doc-drews-the-swish-volume-18/) - Welcome to the first and only issue of volume eighteen of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program. This was the most challenging season since I have been running this program. With the delay to
- [How to Create a Housing Shortage: A guide for policy makers who like their rents high](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/how-to-create-a-housing-shortage-a-guide-for-policy-makers-who-like-their-rents-high/) - Imagine, it’s 1975 and you’re the mayor of a growing city that is attracting newcomers to good, well-paying jobs. That’s frustrating and you’re sick of it! For your city - something like Palo Bajo, Santa Marta, New Yonkers, or Oxford - change is bad and it’s time to stop all those pesky new homes that
- [Council Will Vote on Declaring Fiscal Emergency at Tomorrow Night's Meeting](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/council-will-vote-on-declaring-fiscal-emergency-at-tomorrow-nights-meeting/) - 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 notes that the city's budget has yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as
- [OPA Update 9/8/25: OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight/Monday, Gelson's Project is Officially Dead, Bowlmor Project Breaks Ground, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/opa-update-9-8-25-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-monday-gelsons-project-is-officially-dead-bowlmor-project-breaks-ground-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Sept 8 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SaMo Police Department 6:45
- [L.A.’s Legislators Want Most Cap-and-Trade Funds for Southland](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/l-a-s-legislators-want-most-cap-and-trade-funds-for-southland/) - With just days left in the legislative session, hopes for a smooth reauthorization of California’s Cap-and-Trade program evaporated last week when the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation (L.A. Delegation) demanded a major reshaping of how revenues are spent. In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders, the delegation called for $3.3 billion annually for Los
- [City files Housing Discrimination Lawsuit on Behalf of Disabled Veterans](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/city-files-housing-discrimination-lawsuit-on-behalf-of-disabled-veterans/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit has filed a lawsuit against the landlord of a rent-controlled property, alleging violations of local housing discrimination law. In the complaint, the city alleges that landlord Lawrence Boydston intentionally discriminated against his tenants based on
- [Kool Happenings: The Great Brain Robbery](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/kool-happenings-the-great-brain-robbery/) - In 1903, Edison Manufacturing Company employee, Edwin S. Porter, put together a short silent film called The Great Train Robbery. Over the years, the film was widely identified as the first western movie, and it well may have been the start of the most successful American film genre in history. The short film is constructed entirely
- [Santa Monica College Among 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. & Canada](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/santa-monica-college-among-30-best-film-schools-in-the-u-s-canada/) - The following is a release from SMC. Photo Caption: Behind the scenes shots from SMC student films that recently played at the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival. MovieMaker magazine has once again named Santa Monica College (SMC) one of the best film schools in North America. This year, SMC appears on the 30 Best Film Schoolsin the U.S. & Canada list,
- [Bid on Pier Magic: Shepard Fairey Print, Luxury Escapes, and Rare Experiences Highlight Auction at ‘A PIERfect Benefit’](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/bid-on-pier-magic-shepard-fairey-print-luxury-escapes-and-rare-experiences-highlight-auction-at-a-pierfect-benefit/) - From world-class art to luxury getaways and once-in-a-lifetime Pier experiences, the silent and online auction at “A PIERfect Benefit” promises something for everyone who wants to support the Santa Monica Pier Corporation’s first-ever fundraising event on Saturday, September 6, from 3:30–7:30 p.m. Hosted inside the historic Merry Go-Round Building, the event will feature cocktails, live entertainment,
- [OPA Update 9/4/25: Details of OPA Monthly Meeting Monday Next Week, SB 79 Explained, Judy Abdo To Be Honored at ‘Pierfect Benefit’, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/opa-update-9-4-25-details-of-opa-monthly-meeting-monday-next-week-sb-79-explained-judy-abdo-to-be-honored-at-pierfect-benefit-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Sept 8 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SaMo Police Department 6:45
- [Santa Monica Dems Host State Senate Candidate Forum Next Week, Endorsements the Following Week.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/santa-monica-dems-host-state-senate-candidate-forum-next-week-endorsements-the-following-week/) - Wait, it’s campaign season already? With State Senator Ben Allen term-limited out of office, there’s been a cluster of qualified candidates that have announced their intention to run for the vacant seat in 2026. With the primary over 10 months away on June 2 of next year, it might be a little early for most
- [SMC Emeritus Art Gallery to Host Free Opening Reception for Juan Manuel Valenzuela Exhibition Sept. 18](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/smc-emeritus-art-gallery-to-host-free-opening-reception-for-juan-manuel-valenzuela-exhibition-sept-18/) - “Nurturing Masculinities” — Part of FotoSoCal by CuratorLove — on Display Through Nov. 7 The following is a submission from SMC. Photo Caption: “Planes pa’ los pollos hacen gallos finos No. 10” is one of the visual works in photographer Juan Manuel Valenzuela’s “Nurturing Masculinities” exhibition in the Emeritus Art Gallery at 1227 Second St.,
- [Annual Virginia Avenue Park Open House and Resource Fair returns Sept. 5](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/annual-virginia-avenue-park-open-house-and-resource-fair-returns-sept-5/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica invites the community to the annual Virginia Avenue Park Open House and Resource Fair on Friday, Sept. 5, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This free event is a chance for residents of all ages to connect with local service providers, discover free
- [Mask-Off for the MAGA Santa Monica Coalition](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/mask-off-for-the-maga-santa-monica-coalition/) - Unfamiliar with the Santa Methica sign saga? I’m jealous. But I’m also not going to write up an explainer again. You can catchup here. Above photo by Joni Yung. In the summer of 2024, the Santa Monica Coalition seemed to be riding high. Holding a rally at Reed Park to protest the county’s needle exchange
- [Gruber: Your Legacy Here](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/09/gruber-your-legacy-here/) - This article first appeared at the Healthy City Local. Recently I was in Bellingham, Washington, for a family event. In many ways, both historical and present-day, Bellingham is a lot like Santa Monica. Both cities were situated where railroads reached the sea – in Bellingham’s case, Puget Sound. Both grew primarily as industrial cities. Today both cities
- [Film Santa Monica Launches Monday as City’s Office for Permitting, Support and Location Marketing](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/film-santa-monica-launches-monday-as-citys-office-for-permitting-support-and-location-marketing/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Original image via the Pier Corporation. Starting Sept. 1, the city of Santa Monica will partner with Film Santa Monica, a new entity of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, to handle all film permitting, support and marketing. Film Santa Monica is solely focused on
- [City's E-Bike Voucher Program Serves 122 Residents in First Year](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/citys-e-bike-voucher-program-serves-122-residents-in-first-year/) - The following post, by Peter Roquemore, Sustainability Analyst for the city, first appeared at the City of Santa Monica website. In July, Santa Monica’s E-Bike Voucher Program celebrated one year of reducing congestion on our roadways, making alternative forms of transportation more accessible, supporting local businesses, and instilling a love of biking in more than
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel To Shine For Labor Day With 90-Foot-Tall American Flag Tribute](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-to-shine-for-labor-day-with-90-foot-tall-american-flag-tribute/) - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will pay tribute to American workers this Labor Day with a patriotic lighting display on its iconic Ferris wheel. The Pacific Wheel will feature a dazzling 90-foot-tall, computer-generated American flag animation, accompanied by a brilliant lighting program of red, white, and blue colors and patterns. The seaside spectacle
- [Kool Happenings: Formerly Known as Republicans](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/kool-happenings-formerly-known-as-republicans/)
- [OPA Update 8/28/25: ICE Activity in Santa Monica, Nordstrom Closes, Tipsy Scholar Chardonnay Master Class @ AJA, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-28-25-ice-activity-in-santa-monica-nordstrom-closes-tipsy-scholar-chardonnay-master-class-aja-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - NO OPA UPDATE MONDAY DUE TO LABOR DAY HOLIDAY ICE Activity in Santa Monica: From Mayor Negrete: "After federal vehicles were seen at Santa Monica Airport, we confirmed there was a related raid in Culver City and individuals were later processed in our airport’s public parking lot. That is the full verified information we have.
- [Op/Ed: Sen. Allen and Asm. Zbur Will Destroy Their Environmental Legacy By Opposing SB 79](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/op-ed-sen-allen-and-asm-zbur-will-destroy-their-environmental-legacy-by-opposing-sb-79/) - As an ecologist and a constituent of both Senate District 24 and Assembly District 51, I have long appreciated being represented by environmental leaders. Yet, both Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Rick Zbur have traded their environmental credentials for political cowardice in the face of wealthy NIMBYs. Both state legislators have opposed Senate Bill 79,
- [Politics Heat Up Around SB79 – Dems Support, Los Angeles Opposes](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/politics-heat-up-around-sb79-dems-support-los-angeles-opposes/) - As the legislature returned to session last week, Senate Bill 79, the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act introduced by Senator Scott Wiener (D-SF), was one of the pieces of legislation taking center stage. SB 79 would automatically upzone land within a quarter of a mile of rail stations, major bus stops, and ferry terminals.
- [City Announces Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob Appointed as Acting Police Chief on 10/4](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/city-announces-deputy-chief-darrick-jacob-appointed-as-acting-police-chief-on-10-4/) - Note: The original version of this story featured a picture of an officer that was definitely NOT Deputy Chief Jacob. The picture was found on a LinkedIn search and was used instead of the official portrait that the city made available. I deeply regret this error and offer the soon to be Acting Chief Jacob
- [Op/Ed: The Santa Monica Pier Is Not City-Run ‹ Here's Why That Matters](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/op-ed-the-santa-monica-pier-is-not-city-run-heres-why-that-matters/) - For 36 years I have spent almost every day walking these cool old deck boards on the Santa Monica Pier. I began my Pier career in September 1989 as a bartender at the old Boathouse Restaurant; today I am the Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation. Have I seen a lot of change?
- [Streetsblog California Joins the Short Video Era](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/streetsblog-california-joins-the-short-video-era/) - Last week, Streetsblog California began posting short videos on a variety of social media channels. If you enjoy our mobility coverage, check us out at TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Below is embeds of our first five videos, including one on Santa Monica posted yesterday. Last Monday, we released two videos. The first
- [OPA Update 8/25/25: OPA Summer Mixer @ Lula Wednesday, Automated Bus Lane Enforcement Begins, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-25-25-opa-summer-mixer-lula-wednesday-automated-bus-lane-enforcement-begins-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Summer Mixer @ Lula Wednesday (8/27): We hope to see you at @ Lula's back patio (2720 Main St.) from 4:00-6-30pm. Come enjoy FREE appetizers and GREAT company. See you there! Ocean Park Book Club: "Our first community book club was a hit! Join us for the September book club at the Ocean Park
- [Automated Bus Lane and Bus Stop Enforcement Begins on September 1](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/automated-bus-lane-and-bus-stop-enforcement-begins-on-september-1/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. Beginning Sept. 1, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Police Department, will begin automated enforcement of vehicles parked illegally in both bus lanes and bus stops in Santa Monica, marking the official launch of its Automated Bus Lane and Bus
- [Letters: Ramon Batista Resigns as Chief of SMPD](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/letters-ramon-batista-resigns-as-chief-of-smpd/) - August 22, 2025 To the residents of Santa Monica, It is with deep gratitude and reflection that I share the news that on today’s date, I submitted my letter of resignation to City Manager Oliver Chi. I will be stepping down as your Chief of Police, effective October 4, 2025. I know this announcement may
- [The Wonderful Bike Lane Paving Machine Is Coming for Bergamot](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/the-wonderful-bike-lane-paving-machine-is-coming-for-bergamot/) - Via the Santa Monica DOT's "Take the Friendly Road" newsletter comes news that all bike lane enthusiasts have been waiting for. Santa Monica's "Wonderful Bike Lane Paving Machine," (WBLPM) more boringly (and accurately) known as a "3D Concrete Extruder" will be returning to Santa Monica for work around Bergamot Station. Last seen in 2023 rapidly
- [Californians Continue to Love High-Speed Rail, Even if Republicans in Washington D.C. Don’t](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/californians-continue-to-love-high-speed-rail-even-if-republicans-in-washington-d-c-dont/) - Yesterday, U.S. High Speed Rail, a non-profit advocacy group co-chaired by former Republican Congressman and USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood, released the results of a new poll of California voters. The poll showed that the CA High-Speed Rail project remains popular with California voters. This continues despite non-stop nonsensical attacks from elected officials in the Trump
- [Dr. Demento's Kennedy Honors Gig](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/dr-dementos-kennedy-honors-gig/) - In Elia Kazan and Budd Schulberg's 1957 classic, A Face In The Crowd, we were given a prophetic peek at the growing connection between media and politics and, perhaps, a hint on how that can quickly turn sour when exposed to a little sunshine. In the film, an ambitious radio producer finds charming, homespun, Andy Griffith
- [OPA Update 8/21/25: OPA + Heal the Bay Beach Cleanup, Final Ocean Park Summer Picnic, OPA Mixer Next Wednesday, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-21-25-opa-heal-the-bay-beach-cleanup-final-ocean-park-summer-picnic-opa-mixer-next-wednesday-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [Community Meeting Announced for Pair of New Housing Projects on 7th Street](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/community-meeting-announced-for-pair-of-new-housing-projects-on-7th-street/) - The development team for a pair of housing projects on 7th street announced a virtual community meeting to discuss the project on Notice of Virtual Community Meeting on Thursday, September 11 from 6- 7:30 p.m. You can join the meeting by clicking here, or sign-up for more details at the projects' official website. Details of
- [Rec. and Parks Commission to Review New Recreation Vision Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/rec-and-parks-committee-to-review-new-recreation-vision-plan/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan draft update is now available online here. The updated plan, a 345 page document, embraces a new vision for the city's park network: "City as Habitat." Originally adopted nearly 30 years ago, the Parks and Recreation Vision
- [HelloFresh Will Pay 7.5 Million for Subscription Practices](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/hellofresh-will-pay-7-5-million-for-subscription-practices/) - HelloFresh, the largest meal kit delivery service in the U.S., has agreed to pay approximately $7.5 million to settle a consumer protection lawsuit alleging that it violated the California Automatic Renewal Law. The lawsuit alleged that HelloFresh enrolled consumers in automatically renewing subscription plans without properly disclosing the terms of the plans and without properly
- [ Op/Ed: Undoing a Culture of Extraction](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/op-ed-undoing-a-culture-of-extraction/) - Community Benefits. Inclusionary Zoning. Impact Fees. Discretionary Approvals. Transfer Taxes. More Input. More Analysis. More Procedure. For a generation, Santa Monica and many California municipalities have treated new development as a cash cow for a wide variety of pet projects and as a means to fill city budgets strangled by Proposition 13. Amidst a slow
- [OPA Update 8/18/25: Starting Another School Year at SAMOHI, Tsunami Warning Tips, City Council Approves Parking Rate Changes, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-18-25-starting-another-school-year-at-samohi-tsunami-warning-tips-city-council-approves-parking-rate-changes-things-to-do-this-week/) - Starting Another School Year at SAMOHI: SAMOHI Choir sincerely thanks our steadfast supporters for their support of the 2024-2025 program. Your generosity and enthusiasm enable us to offer enriching musical experiences, support students’ growth, and increase our outreach within the community. Santa Monica encourages commuters to plan ahead as high schools return to downtown area:
- [Annual Americana in the Park celebrates Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary with exciting musical acts Sept. 14](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/annual-americana-in-the-park-celebrates-santa-monicas-150th-anniversary-with-exciting-musical-acts-sept-14/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Americana in the Park is back for a 5th year with a special edition celebrating Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary with an array of artists reflecting the city’s diverse and creative spirit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. at Gandara Park. Presented by
- [OPA Update 8/14/25: OPA August Monthly Meeting Recap, CicLAvia, Butterfly Brawl Charity Boxing Match on the Pier, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-14-25-opa-august-monthly-meeting-recap-ciclavia-butterfly-brawl-charity-boxing-match-on-the-pier-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA August Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full recording and here are some highlights from the meeting: SMPD: Click here to see the discussion of recent police activity, ebike enforcement, and more. SMFD: Click here to see the discussion with our local engine company (5 guys were there) of the homeless service center at
- [The Very Newest Beautiful Newspeak and The Unconsenting Soul](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/the-very-newest-beautiful-newspeak-and-the-unconsenting-soul/) - The Very Newest Beautiful Newspeak In George Orwell's iconic sci fi classic, 1984, the totalitarian government of the fictional superstate of Oceania invents and promulgates a new language called Newspeak. Using this change in language, they shrink the number and usage of words in order to limit the population's ability to think critically or to hold thoughts in opposition
- [Santa Monica adopts first Citywide Equity Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/santa-monica-adopts-first-citywide-equity-plan/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved the first-ever Citywide Equity Plan, a roadmap to advance the city’s core values of equity across the organization. The goal of the plan is to ensure that all community members, regardless of race, gender, ability or background,
- [Judy Abdo and Larry Barber Win First "Pier Awards"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/judy-abdo-and-larry-barber-win-first-pier-awards/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) invites the community to celebrate an evening of connection, cocktails, and purpose at its inaugural fundraising event, “A PIERfect Benefit,” on Saturday, September 6, at the historic Merry Go-Round Building on the Santa Monica Pier, from 3:30–7:30 p.m. As the sun
- [City Council Approves Loan to Rehab Virginia Ave. Affordable Apartments](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/city-council-approves-loan-to-rehab-virginia-ave-affordable-apartments/) - The following is a submission from the city. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved a Housing Trust Fund loan not to exceed $35.7 million to Community Corporation of Santa Monica, or CCSM, for rehabilitation of a 40-apartment rent-controlled community at 2033-2101 Virginia Ave. CCSM purchased the Virginia Avenue property, which was originally built in
- [City Council Moves to Make Downtown Revitalization Measures Permanent](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/city-council-moves-to-make-downtown-revitalization-measures-permanent/) - But it also Put Certain Limits on Hotel and Pawn Shop Operations The city council continues to adjust its policies in an attempt to stimulate downtown business activity. On Tuesday evening, the council voted to codify some temporary measures it had previously approved, while also adding to them. The previous city council, in October of
- [Council Briefs: Parking Tweaks, Bad Faith Negotiating, Affordable Housing Zoning Changes, Equity Ordinance](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/council-briefs-parking-tweaks-bad-faith-negotiating-affordable-housing-zoning-changes-equity-ordinance/) - Next is continuing with a series with new coverage of the city council meetings with a series of shorts that tells the rest of the story that our larger pieces might miss. Last night’s meeting can be found on video here. AFSCME Slams Council Budget A representative of the AFSCME union that represents city employees
- [Ride the Steel Wave: Pacific Park Celebrates ‘National Roller Coaster Day’ with the Ocean-Soaring West Coaster This Saturday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/ride-the-steel-wave-pacific-park-celebrates-national-roller-coaster-day-with-the-ocean-soaring-west-coaster-this-saturday/) - Get ready to ride the steel wave of National Roller Coaster Day. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is offering $1 rides on its ocean-soaring West Coaster on Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow @pacpark on Instagram and watch for Thursday's post to get the special barcode to unlock the deal and
- [Endless Summer C.A.M.P. celebrates Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary in a free day of art, music and play for all ages](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/endless-summer-c-a-m-p-celebrates-santa-monicas-150th-anniversary-in-a-free-day-of-art-music-and-play-for-all-ages/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary celebration continues with Endless Summer C.A.M.P. (Community | Art | Music | Picnic), a joyful, free, family-friendly afternoon in the heart of Tongva Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Back for a third year, Endless
- [Santa Monica Announces Return of Safe Routes to School Program as Pali High Is First School to Re-Open Later This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/santa-monica-announces-return-of-safe-routes-to-school-program-as-pali-high-is-first-school-to-re-open-later-this-week/) - Back to School comes early to Santa Monica this year as Pali High students will return to their Downtown Santa Monica home away from home later this week. Pali’s campus could re-open after winter break, but for now the students will continue their education in the Sears building. As students, including SMMUSD next week, visiting
- [OPA Update 8/11/25: OPA Monthly Meeting TONIGHT/Monday, Return To School Traffic Tips, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-11-25-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-monday-return-to-school-traffic-tips-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA August 11 Monthly Meeting TONIGHT/Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00:
- [Free Metered Parking for EVs Ends on September 30](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/free-metered-parking-for-evs-ends-on-september-30/) - For as long as I've lived in Los Angeles (2007, FtR), the State of California has allowed special privileges to electric vehicles and other low-emission vehicles to drive in carpool lanes or for free in HOV/HOT lanes regardless of the number of passengers as long as the car had a special sticker on the rear
- [Kool Happenings: Give Him Enough Rope](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/kool-happenings-give-him-enough-rope/) - The idea that, given enough freedom to make foolish decisions, one may eventually use it to one's own detriment, is expressed in a number of different languages as having enough "rope". In Hindi, the full quote translates as "If you give him enough rope, he will eventually reveal his true intentions". For us, the idiom
- [Governor Signs “Slow Down, Move Over” Law Creating Protections for Stranded Motorists](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/governor-signs-slow-down-move-over-law-creating-protections-for-stranded-motorists/) - Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 390 into law which extends protections already given to police officers, highway workers, Caltrans employees and other people doing official work on the highways to anyone outside of their vehicle. Drivers will now be required to drive their car into a left lane (or a right one if the person is in
- [OPA Update 8/7/25: New City Manager Oliver Chi @ OPA Monthly Meeting Next Monday, 15' Great White Shark Spotted Near the Pier, Chez Jay’s 66 Year Anniversary Party, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-8-7-25-new-city-manager-oliver-chi-opa-monthly-meeting-next-monday-15-great-white-shark-spotted-near-the-pier-chez-jays-66-year-anniversary-party-other-things-to-do-t/) - OPA August 11 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00:
- [Now To October: Free Saturday Morning Fitness – Wellness & Waves on the Santa Monica Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/now-to-october-free-saturday-morning-fitness-wellness-waves-on-the-santa-monica-pier/) - The following submission and above photo is from the Pier Corporation. Start your weekend with movement, mindfulness, and ocean views as Wellness & Waves continues on the Santa Monica Pier each Saturday through October 11, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m. each week. This popular Free fitness series invites the community to embrace self-care and coastal vibes with group
- [Conservancy Invites You to Celebrate the 66th Birthday of Chez Jay](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/conservancy-invites-you-to-celebrate-the-66th-birthday-of-chez-jay/) - The following comes via the Santa Monica Conservancy. This Saturday, August 9th, Chez Jay celebrates its 66th Anniversary. This legacy business, located just off Route 66, is a designated Santa Monica Historic landmark and has held its place in the community as a “celebrity hangout” and all-around “classy joint” since its opening in 1959. You can make a reservation
- [SMPD Stats Show Shocking Drop in Traffic Enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/smpd-stats-show-shocking-drop-in-traffic-enforcement/) - Statistics released in an email from the City Manager show a shocking drop in the amount of traffic stops made by the Santa Monica Police Department over the last decade. In 2015, the department issued 12,526 total traffic citations. That number dropped every year until the pandemic saw a temporary massive drop in traffic. However,
- [OPA Update National Night Out Tonight, OPA August Monthly Meeting Next Monday, SMPD to Increase Enforcement Against Illegal Off-Highway Vehicles, & More!](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/opa-update-national-night-out-tonight-opa-august-monthly-meeting-next-monday-smpd-to-increase-enforcement-against-illegal-off-highway-vehicles-more/) - This newsletter came out yesterday and this copy has been lightly edited to remove events from last night. OPA August 11 Monthly Meeting Next Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the
- [Plan Would Replace Santa Monica Business Park Adjacent Building with 375 Unit Mixed-Use Housing Project](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/plan-would-replace-santa-monica-office-park-with-375-unit-mixed-use-housing-project/) - Major changes are coming to Ocean Park Boulevard (adjacent to the Santa Monica Airport, Clover Park and the Santa Monica Business Park) if a project outlined in a permit application to the city comes to fruition. The mixed-use project proposes 375 units, 44 of which are deed-restricted affordable, parking with ground-floor retail. Buildings would be
- [Reminder: BBB Service Changes Go Into Place  on Sunday, 8/10](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/08/reminder-bbb-service-changes-go-into-place-on-sunday-8-10/) - The following is a reminder from the City of Santa Monica. Beginning Sunday, Aug. 10, the city of Santa Monica Big Blue Bus will implement a series of service improvements designed to make riding easier, faster and more convenient for customers throughout Santa Monica and the Westside. These changes are part of Big Blue Bus’s ongoing Brighter Blue initiative,
- [Kool Happenings: Jumping Through Hoops](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/kool-happenings-jumping-through-hoops/)
- [Commentary: More Trump and Co. High Speed Rail Sophistry](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/commentary-more-trump-and-co-high-speed-rail-sophistry/) - The following article comes to us from Streetsblog San Francisco. Photo: Caltrain in Redwood City, Streetsblog/Rudick Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy had an op-ed in the Sacramento Bee on Wednesday complaining about the state suing to stop his attempted clawback of $4 billion in federal dollars for California's high-speed rail. From the article: Sorry, no, Duffy does not want Americans
- [OPA Update 7/31/25: Thank You AJA Vineyards for Joining OPA as a Gold Member, OPA Housing Committee Meeting This Coming Monday, Margaritas & Mocktails with the Mayor, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-31-25-thank-you-aja-vineyards-for-joining-opa-as-a-gold-member-opa-housing-committee-meeting-this-coming-monday-margaritas-mocktails-with-the-mayor-other-things-to-do-this/) - Main St. Closed to Traffic THIS Sunday AM for Festival of Chariots Parade from Approx 10am-12pm Thank You AJA Vineyards for Joining OPA as a Gold Member!!! AJA Vineyards is proud to be Santa Monica's first ever winery tasting room. They feature award-winning local wines from their family's Estate Vineyard in the Malibu Coast and
- [City Council Continues Restorative Justice Efforts Around the Ebony Beach Club](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/city-council-continues-restorative-justice-efforts-around-the-ebony-beach-club/) - The city is one step closer to bringing justice to the family of Silas White following a vote to offer mediation to the White family. White was a prominent Black entrepreneur who owned businesses and property in and near Santa Monica in the 1950s. In the late 1950s, he set out to open a club
- [Council Wrap: New DTSM Board, Pico Bus Stop Approved, Protected Bike Lanes Approved, Changes to the RAND Developer Agreement and More.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/council-wrap-new-dtsm-board-pico-bus-stop-approved-protected-bike-lanes-approved-changes-to-the-rand-developer-agreement-and-more/) - Next is debuting a new feature this week. Following City Council meetings we’ll have a quick recap of all of the pieces of legislation that we’re not planning larger stories of. Council Recalls and Replaces Six Members of DTSM Board Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis and Councilmembers Dan Hall and Barry Snell brought forward a
- [RAND Looking for City Approval to Change Downtown Headquarters Building](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/rand-looking-for-city-approval-to-change-downtown-headquarters-building/) - (Photo: Miles Freeman/Google) RAND Seeks Changes to 25-Year-Old Development Deal to Allow for Mixed-Use At tonight’s City Council meeting, the RAND Corporation is seeking changes in its Development Agreement with the city agreed to in 2000 that is set to expire in 2055. Given radical changes in commuting patterns, the famous downtown Santa Monica RAND
- [Seven Police Athletic League Youth Awarded $33,500 in Scholarships](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/seven-police-athletic-league-youth-awarded-33500-in-scholarships/) - The following is a submission from the Police Athletic League. You can support their work at the September 9th poker tournament/fundraiser. Get more details, here. The Police Activities League (PAL) hosted its annual Chris Carrey PAL Education Scholarship Fund recognition ceremony on the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St. Monica’s Grand Pavilion in Santa Monica. Santa Monica PAL youth, including
- [Legislative Update: Summer Recess Edition](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/legislative-update-summer-recess-edition/) - Which Bills Are Alive and Which Have Died in the California Legislature as Electeds Take Summer Break July 18 was the last day for the legislature before its one month summer break and also the last day for legislation to clear all of the necessary policy committees or else they will have to wait for
- [OPA Update 7/28/25: Thank You Ted Winterer for Upgrading Your OPA Membership to Gold, OPA Housing Committee Meeting Next Monday, & Introducing the Ocean Park Book Club](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-28-25-thank-you-ted-winterer-for-upgrading-your-opa-membership-to-gold-opa-housing-committee-meeting-next-monday-introducing-the-ocean-park-book-club/) - Thank You Ted Winterer for Upgrading Your OPA Membership to Gold!!! "Ted Winterer has lived with his family in Ocean Park for 25 years and was a founding member of OPA and its second president. That good trouble led to stints as a Planning Commissioner, Councilmember and Mayor; since being "retired" by the voters he's
- [Eyes on the Promenade: Exciting Storefronts Promise New Offerings](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/eyes-on-the-promenade-exciting-storefronts-promise-new-offerings/) - Just a couple of years ago, the 3rd Street Promenade seemed to be on its last legs. Storefront vacancies were higher than they should have been. There was a perception that crime and homelessness were out of control. The outdoor mall was suffering from the triple hits of the pandemic, a drop of foreign tourism
- [City Attorney Doug Sloan Resigns](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/city-attorney-doug-sloan-resigns/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa monica. City Attorney Doug Sloan announced Thursday he will resign from his post effective Aug. 31. Sloan has served as Santa Monica’s city attorney since he was appointed by the City Council in 2022. He previously served as city attorney and assistant city attorney
- [Kool Happenings: Fear And Loathing In America](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/kool-happenings-fear-and-loathing-in-america/) - In 1971, "gonzo" author, Hunter S. Thompson, debuted his novel, Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. His soon-to-be-classic became a seminal part of over-the-top fiction depicting the exploding phenomenon of a drug-fueled counter-culture and a wild disregard for the behavior of the day. Although we traditionally think of "counter-culture" as describing anti-establishment norms on the left, these
- [I 100% Agree That the City Needs to Rethink Funding 501c(4) Neighborhood Groups](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/i-100-agree-that-the-city-needs-to-rethink-funding-501c4-neighborhood-groups/) - I don’t write op/eds for Santa Monica Next very often. I see my role as a reporter from outside the city as presenting the news with context to help readers understand not just what’s happening by why it’s happening. But every now and then, probably about once a year, I feel the need to say
- [More Unhoused Moving Indoors, But More People Living in Cars As Well](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/more-unhoused-moving-indoors-but-more-people-living-in-cars-as-well/) - Below is the press release from the City of Santa Monica on the "point in time" homeless count from earlier this year. The Daily Press notes in its coverage that despite the rosy language, homelessness is up slightly when including people living in their cars. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, or LAHSA, has released
- [OPA Update 7/24/25: OPA Beach Clean-Up THIS Sunday, Mixed City Homeless Numbers Update, Dine LA Restaurant Week Returns, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-24-25-opa-beach-clean-up-this-sunday-mixed-city-homeless-numbers-update-dine-la-restaurant-week-returns-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA BEACH CLEAN-UP THIS SUNDAY: The event is 10AM until noon, we meet at Tower 26, Ocean Park Blvd at the beach, supplies are provided and there will be a Heal The Bay speaker to coordinate the cleanup. Parents, students, families and neighbors are all welcome. Email Dave Tann with questions. Councilmember Dan Hall's Quarterly
- [ICE Terror Depressed Overall Metro Ridership in June](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/ice-terror-depressed-overall-metro-ridership-in-june/) - For nearly two months, dehumanizing Southern California ICE raids have torn families apart, sent communities into hiding, slammed the California economy, and more. Newly released Metro ridership statistics reflect some of the current impacts of ICE terror as many L.A. residents are not safe in public spaces, including taking trips on transit. Some ICE kidnappings
- [Update: Brian Umali Is Home with His Family.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/update-brian-umali-is-home-with-his-family/) - Last we week, Next posted a cry for help from the family of Brian Umali who had gone missing after his wallet had been found at the Pier. We don't have the details of how he was found, but Umali's family tells Reddit that he has been returned. UPDATE: BRIAN IS HOME! Thank you all
- [Expanded Metro GoPass/WSS Partnership Results in Nearly 17,000 Students Gaining Easier Access to School, Work, Leisure Activities...Including Some in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/expanded-metro-gopass-wss-partnership-results-in-nearly-17000-students-gaining-easier-access-to-school-work-leisure-activities-including-some-in-santa-monica/) - The following is a submission from LA Metro. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced yesterday its expanded partnership with retailer WSS, which is now sponsoring Metro’s GoPass Program for nearly 17,000 students enrolled in the Lynwood Unified and Inglewood Unified School Districts. Students in the GoPass program benefit from free, unlimited rides on
- [OPA Update 7/21/25: OPA Beach Clean-Up THIS Sunday, Fire Dept. Community Connect Program Details, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-21-25-opa-beach-clean-up-this-sunday-fire-dept-community-connect-program-details-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA BEACH CLEAN-UP THIS SUNDAY: The event is 10AM until noon, we meet at Tower 26, Ocean Park Blvd at the beach, supplies are provided and there will be a Heal The Bay speaker to coordinate the cleanup. Parents, students, families and neighbors are all welcome. Email Dave Tann with questions. Other Upcoming OPA events:
- [Metro Seeks Members for Public Safety Advisory Committee](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/metro-seeks-members-for-public-safety-advisory-committee/) - Metro Seeks Members for Public Safety Advisory Committee The following is a submission from Metro. We are thrilled to announce that applications for the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) are now open!This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community, collaborate with passionate individuals, and contribute to the growth and success
- [Kool Happenings : The Administration of Magical Thinking](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/kool-happenings-the-administration-of-magical-thinking/) - Author, Joan Didion, in her thought provoking book on coping with the death of her husband, referred to her recurring expectation that her husband would walk back in the door, or her inability to throw out his shoes, as "Magical Thinking". I took it to mean the way our minds create an impossible reality to
- [Trump and Duffy Continue Assault on California and the Environment, Officially Cancel Federal Funding for High-Speed Rail](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/trump-and-duffy-continue-assault-on-california-and-the-environment-officially-cancel-federal-funding-for-high-speed-rail/) - In yet another gift to the oil industry, United States President Donald Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced the cancellation of $4 billion in federal grants to the California High-Speed Rail project awarded under previous administrations. The move will likely lead to another round of lawsuits as California seeks legal remedies to protect itself from
- [Legislation to Modernize Red Light Cameras in California Has Cleared the Senate and is Moving in the Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/legislation-to-modernize-red-light-cameras-in-california-has-cleared-the-senate-and-is-moving-in-the-assembly/) - It’s hard to argue against traffic safety programs with Damian Kevitt. The affable head of Streets Are For Everyone comes prepared with a litany of statistics and data when called upon to testify. His personal story as a survivor of a hit-and-run crash while bicycling in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park that saw him dragged for
- [OPA Update 7/17/25: State of the City Event Tonight, July OPA Meeting Recap, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-17-25-state-of-the-city-event-tonight-july-opa-meeting-recap-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - State of the City Event (TONIGHT/THURSDAY 4 - 7 pm): A Celebration of Resilience and Growth: Putting a new spin on the State of the City tradition, the evening will start with an opening reception inside the Miles Memorial Playhouse, offering light refreshments, city information displays and a chance to meet and connect with Mayor Lana Negrete
- [Reminder: State of the City Is Thursday Night at Reed Park, Kicking Off SaMo's 150th Birthday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/reminder-state-of-the-city-is-thursday-night-at-reed-park-kicking-off-samos-150th-birthday/) - The following announcement comes from the City of Santa Monica. For more visit the city's official website. Santa Monica’s annual State of the City returns Thursday, July 17 from 4–7 p.m. with a fresh format and festive spirit at Reed Park and the newly reopened Miles Memorial Playhouse. Kick off the city’s 150th anniversary with
- [Supes Move to Restore Measure J](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/supes-move-to-restore-measure-j/) - In 2020, Los Angeles County voters passed Measure J - an effort to shift the county away from carceral infrastructure by moving no less than 10 percent of its locally generated unrestricted revenue to investments in communities and programs that addressed the disproportionate impact of racial injustice. Early investments of these funds have gone towards
- [Supes Push for Transparency and Accountability from ICE](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/supes-push-for-transparency-and-accountability-from-ice/) - The following is a press statement from the Office of Lindsey Horvath: Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authored by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Holly J. Mitchell to support state and federal legislation aimed at ensuring accountability and visibility during immigration enforcement operations.This action follows alarming reports of federal
- [Redditor Seeks Help Finding Missing Brother Last Seen in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/redditor-seeks-help-finding-missing-brother-last-seen-in-santa-monica/) - From the post on Reddit: Hi everyone. My brother Brian has been missing for about a month, and we would like to get as many eyes searching for him as possible. Brian was last seen leaving Santa Maria, CA on foot on June 26th at 11:26 am. We believe he may have been on the
- [Free, Live Virtual Show from the SMC Planetarium in August, "Sneak Peek" on Aug. 8](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/free-live-virtual-show-from-the-smc-planetarium-in-august-sneak-peek-on-aug-8/) - The Santa Monica College Planetarium continues its Friday evening events in August 2025 with a free, live virtual show presented online at smc.edu/planetarium. The August show will offer a sneak peek at SMC’s new planetarium and shows. The Friday evening show is at 8 p.m. and is preceded by a streamlined virtual digest of the popular Night Sky Show at 7 p.m., offering the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. The shows include
- [Mayor Lana Negrete Speaking at OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight/Monday, State of the City Event Thursday, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/mayor-lana-negrete-speaking-at-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-monday-state-of-the-city-event-thursday-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA July 14 Monthly Meeting Tonight/Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00:
- [Venice Family Declared HHS Order on Funding for Health and Education to be "Assault on Immigrant Communities"”  ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/venice-family-declared-hhs-order-on-funding-for-health-and-education-to-be-assault-on-immigrant-communities/) - The following is a statement from the Venice Family Clinic. Venice Family Clinic, a nonprofit community health center serving 45,000 people in need from the Santa Monica Mountains through the South Bay, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announcement that it plans to restrict access to community
- [Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. CEO Andrew Thomas Announces Departure](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/downtown-santa-monica-inc-ceo-andrew-thomas-announces-departure/) - Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) announced last Friday that Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas will step down after three years. "When I returned to DTSM in 2022, it truly felt like coming home," said Thomas. "I knew the energy, passion, and potential that define this remarkable place. Together, we rebuilt the foundation, reimagined the future,
- [Give Input on Metro Sepulveda Rail Plan to connect Valley and Westside](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/give-input-on-metro-sepulveda-rail-plan-to-connect-valley-and-westside/) - The following article also appears at Streetsblog Los Angeles. Metro recently released its draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a planned rail connection between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside. The project is called the Sepulveda Transit Corridor. Metro is taking comments on the draft EIR for a 90-day period ending on August 30.
- [Kool Happenings: Holding Out For A Hero](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/kool-happenings-holding-out-for-a-hero/) - If you've seen the movie Footloose even once, you are familiar with Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler's rendition of the Steinman and Pitchford song, "Holding Out For A Hero." It was covered by the fairy godmother in Shrek 2 as she tried to manipulate Princess Fiona into falling for Prince Charming. In both cases, it was, at best, a wistful
- [City Council Studies Design and Features Options for a Future Park at the SantaMonica Airport](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/city-council-studies-design-and-features-options-for-a-future-park-at-the-santamonica-airport/) - It was no quiet night in city council chambers on Tuesday evening, as the council conducted a study session on the much-anticipated, much-desired park space on the land that is currently the Santa Monica Airport. A couple hundred residents rallied outside City Hall before the meeting began, and many stayed to express their passionate preferences
- [OPA Update 7/10/25: Thank You Raphael Barragán for Joining OPA as our First Ever "DIAMOND Business Member", OPA July 14 Monthly Meeting Monday, ICE on Main St.?, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-10-25-thank-you-raphael-barragan-for-joining-opa-as-our-first-ever-diamond-business-member-opa-july-14-monthly-meeting-monday-ice-on-main-st-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [Council Votes More Money for SMPD, Park-Only Option for SMO and For Study of Whether Or Not to Continue Funding Neighborhood Groups](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/council-votes-more-money-for-smpd-park-only-option-for-smo-and-against-study-of-whether-or-not-to-continue-funding-neighborhood-groups/) - When the United Democratic Slate swept all four seats in the last election, there were cheers (or concerns) that a new progressive super-majority would dramatically change the way the city operates. However, there were three controversial votes taken at last night’s city council meeting, with the “6-1 pro-housing progressive majority,” and two of them would
- [Learn to Spin Yarn at the Santa Monica Public Library](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/learn-to-spin-yarn-at-the-santa-monica-public-library/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Learn how to create your own hand-spun yarn at this free workshop on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 1 - 4 p.m., at the Montana Ave. Branch of the Santa Monica Public Library, located at 1704 Montana Ave. Volunteers from the Greater Los Angeles
- [Doc Drew's The Swish: Volume 19](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/doc-drews-the-swish-volume-19/) - Welcome to the first and only issue of volume nineteen of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program. Last season was the most challenging season with all of us having to come together and support
- [Gruber: We Already Have a City. We Need a Park.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/gruber-we-already-have-a-city-we-need-a-park/) - Note from the editor of Next: The City Council will vote on how best to proceed in planning for the conversion of Santa Monica Airport into a park at tonight's City Council meeting. Todd Flora will have a report later this week at Santa Monica Next. The below article first appeared at The Healthy City
- [Eyes in the Park: Chess Minded Individual Hosts Meetup Opening Day for New Tables](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/eyes-in-the-park-chess-minded-individual-hosts-meetup-opening-day-for-new-tables/) - "The city shut down the old chess park three years ago and it was a real battle to get these boards relocated, but it finally worked out," writes Reddit user Cody O'Connel, as he announces "Opening Day" for the new chessboards in Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue, at noon this Saturday, July 12. Honestly, there's
- [BBB Will Raise Fares in August for First Time in Nearly a Decade](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/bbb-will-raise-fares-in-august-for-first-time-in-nearly-a-decade/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Beginning August 10, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation will increase fares on the BigBlueBus system for the first time in nearly a decade: Big Blue Bus is implementing the following fare changes: Increasing the cost of Single Ride, 1-Day, 7-Day, 10 Rides, and 30-Day Passes Eliminating the Annual and Youth 30-Day Passes Big Blue Bus will maintain: One free Big Blue Bus to Big Blue Bus transfer within two hours Discounted fares
- [Kool Happenings: Lipstick on a Pig](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/kool-happenings-lipstick-on-a-pig/) - In 1926, Charles F. Lummis, a city editor for the Los Angeles Times, historian, and city librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library, wrote, "Most of us know as much of history as a pig does of lipsticks". Over time, the metaphor morphed to "putting lipstick on a pig", meaning to falsely pretty something up so as
- [OPA Update 7/3/25: Happy Independence Day! Main St. 4th of July Parade Starts Friday @ 9:30am](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-7-3-25-happy-independence-day-main-st-4th-of-july-parade-starts-friday-930am/) - Main St. Parade Details: The parade starts Friday at 9:30am near City Hall and runs south down Main St., ending at Barnard Way. See you there!!! Note that Main St. will be closed Friday to vehicular traffic from 6am - 1pm from Olympic Ave to Barnard Way that day. Multiple Main St. shops will be open Friday during and after the
- [Governor Signs Major Changes to CEQA to Cheers from YIMBYs, Jeers from Environmental Groups](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/governor-signs-major-changes-to-ceqa-to-cheers-from-yimbys-jeers-from-environmental-groups/) - Note: Assemblymember Rick Zbur and Senator Ben Allen, Santa Monica's representatives to the legislature, both voted to approve this legislation. California’s biggest environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has been on the books for over half a century. Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a pair of CEQA reform bills, exempting many projects from
- [Santa Monica Public Library launches Community Mapping survey](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/santa-monica-public-library-launches-community-mapping-survey/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Public Library, or SMPL, launched a survey today as part of its Community Mapping initiative, inviting patrons and community members to share their feedback and join the library in mapping its future. SMPL’s Community Mapping initiative seeks to design library programs
- [Santa Monica and West Hollywood Bus Lane/Stop Enforcement Programs Start Today](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/santa-monica-and-west-hollywood-bus-lane-stop-enforcement-programs-start-today/) - The following article is also found at Streetsblog Los Angeles. The cities of West Hollywood and Santa Monica are each launching new bus lane camera enforcement programs today. On-bus AI cameras will ticket drivers who park in bus-only lanes or at bus stops. Similar bus lane enforcement programs are already operating on Metro buses in the
- [New Rules for BBB Go Into Effect Today: Drivers Can Deny Rides to Repeat Offenders](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/new-rules-for-bbb-go-into-effect-today-drivers-can-deny-rides-to-repeat-offenders/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. Starting today, the Santa Monica Department of Transportation will implement stronger action in promoting safety and adherence to its Customer Code of Conduct, thanks to its new Prohibition Order Program. The program is made possible under Senate Bill 1417, and gives Big Blue
- [OPA Update: Main St. 4th of July Parade Details, New Tacos Por Favor Opens on Lincoln Blvd., Nordstrom Santa Monica Place Closing, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/07/opa-update-main-st-4th-of-july-parade-details-new-tacos-por-favor-opens-on-lincoln-blvd-nordstrom-santa-monica-place-closing-things-to-do-this-week/) - Main St. Parade Details: The parade starts FRIDAY at 9:30am near City Hall and runs south down Main St., ending at Barnard Way. See you there!!! Note that Main St. will be closed to vehicular traffic Friday from 6am - 1pm from Olympic Ave to Barnard Way that day. Multiple Main St. shops will be
- [Santa Monica celebrates 150 years with citywide events, microgrants and a summer kickoff at State of the City](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monica-celebrates-150-years-with-citywide-events-microgrants-and-a-summer-kickoff-at-state-of-the-city/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica Santa Monica is marking 150 years with a citywide celebration from July through December 2025, and the entire community is invited to reflect on Santa Monica’s shared history. This milestone marks 150 years since July 14, 1875, when the town of Santa Monica was
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel to Shine with 90-Foot-Tall Animated American Flag for Fourth of July](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-to-shine-with-90-foot-tall/) - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will celebrate Independence Day by lighting up the night sky with a dazzling 90-foot-tall, animated American flag on its iconic Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel. As part of a weeklong Fourth of July celebration, the Ferris wheel will join other Southern California landmarks in glowing red, white, and blue,
- [A View on the Ongoing Attack on Southern California](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/a-view-on-the-ongoing-attack-on-southern-california/) - I was doing my weekend jog on the beach path last Saturday, when I crossed underneath the Santa Monica Pier and was greeted with an eerily familiar site. Similar to my training runs in February, the volleyball courts were empty. A tournament that was part of Pride on the Pier had been canceled along with
- [Metro Responds to Issues Resulting from ICE Raids and Protests](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/metro-responds-to-issues-resulting-from-ice-raids-and-protests/) - This article also appears at Streetsblog. All images via Metro Board presentation yesterday. At yesterday's Metro board meeting, staff presented on how recent ICE raids and demonstrations have impacted Metro. The staff report shed some light on what has taken place in recent weeks, but the assessment focused more on impacts to Metro's assets - buses, trains, stations
- [The Little Engine That Could (Crash) and the Toxic Trickle Down Effect](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/the-little-engine-that-could-crash-and-the-toxic-trickle-down-effect/) - We've all seen the movie. The multi-car train runs peacefully through mountains and valleys, puffing smoke. In the passenger cars, people eat, play cards, sleep. Ahead, however, we see that the bridge is out. Will the engineers do something in time? Unfortunately, they are busy telling each other stories and, thanks to their self-engrossment, the
- [Learn About the History of Muscle Beach at Pier 360](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/learn-about-the-history-of-muscle-beach-at-pier-360/) - Via the Santa Monica Conservancy... Discover the legendary history of Santa Monica’s original Muscle Beach! We’ll feature historic photographs of gymnasts, weightlifters, and other exceptional athletes who made this iconic location famous. This special exhibit is open for two days (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) as part of Santa Monica Pier’s Pier 360 Beach Festival.
- [OPA Update 6/26/25: 4th of July Parade Updates, Ocean Park Summer Picnic Series Kicks Off Tonight, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-26-25-4th-of-july-parade-updates-ocean-park-summer-picnic-series-kicks-off-tonight-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [City Council Adopts 2025-2027 Biennial Budget and 2025-2026 Capital Improvements Budget](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/city-council-adopts-2025-2027-biennial-budget-and-2025-2026-capital-improvements-budget/) - Facing revenue challenges due to an uncertain national outlook and a local economy slowly recovering from the COVID pandemic, the city council approved a two-year budget plan on Tuesday evening that included tough decisions focused on resilience. The budget in numbers. The city’s adjusted General Fund is expected to total $478,551,127, with revenues falling short
- [Gruber: Converting Santa Monica Airport Into a Park, Time to Talk about Time](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/gruber-converting-santa-monica-airport-into-a-park-time-to-talk-about-time/) - This article first appears at the Healthy City Local. In case you have lost the thread of these posts, let me reiterate that there are three factors that will affect the planning and construction of the park that will replace Santa Monica Airport: land, money, and time. In the previous two posts I’ve discussed the
- [Leg. and Gov. Avoid Transit Fiscal Cliff. High Speed Rail Funding Steady, Active Transportation Remains Diminished](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/leg-and-gov-avoid-transit-fiscal-cliff-high-speed-rail-funding-steady-active-transportation-remains-diminished/) - Flanked by members of the SEIU transit union, Scott Wiener (D-SF), the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, announced a state budget deal from the Capitol Rose Garden on Tuesday that avoids massive transit service cuts. It restores $1.1 billion of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund committed to transit in previous budget cycles, and protects a $750 million
- [Pier 360 Kicks Off on Thursday with a Really Big Man Pulling a BB E-B](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/pier-360-kicks-off-on-thursday-with-a-really-big-man-pulling-a-bb-e-b/) - Image via a 2022 "bus pull" video from YouTube. Building momentum ahead of the upcoming weekend “Pier 360” Beach Festival, world-class strongman Martins Licis will put his strength to the test by pulling a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric Big Blue Bus for 30 feet through the Pier parking lot on Thursday, June 26 beginning at 8 a.m. With Santa Monica Big Blue Bus’s newly
- [L.A. Press Club Awards Streetsblog First Place in Best Group Blog Category](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/l-a-press-club-awards-streetsblog-first-place-in-best-group-blog-category/) - At Sunday's L.A. Press Club awards ceremony, Streetsblog L.A. - again - took home the award for best Group Blog. The award acknowledges the 2024 calendar year work of SBLA Editors Sahra Sulaiman and Joe Linton, San Gabriel Valley reporters Chris Greenspon and Damien Newton, and Streetsblog California Editor Melanie Curry. Many readers know that Newton's roles
- [Caltrans Deletes Presentation from Website with Uncomfortable Truth About NorCal Highway Widening](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/caltrans-deletes-presentation-from-website-with-uncomfortable-truth-about-norcal-highway-widening/) - In a move reminiscent of the federal purge of useful information from the internet earlier this year, Caltrans has deleted a presentation from its website - an explainer on proposed Highway 37 road widening in Napa County. The timing of the deletion, the week before the California Transportation Commission is set to vote on whether or
- [Pier 360 Returns This Weekend with "Two Days of Surf, Sports, and SoCal Vibes"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/pier-360-returns-this-weekend-with-two-days-of-surf-sports-and-socal-vibes/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica “Pier 360” Beach Festival, the ultimate celebration of SoCal beach culture, returns June 28-29, 2025, for two epic days of competition, entertainment, and good vibes along the iconic Santa Monica shoreline. The free, all-ages event brings together thousands of locals and visitors for ocean sports, beachside
- [Report: California Needs A Stable Rail Funding Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/report-california-needs-a-stable-rail-funding-plan/) - California’s ability to grow and modernize its rail network is hampered by inconsistent funding from the state which makes planning rail projects or multi-project programs difficult at best, according to a new report by Californians for Electric Rail. Against Patchwork Funding: How Multi-year Investment Frameworks Can Deliver Rail Faster and Cheaper (full report, executive summary) details the benefits
- [OPA Update 6/23/25: Soulstice Recap, Major Water Rate Hike, Muir/SMASH School Naming Petition, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-23-25-soulstice-recap-major-water-rate-hike-muir-smash-school-naming-petition-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like this past weekend's SOULstice event), please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. WE NEED COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO KEEP DOING EVERYTHING WE DO! Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a
- [As ICE Continues Assault on Vulnerable Workers, Groups Launch Fundraiser to Assist Street Vendors](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/as-ice-continues-assault-on-vulnerable-workers-groups-launch-fundraiser-to-assist-street-vendors/) - The "unscrupulous nature of the enforcement" had stunned her and left the families and communities of those snatched up in the recent spate of immigration raids "irreparably" traumatized, Angelica Salas, Executive Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), told City Council during a special session last week. Salas was there to bring councilmembers up-to-date
- [OPA Update 6/20/25: Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events THIS Saturday!!](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-20-25-summer-soulstice-make-music-la-events-this-saturday/) - Details for Saturday June 21 Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events: This Saturday is going to be a big day on Main St.! The street will be closed to vehicular traffic as we again transform the street into a pedestrian paradise. The iconic Summer Soulstice event returns with live music, vendors, beer garden, activities for
- [More Low Speed Fail from Trump on High Speed Rail in CA](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/more-low-speed-fail-from-trump-on-high-speed-rail-in-ca/) - Just over two weeks ago, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced the findings of a “compliance review” the federal government completed on the California High Speed Rail Authority. But Duffy had already promised that the document would show nothing but "fraud, waste, and abuse" long before it was written. To point out the obvious, it's just a manufactured excuse to
- [OPA Update 6/19/25: Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events Saturday, Today is Juneteenth, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-19-25-summer-soulstice-make-music-la-events-saturday-today-is-juneteenth-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - MAIN ST. CLOSED TO TRAFFIC THIS WEEKEND FOR SUMMER SOULSTICE EVENT: The event is Saturday, June 21, 12 – 7pm from Strand Ave to Pier Ave. and the street is closed to vehicles from 5am - 10pm. Saturday June 21 Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events: This Saturday is going to be a
- [Ferris Wheel Celebrates Juneteenth with Green, Red, Gold Animations and Juneteenth Flag](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/ferris-wheel-celebrates-juneteenth-with-green-red-gold-animations-and-juneteenth-flag/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corp. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will commemorate Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, with a special lighting program on the Pacific Wheel. The nine-story Ferris wheel will feature a vibrant blend of red, white, and blue patterns representing the Juneteenth flag, alongside green, red, and
- [Kool Happenings: The Irony of the Lame Parade and Great Joy](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/kool-happenings-the-irony-of-the-lame-parade-and-great-joy/) - Two hundred and fifty years ago, on June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to raise six companies of militia in Pennsylvania (84 men in each, including officers, volunteers and one drummer or trumpeter), two in Maryland and two in Virginia. A year earlier, they had rejected such an idea, wary of the possibility that
- [Gruber Looks at The Second Factor in Building a Great Park at SMO: Money](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/gruber-looks-at-the-second-factor-in-building-a-great-park-at-smo-money/) - I suspect that many you reading this joined the 5,000 demonstrators who jammed Palisades Park on Saturday for the “No Kings” rally. Leaving aside the bigger issues like whether a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal can long endure, the rally sure showed the importance of
- [Summer Soulstice' Festival Returns June 21 With Music, Drag Bingo, Classic Cars, And Kid-Friendly Fun](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/summer-soulstice-festival-returns-june-21-with-music-drag-bingo-classic-cars-and-kid-friendly-fun/) - The following is a submission from the Main Streets Business Association. The “Summer Soulstice”Festival transforms Main Street into a car-free, community-powered playground on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 12 to 7 p.m. Free and open to all ages, this sun-drenched event features live music on two stages, PRIDE-themed Drag Bingo, beer garden, kids’ activities, a VW
- [Where Does a Viking Go to College?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/where-does-a-viking-go-to-college/) - (Photo credit: The Samohi and Emi Yamashiro-Hergert) The above graphic shows the incredible success that Santa Monica High School continues to have in placing students in top colleges and universities around the country and the world. Samohi students will be attending schools in 29 states, five countries outside of the United States, and a handful of
- [OPA Update 6/16/25: Help Needed for Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events This Weekend, 2024 Annual Crime Statistics, June 17 Deadline to Apply for City Boards and Commissions, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-16-25-help-needed-for-summer-soulstice-make-music-la-events-this-weekend-2024-annual-crime-statistics-june-17-deadline-to-apply-for-city-boards-and-commissions-things-to-d/) - June 21 Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events: This Saturday is going to be a big day on Main St.! The street will be closed to vehicular traffic as we again transform the street into a pedestrian paradise. The iconic Summer Soulstice event returns with live music, vendors, beer garden, activities for
- [They're Here : Santa Monica's First Entertainment Zones](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/theyre-here-santa-monicas-first-entertainment-zones/) - The following is a lightly edited press release from the City of Santa Monica: Starting last Friday, adults 21+ can purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating, licensed Promenade business and enjoy it outdoors between 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays within the Entertainment Zone boundaries on the Third Street Promenade.
- [Santa Monica Rallies for No Kings at Palisades Park](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monica-rallies-for-no-kings-at-palisades-park/) - Image: Clean914/Reddit Over 1,000 people gathered at Palisades Park on Saturday joining 8 million across the country and even more across the world to make clear that the global assault on democracy needs to end. Despite dire warnings from Santa Monica's least reputable publication, the Santa Monica No Kings rally was joyful and peaceful, even
- [Building a Great Park Takes Three Things: Land, Money, and Time - Gruber](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/building-a-great-park-takes-three-things-land-money-and-time-gruber/) - The two posts I wrote last week about building a great park to replace Santa Monica Airport were gloomy, focusing as they did on problems with the planning process. Such issues, though, should not diminish the joy we should be experiencing now. (Joy about converting SMO into a park; there’s a lot of pain going
- [OPA Update 6/12/25: OPA June Monthly Meeting Recap, Help Needed for Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events Next Weekend, No Kings Day Info, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-12-25-opa-june-monthly-meeting-recap-help-needed-for-summer-soulstice-make-music-la-events-next-weekend-no-kings-day-info-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA June Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full recording, here are the minutes, and here are some highlights from the meeting: SMPD: Click here to see the discussion of recent police activity and thoughts on National Guard deployment. Santa Monica School District Update Regarding Ocean Park School: Click here to see the latest on
- [Kool Happenings : It's Twilight Time For The Gods](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/kool-happenings-its-twilight-time-for-the-gods/) - "Heavenly shades of night are falling, it's twilight time." So sang the Platters in 1958, and the lyrics were running, fresh, through my head, as I watched the Blackbelt Narcissist Finals between the ever-weakening president and his pet billionaire last week. It wasn't so much the content, or the back and forth, or even the
- [Transit-only Lanes Will Soon Welcome Bicycles and Electric Mobility Devices](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/transit-only-lanes-will-soon-welcome-bicycles-and-electric-mobility-devices/) - Image: Complete Streets/Flickr The Santa Monica City Council has voted to permit bicycles and electric mobility devices in a number of the city’s transit-only bus lanes. The city’s Municipal Code doesn’t currently allow bicycles or devices like electric scooters into bus or other transit-only lanes. However, the city council can provide the Director of Transportation
- [Op/Ed: California’s Momentum on Transportation Emission Reductions Stops Here?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/op-ed-californias-momentum-on-transportation-emission-reductions-stops-here/) - Neil Matouka is a climate and energy policy expert based in Sacramento. Transportation emissions represent roughly 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. There are generally three ways to reduce transportation emissions: reduce the emissions intensity of existing transportation modes (fuel switching, electrification, lower carbon fuel sources), mode switching (switching from trucks to trains
- [Santa Monica's "No Kings Day" Rally Scheduled for This Saturday at Palisades Park](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monicas-no-kings-day-rally-scheduled-for-this-saturday-at-palisades-park/) - This Saturday, activists around the country will mark "No Kings Day" with protests designed to remind people of America's anti-oligarchical history and contrast that with today's political power structures. No Kings Day will have a special meaning on the West Coast where many people are directly impacted by President Donald Trump's hostile actions towards Los
- [Legislative Update from Streetsblog at the Halfway Point: June 10, 2025](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/legislative-update-from-streetsblog-at-the-halfway-point-june-10-2025/) - Last week was the deadline for bills to clear the house where they were introduced or they cannot be considered until the next legislative session. Last week, we covered the passage of two major pieces of legislation in their respective houses: Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-SF) SB 79 to upzone near transit and Assemblymember Rick Zbur’s
- [Eyes on the Street: ICE Protests Continue in Downtown L.A.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/eyes-on-the-street-ice-protests-continue-in-downtown-l-a/) - I spent this afternoon downtown observing the fifth day of Los Angeles protests against ICE raids targeting Southern California residents. This post is not a comprehensive account of the disruption and terror wrought on L.A. by federal raids, but a snapshot sharing some of what was taking place in downtown L.A. today. Some of the
- [SMMUSD Superintendent’s Letter: Addressing Immigration Concerns](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/smmusd-superintendents-letter-addressing-immigration-concerns/) - Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and Community Members, I am writing to you today because I understand that many of you are feeling deeply concerned and anxious about recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the greater Los Angeles area. We have heard the rumors circulating about ICE patrols in and around
- [Senate and Assembly Reach Budget Agreement to Save Transit](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/senate-and-assembly-reach-budget-agreement-to-save-transit/) - Senator Scott Wiener's (D-SF) office announced Monday that the state legislature reached a budget agreement that walks California back from a transit fiscal cliff. When Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised budget last month, it had a double-dose of bad news for state transit agencies. It cut $1.1 billion expected to support transit operations and rejected
- [Metro’s LAX Mega-Station Is Open](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/metros-lax-mega-station-is-open/) - This article first appeared at Streetsblog, where there are even more images! The wait is over! Mostly. The Metro K and C Lines now connect to LAX airport via a landmark station, the impressive LAX Metro Transit Center. The station marks the completion of the initial phase of the Metro K Line, which began construction in 2014 and opened
- [SMPD Posts Statement Affirming They Are Not Aiding with ICE Raids](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/smpd-posts-statement-affirming-they-are-not-aiding-with-ice-raids/) - As federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted raids at work centers in Paramount City and escalated protests in Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Police Department re-released this statement from earlier this year on their social media channels. February 5, 2025 1:08 PMby Ramón Batista Dear Santa Monica Community, The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)
- [Santa Monica Earns Top Recognition by Carbon Disclosure Project](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monica-earns-top-recognition-by-carbon-disclosure-project/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica has been named on the Cities A List for reporting year 2024 by the Carbon Disclosure Project, or CDP. This is the top status available from the largest global independent environmental disclosure system which recognizes global leadership in environmental transparency, climate action and
- [Quick-Build Legislation Makes It Through the Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/quick-build-legislation-makes-it-through-the-assembly/) - On Wednesday, AB 891 Quick-Build Project Pilot Program, passed the Assembly by a 61-17-1 vote with all sixty Assembly Democrats voting for the legislation. AB 891 would require Caltrans to develop quick-build bike lane and intersection projects to improve safety on state highways for cyclists and pedestrians. “Quick-build has become a planning staple, allowing California communities
- [Gruber: Planning a Park at Santa Monica Airport, Keep It Real](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/gruber-planning-a-park-at-santa-monica-airport-keep-it-real/) - This article first appeared at the Healthy City Local. As I discussed in my post on Monday, the process for planning the conversion of Santa Monica Airport into a park has produced three aspirational “scenarios.” While no one would expect or desire that Sasaki, the park designers hired by the City, would have by now a
- [Santa Monica’s 33rd annual Juneteenth Celebration: A Family Affair Unifying, Healing, and Restoring set for June 14](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monicas-33rd-annual-juneteenth-celebration-a-family-affair-unifying-healing-and-restoring-set-for-june-14/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Image: Office Holidays/Flickr The city of Santa Monica, in partnership with Juneteenth Celebration in Santa Monica, is proud to host the 33rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Avenue Park on Saturday, June 14 from 2–7 p.m. This year’s theme, A Family Affair: Unifying, Healing,
- [Kool Happenings: Putting The Huge In Hubris](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/kool-happenings-putting-the-huge-in-hubris/) - Hubris: (noun) Excessive pride. In Greek tragedy, defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis. Please, the sooner the better. We can only hope. Of all the things I could use to illustrate the hubris of the current white house resident, and there are many, the one that is uppermost in my mind is purely personal.
- [Allen Abstains as SB 79 - Upzoning Near Transit - Passes the Senate](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/allen-abstains-as-sb-79-upzoning-near-transit-passes-the-senate/) - The image above shows the portions of Santa Monica that could be impacted by SB 79. There’s a saying in baseball that there’s no difference between a 1-0 game and a 16-0 one in the standings. The same holds true for legislation, whether a piece of legislation gets unanimous support or squeaks through with one
- [California’s Enviro and Smart Growth Leaders to CTC – Don’t Use Congestion Relief Funds for Highway Expansion](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/californias-enviro-and-smart-growth-leaders-to-ctc-dont-use-congestion-relief-funds-for-highway-expansion/) - Later this week, or perhaps early next, California Transportation Commission (CTC) staff is expected to release the list of projects to be funded by programs created by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, aka SB1. The grant awards will be finalized at the June 26-27 CTC meeting. SB 1 program funding is split
- [OPA Update 6/5/25: Monday's OPA Meeting Includes School District Staff Re Neighborhood School, Congratulations to the 2025 Most Loved Awards Recipients, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-5-25-mondays-opa-meeting-includes-school-district-staff-re-neighborhood-school-congratulations-to-the-2025-most-loved-awards-recipients-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - School District Addressing Ocean Park Neighborhood School: We have received A LOT of questions from members about the plans for Muir/SMASH campus and in response have got Carey Upton and Steven Richardson to attend Monday's OPA meeting to discuss plans and field questions. See you there! OPA June 9 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting
- [Gruber: Turning Santa Monica Airport into a Park...Let’s Not Bite Off More Than We Can Chew](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/gruber-turning-santa-monica-airport-into-a-park-lets-not-bite-off-more-than-we-can-chew/) - The following article first appeared on The Healthy City Local. Santa Monica Airport is set to close December 31, 2028, and the City’s process to reclaim the city-owned land at the airport and convert it to public use as a great park, the “Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project“, is underway. Sasaki, the consultants hired by
- [What’s Really Great About the LAX Metro Station Opening on June 6](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/whats-really-great-about-the-lax-metro-station-opening-on-june-6/) - Metro's LAX station opens next week. This is a big deal for Southern California transit riders. Let me repeat: the LAX Metro Transit Center opening is a big deal. I've been seeing some mainstream accounts - especially in the comments - being dismissive of the new station. The main complaint is that the airport people mover
- [Fabulous Fables: A Free, Community Pride Celebration at the Santa Monica Pier on June 21](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/fabulous-fables-a-free-community-pride-celebration-at-the-santa-monica-pier-on-june-21/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica Pier invites families to celebrate love, diversity, and storytelling at Fabulous Fables: Drag Queen Pride Family-Edition, a free event on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted inside the historic Merry Go-Round Building, this joyful celebration is designed especially for families with children
- [Santa Monica Wins Grant for Improvements to MANGo, New Greenway on Washington](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monica-wins-grant-for-improvements-to-mango-new-greenway-on-washington/) - Image: A rendering of the Washington Ave. Neighborhood Greenway that could be by Juan Matute. Santa Monica has had such success with Quick Build projects that the city’s Assemblymember is trying to pass legislation to allow the state transportation agency to bring this design process to state highways. Last week, the city announced it had
- [Commentary: Illinois’ Transit Funding Flop Should Be Cautionary Tale for CA](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/commentary-illinois-transit-funding-flop-should-be-cautionary-tale-for-ca/) - Over the weekend, the Illinois Legislature met to pass its budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, and wrapped up their work until the fall. Sadly, they failed to fully fund the Chicago’s Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which faces a massive deficit in the coming year thanks to expiring federal aid. Even if the legislature
- [This Friday, the Big Blue Bus Will Begin Service to the New LAX Transit Center](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/this-friday-the-big-blue-bus-will-begin-service-to-the-new-lax-transit-center/) - This Friday marks an important upgrade to Santa Monica’s transit system when the Big Blue Bus will begin service to the new LAX Transit Center. At 5:00 p.m., the reroute will become official for BBB’s Route 3 and Rapid 3. The new transit center will provide seamless connection to Metro's C and K Lines, and
- [Santa Monica College Presents the SMC Voice Showcase June 13](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/santa-monica-college-presents-the-smc-voice-showcase-june-13/) - The following announcement via SMC: The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department will present the SMC Voice Showcase, an evening concert featuring a selection of talented SMC voice students performing songs from a variety of genres. The concert will be held Friday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. in The Edye at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Led by SMC Director of
- [OPA Update 6/2/25: OPA June 9 Monthly Meeting Agenda, OPA Needs Help for June 21 MakeMusicLA Events, Planning Commission Reviewing Cannabis Sales on Main St. Wednesday, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/06/opa-update-6-2-25-opa-june-9-monthly-meeting-agenda-opa-needs-help-for-june-21-makemusicla-events-planning-commission-reviewing-cannabis-sales-on-main-st-wednesday-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA June 9 Monthly Meeting Next Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 -
- [A Look Ahead at Pride Month in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/a-look-ahead-at-pride-month-in-santa-monica/) - At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the council unanimously voted to mark June as “Pride Month” in Santa Monica. SaMo Pride has been an annual series of events dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and providing a platform to champion individuality and acceptance. Santa Monica's dedication to LGBTQ+ rights is evident in its policies and community
- [SMMUSD Student Spotlight : Mia Patricio-Ramirez, a Voice of Purpose and Possibility at JAMS](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/smmusd-student-spotlight-mia-patricio-ramirez-a-voice-of-purpose-and-possibility-at-jams/) - The following submission came from SMMUSD. Caption: Patricio-Ramirez at the 2025 at the Santa Monica Sustainability Poster Contest At John Adams Middle School (JAMS), eighth grader Mia PatricioRamirez is known not just for her academic excellence but for the passion, voice, and sense of purpose she brings to everything she does. From her award-winning artwork
- [SMC Wind Ensemble Presents “Instant Concert” June 8](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/smc-wind-ensemble-presents-instant-concert-june-8/) - The following is a press release from SMC: The Santa Monica College Music Department will present the SMC Wind Ensemble in its crowd favorite ‘Pops’ concert — “Instant Concert” —on Sunday, June 8, at 4 p.m. in The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Under the direction of Kevin McKeown, theensemble will entertain an audience of all ages with
- [Community Meeting on 5/29 for 147 Units of New Housing at 1320 Pico Boulevard](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/hearing-on-5-29-for-147-units-of-new-housing-at-1320-pico-boulevard/) - A community meeting for the proposed eight story residential building at 1320 Pico Boulevard will be held tomorrow night, Thursday 5/29, at 6:00 PM on zoom. You can join the meeting by clicking here. The project has undergone several iterations over the years, but the current proposal includes 147 residential units, including 24 affordable units,
- [Kool Happenings: Focus On My Right Hand](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/kool-happenings-focus-on-my-right-hand/) - I first began to be interested in the art of misdirection in college when my friends and I went to magic shows at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Each of the artists, whether at our tables, or in performance, used various verbal and physical cues to draw attention away from the mechanics of the trick
- [Villaraigosa Pivots to Slamming High Gas Prices in Bid to Break Out of Gubernatorial Pack](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/villaraigosa-pivots-to-slamming-high-gas-prices-in-bid-to-break-out-of-gubernatorial-pack/) - During his time as Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa wracked up an objectively impressive record on promoting transportation options in the city. During his first term, he proposed creating a dense urban core in the downtown, envisioned a Subway to the Sea, and championed a sales tax to fund his vision (and created a set-aside for bicycle and pedestrian projects in
- [OPA Update 5/29/25: OPA Membership Drive, City Hires Oliver Chi as City Manager, History of Areal on Main St. & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-29-25-opa-membership-drive-city-hires-oliver-chi-as-city-manager-history-of-areal-on-main-st-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like last week's MAINopoly), please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. WE NEED COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO KEEP DOING EVERYTHING WE DO! Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE. If
- [Landlord Agrees to Injunction , and $685,000 in Tenant Harassment and Discrimination Lawsuits](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/landlord-agrees-to-injunction-and-685000-in-tenant-harassment-and-discrimination-lawsuits/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. Three related cases brought against a Santa Monica landlord, including one case brought by the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office under the city’s Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination ordinances, have settled, with the landlord agreeing to pay $685,000 to settle all three suits,
- [Allen's Slate of Fire Recovery Bills Clears Major Legislative Hurdle](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/allens-slate-of-fire-recovery-bills-clears-major-legislative-hurdle/) - The following is a press release from Senator Allen's office. Senator Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades) has championed a slate of wildfire recovery bills that cleared through the Senate Appropriations Committee today. “The Legislature has acted expeditiously on both monetary measures and policy that will aid in our fire recovery efforts,” said Senator Allen. “While the
- [Need to Know: Some Questions for Oliver Chi](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/need-to-know-some-questions-for-oliver-chi/) - Last Friday, the City of Santa Monica announced that the search committee had settled on Oliver Chi as the choice for the new City Manager. Chi is currently the City Manager of Irvine. This announcement has led to a lot of speculation and discussion in the short time between the Friday before a holiday weekend
- [Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop Presents “Gotham” June 6-8](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/santa-monica-college-musical-theatre-workshop-presents-gotham-june-6-8/) - The following is a press release from SMC. Photo by Megan Gillespie. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Musical Theatre Workshop will celebrate live musical theatre with performances of “Gotham” on Friday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 8, at 2 p.m. Performances will be held in the Studio Stage at the SMC Theatre Arts Complex, located on the SMC Main Campus (1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica). With direction and music
- [Santa Monica Announces Oliver Chi as Pick for Next City Manager ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/santa-monica-announces-oliver-chi-as-pick-for-next-city-manager/) - The following is a news release from the City of Santa Monica. More coverage will be coming all week. Following a nationwide search, the Santa Monica City Council announced Friday the selection of Oliver Chi as the next city manager. Chi comes from the city of Irvine, where he has served as city manager since
- [See You in Court: California Sues to Protect Clean Air and Emission Standards from Federal Overreach](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/see-you-in-court-california-sues-to-protect-clean-air-and-emission-standards-from-federal-overreach/) - Earlier this morning, the United States Senate joined their counterparts in the House of Representatives by voting to rescind waivers granted to California last year under the Clean Air Act. Hours later, California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, announced they will sue the Trump Administration to protect the state’s clean
- [Santa Monica College Debuts SMC Collaboration Showcase with Free Concert June 3](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/santa-monica-college-debuts-smc-collaboration-showcase-with-free-concert-june-3/) - The following is a submission from SMC. Photo by Ed Gandara. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department is pleased to present the debut of the SMC Collaboration Showcase ina performance of ensemble works from jazz, commercial, and European art music traditions. The showcaseincludes arrangements and compositions created by SMC students. The showcase is free and will be held Tuesday, June 3, at 11:15 a.m. in The Edye
- [Metro Quietly Withdraws Lyft Bike-Share Contract Vote](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/metro-quietly-withdraws-lyft-bike-share-contract-vote/) - Today, the Metro board was supposed to approve a $200 million five-year contract for Lyft to operate Metro Bike Share. But the Lyft contract approval was withdrawn from the meeting agenda, leaving Metro Bike Share's next chapter unclear. This week's reversal was a déjà vu moment, all too similar to last year's failed procurement process.
- [Kool Happenings: Water Water Everywhere, Increasingly Not To Drink](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/kool-happenings-water-water-everywhere-increasingly-not-to-drink/) - Millennia before Mark Twain (allegedly) wrote, "Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting over," life everywhere on Earth arranged its daily existence around a critical dependence on water. Nothing was more necessary for survival. 60-70% of the human body is water. Our lifeblood is 85% water. We are definitely wetware, for sure! In a
- [PCH Reopens Tomorrow](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/pch-reopens-tomorrow/) - The following is a press release from the Office of the Governor. Following through on his commitment to reopen a critical stretch of highway that connects beach communities and businesses in Los Angeles in time for the busy summer season, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will reopen to
- [OPA Update 5/22/25: MAINopoly Sunday, PCH to Reopen Friday, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-22-25-mainopoly-sunday-pch-to-reopen-friday-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - NO OPA UPDATE MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY MAINopoly This Weekend (Sunday 1-5pm): Experience the best restaurants, bars & eateries by joining us for the 10th Annual “MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street” in Santa Monica. This all-ages community event is a fun take on the classic board game, giving players access to tastings at over
- [Santa Monica Joins West Hollywood in Supporting Legislation Allowing for Upzoning Near Rail and BRT Stations](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/santa-monica-joins-west-hollywood-in-supporting-legislation-allowing-for-upzoning-near-rail-and-brt-stations/) - The process of passing a resolution in support of a piece of state legislation is usually an easy affair. The effort spearheaded by Councilmember Jesse Zwick to get the city to support SB 79 by Senator Scott Wiener was anything but easy, despite the eventual 6-1 vote to support. A first attempt to get the
- [SMC Continues to Add Awards to Its Journalism Portfolio](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/smc-continues-to-add-awards-to-its-journalism-portfolio/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. Lead Photo: Dodgers players and fans celebrate during the Dodgers World Series Championship parade on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, on Spring Street in front of Los Angeles City Hall. Rebecca Villagracia / The Corsair Santa Monica College’s (SMC) student-run media outlet The Corsair and its staff won two regional Mark
- [CalBike: Help the Caltrans Quick-Build Bill Get Out of Committee](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/calbike-help-the-caltrans-quick-build-bill-get-out-of-committee/) - Yesterday, the California Bicycle Coalition, CalBike, put out an action alert urging supporters to contact Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair Buffy Wicks to schedule a hearing for AB 891: Quick-Build Project Pilot Program. Under the legislature's rules, all bills that require passage by the Assembly or Senate Appropriations Committees need to be moved out of Committee by
- [There’s a New Chance to Comment on the Airport Conversion and the Three “Draft Scenarios”](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/theres-a-new-chance-to-comment-on-the-airport-conversion-and-the-three-draft-scenarios/) - Editor's note: I'm sure we'll have a lot more to say, this is just our first look at the scenarios. This weekend, the Santa Monica Airport Conversion team (SMAC) held an event at the current airport property itself to unveil and seek comment on three “draft scenarios” created based on the feedback it received from
- [The California E-Bike Incentive Program Second Round Application Rescheduled for May 29](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/the-california-e-bike-incentive-program-second-round-application-rescheduled-for-may-29/) - Image: ElectrictBikespace.com Anyone waiting for a chance to apply for a $2,000 voucher towards the purchase of a new e-bike should have their chance on May 29. Last week, the California Air Resources Board announced that it has upgraded its infrastructure to handle the massive volume of requests for e-vouchers after it was forced to
- [OPA Update 5/19/25: 4th of July Main St. Parade Registration Now Open, Pasjoli Closing, MAINopoly Sunday, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-19-25-4th-of-july-main-st-parade-registration-now-open-pasjoli-closing-mainopoly-sunday-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - MAINopoly This Weekend (Sunday 1-5pm): Experience the best restaurants, bars & eateries by joining us for the 10th Annual “MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street” in Santa Monica. This all-ages community event is a fun take on the classic board game, giving players access to tastings at over 20 participating businesses. Stop at every location
- [In Effort to Bring More Housing, Comply with State Law, Council Approves Zoning Changes](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/in-effort-to-bring-more-housing-comply-with-state-law-council-approves-zoning-changes/) - On Tuesday night, the first reading of a new housing ordinance was introduced with a wealth of shifts.. By the time the State Legislature adjourned its legislative session in August of 2024, it had passed more than 30 bills to address homelessness and the housing crisis. Several of the new laws affect the Zoning Ordinance,
- [Get Out of the Way and Build: How Santa Monica Can Lower Housing Costs](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/get-out-of-the-way-and-build-how-santa-monica-can-lower-housing-costs/) - Santa Monica residents know the harsh reality of our housing crisis all too well. As rents continue to climb and home ownership slips further out of reach for many, we're left competing for a severely limited housing stock with minimal new inventory being added each year. The consequences are clear: growing homelessness, persistent segregation, long
- [First Reviews of the Governor’s Revised Budget Are In](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/first-reviews-of-the-governors-revised-budget-are-in/) - You’ve seen the headlines by now. Governor Newsom released a revised budget for the next fiscal year. The budget spends $322 billion and has a nearly $12 billion deficit that will be paid down by the state’s reserves. Newsom is proposing cuts to just about everything (except California High Speed Rail, more on that below, and water reclamation projects) and a
- [OPA Update 5/15/25: OPA May Monthly Meeting Recap, Pier Locals’ Night Season Finale, Konamon Japanese Street Food Festival, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-15-25-opa-may-monthly-meeting-recap-pier-locals-night-season-finale-konamon-japanese-street-food-festival-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Barnard Way Closure This Weekend: Venice Beach Half Marathon is Sunday May 18 and Barnard Way will be closed between Ocean Park Blvd. to Pacific/Nielson Way from 7:00am – 10am. PLEASE ASK FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER: We need to get the word out to everyone, so please share this with people you know
- [Padilla, Schiff Lead Effort to Stop Republican Rollback of California’s Emissions Laws](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/padilla-schiff-lead-effort-to-stop-republican-rollback-of-californias-emissions-laws/) - In anticipation of a Senate effort to deal a fatal blow to California's emissions authority, California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla appealed to the body's better (and procedural) angels. The senators utilized two arguments to make their case: a moral one and a procedural one. The moral argument goes that California has long been a
- [Kool Happenings: Children, Use Them and Lose Them](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/kool-happenings-children-use-them-and-lose-them/) - From the earliest accounts of battles in our ancient history, to reports pouring into our news feeds today, we have learned about the ways in which our children have been used as a shield in battle. Ancient armies forced children to run in front of them on the field, counting on their opponents to have
- [Bike Anywhere Day Is May 15! Here's What SM Spoke and the City Have Planned...](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/bike-anywhere-day-is-may-15-heres-what-sm-spoke-and-the-city-have-planned/) - Do I need to say it? This post via SMSPOKE, where you can use an interactive version of the above map. Happy Bike Anywhere Day Santa Monica!See map for details on these fun local events! Morning (and all day) Pitstops: hours listed City of Santa Monica & Santa Monica Spoke: Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main
- [Navigating Airport Planning Without Direct Democracy](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/navigating-airport-planning-without-direct-democracy/) - (The city will unveil the three draft scenarios for the future site this Saturday at the airport. Get the details here.) The airport planning process was always going to get contentious…it just didn’t have to get to that point this early in the process. I’ve seen people who agree on 95% of state and local
- [Fun on the Agenda : First-of-its kind Entertainment Zone Approved for Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/fun-on-the-agenda-first-of-its-kind-entertainment-zone-approved-for-santa-monicas-third-street-promenade/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council early Wednesday approved a new Entertainment Zone, a first-of-its-kind effort to support economic development and bring new experiences to the iconic Third Street Promenade shopping district. The Entertainment Zone ordinance will allow adults 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages from
- [Come See the Three "Finalists" for the Future Airport Park this Saturday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/come-see-the-three-finalists-for-the-future-airport-park-this-saturday/) - The following is a letter sent from the City of Santa Monica. The city would like to invite you to the Phase 3a Community Event for the Airport Conversion Project to be held at the Airport from noon until 5pm on May 17th. Come learn the results of the Layers Survey and see how they informed the three scenarios
- [Santa Monica Votes on Possibly Supporting Legislation That Would Allow Upzoning Near Expo Line](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/santa-monica-votes-on-possibly-supporting-legislation-that-would-allow-upzoning-near-expo-line/) - SB 79 is an effort by Senator Scott Weiner to allow transit agencies zoning control over property they own and to “upzone” near bus rapid transit and light rail stations. The measure has drawn opposition from a whopping 93 cities across the state with only West Hollywood voicing support. However, the Santa Monica City Council
- [OPA Update 5/12/25: Mayor Negrette, State Assembly-Member Zbur & Others Speaking at TONIGHT'S OPA Meeting, SMDP Coverage on the "New Single School to Replace SMASH and Muir", & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-12-25-mayor-negrette-state-assembly-member-zbur-others-speaking-at-tonights-opa-meeting-smdp-coverage-on-the-new-single-school-to-replace-smash-and-muir-things-to-do/) - OPA May Monthly Meeting TONIGHT/Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00: Mayor
- [SMC Opera Theatre Performs Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, May 23-25](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/smc-opera-theatre-performs-mozarts-the-marriage-of-figaro-may-23-25/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. Photo: Applied Music student Emily Gomez plays ‘Barbarina’ in the SMC Opera Theatre and the SMC Symphony Orchestra production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro). Photo by Martin Cohen, who plays ‘Antonio’ in The Marriage of Figaro The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department is pleased to present the SMC
- [Final "Locals Night" of the Year, Rick Crocker Run on Thurs., 5/15 at the Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/final-locals-only-night-of-the-year-rick-crocker-run-on-thurs-5-15-at-the-pier/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corp. The Santa Monica Pier closes out the 2024–25 Locals’ Night seasonwith a high-energy evening of live music, dancing, shopping, and community celebration for locals and Angelenos alikeon Thursday, May 15, from 3:30 to 10 p.m. Presented by Pacific Park, the final Locals’ Night brings together everything the community loves about
- [Fun on the Agenda: Hall, Negrete and Zwick Want to See Large Concerts Return to the Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/fun-on-the-agenda-hall-negrete-and-zwick-want-to-see-large-concerts-return-to-the-pier/) - In an op/ed published on Tuesday*I lamented the end of the Twilight Concert Series in 2017 which brought free entertainment to the Santa Monica Pier for tens of thousands of attendees every summer. At next Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the Council will vote on whether or not to explore bringing concerts back to the Pier
- [SMC Seeks Applicants for Bond Oversight Committee](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/smc-seeks-applicants-for-bond-oversight-committee/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. Photo Credit: Charles Mark-Walker Santa Monica College (SMC) is seeking applications for the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, which oversees the implementation of the bond measures that are funding capital improvement projects at the college: Measure S (2004), Measure AA (2008), Measure V (2016), and Measure SMC (2022). The application is available at smc.edu/CBOCApp and also at the committee’s webpage: smc.edu/CBOC (see under
- [OPA Update 5/8/25: OPA May 12 Monthly Meeting This Monday, Mother's Day Events, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-8-25-opa-may-12-monthly-meeting-this-monday-mothers-day-events-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Main St. Closure This Weekend: "Jane’s Main Street Mile" is Sunday May 11 and Main St. will be closed between Tongva Park and Hollister Avenue from 6:30am – 11am. OPA May 12 Monthly Meeting This Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling
- [Kool Happenings: Posse Comitatus Shrinking](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/kool-happenings-posse-comitatus-shrinking/) - The current resident of the Oval Office has been honest with us in one way, at least. He has forthrightly revealed his dreams of planet-wide dominance. From posting a fake Time Magazine Man of the Year cover featuring himself, crowned as King, to his recent insulting, fantasy dress-up in Papal robes,Trump has clearly advertised his
- [Sustainable Works Announces Winners for 17th Annual Sustainable Santa Monica Student Poster Contest](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/winners-announced-for-17th-annual-sustainable-santa-monica-student-poster-contest/) - The city of Santa Monica, in partnership with nonprofit Sustainable Works, announced the 17 winners of the 17th Annual Sustainable Santa Monica Student Poster Contest. The winners are set to be honored at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, at 3:45 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House. This year's theme was “Think Globally, Grow
- [Update on Housing and Transportation Bills Moving in the State Legislature](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/update-on-housing-and-transportation-bills-moving-in-the-state-legislature/) - This article also appears at Streetsblog Los Angeles. Readers of Streetsblog that have gotten used to our legislative updates over the past decade will notice a few format changes. This update is doing the bills in order of their bill number instead of by type of legislation and only covers legislation that we've previously covered.
- [For the First Time in Years, Fun Is on the Agenda at City Council](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/for-the-first-time-in-years-fun-is-on-the-agenda-at-city-council/) - Image: Oktoberfest on Front Street, the first event in the Front Street Entertainment Zone. Image via Downtown San Francisco. Correction: An earlier version of this article mentioned details of proposed police expenditures that were put in an original draft as parody but in future drafts the parody was removed but the listings remained. We regret
- [SMC Architecture Students Win Two Major Awards at Cal Poly SLO Design Village Competition](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/smc-architecture-students-win-two-major-awards-at-cal-poly-slo-design-village-competition/) - Santa Monica College (SMC) architecture students won two awards at the 50th Annual Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Design Village Competition held April 25 - 27. The competition is one of “the most anticipated events of the year for the College of Architecture & Environmental Design (CAED).” Over 90 teams from 16 California community colleges and universities throughout California participated. SMC architecture
- [Support Mental Health Awareness Month with a Benefit at the Pier This Thursday at 6](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/support-mental-health-awareness-month-with-a-benefit-at-the-pier-this-thursday-at-6/) - Contemporary lifestyle brand Madhappy will host “Madhappy and Friends,” a one-night-only benefit event at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m., in recognition of “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Powered by Shopify, the immersive evening raises funds for The JED Foundation (JED), the nation’s leading nonprofit focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. “Madhappy and Friends” brings together community, culture,
- [The Mexican Flag Will Fly at the Ferris Wheel to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/the-mexican-flag-will-fly-at-the-ferris-wheel-to-celebrate-cinco-de-mayo/) - The following is a submission from Pier Communications. Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier will “high-light” Cinco de Mayo with a dazzling 90-foot-tall display of the Mexican flag waving across its iconic Ferris wheel, along with vibrant red, white, and green lights, patterns, and festive icons on Monday, May 5. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican
- [OPA Update 5/5/25: Major Ocean Park School Updates, Cinco de Mayo Events, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/opa-update-5-5-25-major-ocean-park-school-updates-cinco-de-mayo-events-other-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [Congress Declares War on State’s Clean Air Efforts](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/congress-declares-war-on-states-clean-air-efforts/) - This week, a bi-partisan coalition of the United States House of Representatives passed a pair of resolutions rescinding three EPA permits that allow California to regulate emission standards for diesel trucks and set sales requirements for electric personal vehicles and freight trucks. "By passing these resolutions, the House made it clear that we won't let
- [Fate of Zbur's Quick-Build Bill in Suspense](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/fate-of-zburs-quick-build-bill-in-suspense/) - This piece also appears at Calbike. CalBike’s two priority bills will likely end up in the Suspense File in the Assembly Appropriations Committee shortly because both have price tags that require scrutiny in Appropriations. The Quick-Build Bill (AB 891, Zbur) provides Caltrans with an opportunity to incorporate quick-build methods, thereby improving safety for vulnerable road users. The Bike Highways
- [City Opens New Resident Survey About Parks and Open Space](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/city-opens-new-resident-survey-about-parks-and-open-space/) - The City of Santa Monica launched a survey to gauge residents’ opinions concerning arts, parks, and recreation priorities for the city. Do you enjoy events such as bike month programming? Do you think the city needs more arts programming? How often do you go to one of the city’s parks? Here’s your chance to let
- [Get a Comic Book, Attend a Mini-Con, Make Your Own! It's Free Comic Book Day at the Library This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/get-a-comic-book-attend-a-mini-con-make-your-own-its-free-comic-book-day-at-the-library-this-weekend/) - The following is a submission from SMPL. Free Comic Book Day is coming back to the Santa Monica Public Library on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Library is teaming up with the proprietors of the Santa Monica Comics Company (formerly of Hi De Ho Comics) to offer comic book giveaways, comics crafts, prizes, and a Mini Creator Con! Schedule
- [Kool Happenings: The Doge That Caught The Car](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/05/kool-happenings-the-doge-that-caught-the-car/) - Even before the latest oval office resident came on the scene, many in his party had campaigned, and won, not by promising to do better at governing, or by providing more services and protections to a majority of the people, but on a platform based almost entirely on deep cuts to government funding and personnel.
- [Kool Happenings: Stranger In A Strange Land](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/kool-happenings-stranger-in-a-strange-land/) - I began a lifetime of reading science fiction books and magazines, like Amazing Stories, in the early fifties, when I was ten or eleven years old. All of the great authors: Heinlein, Bradbury, Jules Verne, HG Wells, Asimov, wrote short stories and novellas for these early magazines, and, by the time I moved up from Normandie Ave.
- [Santa Monica Library Presents: The Manzanar Baseball Project and Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/santa-monica-library-presents-the-manzanar-baseball-project-and-nearly-exactly-almost-like-me/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica Public Libraries. Santa Monica Public Library honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with two exciting events and recommended reads for all ages. From J.A. to Shohei: The Manzanar Baseball Project Saturday, May 10 / 1 – 3 p.m. / Main Library, MLK, Jr. Auditorium, 601
- [OPA Update 4/30/25: OPA Spring Mixer TONIGHT @ Chez Jay!](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-4-30-25-opa-spring-mixer-tonight-chez-jay/) - OPA 4/30 Spring Mixer Details: Come to the patio of Chez Jay @ 1657 Ocean Ave. from 4-6:30pm TODAY to mix and mingle with other engaged community members. We will have our new AWOL (Always West of Lincoln) t-shirts on site at the mixer for anyone looking to buy one. Cost is $20 for OPA members, $30 for non-members or $10 for
- [The California E-Bike Incentive Project’s Website Crashed Last Night – No Vouchers Distributed](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/the-california-e-bike-incentive-projects-website-crashed-last-night-no-vouchers-distributed/) - “If they were actively trying to sabotage the program, what would they do differently than this?” - anonymous e-bike voucher hopeful in an email to Streetsblog. Last night, the California E-Bike Incentive Project was scheduled to open their portal for applicants to apply for the second round of e-bike vouchers. Sadly, applicants were locked out as the
- [Westside Chamber Orchestra Returns with Free Summer Series](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/westside-chamber-orchestra-returns-with-free-summer-series/) - The following is a submission from the Westside Chamber Orchestra In spite of it all, culture persists… Join The Westside Chamber Orchestra this summer at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Santa Monica for these terrific free programs. Our final concert last summer was played to an overflow house, so get your tickets early through the
- [Roosevelt Elementary Students Qualify for Global Finals in First Year of Destination Imagination Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/roosevelt-elementary-students-qualify-for-global-finals-in-first-year-of-destination-imagination-challenge/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD In an extraordinary first-year achievement, Roosevelt Elementary School’s student team, The Magical Kings and the Mysterious Wizards, is headed to the Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri, taking place May 22 to 25. The team earned this opportunity after placing first in their category at
- [OPA Update 4/28/25: OPA Spring Mixer Wednesday, Today is the Final Day to Take City Survey for SaMo Airport Conversion Next Steps, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-4-28-25-opa-spring-mixer-wednesday-today-is-the-final-day-to-take-city-survey-for-samo-airport-conversion-next-steps-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA 4/30 Spring Mixer Details: Come to the patio of Chez Jay @ 1657 Ocean Ave. from 4-6:30pm on Wednesday April 30 to mix and mingle with other engaged community members. We will have our new AWOL (Always West of Lincoln) t-shirts on site at the mixer for anyone looking to buy one. Cost is
- [California Will Open Its E-Bike Voucher Portal Again on 4/29](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/california-will-open-its-e-bike-voucher-portal-again-on-4-29/) - The Air Resources Board's long-delayed and controversial e-bike voucher program will be opening its application portal for a second time at 6:00 p.m. on April 29th. This time instead of a first-come, first-serve approach that left out tens of thousands of hopeful applicants, the system will randomly choose 1,000 people who join their virtual waiting room between 5:00 and
- [Deadline to Take Latest Airport Conversion Survey Is This Sunday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/deadline-to-take-latest-airport-conversion-survey-is-this-sunday/) - Airport to Park Survey Closes on Sunday The Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMAC) has been collecting information on an online survey for the past several weeks. The survey closes this Sunday, April 27, and can be accessed here. For anyone just joining us, the City of Santa Monica is currently planning to close the
- [May Is Bike Month. Bike Week Is May 4-10](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/may-is-bike-month-bike-week-is-may-4-10/) - The following is a group of calendar events taken from Santa Monica's Take the Friendly Road Newsletter. To subscribe directly, click here.
- [Wiener’s Legislation to Streamline Permitting for Transit Projects Advances](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/wieners-legislation-to-streamline-permitting-for-transit-projects-advances/) - This story also appears at Streetsblog California. Photo: Senator Wiener and BART General Manager Robert Powers confer on BART. Photo: Melanie Curry/Streetsblog Cutting red tape for large transit projects may be a rare bipartisan issue. The California Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 445, legislation that speeds up local permitting for sustainable transportation projects
- [Fair Housing Symposium and student poster contest winners commemorate Fair Housing Month](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/fair-housing-symposium-and-student-poster-contest-winners-commemorate-fair-housing-month/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica The city celebrates Fair Housing Month this April with a free symposium on local fair housing laws and housing discrimination at the Main Library. The city has also announced finalists for the popular annual Student Fair Housing Poster Contest. This year’s contest received entries
- [OPA Update 4/24/25: OPA Spring Mixer Wednesday 4/30, Final Weekend to Take SaMo Airport Survey, Multiple Spring Festivals, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-4-24-25-opa-spring-mixer-wednesday-4-30-final-weekend-to-take-samo-airport-survey-multiple-spring-festivals-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA 4/30 Spring Mixer Details: Come to the patio of Chez Jay @ 1657 Ocean Ave. from 4-6:30pm on Wednesday April 30 to mix and mingle with other engaged community members. Sunday is the Final Day to Take the City Survey for Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project Next Steps: CLICK HERE to take the survey and let the City
- [Bruce Lurie Gallery Launches Build 4ward, a New Event Series Focused on Rebuilding the Pacific Palisades Through Art and Design](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/bruce-lurie-gallery-launches-build-4ward-a-new-event-series-focused-on-rebuilding-the-pacific-palisades-through-art-and-design/) - The following is a submission from the Bruce Lurie Gallery. Bruce Lurie Gallery is pleased to present Build 4ward, the inaugural event in a new series that brings together developers, interior designers, architects, and luxury real estate professionals to collaborate on rebuilding and revitalizing the Pacific Palisades. The reception will take place on Thursday, April 24th, from
- [Council Members Unsure of an Amendment to State Legislation on Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/council-members-unsure-of-an-amendment-to-state-legislation-on-housing/) - Council Members Unsure of an Amendment to State Legislation on Housing As a whole, the city council is currently uncomfortable with a request to amend pending legislation to allow energy-efficient and other environmental improvements to existing housing stock. On Tuesday evening, the council heard a request from Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya, who was formerly joined by
- [Venice Community Housing and Community Corporation of Santa Monica Break Ground on New Affordable Development in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/venice-community-housing-and-community-corporation-of-santa-monica-break-ground-on-new-affordable-development-in-santa-monica/) - The following is a submission from Venice Community Housing. Venice Community Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer and service provider, broke ground today on Santa Monica’s newest affordable housing development, 20th Street Apartments. Developed in partnership with Community Corporation of Santa Monica, 20th Street Apartments will offer 78 units of 100% affordable housing for low-income
- [Sacramento Beats Santa Monica and Rolls Out Full AI Ticketing Program for Bus/Bike Lanes](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/sacramento-beats-santa-monica-and-rolls-out-full-ai-ticketing-program-for-bus-bike-lanes/) - This story also appears at Streetsblog California. Last week, Sacramento became the first city in the country to use bus-mounted cameras to ticket scofflaw drivers who drive or park in bike lanes. The program is a partnership between the city and Sacramento Regional Transit. While other cities are using the technology to enforce bus-only lanes,
- [Letter: SMMUSD Welcomes Pali High to Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/letter-smmusd-welcomes-pali-high-to-santa-monica/) - Superintendent’s Message: Santa Monica Welcomes Palisades Charter High School Students and Staff to Santa Monica Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and Community Members, I hope you had a restful and enjoyable spring break with family and friends. I was able to recharge a bit as we return on Monday, April 21, 2025, to the final
- [Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica Hosts ‘Party on the Field!’ at Historic Belmar Park](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/kiwanis-club-of-santa-monica-hosts-party-on-the-field-at-historic-belmar-park/) - The following is a submission from the Kiwanis Club The Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica invites families, friends, and community members to come together for an afternoon of fun “Partying on the Field” in celebration of the donation of the new scoreboard at the beautiful Historic Belmar Park on Sunday, April 27, from 4-7 p.m. The lively
- [OPA Update: Palisades High Opens @ Sears Bldg This Week, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-palisades-high-opens-sears-bldg-this-week-things-to-do-this-week/) - We were off yesterday for the holiday and have updated the newsletter to remove events that have already happened. - D OPA Spring Mixer Details: Come to the patio of Chez Jay from 4-6:30pm on Wednesday April 30 to mix and mingle with other engaged community members! Take the City Survey for Santa Monica Airport
- [Springtime For Hitler and the Second American Revolution](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/springtime-for-hitler-and-the-second-american-revolution/) - It's spring! And, since I suffer from that “ear worm” condition under which practically every sentence I say or write makes me think of a song, the first thing that “springs” to mind is the title song, Springtime For Hitler, from the play-within-a-play of the Mel Brooks' Broadway musical The Producers. In Brooks' satire, two struggling producers conclude
- [LA's Pali High, Displaced by Fire, Comes to DTSM](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/27793/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. On April 22, Palisades Charter High School will begin holding in-person classes at the school’s new temporary location, dubbed “Pali South,” located at the site of the former Sears building at the corner of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, 302 Colorado Ave. Since the
- [Caltrans Posts Draft Master Plan for PCH in Malibu](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/caltrans-posts-draft-master-plan-for-pch-in-malibu/) - Caltrans has released the Draft Pacific Coast Highway Master Plan Feasibility Study Document (PDF) for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements along just over 20 miles of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. The master plan covers twenty years of projects that could be completed, should funding become available. A virtual meeting will be held
- [What would an "Abundance" agenda look like in Santa Monica?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/abundance-agenda-santa-monica/) - It may seem that “Abundance” is the latest buzzword in democratic policy circles, being thrown around without a deep understanding of what it means. And I think that would be an accurate representation of the current state of this policy idea. Writers, typically wonkish policy reporters with elite publications such as the New York Times
- [Reminder: It's Locals Night Tomorrow at the Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/reminder-its-locals-night-tomorrow-at-the-pier/) - Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier are once again rolling out the red carpet for locals and Angelenos alike as “Locals’ Night” returns on Thursday, April 17, from 3:30 to 10 p.m. This free community celebration invites everyone to enjoy an evening of live music, youth performances, dancing, a car show, a curated Art Mart featuring more than 40 local vendors, and
- [CalMatters Dives Into the Deadly Relicensing Practices at DMV](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/calmatters-dives-into-the-deadly-relicensing-practices-at-dmv/) - While state legislators, city councils, and activists all look for ways to make California’s streets safer, a groundbreaking report by CalMatters illustrates the important role that our state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) plays in keeping our roads unsafe. In “License to Kill,” journalist Robert Lewis and a team of eight researchers scoured DMV records from
- [Mayor's Roundtable Podcast: The State of the Budget](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/27763/) - The second episode of our Mayor's Roundtable podcast features Former Mayor Gleam Davis and activist and researcher Juan Matute. While the focus of this podcast is the city's annual budget, there's also a really interesting mini-discussion at about the eighteen minute mark where we discuss the future of the Civic, Airport (and Airport Park) and
- [The Beaches Are Open...But Stay Away from Debris](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/the-beaches-are-open-but-stay-away-from-debris/) - The following is a compilation of press materials on last week's news that ocean water in Santa Monica is safe. Public health officials announced last week that results from both ocean water and sand testing along the county coastline after January’s Palisades Fire showed no evidence of wildfire-related chemical levels that pose a risk to
- [OPA Newsletter](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-newsletter/) - Apologies for not posting this yesterday. The newsletter has been lightly edited to remove events that happened yesterday. Frank Gehry Designed Ocean Park Apartment Building Hits the Market: "The Hillcrest Apartments, completed in 1962 at 2807 Highland Ave., showcase Gehry's early architectural vision before he gained international fame for his deconstructivist style seen in buildings
- [CalBike: E-Bikes on the Agenda for California Legislature in 2025](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/calbike-e-bikes-on-the-agenda-for-california-legislature-in-2025/) - This article via Calbike. CalBike has 14 bills on its legislative watchlist this year, and almost half of them (six) are e-bike regulations. As we have documented repeatedly over the past couple of years, the swift rise in the popularity of e-bikes has led to an equally swift backlash. Local leaders have conflated legal e-bikes with illegal e-motorcycles improperly sold as
- [Ellen Evans Announces Campaign for State Senate](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/ellen-evans-announces-campaign-for-state-senate/) - Activist Ellen Evans* announced her candidacy to replace Ben Allen as the State Senator for the 24th State Senate District. Allen is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. Evans is best known locally as one of the founders of the Doheny Sunset Plaza Neighborhood Association in 2017 in Los Angeles but traces her advocacy
- [DocDrew’s Swish Issue 2, Volume 17](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/27115/) - Welcome to the second issue of volume seventeen of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program. This Fall season, the Santa Monica Family YMCA had 5 divisions of youth basketball, with the Copper division having
- [Kool Happenings: Toto, I Don't Think We're in America Anymore](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/kool-happenings-toto-i-dont-think-were-in-america-anymore/) - Santa Monica Next is proud to be the online home of former State Senator and County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. You can sign-up to get her email delivered to your inbox directly by clicking here. In 1939, MGM released a movie, starring one of their favorite contract players, a young, rising star named Judy Garland. It
- [Senate Committee Rejects Legislation Allowing Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies for Climate Disasters](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/senate-committee-rejects-legislation-allowing-lawsuits-against-oil-and-gas-companies-for-climate-disasters/) - This article first appeared at Streetsblog California Yesterday, the California State Senate Judiciary Committee rejected S.B. 222, the Affordable Insurance and Climate Recovery Act. The legislation needed seven votes to pass the committee, but received only five. A full tally of the votes can be found at the bottom of this article. The legislation is dead
- [Pier's Locals' Night Returns April 17 with Live Music, Art Mart & Salsa Dancing](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/piers-locals-night-returns-april-17-with-live-music-art-mart-salsa-dancing/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier are once again rolling out the red carpet for locals and Angelenos alike as “Locals’ Night” returns on Thursday, April 17, from 3:30 to 10 p.m. This free community celebration invites everyone to enjoy an evening of live music, youth performances, dancing, a car show, a curated Art
- [Caltrans Wants Your Input on Plan to Extend Lincoln Blvd. Bus Lanes Almost All the Way to LAX](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/caltrans-wants-your-input-on-plan-to-extend-lincoln-blvd-bus-lanes-almost-all-the-way-to-lax/) - Caltrans is hosting a workshop and online survey to gather input about a proposal to extend bus only lanes on Lincoln Boulevard for another 3.1 miles south to Manchester Boulevard. Currently, bus only lanes are on Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica, although under the LADOT/Caltrans “Lincoln Fast Forward” plan, those lanes will be extended south
- [OPA Update 4/10/25: OPA Monthly Meeting THIS Monday Includes Main St. Housing Discussion, Santa Monica Will NOT Host 2028 Olympic Volleyball, & REALM Joins OPA as Business Member](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-4-10-25-opa-monthly-meeting-this-monday-includes-main-st-housing-discussion-santa-monica-will-not-host-2028-olympic-volleyball-realm-joins-opa-as-business-member/) - OPA April 14 Monthly Meeting THIS Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00: Elaine Polachek (Interim
- [Local Businesses Honored at the 29th Annual Sustainable Quality Awards ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/local-businesses-honored-at-the-29th-annual-sustainable-quality-awards/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city's Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) hosted in partnership with Sustainable Works, recognize local businesses that demonstrate excellence in helping Santa Monica realize a more sustainable future by successfully incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. The annual awards ceremony will take place at the
- [City Council Approves Housing Authority’s New Five-Year Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/city-council-approves-housing-authoritys-new-five-year-plan/) - The Santa Monica City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping its lowest-income residents housed. On Tuesday evening, the city council heard public comments and a staff presentation on the Santa Monica Housing Authority’s (SMHA) five-year plan for 2025-2030 (Agenda, Item 12a) and its goals for keeping extremely low, very low, and low-income residents housed
- [SMC Celebrates Earth Week April 21-24](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/smc-celebrates-earth-week-april-21-24/) - Image and story submitted by Santa Monica College. Santa Monica College (SMC) — considered one of the ‘greenest’ campuses in California — will celebrate Earth Week on April 21-24 with free events on the SMC Main Campus at 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. The current lineup of Earth Week events includes: • Monday, April 21, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cayton Student Lounge 2nd Floor: “Climate Action
- [Santa Monica Will Not Host Beach Volleyball in the 2028 Olympics](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/santa-monica-says-no-to-hosting-beach-volleyball/) - At a Council meeting last year, LA 28 wouldn’t answer any Councilmembers' Concerns. Earlier this morning, the City of Santa Monica announced that negotiations between the city and the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA 28) for the city to host the beach volleyball tournament have ended. LA28 informed
- [Santa Monica Fire Department Adds New Member: Roger the Support Dog](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/santa-monica-fire-department-adds-new-member-roger-the-support-dog/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Fire Department this week launched a new K-9 Peer Support Program, an initiative designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of firefighters and other Santa Monica city employees and community members. The program’s first K-9 team member, an English Labrador
- [The Santa Methica Sign Is Retired with a New One Attacking Karen Bass for Having a Family](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/the-santa-methica-sign-is-retired-with-a-new-one-attacking-karen-bass-for-having-a-family/) - The lead photo was emailed to me, but I suspect it is an edit of this photo by Adventurous1984 on Reddit. In December of 2022, a banner appeared on Santa Monica Promenade property on a building owned by homelessness incarceration advocate John Alle. The sign blared “Santa Monica Is Not Safe” and drew media attention
- [OPA Update 4/7/25: Agenda for OPA April 14 Monthly Meeting, Tuesday Save Fairview Library Rally, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-4-7-25-agenda-for-opa-april-14-monthly-meeting-tuesday-save-fairview-library-rally-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA April 14 Monthly Meeting Next Monday: This month's meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00: Elaine Polachek (Interim
- [New Network Sets Out to Reform State DOTs](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/new-network-sets-out-to-reform-state-dots/) - This article also appears at Streetsblog California. Last week, Clean RIDES Network, a coalition of advocacy groups aimed at reforming state departments of transportation, released Reducing Costs, Commutes, and Climate Pollution: State Solutions for Better Transportation, a new blueprint for helping states fix their emission problems. Streetsblog USA reported on the national goals and strategies of Clean
- [Op/Ed: Investing in Public Transit Is an Investment in California’s Future](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/op-ed-investing-in-public-transit-is-an-investment-in-californias-future/) - Joshua Baum is an urban economist and the Principal of Hilgard Analytics, a mission-driven real estate and economic development research firm founded in 2020. This op/ed also appears at Streetsblog California. California stands at a crossroads when it comes to public transit. Millions rely on buses, trains, and subways to get to work, school, and essential
- [OPA Update 4/3/25: Google’s Binoculars Building For Sale, SaMo Rents Rise in March, Easter Fun on 3rd Street Promenade, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/opa-update-4-3-25-googles-binoculars-building-for-sale-samo-rents-rise-in-march-easter-fun-on-3rd-street-promenade-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - April 14 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting: Mark your calendars for dinner and socializing from 6:00 - 6:30pm and the meeting from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.). The agenda includes guest speakers Elaine Polachek (Interim City Manager), Tony Lopez () Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2025) & Carla Rosin
- [Malibu Petition to Separate from SMMUSD Rejected by County Committee](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/malibu-petition-to-separate-from-smmusd-rejected-by-county-committee/) - Rather than go back to the table to continue and perhaps conclude negotiations with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), the City of Malibu opted for a more combative route…and after yesterday’s rejection they may be regretting it. Following a blistering report that demonstrated the many shortcomings of Malibu’s separation petition, the Los Angeles
- [Kool Happenings: Reckless Endangerment and Shakespeare on Killing All the Lawyers](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/kool-happenings-reckless-endangerment-and-shakespeare-on-killing-all-the-lawyers/) - Santa Monica Next is proud to be the online home of former State Senator and County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. You can sign-up to get her email delivered to your inbox directly by clicking here. I love the law. I love the way the law divides the actions of our human civilization into categories so that,
- [Breaking: LACOE denies petition by City of Malibu to force separation of Malibu schools from SMMUSD.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/breaking-lacoe-denies-petition-by-city-of-malibu-to-force-separation-of-malibu-schools-from-smmusd/) - Full story at this link tomorrow.
- [Commentary: It’s Nice Not to Worry About the Rising Costs of Cars](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/commentary-its-nice-not-to-worry-about-the-rising-costs-of-cars/) - The following article also appears at Streetsblog by Roger Rudick. Photo : My “car.” Or one of them anyway. Photo from Wikimedia Commons by Pi.1415926535 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link Car prices, say analysts, are poised to shoot up by thousands of dollars thanks to the Trump Administration's 25 percent tariffs. Car parts and repairs will too. I don't own
- [Wellness & Waves Returns to the Santa Monica This Saturday for the 2025 Season](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/wellness-waves-returns-to-the-santa-monica-this-saturday-for-the-2025-season/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation Start your weekend with movement, mindfulness, and ocean views as Wellness & Waves returns to the Santa Monica Pier beginning Saturday, April 5 through October 11, 2025, from 8 to 10 a.m. every week. This popular Free fitness series invites the community to embrace self-care and coastal vibes with group
- [The Corsair, SMC Journalism Students, Earn 50 National, Regional and Statewide Awards & Honors](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/04/the-corsair-smc-journalism-students-earn-50-national-regional-and-statewide-awards-honors/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. Photo: Spring 2025 Corsair staff members pose with dozens of journalism awards won by their Santa Monica College student newsroom at the 2025 National College Media Conference in Long Beach on Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Photo Credit: Gerard Burkhart) Santa Monica College’s (SMC) student-run media outlet The Corsair and its staff
- [OPA Update 3/31/25: OPA Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting Wednesday, Rob Maschio Joins OPA, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-31-25-opa-emergency-preparedness-committee-meeting-wednesday-rob-maschio-joins-opa-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Emergency Preparedness Committee Meeting (Wednesday 6pm): Come to Ocean Park Library on Main St. on Wednesday @ 6pm to be part of the team that is helping the community be prepared for emergencies! Click here to email Abe Sassoon for more details if interested in attending. Thank You Rob Maschio for Joining OPA as
- [Race Off! Weekend/Holiday Races on the Beach Path Are Likely No More](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/race-off-weekend-holiday-races-on-the-beach-path-are-likely-no-more/) - Image: That's me, my daughter, and my mom at last year's Better World Racing Father's Day Run. If you’ve ever been on the Santa Monica beach path on a weekend or holiday, you’ve doubtlessly seen them (us). Hundreds of runners (or walkers) in their (our) gear running from a start line just south of Shutters
- [County Holds Hearing on Malibu School's Separation Petition on Wednesday, 4/2](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/county-holds-hearing-on-malibu-schools-separation-petition-on-wednesday-4-2/) - The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is holding a hearing next Wednesday, April 2, at their headquarters in Downey at 9:00 a.m. on the petition submitted by the City of Malibu to separate its schools from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD). Details on how to attend the meeting virtually or in-person
- [Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica Donates $200,000 for LA Wildfire Relief](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/kiwanis-club-of-santa-monica-donates-200000-for-la-wildfire-relief/) - The following is a submission from Pier Communications. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica has donated a total of $200,000 to support LA wildfire relief efforts, with its most recent $100,000 contribution presented to the American Red Cross Western Los Angeles, during its monthly meeting at the offices of Downtown Santa Monica, on March 19,
- [Saved or Delayed? Council Unanimously Moves Forward with Contract with RPG Group to Revitalize the Civic Auditorium](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/saved-or-delayed-council-unanimously-moves-forward-with-contract-with-rpg-group-to-revitalize-the-civic-auditorium/) - At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to move forward with an “exclusive negotiating agreement” with the Revitalization Partners Group (RPG) for the refurbishment and management of the Civic Auditorium. Under the ENA, the city agrees to negotiate solely with Revitalization Partners Group, or RPG, to determine the feasibility for redeveloping the Civic Auditorium
- [Kool Happenings: The Magic Eraser and the Eerie Echos of Musk's Grandpa](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/kool-happenings-the-magic-eraser-and-the-eerie-echos-of-musks-grandpa/)
- [OPA Update 3/27/25: Santa Monica Ranked #5 Nationwide, a FUNgi Mushroom Growing Workshop @ MUD/WTR, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-27-25-santa-monica-ranked-5-nationwide-a-fungi-mushroom-growing-workshop-mud-wtr-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [City Council to Raise Water Rates to Help Mend Deficit and Strengthen Water Infrastructure](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/city-council-to-raise-water-rates-to-help-mend-deficit-and-strengthen-water-infrastructure/) - The city’s General Fund isn’t the only budget forcing the Santa Monica City Council to make some tough decisions. On Tuesday night, the council heard from staff and discussed options to close a deficit in funding the city’s water infrastructure while also investing in strengthening it. The Department of Public Works’s Water Resources Division provides
- [In-Person Only Meeting for PCH Repaving/Safety Project This Thursday Evening at the Santa Monica Main Library](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/in-person-only-meeting-for-pch-repaving-safety-project-this-thursday-evening-at-the-santa-monica-main-library/) - This coming Thursday, March 27, Caltrans will be holding a public in-person only meeting at the Santa Monica Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd.) to discuss a $72 million pavement rehabilitation project on 12 miles of the Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1 aka “the PCH”) between the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and Cross
- [Having a Hard Time Talking with People Who Disagree with You? LWV and Santa Monica Bay HRC Wants to Help](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/having-a-hard-time-talking-with-people-who-disagree-with-you-lwv-and-santa-monica-bay-hrc-wants-to-help/) - The following is a calendar post from LWV/HRC. The Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council and League of Women Voters of Santa Monica invite you to Community Dialogue: Tools for Difficult Conversations in Community on Thursday, March 27 at 5-7 p.m. at SMC's Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery,1310 11th Street Santa Monica. Having a hard time talking to
- [SMC Emeritus Concert Band to Hold Free Concert April 6](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/smc-emeritus-concert-band-to-hold-free-concert-april-6/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton of Yosuke Miyoshi, will present “Sea to Shining Sea,” a free concert on Sunday, April 6, at 3 p.m. The performance will be held in The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, located at 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Ample free parking will
- [Vacancies Are a Drag](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/vacancies-are-a-drag/) - At the Santa Monica City Council’s budget workshop earlier this month, council members expressed a desire for the city to take a more active role in supporting economic opportunity and growth. This was one of the three budget priorities adopted that day. Unmaintained vacant properties, especially ground-floor properties in commercial districts and corridors, create a
- [OPA Update 3/24/25: OPA Membership Drive, Possible Water Rate Increase, Seline on Main St. Already in the Michelin Guide, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-24-25-opa-membership-drive-possible-water-rate-increase-seline-on-main-st-already-in-the-michelin-guide-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading, please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a tax deductible donation. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE. OPA T-Shirts: We still have a
- [Santa Monica Eases Business Regs for "March Madness"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-eases-business-regs-for-march-madness/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica has temporarily suspended several restaurant regulations to support local economic recovery and assist businesses still facing impacts from the January wildfires. Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek, serving as the director of emergency services, Thursday signed a second supplement to the Emergency
- [OPA Update 3/20/25: Local Rents Climb, An Ode to ZJ Boarding House, Love Letters to SaMo, & A LOT of Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-20-25-local-rents-climb-an-ode-to-zj-boarding-house-love-letters-to-samo-a-lot-of-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Local Rents Climb, But Santa Monica Isn’t the Biggest Beneficiary of Wildfire Driven Increases: In the post-Palisades housing economy, Santa Monica's rental market is showing strong growth in early 2025, with median rents increasing by 1.1% in February, according to the latest Apartment List March 2025 Rent Report. This growth has pushed the overall median rent
- [The Red Queen and The Catcher In The Rye](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/27611/) - Hello, all! Some folks seem to be reading these weekly postings on a substack not of my creation. The better way to get them as I send them is to join my email list. It's only for Kool Happs, period. You can forward these to a friend and urge them to click here to join my email
- [Sion Roy Announces Campaign to Replace Ben Allen in the Senate](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/sion-roy-announces-campaign-to-replace-ben-allen-in-the-senate/) - Dr. Sion Roy is the first major candidate to announce for the 2026 Senate Race to replace Ben Allen, who is termed out of office. Roy, the vice-chair of the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, is a resident of Malibu and draws on his personal experiences with the recent fires to inform his campaign.
- [BBB Hosts Hearings On Proposed Fare Increases on 4/2 and 4/3. Survey Now Open.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/bbb-hosts-hearings-on-proposed-fare-increases-on-4-2-and-4-3-survey-now-open/) - The Santa Monica Department of Transportation’s Big Blue Bus will host two public hearings to introduce proposed fare increases aimed at enhancing transit services and addressing rising operational costs. The first public hearing will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To attend, community members must register at bigbluebus.com/meetings. The second public hearing
- [SMC Continues Free Literary Talks & Readings Series April 3](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/smc-continues-free-literary-talks-readings-series-april-3/) - The following article is a submission from SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC) continues its free Literary Talks & Readings series this spring with an on-campus talk on April 3 by Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Yosimar Reyes about what inspires his poetry, and a hands-on poetry workshop online on April 8 led by award-winning poet José Pablo Barragán Nieto. All presentations in the series
- [Wiener Introduces Legislation to Increase Housing Density Near Transit](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/wiener-introduces-legislation-to-increase-housing-density-near-transit/) - This story also appears at Streetsblog California. Flanked by Bay Area elected officials and advocates from the Yes in My BackYard (YIMBY) movement, Senator Scott Wiener (D-SF) held a press event at the Daly City BART Station Friday morning to announce Senate Bill 79. If it becomes law, SB 79 will upzone near major transit
- [Culver Beats Santa Monica, CityBus Launching Automated Bus Lane Enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/culver-beats-santa-monica-citybus-launching-automated-bus-lane-enforcement/) - After a succesful pilot program in 2023, Santa Monica began working on a permanent program for cracking down on illegal car parking in bus lanes. The Big Blue Bus has been telling advocates the program will "hopefully" launch next month. L.A. Metro began ticketing with its automated enforcement program for Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles
- [Pacific Park’s World-Famous Ferris Wheel To ‘Go Dark’ During Earth Hour 2025, Marks 19th Edition With The ‘Biggest Hour For Earth’](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/pacific-parks-world-famous-ferris-wheel-to-go-dark-during-earth-hour-2025-marks-19th-edition-with-the-biggest-hour-for-earth/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. On Saturday, March 22 at 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour, one of the largest global environmental movements returns for its 19th edition with the “Biggest Hour for Earth” as it unites millions around the world in celebration of our planet. Earth Hour serves as a beacon of
- [SMMUSD Principal Spotlight: Martha Díaz Chacón: A Legacy of Leadership, Equity, and Advocacy](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/smmusd-principal-spotlight-martha-diaz-chacon-a-legacy-of-leadership-equity-and-advocacy/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. For more than two decades, Martha Díaz Chacón has dedicated her career to education, shaping the lives of students and leading initiatives that foster equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. As the principal of John Adams Middle School (JAMS), her journey from classroom teacher to district leader has been
- [Santa Monicans protest Musk, Trump in front of Tesla dealership at Santa Monica Place](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/27584/) - Several dozen protestors rallied just north of the Tesla dealership at Santa Monica Place on Saturday, undeterred by statements made by President Donald Trump that protesting actions taken by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency would be treated as domestic terrorism. Musk has become one of
- [OPA Update 3/17/25: City Earns $3.5 Million in Grants for Safer Streets Projects, St Paddy's Events, & Others Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-17-25-city-earns-3-5-million-in-grants-for-safer-streets-projects-st-paddys-events-others-things-to-do-this-week/) - Santa Monica Earns $3.5 Million in Grants for Safer Streets Projects: Among the projects, $350k is to add a pedestrian signal at Lincoln and Hill St. and $802k to install retroreflective backplates, leading pedestrian interval, and protected left turns Neilson Ave. from Ocean Park Blvd. to Pico Blvd. More details here. Addressing Homelessness: City Council
- [Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble Performs Live Concert March 31](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-college-jazz-ensemble-performs-live-concert-march-31/) - The Santa Monica College (SMC) Jazz Ensemble will perform a live concert, led by conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont, on Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Music Hall at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street(at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. “DEI (Dynamic Energy and Improvisation)” willfeature cutting-edge jazz compositions and arrangements by individuals who had to fight against convention to have their unique genius recognized. Conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont noted: Oliver Nelson (1932-1975)
- [Digital Democracy: Councilmember Hall Reaches Out on Reddit to Hear Your Budget Priorities](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/digital-democracy-councilmember-hall-reaches-out-on-reddit-to-hear-your-budget-priorities/) - Have thoughts on how the city should be spending its money but don’t want to sit through long government or neighborhood meetings to voice your opinion? Do you prefer to write your opinions down, but find emails too impersonal? Well, Councilmember Dan Hall has you covered. Hall is reaching out to anyone interested in voicing
- [Draft State Highway System Management Plan Urges State to Move Away from Gas Tax or Face Funding Shortfalls](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/draft-state-highway-system-management-plan-urges-state-to-move-away-from-gas-tax-or-face-funding-shortfalls/) - Last month, the State of California released the Draft State Highway System Management Plan (SHSMP), a document required by the legislature every two years. SHSMP provides a ten-year prediction of statewide transportation funding needs. Despite the word “highway” appearing in the title, the SHSMP also discusses the decade-long needs of transit agencies and local road
- [OPA Update 3/13/25: OPA March Monthly Meeting Recap, DMN8 Joins OPA, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-13-25-opa-march-monthly-meeting-recap-dmn8-joins-opa-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA March Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is a link to the full YouTube video and here are summaries of the varies parts: SMPD updated OPA on activity over the past month. Watch here. Barry Snell: The newly elected City Council-Member shared his background and priorities for the city. Watch here. Santa Monica Public Library Updates:
- [Santa Monica Earns $2.3 Million in Grants for Safer Streets Projects](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-earns-3-5-million-in-grants-for-safer-streets-projects/) - Update, March 14: The state (not us!) made a mistake in their grant allocation. The article is corrected with new information. Photo: The intersection of 23rd and Hill via Google Maps. The City of Santa Monica earned its share of $300 million in grants announced Friday to help make local streets safer. The funding for
- [City Council Activates Plans to Combat Homelessness](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/city-council-activates-plans-to-combat-homelessness/) - A new five-year plan to tackle homelessness is coming to Santa Monica. On Tuesday evening, the city council received and discussed a Homelessness Strategic Plan (HSP) (Agenda, Item 11a) deemed necessary through a 2023 homelessness study conducted by Moss Adams LLP. The city then contracted with consulting firm BerryDunn to develop the HSP built on
- [Santa Monica College Theatre Arts to Stage “Grease” March 28-April 6](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-college-theatre-arts-to-stage-grease-march-28-april-6/) - The following is a submission from SMC. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Theatre Arts Department will perform one of the world’s most popular musicals — “Grease” — March 28-April 6 in the Theatre Arts Main Stage on the SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 28 and April 4, and Saturday, March 29 and April 5.
- [Kool Happenings: The Little Match Boy and Crypto-creep](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/kool-happenings-the-little-match-boy-and-crypto-creep/) - In the early 1950s, when many of us had yet to buy our first television set, Truth or Consequences was a popular TV game show, one of many quickly thrown together to fill the sudden gaping time demands of this new technology. On Truth or Consequences, contestants were required to answer a trivia question, and,
- [Locals’ Night Returns to the Santa Monica Pier on March 20 with Live Music, Classic Cars, and Community Fun](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/locals-night-returns-to-the-santa-monica-pier-on-march-20-with-live-music-classic-cars-and-community-fun/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. The Santa Monica Pier is rolling out the red carpet for locals once again with Locals’ Night on Thursday, March 20, from 3-10 p.m. The free, community-focused event is part of Locals’ Night: Third Thursdays On The Pier series, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, music, art, and
- [SMC Opens Spring 2025 Masters of Dance Series March 26](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/smc-opens-spring-2025-masters-of-dance-series-march-26/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica Community College. The Santa Monica College (SMC) Dance Department opens its Spring 2025 Masters of Dance series with a line-up of master classes and learning workshops led by dance professionals. The series starts March 26 with movement artist Stephanie Powell leadinga class on classical ballet technique that includes a professional class progression focusing on barre work,
- [Streetsblog Checks Out the Santa Monica Bergamot Station First/Last Mile Construction](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/streetsblog-checks-out-the-santa-monica-bergamot-station-first-last-mile-construction/) - It is very much still a construction site, but there's a lot of progress visible on Santa Monica's new first/last mile connections to the Metro E Line 26th Street/Bergamot Station. Bergamot Station has typically seen about a thousand daily boardings, which puts it among the bottom three E Line Stations west of downtown Los Angeles. The station
- [State Announces Nearly $300 Million in Grants for Safe Streets](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/state-announces-nearly-300-million-in-grants-for-safe-streets/) - We'll have more details on Santa Monica specific grants later today or tomorrow. From San Diego to Del Norte County, communities throughout California received good news on Friday when the Governor’s office announced 288 grants totaling nearly $300 million designed to make roads and streets more safe. “We’re making roads safer up and down the
- [City Council Establishes Economic Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee, Provides Direction for 2025-2027 Budget](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/city-council-establishes-economic-development-ad-hoc-subcommittee-provides-direction-for-2025-2027-budget/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Image from Juan Matute The Santa Monica City Council Saturday established an Economic Development Ad Hoc Subcommittee and appointed Mayor Lana Negrete, Councilmember Jesse Zwick and Councilmember Barry Snell as part of a strategic effort to address the city’s budget deficit. The creation of
- [Santa Monica Gets Down to Business at Council Budget Workshop](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-gets-down-to-business-at-council-budget-workshop/) - Discussions at the City Council’s March 8th budget workshop reveal a determined push to run the municipality more like a business, focusing on well-defined priorities and bringing revenues more in sync with expenses. Economic development, housing, support for education, and safe streets all emerged as priorities for the new council. I’ve been following Santa Monica
- [Santa Monica Pier Presents ‘A Talk Through Pier History" - A Free Storytelling Event on 3/13](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-pier-presents-a-talk-through-pier-history-a-free-storytelling-event-on-3-13/) - The following is a lightly edited submission from the Pier Corporation. Join Santa Monica Pier for “A Talk Through Pier History,” a free, one-hour storytelling event hosted by Jim Harris, Author and Santa Monica Pier Executive Director and Historian. The session will highlight fascinating, untold stories, memorable moments, and milestones that shaped the iconic Pier. The event
- [OPA Update 3/10/25: OPA Monthly Meeting Tonight, SaMo Rents Rise in Wake of Wildfires, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-10-25-opa-monthly-meeting-tonight-samo-rents-rise-in-wake-of-wildfires-things-to-do-this-week/) - OPA March 10 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the 2601 Main St. Library starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here is the Zoom link to join the meeting starting at 6:30pm. Here's the draft agenda and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments
- [State Releases CAPTI 2.0, a Document to Align the State’s Climate Goals and Transpo. Spending](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/state-releases-capti-2-0-a-document-to-align-the-states-climate-goals-and-transpo-spending/) - Last week, the State of California dropped at least three long but important documents: reports on transportation needs, outcomes of transportation spending, and CAPTI 2.0. Streetsblog is aiming to produce summaries and some analysis of these reports quickly and later amplify reporting done by other groups and hosting experts our podcast as time goes on.
- [OPA Update 3/6/25: Details on OPA Meeting Monday, Urgent Action Needed for Library Funding, Spring Forward into Daylight Saving Sunday, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-6-25-details-on-opa-meeting-monday-urgent-action-needed-for-library-funding-spring-forward-into-daylight-saving-sunday-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA March 10 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the 2601 Main St. Library starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here is the Zoom link to join the meeting starting at 6:30pm. Here's the draft agenda and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling 6:30 - 6:45pm: SMPD 6:45 - 7:00: Newly elected City Council-Member Barry Snell 7:00 - 7:15: Santa Monica Public Library Updates 7:15
- [Kool Happenings: The Least Dangerous Branch](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/kool-happenings-the-least-dangerous-branch/) - To all of you who are asking what can be done when the orders of our courts are not obeyed: In 1962, legal scholar Alexander Bickel authored an analysis of our federal courts and their place in our system. He titled the book The Least Dangerous Branch, a description coined by Alexander Hamilton who, although
- [Kool Happenings: Remember when DEI was a Latin name for God?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/kool-happenings-remember-when-dei-was-a-latin-name-for-god/) - "When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean---neither more nor less...The question is, which is to be the master---that's all." With these words, written by Louis Carroll in Through the Looking Glass, our fragile eggshell friend set out the rules for one of the
- [New Report Quantifies Five Years of Caltrans Freeway Expansion, including Demolitions](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/new-report-quantifies-five-years-of-caltrans-freeway-expansion-including-demolitions/) - In 2023, the state legislature approved Senator Lena Gonzalez' S.B. 695 which mandated Caltrans share project data publicly. One result of the new legislation is a new Caltrans' report summing up five years of freeway expansion throughout the state. The report may not be scintillating reading material, but it is an invaluable resource in compiling a great
- [Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for Fiscal Oversight/Transit Safety Committees](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-seeks-applicants-for-fiscal-oversight-transit-safety-committees/) - The city of Santa Monica is inviting residents to apply for the newly-established Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee and the Transit Security Advisory Committee. Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee This committee was formed as a result of voter-approved Measure GS, which established dedicated tax funding for schools, homelessness prevention and affordable housing. The committee will make
- [Santa Monica Budget Primer](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/santa-monica-budget-primer/) - The Santa Monica City Council will set budget priorities this Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Santa Monica Library. The city forms its operating budget every 2 years, and the 2025-27 budget will be contentious because the city faces a large, continuing budget deficit. This post describes the city's budget process and fiscal situation, with
- [74th Annual “Stairway to the Stars” Concerts Shine a Brilliant Light on the SMMUSD Music Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/74th-annual-stairway-to-the-stars-concerts-shine-a-brilliant-light-on-the-smmusd-music-program/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. For the 74th year, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) will present Stairway to the Stars, a musical extravaganza highlighting the outstanding music education programs, and showcasing the talents of students from every school in the district. Nearly 900 elementary, middle, and high school students will “star” in
- [Conservancy's "Santa Monica Mosaic" Returns with a Free Webinar with Pacifc Palisades Civic Leaders](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/conservancys-santa-monica-mosaic-returns-with-a-free-webinar-with-pacifc-palisades-civic-leaders/) - The following is a submission from the Santa Monica Conservancy. The Santa Monica Conservancy releases their first 2025 installment of the Santa Monica Mosaic, in partnership with Pacific Palisades Historical Society, on March 16th at 5 p.m. The Way We Were: Shared Memories of a Village Lost is a free, evening live stream event, celebrating the history of the Pacific Palisades with four community leaders,
- [Zbur Introduces Legislation Allowing Quick-Build Bike Lanes on State Highways](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/zbur-introduces-legislation-allowing-quick-build-bike-lanes-on-state-highways/) - Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) introduced AB 891, a bill that will require Caltrans to develop quick-build bike lane and intersection projects to improve safety on state highways for cyclists and pedestrians. A "quick build project" is a temporary, easily adjustable infrastructure improvement that can be installed rapidly using readily available materials to either
- [How Trump’s Radical Remaking of Environmental Review Process Could Reshape Transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/how-trumps-radical-remaking-of-environmental-review-process-could-reshape-transportation/) - The following article also appears at Streetsblog. The Trump administration is quickly moving to radically transform the implementation of America's bedrock environmental rule to ignore "environmental justice" and prioritize "efficiency and certainty over any other policy objectives" — a move that advocates fear could be a handout to Big Highway. After President Trump issued his
- [Legislation Would Allow Metro to Add Fee to Olympic/World Cup Tickets](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/legislation-would-allow-metro-to-add-fee-to-olympic-world-cup-tickets/) - Mayor Karen Bass promised a “car-free Olympics” when the games come to Los Angeles in 2028. Olympic Committee Chair for the L.A. Games promised 5,000 buses to transport fans, participants and volunteers…all of whom would be able to ride L.A. Metro for free. While Los Angeles Metro may have some reason to believe the transit agency
- [OPA Update 3/3/25: Women’s History Month 2025 Kicks Off, OPA Housing Committee Meeting Tuesday, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/03/opa-update-3-3-25-womens-history-month-2025-kicks-off-opa-housing-committee-meeting-tuesday-things-to-do-this-week/) - March 10 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting: Mark your calendars for dinner and socializing from 6:00 - 6:30pm and the meeting from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Main St. library. The agenda includes guest speakers new Council-Member Barry Snell, Santa Monica Public Library Updates, and Big Outdoor (the digital signs on Main St.). OPA Housing
- [City Council Balks at Costly and Strict...Yet Oddly Vague...Proposal to Host Beach Volleyball at the 2028 Olympics](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/10/city-council-balks-at-costly-and-strict-yet-oddly-vague-proposal-to-host-beach-volleyball-at-the-2028-olympics/) - Santa Monica Next, like many media outlets, has long-assumed that Santa Monica will host the beach volleyball tournament in the 2028 Olympics. However, the city's plans for 2028 seem uncertain as the Council balked at a proposal (City Council Agenda, Item 7a) put forward by the L.A. 2028 Olympic Committee (LA 2028) because it was
- [New City Manager and Top Staff, District Elections for City Council, Zero Tolerance Policing and "Othering" Attacks on Their Opponents - The Safer Slate Unfiltered with Northeast Neighbors](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/10/new-city-manager-and-top-staff-district-elections-for-city-council-zero-tolerance-policing-and-othering-attacks-on-their-opponents-the-safer-slate-unfiltered-with-northeast-neighbors/) - Last Monday evening, the night before the City Council meeting, the incumbent Safer Santa Monica Slate was hosted by Northeast Neighbors, one of Santa Monica’s officially recognized Neighborhood Associations for a virtual meet and greet on zoom. Northeast Neighbors is one of three officially recognized Neighborhood Associations that has endorsed candidates this election along with
- [Santa Monica's Bike Lanes Are Overrun with Parked Cars. Armed with New Data, the City Hopes to Use AI to Fix This.](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/08/santa-monicas-bike-lanes-are-overrun-with-parked-cars-armed-with-new-data-the-city-hopes-to-use-ai-to-fix-this/) - The report this story is based on is not yet available on the city’s website. In the meantime, you can read it here. In November, the City Council approved a pilot program to test the effectiveness of AI in enforcing parking laws in bicycle lanes by “identify vehicles illegally parked in those lanes, and provide
- [Council Passes Motion Affirming Support for Gender diverse, Transgender, and Intersex Persons](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/council-passes-motion-affirming-support-for-gender-diverse-transgender-and-intersex-persons/) - At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Council passed a motion (Agenda, 16C) the City Council passed a resolution affirming the city’s support for gender diverse, transgender, and intersex persons. The resolution, based on a similar one that affirmed the city’s protection for people regardless of immigration status, directed city staff to draft a motion that
- [OPA Newsletter: Two Main St. Spots Make The Infatuation's The Hit List, EaterLA Describes new Santa Monica Din Tai Fung as “Stunning”, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-newsletter-two-main-st-spots-make-the-infatuations-the-hit-list-eaterla-describes-new-santa-monica-din-tai-fung-as-stunning-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [City Council Moves Forward on Timeline to Build Housing on City-Owned Property](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/city-council-moves-forward-on-timeline-to-build-housing-on-city-owned-property/) - The city council continues to move forward with commitments to Santa Monica’s 6th Cycle Housing Element. On Tuesday evening, the council passed a resolution setting a timeline in motion that should result in the development of 1,880 affordable housing units on several plots of land owned by the city. By declaring certain properties “surplus land,”
- [Saturday: Heroes Day at Pacific Park: A Celebration of Community, First Responders and Preparedness](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/saturday-heroes-day-at-pacific-park-a-celebration-of-community-first-responders-and-preparedness/) - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier invites families and community members to join in for Heroes Day, a fun-filled afternoon celebrating local heroes and promoting safety awareness on Saturday, March 1 from 3-6 p.m. The free event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including appearances from beloved superhero characters, face painting, and special
- [Metro Restores Line 134 - Connecting Santa Monica and Malibu](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/metro-restores-line-134-connecting-santa-monica-and-malibu/) - The following is a submission from Metro and the City of Malibu. L.A. Metro will operate closed-door service on Line 134, which travels through Malibu to Santa Monica, starting Friday, Feb. 28. Service has been suspended since Jan. 7, 2025, when the Palisades Fire ignited and caused major damage in the area followed by mudslides
- [Metro Updates: Ridership Keeps Growing, Construction, and More](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/metro-updates-ridership-keeps-growing-construction-and-more/) - This story also appears at Streetsblog Los Angeles. Many Streetsblog readers and Metro riders already know this story: Metro ridership keeps on growing steadily. Recently released ridership data from January shows twenty-six consecutive months of increases. January 2025 saw 918,375 average weekday boardings, a five percent increase over January 2024. Bus ridership grew nearly six
- [TONIGHT - Wednesday - City Hosts Virtual Town Hall on Fire Recovery ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/tonight-wednesday-city-hosts-virtual-town-hall-on-fire-recovery/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica will host a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to provide updates and answer questions from Santa Monica businesses and residents about Palisades Fire recovery. Community members will hear from local, state and regional experts on recovery
- [Save the Civic or Save the City?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/save-the-civic-or-save-the-city/) - Most Santa Monicans likely can’t identify the large crumbling building that has sat empty on the corner of Main Street and Pico Boulevard for over a decade. To others, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is a historic icon worth preserving at any cost. Yet as our City Council once again debates what to do with
- [What can be done to reduce traffic fatalities in Santa Monica?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/what-can-be-done-to-reduce-traffic-fatalities-in-santa-monica/) - In part 1, I used a safe systems lens to understand traffic safety in Santa Monica after a fatal crash at the intersection of Wilshire and Chelsea in December, 2024. In that column I showed that traffic enforcement activities and fine revenues had declined in Santa Monica in recent years. Department spokesperson Lt. Ericka Aklufi
- [Can CA Go It Alone on High Speed Rail?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/can-ca-go-it-alone-on-high-speed-rail/) - Caption: This image from a presentation in March of 2024 shows the state’s plan for the next $35 billion of high speed rail funding. Only the top yellow part was from the federal government which will likely be pulled back by the Trump administration. Last week, the United States Secretary of Transportation traveled to Los Angeles
- [Trump Policies and Interruptions Put Transit Infrastructure Projects at Risk](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/trump-policies-and-interruptions-put-transit-infrastructure-projects-at-risk/) - Gesturing toward the nearly completed Wilshire/La Brea Metro station, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman warned "The Trump Administration proposed cuts to federal investments to support this stop, this train stop that is months away from opening." "How crazy is that?" Metro is extending the D Line subway to Westwood, with the first of three new sections expected to
- [OPA Update 2/24/25: Most Loved Santa Monica Businesses Voting Now Open, OPA Housing Committee Meeting Tuesday, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-2-24-25-most-loved-santa-monica-businesses-voting-now-open-opa-housing-committee-meeting-tuesday-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [Four Free, Live Virtual Shows from SMC’s Drescher Planetarium Explore Observing Earth from Space, Space Weather, the Gaia Mission, and New Ways to 'See' the Universe in March](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/four-free-live-virtual-shows-from-smcs-drescher-planetarium-explore-observing-earth-from-space-space-weather-the-gaia-mission-and-new-ways-to-see-the-universe-in-march/) - The following is a submission from Santa Monica College. Santa Monica College’s John Drescher Planetarium continues its Friday evening events in March 2025 with free, live virtual shows presented online at smc.edu/planetarium. The March shows will explore observing Earth from space, space weather, the Gaia mission, and new ways to 'see' the universe. The Friday evening shows are at 8 p.m. and are preceded by a streamlined virtual digest of the popular Night Sky
- [Majority of City Council Attends Rally Against County Needle Program Hosted by Group Known for the "Santa Methica Is Not Safe" Banner](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/04/majority-of-city-council-attends-rally-against-county-needle-program-hosted-by-group-known-for-the-santa-methica-is-not-safe-banner/) - Yesterday, a majority of the Santa Monica City Council joined roughly four dozen activists at a political rally organized by the Santa Monica Coalition to demand that LA County end its needle exchange program in Santa Monica public parks. The rally featured speeches from at least two Councilmembers running for re-election, Mayor Phil Brock and
- [Allen Moves to Protect California’s Freshwater](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/allen-moves-to-protect-californias-freshwater/) - Image: Sacramento River via the State of California Department of Water Resources Environmentalists throughout the country…no throughout the world…have discovered in recent years that it can no longer count on America’s federal government for help stewarding this world. Nowhere is that more true in the battle to protect clean, freshwater, especially in California. Federal regulations
- [Black History Month Celebration Comes to Third Street Promenade](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/black-history-month-celebration-comes-to-third-street-promenade/) - The following is a submission from Downtown Santa Monica. Celebrate Black History Month at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted as part of the Crafted by Culture series in partnership with Shopfest, the event will spotlight Black makers, artists, and entrepreneurs, honoring their creative contributions with
- [OPA Update 2/20/24: Din Tai Fung Soft Open, Homeless Count TONIGHT Needs More Volunteers, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-2-20-24-din-tai-fung-soft-open-homeless-count-tonight-needs-more-volunteers-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [Wiener Introduces Legislation to Speed-Up Permitting for Major Transit Projects – Including High Speed Rail](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/wiener-introduces-legislation-to-speed-up-permitting-for-major-transit-projects-including-high-speed-rail/) - Last month, Senator Scott Wiener introduced SB 71, a bill that seeks to streamline the state-mandated environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act for public transportation and bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects that reduce car dependency. Earlier this week, he introduced a second piece of legislation that would make it easier to build larger transit
- [Council Calls for Better Enforcement as Serious Crashes Jump Again in 2024](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/council-calls-for-better-enforcement-as-serious-crashes-jump-again-in-2024/) - According to data provided by the city, the number of serious crashes in Santa Monica rose a staggering 54% in 2024 to 60 Fatal and Severe crashes compared to 39 crashes the previous year. 2024 was the fourth consecutive year that saw an increase in serious crashes. As much as people might want to blame
- [CalBike Summit Session This Thursday: Creative Approaches to Funding Active Transportation Infrastructure](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/calbike-summit-session-this-thursday-creative-approaches-to-funding-active-transportation-infrastructure/) - As SBCA has been hearing over and over again these last couple of months, it’s time to get creative when planning how to fund active transportation in California. This Thursday, February 20, the California Bike Coalition is hosting a webinar on that very subject at noon via zoom. You can register for “Creative Approaches to
- [Statement from the Mayor: Santa Monica Is a Safe City for Everyone](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/statement-from-the-mayor-santa-monica-is-a-safe-city-for-everyone/) - To read the Mayor's letter in Spanish, click here. Dear Santa Monicans, In recent weeks, many in our community have felt unsettled by dramatic shifts in federal policies. We want to assure you: we hear you, we care about you, and we stand united against all forms of intolerance — whether racial, religious, gender-based, or related to citizenship
- [OPA Update 2/17/24: A Statement from Mayor Lana Negrete - Santa Monica is a City for Everyone, History of Oil Drilling in OP, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-2-17-24-a-statement-from-mayor-lana-negrete-santa-monica-is-a-city-for-everyone-history-of-oil-drilling-in-op-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [Santa Monica College Continues Distinguished Scientists Lecture Series March 4](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/santa-monica-college-continues-distinguished-scientists-lecture-series-march-4/) - Santa Monica College continues its Distinguished Scientists Lecture Series in spring 2025 with an eye-opening talk — “Stress Management for Nurses: Author of ‘Nursing Dream Turned Nightmare’” — by Patricia B. Crain, MSN BSN RN. A Registered Nurse with 27 years of experience working in acute care hospitals, Crain will discuss the stressors of working during the COVID pandemic in an urban ICU, and how she battles stress in nursing
- [Mayor's Roundtable : Santa Monica in the Age of Trump](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/mayors-roundtable-santa-monica-in-the-age-of-trump/) - The first episode of our “Mayor’s Roundtable” series at Santa Monica Next features Former Mayor Ted Winterer and local activist Chris Guitierrez to discuss what the city can do to protect its residents and the environment during a Trump presidency. In 2017, Wintermer was mayor at the start of the first Trump presidency. Winterer led
- [OPA Update 2/13/24: OPA Monthly Meeting Recap, Not No Bar Opens on Main St., Valentines Day Options, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-2-13-24-opa-monthly-meeting-recap-not-no-bar-opens-on-main-st-valentines-day-options-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Feb 10 Monthly Meeting Recap: Click here to watch the meeting in its entirety. Newly elected City Council-Member Ellis Raskin: Click here to watch him share his priorities and vision for the City. SMPD: Click here to watch their recap of recent police activity and discussion on other issues. Jenna Grigsby (Chief Deputy City Attorney) discussed SaMo Bridge, a new diversion pilot
- [Automated Bus Lane Enforcement Starts in LA on Monday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/automated-bus-lane-enforcement-starts-in-la-on-monday/) - On Monday, February 17, Metro will begin issuing $293 citations to cars parked in bus lanes or at bus stops. The new program is expected to improve bus speed and reliability, and increase ridership. Initially the program will ticket just on La Brea Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard. The Metro Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE) program is
- [City Council Provides Direction on Key Areas of Focus for a City Reparations & Landback Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/city-council-provides-direction-on-key-areas-of-focus-for-a-city-reparations-landback-program/) - A program of restorative justice may finally be coming to Santa Monica. On Tuesday evening, the city council discussed how to study historic harms to marginalized communities and provided their thoughts on how to move a reparations and landback initiative forward. They will be explored further in an 18-month process beginning in March with the
- [City Resumes Permit Parking Enforcement on Monday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/city-resumes-permit-parking-enforcement-on-monday/) - Beginning on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, the city of Santa Monica will resume enforcement of its Preferential Parking program. Enforcement of preferential parking was temporarily suspended in January to provide parking accommodation for those who were displaced by the Palisades Fire and other regional wildfires. As regional recovery efforts proceed, the city is resuming enforcement
- [Santa Monica High School Symphony and Chamber Orchestras toPerform at LA Phil’s Mahlerthon](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/santa-monica-high-school-symphony-and-chamber-orchestras-toperform-at-la-phils-mahlerthon/) - The Santa Monica High School (Samohi) Symphony and Chamber Orchestras will take the stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s Mahlerthon, a daylong celebration of the music of Gustav Mahler. The event, presented in collaboration with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), Inner City YouthOrchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA),
- [The Santa Methica Sign Says Goodbye to City Manager David White - Who Will Be the Signs' Next Target?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/the-santa-methica-sign-says-goodbye-to-city-manager-david-white-who-will-be-the-signs-next-target/) - Unfamiliar with the Santa Methica sign saga? I’m jealous. But I’m also not going to write up an explainer again. You can catchup here. Poor John Alle. The Santa Monica Promenade property owner and Santa Monica Coalition founder who has engaged in a one-sided feud with Santa Monica City Manager David White over the city’s
- [Wilson Introduces “Transit Safety Bill,” First in Series of Transportation Safety Bills](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/wilson-introduces-transit-safety-bill-first-in-series-of-transportation-safety-bills/) - Last Monday, California Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Lori Wilson (D-Fairfield) introduced A.B. 394, the first of what she promised would be a package of bills designed to improve public safety for users across the transportation sector. Wilson says the bill aims to make transit systems safer for passengers, drivers, and other transit employees. “Every Californian deserves
- [OPA Update: Tell the City What's Important to You, Civic Auditorium Update, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-tell-the-city-whats-important-to-you-civic-auditorium-update-things-to-do-this-week/) - Wildfire Relief Funds Now Available for Small Businesses and Workers: The Relief Funds have two grant options available: Small Business Relief Fund: Provides direct cash assistance grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for businesses and nonprofits that experienced structural damage, equipment/inventory loss, or revenue loss. APPLY HERE Worker Relief Fund: Provides $2,000 in direct cash
- [The Complaints Department](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/the-complaints-department/) - A city that is responsive to complaints seems like a desirable standard to strive for. Who doesn’t like having their complaints addressed in a timely manner? This was the idea when Santa Monica contracted for a 311 system in 2018, a platform that would allow for the efficient assignment and handling of requests across city
- [Samohi Walkhout Speech 2](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/samohi-walkhout-speech-2/) - (The following speech was delivered on the steps of City Hall by Samohi student Sara Javerbaum.) Tell me if you’ve heard this before: this walkout is meaningless. It won’t make a difference, or it’s just an excuse to cut classes. To clarify for those who may believe that, we’re not here because we think this
- [OPA: Local Businesses Need Our Support](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-local-businesses-need-our-support/) - Since the fires, local business is down across the board. Some businesses report being down 60-80% over the past month. This can be a crushing blow to small businesses and they need our support now if they are going to survive. This SMDP podcast is worth a listen on the impact as it interviews multiple Main
- [Samohi Walkout Speech](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/samohi-walkout-speech/) - (The following speech was delivered on the steps of City Hall by Samohi student Elliot Ho.) I feel the need to explain why we have organized this walkout. We have done so because we believe that we must allow the political backdrop of our everyday lives to burst out from the foreground, from out of
- [New Legislation Would Require Breathalyzers in Cars for Everyone Guilty of DUI](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/new-legislation-would-require-breathalyzers-in-cars-for-everyone-guilty-of-dui/) - Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) was flanked by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, and a host of safety advocates and traffic enforcement officers to announce the introduction of A.B. 366, the Save Lives with Every Start bill. “This is an urgent call to action,” said Petrie-Norris. “This bill we’re introducing today is
- [Samohi Students Rally at City Hall to Demand Better from City in Age of Trump](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/samohi-students-rally-at-city-hall-to-demand-better-from-city-in-age-of-trump/) - Brandishing political signs, chanting slogans, and demanding change, roughly 400 Santa Monica High School (Samohi) students walked out of class and marched on City Hall earlier this afternoon to demand the city protect its most vulnerable residents during the second administration of Donald Trump. One student activist shared a copy of the letter they distributed
- [City Waives Outdoor Dining Fees for February to Aid Local Businesses](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/city-waives-outdoor-dining-fees-for-february-to-aid-local-businesses/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Image is a screenshot from googlemaps. To help mitigate the impacts of the recent wildfires on local businesses, the city of Santa Monica waived its license fees for outdoor dining areas, sidewalk dining, parklets and pier deck extended dining for the month of February
- [OPA Update 2/6/24: Details on OPA Meeting Monday, Where to Watch the Super Bowl, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-2-6-24-details-on-opa-meeting-monday-where-to-watch-the-super-bowl-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - OPA Feb 10 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the 2601 Main St. Library starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here is the Zoom link to join the meeting starting at 6:30pm. Here's the draft agenda and here's schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm: Food, refreshments
- [Negotiations Stall on Civic Revitalization as “Save the Civic” Cries Foul](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/negotiations-stall-on-civic-revitalization-as-save-the-civic-cries-foul/) - Last summer, the City Council unanimously voted to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) with a development team led by Revitalization Partners Group (RPG) for the redevelopment and operations of the Santa Monica Civic Center. At last week’s meeting, the city council voted (in closed session) to put a deadline to complete those negotiations.
- [Public Hearing for 100 Unit Apartment Building at 1320 Pico Scheduled for Thursday](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/public-hearing-for-100-unit-apartment-building-at-1320-pico-scheduled-for-thursday/) - On Thursday, the city will hold a virtual public hearing for the 100-unit apartment building planned for 1320 Pico Boulevard at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held on zoom, and you can access it by clicking here at the meeting time. As planned, the proposed project is a pair of 8-story and 4-story apartment
- [StreetSmart Episode 2: The State of Transit Funding with Juan Matute](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/streetsmart-episode-2-the-state-of-transit-funding-with-juan-matute/) - Welcome to the second episde of the Streetsblog California podcast, StreetSmart. In this podcast, I'll be talking to experts about various topics, policies, programs, and people that I'll be covering as part of the beat at Streetsblog California. Our guest in this episode is Juan Matute, the Deputy Director of the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies,
- [14th Street Affordable Housing Project Has Final Hearing at Tonight’s Architecture Review Board](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/14th-street-affordable-housing-project-has-final-hearing-at-tonights-architecture-review-board/) - Tonight, the City of Santa Monica Architectural Review Board is scheduled to review the proposed design, colors, materials and landscape plans for the 100% affordable housing project for seniors proposed for the city-owned parking lot at 1211-1217 14th Street and 1402 Wilshire Boulevard. The ARB cannot reject the proposal from the development team which includes
- [How's Daylighting Working in Santa Monica?](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/hows-daylighting-working-in-santa-monica/) - The post first appeared at Streetsblog California. On January 1, California’s “Daylighting Law” went into effect and traffic enforcement agencies around the country are responding to it in different ways. For those of you unfamiliar with the term and missed out on 2023’s legislative push by Assemblymember Alex Lee, daylighting is when municipalities prohibit parking within
- [OPA Update 2/3/24: Feb 10 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting, Local Rents Jump to a Fast Start in 2025, Urban Coyotes Mating Season, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/02/opa-update-2-3-24-feb-10-is-next-opa-monthly-meeting-local-rents-jump-to-a-fast-start-in-2025-urban-coyotes-mating-season-things-to-do-this-week/) - Feb 10 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting: Mark your calendars for dinner and socializing from 6:00 - 6:30pm and the meeting from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Main St. library. The agenda includes new Council-Member Ellis Raskin, Jenna Grigsby (Chief Deputy City Attorney) discussing SaMo Bridge, a new diversion pilot program planned on the Civic
- [Update on SaMo Beaches: The Water Is Closed, But the Sand, Beach Path and Pier Are Open](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/update-on-samo-beaches-the-water-is-closed-but-the-sand-beach-path-and-pier-are-open/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica’s three miles of sprawling, sandy beaches remain open for recreation and non-water activities, which are not restricted by the recent Ocean Water Quality Advisory issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health this week. The Department of Public Health, or
- [OPA Update 1/30/24: Sunday Main St. Farmers Market Needs Our Support, Toxic Wildfire Runoff Closes Local Beaches Indefinitely, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-1-30-24-sunday-main-st-farmers-market-needs-our-support-toxic-wildfire-runoff-closes-local-beaches-indefinitely-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - Sunday Main St. Farmers Market NEEDS Our Support! Last week was a VERY slow weekend and the farmers are really struggling with the loss of business since the fires. Please come out this Sunday and show your support! See you Sunday 8:30am - 1:30pm with this planned: "This week we have singer, song writer, Sophia Vandenberg at 9am and the
- [Airport Conversion Enters "Phase 3" Amidst Questions on Outreach Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/airport-conversion-enters-phase-3-amidst-questions-on-outreach-plan/) - All images from the staff presentation to City Council. After over an hour of public testimony and a presentation by city staff, the City Council quickly passed a resolution affirming the “guiding principles” for the airport conversion project. A list of the principles can be found at the bottom of this article. However, much of
- [Santa Monica High School Students Win First Place inNASA JPL Invention Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/santa-monica-high-school-students-win-first-place-innasa-jpl-invention-challenge/) - The following is a submission from SMMUSD. Students from Santa Monica High School’s(Sa mohi) Engineering Academy claimed first place at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Invention Challenge on Dec. 6, 2024. Competing against 21 teams from Los Angeles and Orange counties, Samohi students excelled in this year’s “Candy Toss” challenge, which required teams to design
- [SMMUSD Superintendent: Supporting our Community as a Safe Haven School District](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/smmusd-superintendent-supporting-our-community-as-a-safe-haven-school-district/) - The following letter was sent to all SMMUSD Families and is reprinted here with permission We understand the concern and fear felt by our families and communities regarding the new administration’s action to overturn the sensitive locations policy that includes schools. I share these concerns, and I am deeply disappointed in this decision. Our schools
- [City Council Moves to Prohibit Unruly Big Blue Bus Passengers](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/city-council-moves-to-prohibit-unruly-big-blue-bus-passengers/) - (Editor's note: You all know Todd, right? Welcome to Santa Monica Next!) Consequences may finally be coming for ill-behaved Big Blue Bus (BBB) riders. On Tuesday evening, the Santa Monica City Council preliminarily approved an ordinance that would establish a means to issue prohibition orders preventing disruptive BBB passengers from using the transit system. (Agenda,
- [SMFD Launches Community Connect to Enhance Fire and Medical Response](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/smfd-launches-community-connect-to-enhance-fire-and-medical-response/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Fire Department has launched Community Connect, a forward-thinking preparedness tool that makes available critical and detailed information, such as floor plans, whether pets are in the home, or medical needs to first responders in the event of an emergency. By tapping
- [Santa Monica Launches Survey, Hosts Community Meetings for Biennial Budget](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/santa-monica-launches-survey-hosts-community-meetings-for-biennial-budget/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica is seeking public participation in the planning and development of the Fiscal Year 2025-27 Operating Budget. Community members can share input via an online survey, available in English and Spanish, through Feb. 17. In addition, the city will host three community meetings
- [OPA Update : Feb 10 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting, A New Brow Shop on Main St., Dine LA Restaurant Week is Back, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-feb-10-is-next-opa-monthly-meeting-a-new-brow-shop-on-main-st-dine-la-restaurant-week-is-back-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Feb 10 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting: Mark your calendars for dinner and socializing from 6:00 - 6:30pm and the meeting from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Main St. library. The agenda includes new Council-Member Ellis Raskin and setting the 2025 OPA priorities list. Dine LA Restaurant Week is Back (Jan. 24 - Feb. 7):
- [Republican Assemblymembers Attack High Speed Rail as Authority Shows How Expenditures Are Helping Central Valley](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/republican-assemblymembers-attack-high-speed-rail-as-authority-shows-how-expenditures-are-helping-central-valley/) - This article also appears at Streetsblog California. Republican lawmakers introduced a pair of new bills last week (Assembly Bill 267 and Assembly Bill 273) to defund the state's bullet train project by taking annual allocations to the California High Speed Rail Authority and redirecting it towards wildfire prevention, water infrastructure and even highway expansion. Currently, the High
- [Memo: City Staff Has Authority to Close Airport After Enviro. Reviews](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/memo-city-staff-has-authority-to-close-airport-after-enviro-reviews/) - City Says It Doesn’t Need Another Vote to Close the Airport Ever since a federal judge approved a consent decree between the city and the Federal Aviation Administration that allows the city to close the airport on January 1, 2029, most of the debate has focused on what the city should do with the airport
- [Wiener Introduces Legislation to Continue CEQA Exemption for Sustainable Transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/wiener-introduces-legislation-to-continue-ceqa-exemption-for-sustainable-transportation/) - Earlier this month, Senator Scott Wiener (D-SF), introduced “SB-71 California Environmental Quality Act: exemptions: transit projects” a bill that seeks to streamline the state-mandated environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for public transportation and bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects that reduce car dependency. “We’re excited to see Senator Wiener continue his leadership
- [Outdoor Workers Vulnerable to Being Left Behind in Wildfire Recovery Process; A Few Ways to Assist in the Interim](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/outdoor-workers-vulnerable-to-being-left-behind-in-wildfire-recovery-process-a-few-ways-to-assist-in-the-interim/) - Photo: Sahra Sulaiman As devastating fires blew up across Los Angeles last week, researchers from the Latino Policy and Politics Institute and the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge at UCLA released a data brief highlighting systemic inequities that, if not acknowledged and accounted for in the wildfire recovery efforts, could exacerbate long-standing inequalities in Latino and underserved communities
- [Metro Board Approves Wildfire Response Initiative, Including Free Rides for Fire Victims](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/metro-board-approves-wildfire-response-initiative-including-free-rides-for-fire-victims/) - The following article also appears on Streetsblog Los Angeles. Metro's board of directors approved a motion to marshal agency resources in support of victims of major ongoing wildfires. The motion, introduced last week by Board Chair and County Supervisor Janice Hahn, includes several aspects. "This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for Los Angeles County and we are
- [$2.5 Billion Wildfire Relief Package Signed into Law](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/2-5-billion-wildfire-relief-package-signed-into-law/) - The following is a submission from Senator Ben Allen. Senator Ben Allen (D-Pacific Palisades) celebrated today’s passage and signing of a $2.5 billion wildfire relief package to boost recovery efforts in the wake of the LA Fires. “The long road to recovery is just beginning, and these bills are a couple of important first steps
- [Local Filmmaker Seeks Funding for Film Showing a Family’s Struggle with Daughter’s Substance Use Disorder](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/local-filmmaker-seeks-funding-for-film-showing-a-familys-struggle-with-daughters-substance-use-disorder/) - 30-year Santa Monica resident Mark Rosman is seeking funding for his newest film, Keep Coming Back, a story loosely based on Mark and his family’s experience during his daughter’s struggle with substance use disorder. Rosman is not new to filmmaking having directed A Cinderella Story, The Perfect Man and Life Size. You can see Rosman’s
- [OPA Update 1/23/24: CA Insurance Commissioner Issues Bulletin Protecting Against Possible Home Insurance Cancellations, SaMo Pier Locals' Night for Fire Relief, Dine LA, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-1-23-24-ca-insurance-commissioner-issues-bulletin-protecting-against-possible-home-insurance-cancellations-samo-pier-locals-night-for-fire-relief-dine-la-other-things-to-do-this/)
- [Enviro Leaders: EV’s Won’t Save Us, Invest in Transit and Active Transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/enviro-leaders-evs-wont-save-us-invest-in-transit-and-active-transportation/) - The following article also appears at Streetsblog California. To the surprise of few, the incoming presidential administration of Donald Trump hit the ground driving, signing executive orders that will boost oil production and could eliminate federal tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles. While California has set its own climate and emission goals, its plan
- [Santa Monica Pier To Host "Locals' Night For Fire Relief" On January 23](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/santa-monica-pier-to-host-locals-night-for-fire-relief-on-january-23/) - The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation. Residents and guests are invited to a special “Locals' Night for Fire Relief” on Thursday, January 23 from 3:30-10 p.m. In addition to much needed fundraising, it’s also a night of music, connection, and care for the community. Guests will enjoy amazing entertainment including Books & Cookies musical
- [Next Editor Damien Newton Will Also Edit Streetsblog California](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/next-editor-damien-newton-will-also-edit-streetsblog-california/) - The following open letter from Newton appeared yesterday at Streetsblog California. Friends, You have doubtless heard by now that Melanie Curry has retired as the editor of Streetsblog California. She has been the only editor that the site has ever had in its 10+ years of existence. While I am excited at the opportunity to take
- [Elaine Polachek Appointed Interim City Manager](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/elaine-polachek-appointed-interim-city-manager/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday announced that Elaine Polachek will serve as interim city manager, replacing outgoing City Manager David White during the national recruitment for a permanent appointment. Polachek previously served the city of Santa Monica in various roles for nearly two
- [Wilshire/Chelsea Deadly Crash Highlights Santa Monica's Dearth of Vehicle Code Enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/wilshire-chelsea-deadly-crash-highlights-need-for-more-vehicle-code-enforcement/) - Even as the Palisades fire and other megafires shift the focus on public safety from transportation to wildfires made more likely by climate change, many in our community are still mourning the death of a 70-year old Santa Monica resident to traffic violence from a December 22nd hit-and-run crash at Wilshire & Chelsea. In this
- [OPA Update 1/20/24: City Suspends Rental Enforcement Laws for Fire Victims, Joe Rogan Hits Up Main St. This Past Weekend, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-1-20-24-city-suspends-rental-enforcement-laws-for-fire-victims-joe-rogan-hits-up-main-st-this-past-weekend-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [The Observer Blows Smoke on Oregon Fire Fighters. Continues Its Run As City's Worst "News" Source.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/the-observer-blows-smoke-on-oregon-fire-fighters-continues-its-run-as-citys-worst-news-source/) - As heroic Californians fighting the blazes that erupted throughout Southern California last week were joined by heroes from other states and countries, the country’s right-wing disinformation machine was busy tut-tutting at California for imaginary policies that they say led to the out-of-control wildfires. One of the key local channels for that information, Elon Musk’s favorite
- [SMMUSD Superintendent’s Message: Air Quality Monitoring and Decisions](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/smmusd-superintendents-message-air-quality-monitoring-and-decisions/) - The following is an email from SMMUSD Superintendent Antonio Shelton on how decisions are made around Air Quality. Superintendent’s Message: Air Quality Monitoring and Decisions Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, and Community Members, We understand that some parents, staff and community members are concerned about air quality from the Palisades Fire and other nearby incidents
- [SMMUSD Returns to Normal](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/smmusd-returns-to-normal/) - The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has had a rough couple of months. Before the recent round of wildfires had caused massive upheaval throughout the Westside, the “Franklin Fire” had caused schools in Malibu to close last month. Damage to one elementary school campus caused it to be closed through the winter break. Then, just
- [OPA Update 1/16/24: How to Help Fire Victims, Insurance Updates, & Other Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-1-16-24-how-to-help-fire-victims-insurance-updates-other-things-to-do-this-weekend/)
- [Where Metro and Caltrans Are Widening L.A. Freeways, Sabotaging the Climate, Fanning the Flames](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/where-metro-and-caltrans-are-widening-l-a-freeways-sabotaging-the-climate-fanning-the-flames/) - This story also appears at Streetsblog Los Angeles. Photo: Metro/Caltrans 57/60 Freeway expansion project construction this month by Joe Linton. Climate disruption is here. Right now. It's past time that Southern California transportation heavyweights - including Metro and Caltrans - stop fanning the flames. For a week now, Southern California has experienced the most destructive wildfires in
- [Streetsblog California Editor Signs Off - Changes Coming to Santa Monica Next](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/streetsblog-california-editor-signs-off-changes-coming-to-santa-monica-next/) - This article first appeared at Streetsblog California. You'll note that Damien Newton is mentioned as the new editor for Streetsblog California. Damien will continue working at Santa Monica Next as well, but you'll start to note some new by-lines (and some old friends) in the coming weeks. We'll have more on the changes to Next
- [U.S. House Bill Would Make Auto-Braking Rules Stronger to Protect Cyclists](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/u-s-house-bill-would-make-auto-braking-rules-stronger-to-protect-cyclists/) - The following article first appeared in Streetsblog USA. Main photo: AXA/Michael Buholzer/Magnus White photo: Instagram Automatic braking systems that would better protect cyclists and pedestrians must be mandatory on new vehicles, a Colorado member of Congress said, offering up a new bill that advocates hope will finally protect vulnerable road users from drivers. The Magnus
- [Mayor Negrete: Santa Monica's Response to Crisis "Uplifting"](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/mayor-negrete-santa-monicas-response-to-crisis-uplifting/) - Last evening, the City of Santa Monica posted a video to its Twitter/X account with Mayor Lana Negrete addressing the state of the city. Next provides this transcript of the video for those preferring to read rather than watch or listen. Good afternoon, everyone. I'm so glad to be here with you today. My heart
- [After the Fires, Action on Housing Can’t Wait ](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/after-the-fires-action-on-housing-cant-wait/) - Los Angeles County has been grappling with a housing shortage for years, a crisis that has manifested in crippling rent burdens, widespread displacement, and a shameful number of residents forced to endure substandard living conditions. This pre-existing vulnerability has now been brutally exposed and exacerbated by recent devastating fires, pushing our housing market into a
- [Newsom Orders Suspension of CEQA for Fire Rebuilds](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/newsom-orders-suspension-of-ceqa-for-fire-rebuilds/) - In a rush to get back to normal - whatever that is - Governor Newsom issued an executive order to suspend permitting and review under both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act for anyone rebuilding a home or business lost in the L.A. fires. There are other things in the Executive Order
- [OPA Update: Go-Bag Tips for People and Pets, Seven Home Maintenance Tasks Everyone Forgets to Do, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-go-bag-tips-for-people-and-pets-seven-home-maintenance-tasks-everyone-forgets-to-do-things-to-do-this-week/)
- [Council Quickly Approves Emergency Ordinance to Allow for Flexibility in Providing Relief During Current Crisis](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/council-quickly-approves-emergency-ordinance-to-allow-for-flexibility-in-providing-relief-during-current-crisis/) - On Friday, the Santa Monica City Council met quickly to ratify a group of emergency rules put in place by City Manager David White in response to the wildfires that have ravaged the meeting. Before the meeting, Councilmember Dan Hall praised city staff for its work responding the to emergency and quickly preparing the ordinance
- [Palisades Fire: Santa Monica updates mandatory Evacuation Order to Warning north of San Vicente Boulevard, lifts Warning north of Montana Avenue](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/palisades-fire-santa-monica-updates-mandatory-evacuation-order-to-warning-north-of-san-vicente-boulevard-lifts-warning-north-of-montana-avenue/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. The city of Santa Monica Monday announced easing of evacuations within city limits, following an aggressive fire response in the Mandeville Canyon area and increased containment of the Palisades Fire over the weekend. Current evacuation information for Santa Monica as of 8 a.m. Monday,
- [Commentary: Palisades Fire and Future Impacts in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/commentary-palisades-fire-and-future-impacts-in-santa-monica/) - The Palisades Fire, a devastating wildfire that has ravaged the Westside of Los Angeles, has caused immense destruction and loss. My heart goes out to all those impacted by this tragedy. However, as a trained urban planner who often thinks about the future, I’ve been thinking about what the fires will mean for the future
- [City Cancels Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Outreach Meeting Scheduled for Tomorrow, Saturday 1/10](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/city-cancels-santa-monica-boulevard-safety-outreach-meeting-scheduled-for-tomorrow-saturday-1-10/) - via the city: Due to the Palisades Fire and its impact on the Santa Monica community, the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Study Pop-Up event at Douglas Park, originally scheduled this Saturday, January 11th from 10:00am to noon, will be postponed to a later date. The City welcomes community input via the online mapping survey and
- [Santa Monica College to Hold Fire Support Resource Drive Jan. 13-14](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/santa-monica-college-to-hold-fire-support-resource-drive-jan-13-14/) - Santa Monica College (SMC) is holding a two-day Fire Support Resource Drive to aid students, employees, and members of the community affected by the recent catastrophic fires. The SMC Foundation will collect donations of food, clothing, hygiene products, baby supplies, blankets (any size), and other necessities to be distributed to people in need in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Brentwood, and Greater Los
- [Here Are Some of the Ways Businesses and Government Are Helping Those Impacted By the Crisis](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/here-are-some-of-the-ways-businesses-and-government-are-helping-those-impacted-by-the-crisis/) - This is a crowd sourced list of businesses, people and agencies that are doing something extra to help during the ongoing crisis. If you know of more, please email damien@santamonicanext.org. We'll be updating this list regularly over the next couple of days. Santa Monica Specific: Papille Gustative (2823 Main St) Offering Free Cookies & Milk: Anyone who
- [Fire, Smoke, Evacuations, Closures...Here's the Links You Need to Stay Informed](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/fire-smoke-evacuations-closures-heres-the-links-you-need-to-stay-informed/) - Via the Ocean Park Association. The city of Santa Monica has issued an evacuation order for all areas above San Vicente Boulevard and an evacuation warning for the area north of Montana Avenue in response to the Palisades Fire. Please be advised for the most updated information about the Pacific Palisades fire and evacuation notices,
- [Fire Breaks Out in Santa Monica Mountains in Pacific Palisades. Smoke Blankets Much of Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/fire-breaks-out-in-santa-monica-mountains-in-pacific-palisades-smoke-blankets-much-of-santa-monica/) - This morning, SMMUSD parents and woke up to a message warning families that high winds and low humidity and moisture levels could lead to a repeat of the fires that closed schools at the end of 2024. Unfortunately, a large fire did break out again today. It’s located in Malibu as the previous fires, but
- [County Changes Food Purchasing Rules to Reduce GHG Emissions](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/county-changes-food-purchasing-rules-to-reduce-ghg-emissions/) - The following is a press release from Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Photo: Duncan Cumming/Flickr. Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda L. Solis’ motion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through its food purchasing practices. The motion directs departments to develop a protocol to amend existing food contracts
- [On Bluesky? Check Out the Next Starter Pack.](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/on-bluesky-check-out-the-next-starter-pack/) - (Already know what a Starter Pack is? Check out our Starter Pack here.) Following the 2024 election, social media users across the country migrated from the heavy handed algorithm of Twitter/X towards Bluesky. While Bluesky is still much smaller than Twitter, Instagram or many of the other larger social media websites, it is still growing
- [OPA Update 1/6/24: First OPA Meeting of 2025 Today, How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree, & Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/opa-update-1-6-24-first-opa-meeting-of-2025-today-how-to-recycle-your-christmas-tree-things-to-do-this-week/) - First OPA Meeting of 2025 is Today (Monday, Jan 6): It's a great time to check out the organization and help set our 2025 priorities. This month's meeting will be at the 2601 Main St. Library with food and mingling at 6:00pm and the meeting starting at 6:30pm. Here's the full schedule: 6:00 - 6:30pm:
- [New Bike Champions Among Incoming Class of CA Legislators](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/new-bike-champions-among-incoming-class-of-ca-legislators/) - The following article also appears at Streetsblog California. Among the new members of the California legislature sworn in at the beginning of December are several who have listed bicycle and pedestrian improvements among their stated priorities. The new session has barely begun, and how their actions will reflect their priorities remains to be seen, but
- [The latest information on updates to Santa Monica speed limits](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/the-latest-information-on-updates-to-santa-monica-speed-limits/) - The following post was written by Mia Silver, SMDOT Traffic Engineer, and first appeared on the city's website. You may have noticed a subtle shift on the streets of Santa Monica over the last few months. The speed limit adjustments come from recommendations per the city’s 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey and State Assembly Bill (AB)
- [City Seeks Leaders for Measure GS Oversight Boards, Other Commissions](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/city-seeks-leaders-for-measure-gs-oversight-boards-other-commissions/) - With a new year comes new chances to take leadership roles with the City of Santa Monica. Following the passage of Measure GS in November, a new oversight board will be created in 2025 to oversee spending of funds from the new measure - 11 new positions. If you’re interested in volunteering in a leadership
- [Metro Postpones Bus Lane Automated Ticketing](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/metro-postpones-bus-lane-automated-ticketing/) - Bus riders were looking forward to faster and more dependable service as automated bus lane enforcement was planned to start ticketing this week. But the start date for citations has now been postponed to February 17. Automated bus lane enforcement programs are already up and running in many cities, including San Francisco, New York City,
- [Streetsblog Predictions for 2025](https://santamonicanext.org/2025/01/streetsblog-predictions-for-2025/) - It's time for me, Streetsblog L.A. Editor Joe Linton, to make some predictions for calendar year 2025. Note that in the past, my rosy predictions were not all successful, so don't take these for granted, either. Metro ridership will keep growing Metro will surpass pre-COVID daily ridership levels by September 2025. Metro ridership declined precipitously in
- [Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel Celebrates 2025 With 'Happy New Year' In 16 Languages](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/pacific-parks-ferris-wheel-celebrates-2025-with-happy-new-year-in-16-languages/) - Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier’s Ferris wheel will ring in the New Year with a dazzling display of “Happy New Year” in 16 different languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, German, French, and Japanese. The animated messages will light up the night sky on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, starting at sunset. While the
- [OPA Update 12/30/24: First OPA Meeting of 2025 is Monday, Jan 6, New Years Eve Options, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/opa-update-12-30-24-first-opa-meeting-of-2025-is-monday-jan-6-new-years-eve-options-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - There will be no OPA Update on Thursday due to the holiday. Hope you have an amazing New Years! Consider OPA for End of Year Charitable Giving: We're proud of the year we've had that included multiple “Open Main St.” street closure festivals, our 4th of July Parade, publishing about 100 newsletters, expanding our newsletter reach to nearly 2200 community members, advocating to the city on
- [New Metro Subway Railcars Started Service on Friday](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/new-metro-subway-railcars-started-service-on-friday/) - This article also appears at Streetsblog Los Angeles. Metro's new HR4000 subway cars entered service today. They are currently operating on the Metro D Line. If all goes as expected, there will be just a few of the new railcars running through the end of the year. In early 2025 those numbers will ramp up.
- [Annual Polar Bear Plunge Set for Jan. 4 at the Annenberg Community Beach House ](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/annual-polar-bear-plunge-set-for-jan-4-at-the-annenberg-community-beach-house/) - The seventh annual Polar Bear Plunge is set for Saturday, Jan. 4, an opportunity for community members of all ages to dive into the new year and enjoy family-friendly activities with this fun Santa Monica tradition. The day starts at Annenberg Community Beach House Guest Services for check in before heading to the shoreline for
- [City Council Approves Contracts to implement SaMo Bridge Program](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/city-council-approves-contracts-to-implement-samo-bridge-program/) - The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica. A new diversion program will become reality in Santa Monica this spring, following the approval of several contracts and agreements by the City Council Tuesday. Through the SaMo Bridge program, the city seeks to reduce criminal behavior by addressing its root causes, such as
- [OPA Update 12/23/24: Consider OPA for End of Year Charitable Giving, Papille Gustative FREE Christmas Cookie Giveaway Tuesday & Wednesday, & Other Things To Do This Week](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/opa-update-12-23-24-consider-opa-for-end-of-year-charitable-giving-papille-gustative-free-christmas-cookie-giveaway-tuesday-wednesday-other-things-to-do-this-week/) - Consider OPA for End of Year Charitable Giving: We're proud of the year we've had that included multiple “Open Main St.” street closure festivals, our 4th of July Parade, publishing about 100 newsletters, expanding our newsletter reach to nearly 2200 community members, advocating to the city on a variety of neighborhood issues, and much more! And we've done it all on a
- [City Council Authorizes moving forward with affordable housing on city-owned Wilshire lots](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/city-council-authorizes-moving-forward-with-affordable-housing-on-city-owned-wilshire-lots/) - The following is a press release from the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved agreements with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation, or HCHC, to develop 130 affordable apartments, including 40 supportive housing apartments with onsite case management services tailored to meet individual client needs, on city-owned properties along Wilshire Boulevard. In
- [E-bike Incentive Launch a “Mess”?](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/e-bike-incentive-launch-a-mess/) - This article also appears at Streetsblog. "A disaster," "fucking mess," "unfair," "rigged," "cheating," and "likely bots got in there first" were some of the responses on Reddit to the California Air Resources Board's launch of the first public window to apply for an e-bike voucher. There were only 1,500 vouchers made available for this first launch. It's also been
- [Negrete Announces "Mocha with the Mayor" Event to Meet with the Public on Monday](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/negrete-announces-mocha-with-the-mayor-event-to-meet-with-the-public-on-monday/) - Mayor Lana Negrete announced with a video on Instagram her first "Mocha with the Mayor" event on Monday, December 23, at the Starbucks at Olympic and Maine at 1 p.m. The full text of her invitation can be read at her Instagram page or can be found below.
- [New Council Moves to Cap Gifts at $100 for Councilmembers](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/new-council-moves-to-cap-gifts-at-100-for-councilmembers/) - At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council quickly and unanimously moved a motion that will cap gifts that City Councilmembers can accept at $100 per gift and $590 over the course of a year. City staff will need to officially draft legal language for the Council to consider before the new limit becomes law. “In my
- [Public invited to Dec. 21 plaque unveiling in honor of Lloyd C. Allen](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/public-invited-to-dec-21-plaque-unveiling-in-honor-of-lloyd-c-allen/) - The city of Santa Monica will hold a special ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, to unveil a plaque in honor of Lloyd C. Allen’s legacy of advocacy and public service in Santa Monica. The ceremony will be held starting at 3 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave., near the Virginia Avenue roundabout
- [New Council Votes in Favor of Streamlining Public Process for Some Housing Projects](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/new-council-votes-to-streamline-public-process-for-some-housing-projects/) - Last night, the new Santa Monica City Council unanimously passed a resolution instructing city staff to bring an ordinance for approval in early 2025 to streamline the public process for housing projects built in “non-residential zones” except the Bergamot Area. If the final ordinance is passed, housing projects in these areas will go through an
- [OPA Update 12/19/24: SMPD Conducting DUI Patrols on Dec. 20, Crudo e Nudo's Tuna Tartare Toast Recipe, & Things To Do This Weekend](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/opa-update-12-19-24-smpd-conducting-dui-patrols-on-dec-20-crudo-e-nudos-tuna-tartare-toast-recipe-things-to-do-this-weekend/) - The following is a newsletter from the Ocean Park Association. SMPD Conducting DUI Patrols on Dec. 20: This SMPD blog post details the operation scheduled from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap Dec. 7 - 13: Here is this week's recap of police activity. Pump Station Holiday Specials: They have sales in-store
- [CA E-Bike Incentives: Application Window Opens Wednesday (Tonight!) at 6 p.m](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/ca-e-bike-incentives-application-window-opens-wednesday-at-6-p-m/) - The following post also appears on Streetsblog California. Pedal Ahead, the administrator of the California E-bike Incentive project, has released a video explaining what you need in order to apply for the incentives. The first launch window opens at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday. If you plan to apply, give it a watch, because there's a lot to prepare. The
- [Santa Monica College is #1 in UC Transfers for 34 Consecutive Years](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/santa-monica-college-is-1-in-uc-transfers-for-34-consecutive-years/) - This article is a submission by Santa Monica College. According to 2023-2024 data released by the University of California (UC) Information Center, Santa Monica College (SMC) transferred more students to the UC system than any other California community college—for 34 consecutive years now. SMC sent 983 students to UC campuses in the prior academic year. Additionally, the college maintained its no.1 spot
- [Cheer on the Pier Continues with the Famous "Surfing Santa" Ferris Wheel on Locals Night](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/cheer-on-the-pier-continues-with-the-famous-surfing-santa-ferris-wheel-on-locals-night/) - The following is a submission from Pier Communications. Pacific Park presents “Cheer On The Pier,” with the arrival of Surfing Santa to the Santa Monica Pier just in time for the last Locals’ Night event featuring holiday-themed fun, winter wonders and a grand prize raffle on Thursday, December 19 from 5-8 p.m. The Santa Monica Pier will
- [New Video Shows Future CA High-Speed Rail Connection to Southern California](https://santamonicanext.org/2024/12/new-video-shows-future-ca-high-speed-rail-connection-to-southern-california/) - The following article also appears on Streetsblog California. The California High-Speed Rail Authority just released a video showing how the state's under-construction high-speed rail project is planned to connect into Burbank and Los Angeles. The four-minute video is focused on the Palmdale to Burbank project section; it also includes how trains will get from Burbank into L.A. Union Station, featuring

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- [Renting in Santa Monica, Part 4: Finding a Rent-Controlled Apartment](https://santamonicanext.org/housing/advice-for-finding-housing/) - Advice from current Santa Monicans on how to find apartment rental housing in Santa Monica, especially units that are under rent control.
- [Donations and Sponsorship](https://santamonicanext.org/sponsorshipadvertising/) - Donate to Southern California Streets Initiative at https://publicgood.com/org/southern-california-streets-initiative-los-angeles-ca-273421838/campaign/santa-monica-next Santa Monica Next sells advertising on both a per page view and "per length of time" basis. The rates vary based on how long the ad is running and whether or not the advertiser is a non-profit. To quote many a television commercial: the more you buy,
- [Get to Know Your City](https://santamonicanext.org/issues/) - Here are some of the issues facing Santa Monica along with some indispensable information for new residents.
- [Donate](https://santamonicanext.org/make-a-donation/) - Thank you for supporting Santa Monica's independent news source for local news on planning, transportation, land use, open space and public health. Rest assured, all donations made to Santa Monica Next will stay in Santa Monica to support our local efforts. All donations to Santa Monica Next are tax deductible. If you have any questions,
- [Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/housing/) - Below, you'll find 'splainers on housing in Santa Monica, including resources on how to find a place to live here and why the rent is so damn high here. Want to spend as little time as possible finding a place in Santa Monica where you're not ripped off on? Pay for a Westside Rentals membership
- [Register](https://santamonicanext.org/register/)
- [Activate](https://santamonicanext.org/activate/)
- [Calendar](https://santamonicanext.org/calendar/)
- [Vote Local, Santa Monica!](https://santamonicanext.org/issues/vote-local-santa-monica/) - Like in most places around the country, Santa Monica's younger residents are dramatically underrepresented at community meetings and at the ballot box, at least when it comes to local elections.
- [Site-Wide Activity](https://santamonicanext.org/activity/)
- [Santa Monica Next](https://santamonicanext.org/santa-monica-next/) - Santa Monica Next is a totally awesome place to find news and lifestyle information about Santa Monica California.
- [Yop Poll Archive](https://santamonicanext.org/yop-poll-archive/) - [yop_poll_archive]
- [Comment Moderation](https://santamonicanext.org/comment-moderation/) - Santa Monica Next welcomes online community discussion and encourages you to join the dialogue. However, this is a moderated forum. We work hard to maintain a high level of quality and collegiality in the comments section. We may edit or delete ad hominem attacks, unnecessary or uncreative profanity, off-topic posts, lengthy or poorly written rants, flat-earth arguments
- [Links](https://santamonicanext.org/the-library/) - Looking for more? These are some great long-reads that we recommend everyone read when they have a chance. We'll continue to add more works as time moves on. Curbing Downtown Parking Requirements: Its Effects on Santa Monica Land Uses, Urban Form, and Municipal Finances - by Carter Rubin Full Thesis Streetsblog Article Here are also
- [Santa Monica Airport](https://santamonicanext.org/issues/airport/) - The purpose of this page is to serve as a resource for people looking to learn more about City of Santa Monica v United States of America, Federal Aviation Administration and Michael P. Huerta in His Official Capacity as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration filed in United States District Court, Central District of California, October
- [Members](https://santamonicanext.org/members/)
- [Vote Local](https://santamonicanext.org/issues/vote-local/)

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- [alt-cars](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/alt-cars/)
- [Memorial Park Neighborhood Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/memorial-park-neighborhood-plan/)
- [planning](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/planning/)
- [public process](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-process/)
- [Storify](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/storify/)
- [Safe Routes To School](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/safe-routes-to-school/)
- [Samohi](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/samohi/)
- [California by Bike](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-by-bike/)
- [Davis California](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/davis-california/)
- [headlines](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/headlines-2/)
- [LAX](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lax/)
- [FlyAway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/flyaway/)
- [MANGo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mango/)
- [Expo Bikeway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-bikeway/)
- [Expo BAC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-bac/)
- [Palisades Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/palisades-park/)
- [fitness trainers](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fitness-trainers/)
- [Phil Brock](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/phil-brock/)
- [Stroller Strides](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/stroller-strides/)
- [recreation and parks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/recreation-and-parks/)
- [Karen Ginsberg](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/karen-ginsberg/)
- [Twilight Concert Series](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/twilight-concert-series/)
- [events](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/events-2/)
- [public safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-safety/)
- [Bergamot District](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bergamot-district/)
- [Hines Project](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hines-project/)
- [LA Times](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/la-times/)
- [transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transportation/)
- [Residocracy](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/residocracy/)
- [residents](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/residents/)
- [politics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/politics/)
- [diverters](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/diverters/)
- [Expo Integration Study](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-integration-study/)
- [Uber](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/uber/)
- [Lyft](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lyft/)
- [Airbnb](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/airbnb/)
- [apps](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/apps/)
- [tech companies](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tech-companies/)
- [technology](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/technology/)
- [regulation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/regulation/)
- [water](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water/)
- [conservation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/conservation/)
- [growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/growth/)
- [slow growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/slow-growth/)
- [no growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/no-growth/)
- [pro-growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pro-growth/)
- [degrowth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/degrowth/)
- [steady state](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/steady-state/)
- [ecological economics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ecological-economics/)
- [green bike lanes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/green-bike-lanes/)
- [bike lanes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-lanes/)
- [Main St.](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/main-st/)
- [broadway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/broadway/)
- [AOPA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/aopa/)
- [Jason Islas](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jason-islas/)
- [Santa Monica Next](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-next/)
- [journalism](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/journalism/)
- [3rd Street Promenade](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/3rd-street-promenade/)
- [Denny Zane](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/denny-zane/)
- [Advisory Board](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/advisory-board/)
- [Rem Koolhaas](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rem-koolhaas/)
- [Civics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/civics/)
- [Budget](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/budget/)
- [Local Government](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-government/)
- [Airport2Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/airport2park/)
- [Plaza at Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/plaza-at-santa-monica/)
- [Affordable Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/affordable-housing/)
- [Ballot Initiatives](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ballot-initiatives/)
- [Proposition B](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/proposition-b/)
- [Ballot Box Planning](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ballot-box-planning/)
- [urban planning](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/urban-planning/)
- [design](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/design/)
- [rent](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rent/)
- [Why Housing Matters](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/why-housing-matters/)
- [Long Beachize](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/long-beachize/)
- [Long Beach](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/long-beach/)
- [Rent Control](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rent-control/)
- [Renting in Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/renting-in-santa-monica/)
- [ballot measure](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ballot-measure/)
- [Art](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/art/)
- [Bergamot Station](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bergamot-station/)
- [library](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/library/)
- [Virginia Avenue Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/virginia-avenue-park/)
- [Pico Branch Library](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pico-branch-library/)
- [update](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/update/)
- [mixer](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mixer/)
- [State budget](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/state-budget/)
- [circulation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/circulation/)
- [State Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/state-assembly/)
- [West Los Angeles](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/west-los-angeles/)
- [Richard Bloom](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/richard-bloom/)
- [Community Corporation of Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/community-corporation-of-santa-monica/)
- [Affordable Housing Production Program](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/affordable-housing-production-program/)
- [Parade](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parade/)
- [Fourth of July](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fourth-of-july/)
- [4th of July](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/4th-of-july/)
- [Pier Concerts](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pier-concerts/)
- [Twilight Dance Series](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/twilight-dance-series/)
- [City Council](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-council/)
- [light rail](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/light-rail/)
- [transit-oriented development](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transit-oriented-development/)
- [TOD](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tod/)
- [Downtown Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/downtown-santa-monica/)
- [bus stop improvement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bus-stop-improvement/)
- [overhaul](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/overhaul/)
- [property transfer fee](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/property-transfer-fee/)
- [funding](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/funding/)
- [RDA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rda/)
- [redevelopment agencies](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/redevelopment-agencies/)
- [Philz Coffee](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/philz-coffee/)
- [coffee shops](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/coffee-shops/)
- [gourmet coffee](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gourmet-coffee/)
- [local businesses](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-businesses/)
- [Expo Phase II](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-phase-ii/)
- [happy hour](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/happy-hour/)
- [Wyndham Hotel](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/wyndham-hotel/)
- [public transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-transportation/)
- [Santa Monica City Council](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-city-council/)
- [elections](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/elections/)
- [Pam O'Connor](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pam-oconnor/)
- [sustainability](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sustainability/)
- [livable streets](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/livable-streets/)
- [Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/aircraft-owners-and-pilots-association/)
- [Ballot Initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ballot-initiative/)
- [November Election](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/november-election/)
- [How Would We Build It Today?](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/how-would-we-build-it-today/)
- [Trader Joe's](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/trader-joes/)
- [Neighborhood-serving Retail](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/neighborhood-serving-retail/)
- [development](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/development/)
- [revitalization](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/revitalization/)
- [Relay for Life](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/relay-for-life/)
- [American Cancer Society](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/american-cancer-society/)
- [Santa Monica College](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-college/)
- [SMC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smc/)
- [Picnic on the Promenade](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/picnic-on-the-promenade/)
- [Santa Monica Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-pier/)
- [Target](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/target/)
- [retail](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/retail/)
- [affordable shopping](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/affordable-shopping/)
- [traffic](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/traffic/)
- [Vision Zero](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vision-zero/)
- [Los Angeles Walks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/los-angeles-walks/)
- [L.A. 2050](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-2050/)
- [safe streets](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/safe-streets/)
- [Bike MS](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-ms/)
- [Multiple Sclerosis Society](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/multiple-sclerosis-society/)
- [biking for health](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/biking-for-health/)
- [SMRR](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smrr/)
- [Santa Monicans for Renters' Right](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monicans-for-renters-right/)
- [endorsements](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/endorsements/)
- [Tour da Arts Vol.6](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tour-da-arts-vol-6/)
- [Bikes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bikes/)
- [Santa Monica history](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-history/)
- [the Rex](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/the-rex/)
- [gambling ships](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gambling-ships/)
- [den of iniquity](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/den-of-iniquity/)
- [lawn bowling](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lawn-bowling/)
- [Douglas Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/douglas-park/)
- [hobbies](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hobbies/)
- [parks and recreation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parks-and-recreation/)
- [City Council candidates](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-council-candidates/)
- [real estate transfer fee increase](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/real-estate-transfer-fee-increase/)
- [Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-malibu-board-of-education/)
- [Santa Monica College Board of Trustees](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-college-board-of-trustees/)
- [Santa Monica Rent Control Board](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-rent-control-board/)
- [candidate forum](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/candidate-forum/)
- [save the date](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/save-the-date/)
- [Santa Monica Kidical Mass](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-kidical-mass/)
- [The Zombies](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/the-zombies/)
- [The Mystic Braves](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/the-mystic-braves/)
- [City-wide yard sale](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-wide-yard-sale/)
- [community](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/community/)
- [recycling](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/recycling/)
- [League of Women Voters of Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/league-of-women-voters-of-santa-monica/)
- [anniversary](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/anniversary/)
- [real-time information](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/real-time-information/)
- [transit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transit/)
- [city employees](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-employees/)
- [union](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/union/)
- [safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/safety/)
- [Milt Olin](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/milt-olin/)
- [LACBC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lacbc/)
- [Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/los-angeles-county-bicycle-coalition/)
- [Frog Spot](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/frog-spot/)
- [Friends of Los Angeles River](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/friends-of-los-angeles-river/)
- [Shared Streets](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/shared-streets/)
- [Bike Action Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-action-plan/)
- [Pedestrian Action Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrian-action-plan/)
- [LA2050](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/la2050/)
- [Bikeshare](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bikeshare/)
- [active transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/active-transportation/)
- [James Rojas](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/james-rojas/)
- [public art](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-art/)
- [Parking Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parking-day/)
- [parklets](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parklets/)
- [Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-coalition-for-a-livable-city/)
- [upcoming events](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/upcoming-events/)
- [Cross Campus](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cross-campus/)
- [get out the vote](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/get-out-the-vote/)
- [Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-chamber-of-commerce/)
- [Silicon Beach](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/silicon-beach/)
- [bus stop redesign](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bus-stop-redesign/)
- [KCRW](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/kcrw/)
- [DnA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dna/)
- [Santa Monica Police Department](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-police-department/)
- [Santa Monica Fire Fighters](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-fire-fighters/)
- [L.A. County Board of Supervisors](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-county-board-of-supervisors/)
- [Sheila Kuehl](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sheila-kuehl/)
- [L.A. County 3rd District](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-county-3rd-district/)
- [Zev Yaroslavsky](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/zev-yaroslavsky/)
- [Bobby Shriver](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bobby-shriver/)
- [College Board](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/college-board/)
- [State Senate](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/state-senate/)
- [County Supervisor](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/county-supervisor/)
- [Bloomberg Philanthropies](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bloomberg-philanthropies/)
- [Wellbeing Index](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/wellbeing-index/)
- [Mayors Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mayors-challenge/)
- [editorial](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/editorial/)
- [Bike It! Walk It! Week](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-it-walk-it-week/)
- [Front Porch Cinema](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/front-porch-cinema/)
- [Citizen Culture](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/citizen-culture/)
- [School Board](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/school-board/)
- [family fun](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/family-fun/)
- [California Bicycle Coalition](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-bicycle-coalition/)
- [Rent Control Board](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rent-control-board/)
- [bike safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-safety/)
- [Santa Monica's Next Round](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monicas-next-round/)
- [open data](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/open-data/)
- [transparency](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transparency-2/)
- [technology and government](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/technology-and-government/)
- [civic engagement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/civic-engagement-2/)
- [small businesses](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/small-businesses/)
- [National Bike Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/national-bike-challenge/)
- [Santa Monica Bike Center](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-bike-center/)
- [Team Bike Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/team-bike-santa-monica/)
- [League of American Bicyclists](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/league-of-american-bicyclists/)
- [calendar update](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/calendar-update/)
- [Council alert](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/council-alert-2/)
- [500 Broadway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/500-broadway/)
- [Wellbeing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/wellbeing/)
- [mixers](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mixers/)
- [parks & open space](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parks-open-space-20/)
- [L.A. Streetsblog](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-streetsblog/)
- [play date](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/play-date/)
- [pedestrians](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrians/)
- [City Government](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-government/)
- [net neutrality](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/net-neutrality/)
- [municipal broadband](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/municipal-broadband/)
- [Starbucks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/starbucks/)
- [alcohol](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/alcohol/)
- [Planning Commission](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/planning-commission/)
- [Measures H and HH](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/measures-h-and-hh/)
- [drought](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/drought/)
- [Los Angeles County](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/los-angeles-county/)
- [housing crisis](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-crisis/)
- [Eric Garcetti](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/eric-garcetti/)
- [deception](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/deception/)
- [Purple Line](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/purple-line/)
- [Metro](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/metro/)
- [California drought](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-drought/)
- [urban infill](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/urban-infill/)
- [Westside Thanksgiving Dinner](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/westside-thanksgiving-dinner/)
- [Zoning Ordinance Update](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/zoning-ordinance-update/)
- [Land Use and Circulation Element](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/land-use-and-circulation-element/)
- [Techweek](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/techweek/)
- [Techweek Los Angeles](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/techweek-los-angeles/)
- [Share the Holidays](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/share-the-holidays/)
- [Toy Drive](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/toy-drive/)
- [Bob Holbrook](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bob-holbrook/)
- [Santa Monica Talks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-talks/)
- [City Manager's Office](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-managers-office/)
- [LUCE](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/luce/)
- [holiday season](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/holiday-season/)
- [charity](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/charity/)
- [Bicycle Friendly Business](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bicycle-friendly-business/)
- [downzoning](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/downzoning/)
- [enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/enforcement/)
- [TAP Card](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tap-card/)
- [fiscal health](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fiscal-health/)
- [economic sustainability](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/economic-sustainability/)
- [Metro Board of Directors](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/metro-board-of-directors/)
- [Expo Integration](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-integration/)
- [bicycle safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bicycle-safety/)
- [bicycle education](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bicycle-education/)
- [real-time](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/real-time/)
- [NextBus](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/nextbus/)
- [opinion](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/opinion/)
- [community voices](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/community-voices/)
- [No Jets](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/no-jets/)
- [Sacramento](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sacramento/)
- [smart growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smart-growth/)
- [homeless count](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/homeless-count/)
- [Healthy City Local](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/healthy-city-local/)
- [bike and ped safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-and-ped-safety/)
- [traffic laws enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/traffic-laws-enforcement/)
- [early childhood education](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/early-childhood-education/)
- [early childhood care](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/early-childhood-care/)
- [development agreements](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/development-agreements/)
- [zoning](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/zoning-2/)
- [traffic enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/traffic-enforcement/)
- [public engagement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-engagement/)
- [bicycle](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bicycle/)
- [drought response](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/drought-response/)
- [water shortage response plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water-shortage-response-plan/)
- [jobs](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jobs/)
- [tax revenue](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tax-revenue/)
- [local election](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-election/)
- [Santa Monica Civic Center](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-civic-center/)
- [FutureBuild 2015](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/futurebuild-2015/)
- [traffic safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/traffic-safety/)
- [State of the City](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/state-of-the-city/)
- [tech startups](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tech-startups/)
- [Measure D](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/measure-d/)
- [Measure LC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/measure-lc/)
- [Living Building](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/living-building/)
- [Reddit AMA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/reddit-ama/)
- [Rod Gould](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rod-gould/)
- [City Manager](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-manager/)
- [interview](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/interview/)
- [retirement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/retirement/)
- [Santa Monica Civic Auditorium](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-civic-auditorium/)
- [Save the Civic](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/save-the-civic/)
- [public workshop](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-workshop/)
- [ride share](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ride-share/)
- [car share](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/car-share/)
- [NRDC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/nrdc/)
- [ULI](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/uli/)
- [SCAG](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/scag/)
- [rideshare](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rideshare/)
- [Bergamot Arts Center](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bergamot-arts-center/)
- [Donald Douglas](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/donald-douglas/)
- [Throwback Thursday](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/throwback-thursday/)
- [housing commission](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-commission/)
- [Organization of Women Leaders](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/organization-of-women-leaders/)
- [OWL](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/owl/)
- [how to](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/how-to/)
- [public meetings](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-meetings/)
- [Water Self-Sufficiency](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water-self-sufficiency/)
- [shared mobility](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/shared-mobility/)
- [sprawl](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sprawl/)
- [Section 8](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/section-8/)
- [water rates](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water-rates/)
- [water infrastructure maintenance](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water-infrastructure-maintenance/)
- [Beautify Earth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/beautify-earth/)
- [Gehl Architects](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gehl-architects/)
- [Sustainable Quality Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sustainable-quality-awards/)
- [Sustainable Works](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sustainable-works/)
- [Office of Sustainability and Environment](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/office-of-sustainability-and-environment/)
- [Craft Beer](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/craft-beer/)
- [California Craft Brewery Month](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-craft-brewery-month/)
- [ZOU](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/zou/)
- [dancing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dancing/)
- [dining](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dining/)
- [nightlife](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/nightlife/)
- [Short-term rentals](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/short-term-rentals/)
- [US DOT](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/us-dot/)
- [Wilshire Boulevard](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/wilshire-boulevard/)
- [gentrification](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gentrification/)
- [anti-development](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/anti-development/)
- [no-growthers](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/no-growthers/)
- [Legislative Analyst's Office](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/legislative-analysts-office/)
- [Ben Allen](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ben-allen/)
- [Ellis Act](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ellis-act/)
- [housing affordability](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-affordability/)
- [housing shortage](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-shortage/)
- [California housing crisis](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-housing-crisis/)
- [Carter Rubin](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/carter-rubin/)
- [Santa Monica Forward](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-forward/)
- [Colorado Esplande](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/colorado-esplande/)
- [California Incline](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-incline/)
- [April Fools](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/april-fools/)
- [Bergamot Transit Village](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bergamot-transit-village/)
- [Hines](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hines/)
- [RideAmigos](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rideamigos/)
- [Commuter Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/commuter-challenge/)
- [APA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/apa/)
- [Ken Genser Square](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ken-genser-square/)
- [American Planning Association](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/american-planning-association/)
- [Announcements](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/announcements/)
- [child care](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/child-care/)
- [Earth Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/earth-day/)
- [Papermate](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/papermate/)
- [SQA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sqa/)
- [social justice](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/social-justice/)
- [LUCE Ammendments](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/luce-ammendments/)
- [LUCE amendments](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/luce-amendments/)
- [water policy](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water-policy/)
- [drought relief](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/drought-relief/)
- [SMPD](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smpd/)
- [Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-malibu-education-foundation/)
- [SMMEF](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smmef/)
- [public health](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-health/)
- [Vidiots](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vidiots/)
- [Dogtown](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dogtown/)
- [Governor Jerry Brown](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/governor-jerry-brown/)
- [Greenhouse Gas Emissions](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/greenhouse-gas-emissions/)
- [Mayor Kevin McKeown](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mayor-kevin-mckeown/)
- [Councilmember Ted Winterer](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/councilmember-ted-winterer/)
- [Councilmember Gleam Davis](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/councilmember-gleam-davis/)
- [bike month](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-month/)
- [Santa Monica Festival](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-festival/)
- [Ethan Elkind](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ethan-elkind/)
- [Railtown](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/railtown/)
- [transit oriented growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transit-oriented-growth/)
- [Letters to the Editor](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/letters-to-the-editor/)
- [Evening Outlook](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/evening-outlook/)
- [food](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/food/)
- [fun](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fun/)
- [Living the Santa Monica Life](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/living-the-santa-monica-life/)
- [Bike Week](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-week/)
- [Bike to Work Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-to-work-day/)
- [fatal traffic collision](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fatal-traffic-collision/)
- [BUSted!](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/busted/)
- [storytelling](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/storytelling/)
- [shows about public transit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/shows-about-public-transit/)
- [Wednesday Poll](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/wednesday-poll/)
- [bars](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bars/)
- [watering hole](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/watering-hole/)
- [lifestyle](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lifestyle/)
- [referendum](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/referendum/)
- [Tech Tuesday](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tech-tuesday/)
- [carpool](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/carpool/)
- [minimum wage](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/minimum-wage/)
- [Raise LA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/raise-la/)
- [Memorial Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/memorial-day/)
- [Fuddruckers](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fuddruckers/)
- [Santa Monica Brew Works](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-brew-works/)
- [Panjo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/panjo/)
- [Climate Action Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/climate-action-santa-monica/)
- [CASM](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/casm/)
- [Community Choice Aggregation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/community-choice-aggregation/)
- [Rick Cole](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rick-cole/)
- [Hawke Media](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hawke-media/)
- [The Santa Monica Life](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/the-santa-monica-life/)
- [new restaurants](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/new-restaurants/)
- [cocktails](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cocktails/)
- [Shirley Temple](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/shirley-temple/)
- [Hack the Beach](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hack-the-beach/)
- [National Day of Civic Hacking](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/national-day-of-civic-hacking/)
- [Breeze](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/breeze/)
- [FAA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/faa/)
- [Treedom](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/treedom/)
- [Proposition 13](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/proposition-13/)
- [Clock Tower](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/clock-tower/)
- [Bay Cities Guaranty Building](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bay-cities-guaranty-building/)
- [Farmers Market](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/farmers-market/)
- [food and drinks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/food-and-drinks/)
- [Op-Ed](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/op-ed/)
- [district-wide fundraising](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/district-wide-fundraising/)
- [Juneteenth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/juneteenth/)
- [Enervee](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/enervee/)
- [community character](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/community-character/)
- [medical marijuana](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/medical-marijuana/)
- [drinks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/drinks/)
- [Celebrate America](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/celebrate-america/)
- [OPA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/opa/)
- [Ocean Park Association](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ocean-park-association/)
- [Santa Monica Public Library](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-public-library/)
- [SMPL](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smpl/)
- [maps](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/maps/)
- [growth patterns](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/growth-patterns/)
- [github](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/github/)
- [La Monica Ballroom](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/la-monica-ballroom/)
- [City as Play](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-as-play/)
- [upcoming eve](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/upcoming-eve/)
- [Assemblymember Richard Bloom](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/assemblymember-richard-bloom/)
- [TransportationCamp](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transportationcamp/)
- [UCLA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ucla/)
- [Santa Monica Air Line](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-air-line/)
- [Pacific Electric](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pacific-electric/)
- [Grow America Act](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/grow-america-act/)
- [transportation infrastructure](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transportation-infrastructure/)
- [gas tax](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gas-tax/)
- [Santa Monica 2030](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-2030/)
- [Housing trends](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-trends/)
- [historic growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/historic-growth/)
- [Inforgraphic](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/inforgraphic/)
- [L.A. Metro](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-metro/)
- [regional bike-share](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/regional-bike-share/)
- [universally accessible playground](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/universally-accessible-playground/)
- [Heal the Bay](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/heal-the-bay/)
- [innovation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/innovation/)
- [Real Office Center](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/real-office-center/)
- [Planning through play](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/planning-through-play/)
- [Novel Cafe](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/novel-cafe/)
- [Bulletproof Coffee](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bulletproof-coffee/)
- [Jazz on the Lawn](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jazz-on-the-lawn/)
- [Coming Up](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/coming-up/)
- [Santa Monica's 2015 Commuter Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monicas-2015-commuter-challenge/)
- [Walk to Work](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/walk-to-work/)
- [Move Loot](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/move-loot/)
- [Buddytruk](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/buddytruk/)
- [Joe Linton](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/joe-linton/)
- [Streetsblog LA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/streetsblog-la/)
- [Breeze bike-share](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/breeze-bike-share/)
- [CycleHop](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cyclehop/)
- [fundraiser](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fundraiser/)
- [cocktail party](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cocktail-party/)
- [Lincoln Boulevard](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lincoln-boulevard/)
- [LiNC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/linc/)
- [Beautify Lincoln](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/beautify-lincoln/)
- [DTSM](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dtsm/)
- [Pen Factory](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pen-factory/)
- [City Council priorities](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-council-priorities/)
- [Housing production](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-production/)
- [Prop R](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/prop-r/)
- [California Legislation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-legislation/)
- [Jefferson Starship](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jefferson-starship/)
- [Rightster](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rightster/)
- [The LiNC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/the-linc/)
- [Bus lanes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bus-lanes/)
- [Foodie Shares](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/foodie-shares/)
- [Fare Increase](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fare-increase/)
- [Modacity](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/modacity/)
- [Vancouver Cycle Chic](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vancouver-cycle-chic/)
- [Church in Ocean Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/church-in-ocean-park/)
- [Buy Local](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/buy-local/)
- [Esri](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/esri/)
- [Water Garden](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/water-garden/)
- [Step Up](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/step-up/)
- [homelessness](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/homelessness/)
- [Step Up on Colorado](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/step-up-on-colorado/)
- [AltCar Expo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/altcar-expo/)
- [High Pressure Zone](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/high-pressure-zone/)
- [Elizabeth Riel](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/elizabeth-riel/)
- [1601 Lincoln](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/1601-lincoln/)
- [Expo-adjacent housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-adjacent-housing/)
- [transit oriented housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transit-oriented-housing/)
- [anti-housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/anti-housing/)
- [Women in Politics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/women-in-politics/)
- [Annenberg Beach House](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/annenberg-beach-house/)
- [Westside Urban Forum](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/westside-urban-forum/)
- [Healthy Communities](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/healthy-communities/)
- [California State Assembly](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-state-assembly/)
- [AB 902](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ab-902/)
- [Santa Monica People's Academy](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-peoples-academy/)
- [local politics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-politics/)
- [hack-a-thon](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hack-a-thon/)
- [SMMUSD](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smmusd/)
- [#HacktheBeach](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hackthebeach/)
- [Unite Here](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/unite-here/)
- [Living Wage](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/living-wage/)
- [Infographic](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/infographic/)
- [Santa Monica Gateway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-gateway/)
- [Office Space](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/office-space/)
- [TranspoCampLA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transpocampla/)
- [UCLA Lewis Center](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ucla-lewis-center/)
- [SMCLC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smclc/)
- [eyes on the street](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/eyes-on-the-street/)
- [Expo Phase II bikeway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-phase-ii-bikeway/)
- [bike culture](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-culture/)
- [Fall Festival](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fall-festival/)
- [Handbags of Hope](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/handbags-of-hope/)
- [Impact Journalism](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/impact-journalism/)
- [Mainstream Media](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mainstream-media/)
- [Legacy Media](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/legacy-media/)
- [Financial Times](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/financial-times/)
- [Hulu](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hulu/)
- [Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-malibu-unified-school-district/)
- [Expo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo/)
- [SMO](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smo/)
- [Salon](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/salon/)
- [calendar](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/calendar/)
- [BBB](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bbb/)
- [Election 2014](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/election-2014/)
- [Vote Local](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vote-local/)
- [Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing/)
- [City Hall](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-hall/)
- [Abundant Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/abundant-housing/)
- [Abundant Housing LA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/abundant-housing-la/)
- [Ernie Powell](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ernie-powell/)
- [Bike Summit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-summit/)
- [CalBike](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/calbike/)
- [Meals on Wheels West](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/meals-on-wheels-west/)
- [nonprofits](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/nonprofits/)
- [multi-modal transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/multi-modal-transportation/)
- [Dia de los Muertos](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dia-de-los-muertos/)
- [affordable housing funding](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/affordable-housing-funding/)
- [Monster Bash](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/monster-bash/)
- [dive bars](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dive-bars/)
- [Urban Land Institute](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/urban-land-institute/)
- [Judy Abdo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/judy-abdo/)
- [Armistice Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/armistice-day/)
- [Veterans Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/veterans-day/)
- [Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monicans-for-renters-rights/)
- [movie theater](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/movie-theater/)
- [ICE at Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ice-at-santa-monica/)
- [Santa Monica High School](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-high-school/)
- [Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/michigan-avenue-neighborhood-greenway/)
- [Jamie Horton](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jamie-horton/)
- [Public Policy Institute](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-policy-institute/)
- [Transit App](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transit-app/)
- [Washington Post](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/washington-post/)
- [race relations](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/race-relations/)
- [ArcLight](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/arclight/)
- [Mendocino Farms](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mendocino-farms/)
- [Lemonade](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lemonade/)
- [Main Street](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/main-street/)
- [public open space](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-open-space/)
- [Streetfilms](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/streetfilms/)
- [Buy Local Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/buy-local-santa-monica/)
- [Buy Local SM](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/buy-local-sm/)
- [White House](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/white-house/)
- [economic inequality](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/economic-inequality/)
- [housing growth](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-growth/)
- [Meet Me Under the Fig](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/meet-me-under-the-fig/)
- [Westside Food Bank](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/westside-food-bank/)
- [OPCC](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/opcc/)
- [Veteran Homelessness](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/veteran-homelessness/)
- [West L.A. VA campus](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/west-l-a-va-campus/)
- [supporting housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/supporting-housing/)
- [Housing First](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-first/)
- [Streetsblog California](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/streetsblog-california/)
- [Melanie Curry](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/melanie-curry/)
- [Pacific Ocean Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pacific-ocean-park/)
- [Ocean Park Pier](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ocean-park-pier/)
- [Transit Oriented L.A.](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transit-oriented-l-a/)
- [Phil Washington](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/phil-washington/)
- [L.A. Mobility Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-mobility-plan/)
- [Pub Crawl](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pub-crawl/)
- [Expo light rail](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-light-rail/)
- [racism](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/racism/)
- [segregation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/segregation/)
- [housing discrimination](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-discrimination/)
- [pre-revenue service](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pre-revenue-service/)
- [donate](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/donate/)
- [fundraising](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fundraising/)
- [fare restructuring](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fare-restructuring/)
- [End of the year](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/end-of-the-year/)
- [Zipcar](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/zipcar/)
- [mobility initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mobility-initiative/)
- [2015 Streetsie Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/2015-streetsie-awards/)
- [Francie Stefan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/francie-stefan/)
- [Fireside at the Miles](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fireside-at-the-miles/)
- [open streets](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/open-streets/)
- [Historic District](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/historic-district/)
- [San Vicente Historic District](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/san-vicente-historic-district/)
- [TBT](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/tbt/)
- [LADOT](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ladot/)
- [public hearing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/public-hearing/)
- [Northvale Gap](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/northvale-gap/)
- [ULI Los Angeles](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/uli-los-angeles/)
- [VerdeXchange](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/verdexchange/)
- [FutureBuild 2016](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/futurebuild-2016/)
- [Seleta Reynolds](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/seleta-reynolds/)
- [sustainable transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sustainable-transportation/)
- [WaiveCar](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/waivecar/)
- [exercise](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/exercise/)
- [2015](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/2015/)
- [Citi Bike](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/citi-bike/)
- [Expo safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-safety/)
- [Expo ridership](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-ridership/)
- [Juan Matute](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/juan-matute/)
- [Caltrans](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/caltrans/)
- [vehicle miles traveled](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vehicle-miles-traveled/)
- [VMT](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vmt/)
- [road maintenance](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/road-maintenance/)
- [infrastructure maintenance](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/infrastructure-maintenance/)
- [Laemmle Theaters](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/laemmle-theaters/)
- [CCSM](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ccsm/)
- [dining out](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dining-out/)
- [Downtown Santa Monica Community Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/downtown-santa-monica-community-plan/)
- [LAO](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lao/)
- [Most Loved Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/most-loved-santa-monica/)
- [New Urbanism Film Festival](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/new-urbanism-film-festival/)
- [NUFF](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/nuff/)
- [Best of NUFF](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/best-of-nuff/)
- [service changes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/service-changes/)
- [Evolution of Blue](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/evolution-of-blue/)
- [Venice](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/venice/)
- [Pedestrian safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrian-safety/)
- [intersection](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/intersection/)
- [Maynard Ostrow](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/maynard-ostrow/)
- [Sheila Ostrow](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sheila-ostrow/)
- [Sharon Gilpin](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sharon-gilpin/)
- [Downtown Neighborhood Association](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/downtown-neighborhood-association/)
- [LUVE initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/luve-initiative/)
- [Land Use Voter Empowerment Initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/land-use-voter-empowerment-initiative/)
- [Jerry's Liquor](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jerrys-liquor/)
- [housing legislation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-legislation/)
- [Women Who Shape Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/women-who-shape-santa-monica/)
- [#DamienTalks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/damientalks/)
- [podcast](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/podcast/)
- [Cynthia Rose](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cynthia-rose/)
- [State Legislation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/state-legislation/)
- [road safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/road-safety/)
- [Yallwest](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/yallwest/)
- [Santa Monica municipal election](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-municipal-election/)
- [Damien Newton](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/damien-newton/)
- [Bond Measure](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bond-measure/)
- [Active Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/active-santa-monica/)
- [Handlebar Happy Hour](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/handlebar-happy-hour/)
- [Santa Monica Jaycees](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-jaycees/)
- [Brompton](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/brompton/)
- [AIKA Trading](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/aika-trading/)
- [Colorado Esplanade](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/colorado-esplanade/)
- [workforce housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/workforce-housing/)
- [DCP](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dcp/)
- [mansionization](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mansionization/)
- [Gear up!](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gear-up/)
- [traffic congestion](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/traffic-congestion/)
- [commuting](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/commuting/)
- [Frederick Zimmerman](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/frederick-zimmerman/)
- [Brompton Urban Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/brompton-urban-challenge/)
- [Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/awards/)
- [local activism](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-activism/)
- [Friends4Expo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/friends4expo/)
- [Kathy Seal](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/kathy-seal/)
- [Expo opening day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-opening-day/)
- [Displacement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/displacement/)
- [Airport Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/airport-park/)
- [Expo Phase 2](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-phase-2/)
- [1626 Lincoln](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/1626-lincoln/)
- [California budget](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-budget/)
- [Rustic Canyon](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rustic-canyon/)
- [restaurants](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/restaurants/)
- [L.A. County Supervisors](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-county-supervisors/)
- [GoSaMo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gosamo/)
- [multimodal transportation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/multimodal-transportation/)
- [L.A. Press Club](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-press-club/)
- [Longbeachize](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/longbeachize/)
- [Councilmember Kevin McKeown](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/councilmember-kevin-mckeown/)
- [Coast 2016](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/coast-2016/)
- [Vote Local 2016](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vote-local-2016/)
- [rental vacancy rate](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rental-vacancy-rate/)
- [American Community Survey](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/american-community-survey/)
- [high rent](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/high-rent/)
- [Expo Line Phase 2](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-line-phase-2/)
- [Dinner & Bikes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dinner-bikes/)
- [Oaks Initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/oaks-initiative/)
- [Solidarity](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/solidarity/)
- [Warszawa](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/warszawa/)
- [nonprofit housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/nonprofit-housing/)
- [SCANPH](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/scanph/)
- [Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/southern-california-association-of-nonprofit-housing/)
- [Downtown Santa Monica Specific Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/downtown-santa-monica-specific-plan/)
- [CLUE](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/clue/)
- [Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/clergy-and-laity-united-for-economic-justice/)
- [Climate Change](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/climate-change/)
- [ATP funding](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/atp-funding/)
- [Safe Routes for Seniors](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/safe-routes-for-seniors/)
- [Caltrans Chief of Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/caltrans-chief-of-pedestrian-and-bicycle-safety/)
- [Rachel Carpenter](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/rachel-carpenter/)
- [state policy](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/state-policy/)
- [vigil against violence](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/vigil-against-violence/)
- [International Teen Film Festival](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/international-teen-film-festival/)
- [Downtown Community Plan](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/downtown-community-plan/)
- [Bryan Schonfeld](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bryan-schonfeld/)
- [Brexit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/brexit/)
- [Donald Trump](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/donald-trump/)
- [referenda](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/referenda/)
- [Santa Monica Conservancy](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-conservancy/)
- [history](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/history/)
- [car culture](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/car-culture/)
- [LA Walks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/la-walks/)
- [California State Senate](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-state-senate/)
- [Cap and Trade](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cap-and-trade/)
- [LA League of Conservation Voters](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/la-league-of-conservation-voters/)
- [Sonic Submarine](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sonic-submarine/)
- [Fitness](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fitness/)
- [City of Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-of-santa-monica/)
- [Santa Monica Municipal Gym](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-municipal-gym/)
- [Memorial Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/memorial-park/)
- [Memorial Park gym](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/memorial-park-gym/)
- [Saul Rubin](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/saul-rubin/)
- [demographics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/demographics/)
- [changing demographics](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/changing-demographics/)
- [17th Street Expo Station](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/17th-street-expo-station/)
- [Measure LV](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/measure-lv/)
- [earthquake](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/earthquake/)
- [Hulu Bikes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hulu-bikes/)
- [immigration](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/immigration/)
- [Press Release](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/press-release/)
- [Car Free Friday](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/car-free-friday/)
- [paid sick leave](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/paid-sick-leave/)
- [Santa Monica Pub Crawl](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-pub-crawl/)
- [Santa Monica Municipal Elections](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-municipal-elections/)
- [youth pass](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/youth-pass/)
- [Curbed LA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/curbed-la/)
- [Curbed Cup](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/curbed-cup/)
- [voter approval of development projects](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/voter-approval-of-development-projects/)
- [Mayor Ted Winterer](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mayor-ted-winterer/)
- [Mayor Pro Tem Gleam Davis](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mayor-pro-tem-gleam-davis/)
- [Toys for Tots](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/toys-for-tots/)
- [local news](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-news/)
- [fake news](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fake-news/)
- [Sustainable Technologies](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sustainable-technologies/)
- [right to rebuild](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/right-to-rebuild/)
- [city finance](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/city-finance/)
- [Corsair](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/corsair/)
- [santa monica kids](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-kids/)
- [Homeless Count 2017](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/homeless-count-2017/)
- [SMFD](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smfd/)
- [2016 Streetsie Awards](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/2016-streetsie-awards/)
- [Subway to the Sea](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/subway-to-the-sea/)
- [Purple Line extension](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/purple-line-extension/)
- [CA Department of Housing and Community Development](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ca-department-of-housing-and-community-development/)
- [Parks and open space](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parks-and-open-space/)
- [Annenberg Community Beach House](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/annenberg-community-beach-house/)
- [Early Childhood Education Center](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/early-childhood-education-center/)
- [Neighborhood Integrity Initiative](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/neighborhood-integrity-initiative/)
- [2017 State Budget](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/2017-state-budget/)
- [Chief Resilience Officer](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/chief-resilience-officer/)
- [CRO](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cro/)
- [Office of Emergency Management](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/office-of-emergency-management/)
- [OEM](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/oem/)
- [salaries](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/salaries/)
- [pensions](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pensions/)
- [YWCA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ywca/)
- [Dean Kubani](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dean-kubani/)
- [Zero Waste](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/zero-waste/)
- [Carbon Neutrality](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/carbon-neutrality/)
- [Women's March](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/womens-march/)
- [concerts](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/concerts/)
- [California](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california/)
- [social services commission](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/social-services-commission/)
- [Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pete-susan-barrett-art-gallery/)
- [Andy Moses](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/andy-moses/)
- [Housing and Economic Development](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/housing-and-economic-development/)
- [Odd Market L.A.](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/odd-market-l-a/)
- [Fairmont Miramar](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fairmont-miramar/)
- [Meet Your Neighbors Challenge](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/meet-your-neighbors-challenge/)
- [Measure H](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/measure-h/)
- [L.A. County](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/l-a-county/)
- [retrofit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/retrofit/)
- [UNITE HERE Local 11](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/unite-here-local-11/)
- [Shore Hotel](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/shore-hotel/)
- [JetSuiteX](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/jetsuitex/)
- [health alert](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/health-alert/)
- [Santa Monica Aiport](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-aiport/)
- [SCAQMD](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/scaqmd/)
- [air pollution](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/air-pollution/)
- [South Coast Air Quality Management District](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/south-coast-air-quality-management-district/)
- [norovirus](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/norovirus/)
- [John Adams Middle School](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/john-adams-middle-school/)
- [breaking news](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/breaking-news/)
- [Black History Month](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/black-history-month/)
- [Bike It! Walk It! Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/bike-it-walk-it-day/)
- [Lincoln Neighborhood Corridor](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lincoln-neighborhood-corridor/)
- [service alert](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/service-alert/)
- [Parks Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/parks-day/)
- [Dakota Access Pipeline](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dakota-access-pipeline/)
- [schedule changes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/schedule-changes/)
- [route changes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/route-changes/)
- [Measure S](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/measure-s/)
- [Ishihara Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ishihara-park/)
- [Gandara Park](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gandara-park/)
- [Shotgun House](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/shotgun-house/)
- [Expo maintenance](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/expo-maintenance/)
- [transportation alert](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transportation-alert/)
- [Stairway of the Stars](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/stairway-of-the-stars/)
- [Costa-Hawkins](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/costa-hawkins/)
- [immigrants rights](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/immigrants-rights/)
- [S.T.E.A.M. Machines Innovation Fair](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/s-t-e-a-m-machines-innovation-fair/)
- [Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-commission-on-the-status-of-women/)
- [Women's History Month](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/womens-history-month/)
- [community events](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/community-events/)
- [Coast 2017](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/coast-2017/)
- [ArtWalk](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/artwalk/)
- [Masters of Dance series](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/masters-of-dance-series/)
- [Smorgasburg](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/smorgasburg/)
- [Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-city-manager-rick-cole/)
- [Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/police-chief-jacqueline-seabrooks/)
- [immigration enforcement](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/immigration-enforcement/)
- [ICE](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ice/)
- [LA Marathon](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/la-marathon/)
- [auto emissions](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/auto-emissions/)
- [President Donald Trump](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/president-donald-trump/)
- [EPA](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/epa/)
- [Environmental Protection Agency](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/environmental-protection-agency/)
- [pedestrian death](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrian-death/)
- [pedestrian collision](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrian-collision/)
- [GOP](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/gop/)
- [Federal Aviation Administration](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/federal-aviation-administration/)
- [Airplane Owners and Pilots Association](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/airplane-owners-and-pilots-association/)
- [sports](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sports/)
- [girls soccer](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/girls-soccer/)
- [AYSO](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ayso/)
- [championship](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/championship/)
- [Assistant City Manager](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/assistant-city-manager/)
- [Elaine Polachek](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/elaine-polachek/)
- [Malibu Unification](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/malibu-unification/)
- [LWVSM](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lwvsm/)
- [Missing Person](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/missing-person/)
- [Airport ArtWalk](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/airport-artwalk/)
- [Santa Monica ArtWalk](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-artwalk/)
- [Greg Coote Concert for the Arts](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/greg-coote-concert-for-the-arts/)
- ["Weird Al" Yankovic](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/weird-al-yankovic/)
- [union hotels](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/union-hotels/)
- [Courtyard Marriott Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/courtyard-marriott-santa-monica/)
- [Hampton Inn Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hampton-inn-santa-monica/)
- [Dr. Antonio Shelton](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dr-antonio-shelton/)
- [Andre Zuczek](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/andre-zuczek/)
- [hit-and-run](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/hit-and-run/)
- [Juan Castillo](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/juan-castillo/)
- [Kelly Cano](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/kelly-cano/)
- [Santa Monica Fire Department](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-fire-department/)
- [apartment fire](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/apartment-fire/)
- [Trump](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/trump/)
- [sanctuary cities](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sanctuary-cities/)
- [Culver City](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/culver-city/)
- [Air Resources Board](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/air-resources-board/)
- [SB 1](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/sb-1/)
- [beach bike path](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/beach-bike-path/)
- [North Beach Trail](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/north-beach-trail/)
- [Woodlawn Cemetery](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/woodlawn-cemetery/)
- [green burials](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/green-burials/)
- [Eternal Meadows](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/eternal-meadows/)
- [eco-friendly burials](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/eco-friendly-burials/)
- [seismic retrofit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/seismic-retrofit/)
- [retrofit ordinance](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/retrofit-ordinance/)
- [dinosaurs](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/dinosaurs/)
- [YMCA Santa Monica](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ymca-santa-monica/)
- [YMCA Basketball](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/ymca-basketball/)
- [Peter Arbogast](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/peter-arbogast/)
- [local sports](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/local-sports/)
- [youth sports](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/youth-sports/)
- [Cesar Chavez](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cesar-chavez/)
- [Cesar Chavez Day](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/cesar-chavez-day/)
- [Living History Tour](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/living-history-tour/)
- [Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/santa-monica-malibu-council-of-ptas/)
- [Summer Adventure](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/summer-adventure/)
- [education](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/education/)
- [mobile fare payment](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mobile-fare-payment/)
- [mass transit](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/mass-transit/)
- [traffic deaths](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/traffic-deaths/)
- [transportation funding](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/transportation-funding/)
- [Senate Bill 1](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/senate-bill-1/)
- [fatal crashes](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fatal-crashes/)
- [pedestrian fatalities](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrian-fatalities/)
- [pedestrian deaths](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/pedestrian-deaths/)
- [fatal collisions](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/fatal-collisions/)
- [Press Photographers Association](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/press-photographers-association/)
- [Journalism Association of Community Colleges](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/journalism-association-of-community-colleges/)
- [police investigation](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/police-investigation/)
- [LBPD](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/lbpd/)
- [Long Beach Police](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/long-beach-police/)
- [California Coastal Commission](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/california-coastal-commission/)
- [beach access](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/beach-access/)
- [multi-modal beach access](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/multi-modal-beach-access/)
- [Whole Foods 365](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/whole-foods-365/)
- [Whole](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/whole/)
- [resilience](https://santamonicanext.org/tag/resilience/)