City to Streamline Building Permitting Process
July 25, 2024 -- For decades, Santa Monica has been notorious for delays that snarl building projects in red tape. That is expected to change under a new permitting system.

Police to Enforce Motorcycle Safety Friday
July 25, 2024 -- For the second time this month, Santa Monica police will be cracking down Friday on drivers and motorcycle riders who violate traffic laws.

EXTRA -- City Launches Negotiations to Revive the Civic
July 24, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday quietly took a major step in its efforts to resurrect the iconic Civic Auditorium, an endangered building that has been shuttered since 2011.

LETTERS -- Stick to the Facts
July 24, 2024 -- Every Santa Monican deserves the right to feel safe in their home, neighborhood, downtown, and parks. Public safety, however, is more than which DA you support, writes City Council candidate Dan Hall.

SMC Planetarium to Focus on Women Astronauts
July 24, 2024 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) planetarium will showcase the careers of three female astronauts and explore SpaceX's upcoming Polaris Dawn mission during two shows next month.

Council Candidate Field Expands, Still No Incumbents
July 23, 2024 -- As of the end of the day Tuesday, 14 candidates -- none of them incumbents -- had pulled nomination papers to run for four open City Council seats, including Rent Board Chair Erika Lesley.

Santa Monica Celebrates National Farmers Market Week
July 23, 2024 -- Santa Monica will celebrate National Farmers Market Week next month with special events at two of the city's popular markets, City officials announced Tuesday.

Another Change Slate Cover-Up
July 23, 2024 -- I served during parts of four decades and two centuries, and it was only after the 2020 election that we saw illegal leaks from closed session, writes former Mayor Kevin McKeown.

Council Takes Up Proposal to Keep Scooters for Good
July 22, 2024 -- Mayor Phil Brock on Tuesday will try to put the brakes on a staff proposal to continue on a permanent basis the City's e-scooter program launched in 2017.

LETTERS -- Council Candidates Stubbornly Support Gascon
July 22, 2024 -- Law-abiding residents are rightfully fed up with criminal-friendly District Attorney George Gascon. Sadly, four City Council candidates support more of the same.

SMPD Transitions to New Crime Reporting System
July 18, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has transitioned to a new crime reporting system that allows police to collect more detailed data, police officials announced Thursday.

CrowdStrike Outage Affects City Computer Systems
July 19, 2024 -- (UPDATED) The CrowdStrike outage that triggered global chaos Friday morning has impacted some of the City of Santa Monica's online services, City officials said.

School District Separation Plan Breaks Down
July 19, 2024 -- The long and bumpy road towards dividing the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has hit a major obstacle months before the 13-year-effort seemed about to end.

Santa Monica Pier 3rd Most Polluted West Coast Beach
July 18, 2024 -- Despite multi-million-dollar upgrades, the Santa Monica Pier remains one of the most polluted beaches on the west coast, according to the Heal the Bay's 2023-24 Beach Report Card.

Miramar Redevelopment Project Moves Forward
July 17, 2024 -- The Architectural Review Board (ARB) on Monday unanimously recommended supporting the final design for the ambitious redevelopment of the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica.

SMC Makes List of Top Film Schools
July 17, 2024 -- MovieMaker magazine has named Santa Monica College (SMC) one of the top 30 film schools in the U.S. and Canada, praising its affordable hands-on approach to filmmaking.

Battle Lines Being Drawn as Council Candidates Begin Pulling Papers
July 16, 2024 -- The four candidates backed by Santa Monica's political establishment wasted no time pulling nomination papers this week after winning early endorsements from two major groups.

Santa Monica 2nd Worst City for 1st-Time Home Buyers
July 16, 2024 -- Santa Monica was ranked the second worst city in the U.S. for first-time home buyers, according to an analysis of 300 cities by WalletHub released Tuesday.

LETTERS -- Sad When Police Union Head 'Mounts Personal Attack'
July 16, 2024 -- An accurate comparison of budgets would be far better than attacking an experienced voice who merely asked for a more thoughtful analysis, writes former mayor Kevin McKeown.

Council Approves Three High Profile Items
July 15, 2024 -- The City Council last week approved the nation's first Bitcoin "office," sought input on a landmark Supreme Court decision and reversed course on a local ballot measure.

Kidnapping Suspect Not Related to 4-year-old Victim
July 15, 2024 -- A 31-year-old woman struggling with homelessness is not related to the four-year-old girl she is accused of kidnapping Friday afternoon, according to police.

LETTERS -- Believe the Data and Your Own Eyes
July 15, 2024 -- Former Mayor Judy Abdo is asking you not to believe the women and men who keep the community safe, the data and, worst of all, your own lying eyes, writes Police Union Chair Cody Green.

Homeless Man Charged After Holding Knife to Boy's Throat on Pier
July 12, 2024 -- A homeless man on probation was charged this week with assault with a deadly weapon after holding a knife to 16-year-old boy's throat in front of his mother Sunday at the Pier.

Four-year-old Girl Kidnapped, Suspect Arrested
July 12, 2024 -- Police officers were out in force Friday afternoon searching for a four-year-old girl kidnapped from a restaurant near Pico and Lincoln Boulevards.

LETTERS -- Back to the Calculator, Please
July 12, 2024 -- Police union Chairman Cody Green should compare Santa Monica's financial commitment to policing based on our real, truly comparable general budget, writes former Santa Monica Mayor Judy Abdo.

Council Shakes Up Two Major Boards
July 11, 2024 -- The Change faction on the City Council flexed its political muscle Tuesday night and replaced a Planning Commissioner and Downtown Board member appointed four years ago by the rival faction.

Police Hold Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation
July 11, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Police Department will have extra officers on patrol Friday to focus on traffic violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

OPINION -- Santa Monica Massively Underfunding Its Police Department
July 11, 2024 -- The fact Santa Monica has so underfunded its police department and expects the results to be anything different than what we are currently getting is the shockwave that should ripple across this community.

Council Approves BBB Plan Boosting Service
July 10, 2024 -- Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB) will provide more frequent service on most routes and expand the hours its buses run under a five-year plan approved by the City Council Tuesday.

Interim City Clerk to Assume Permanent Post
July 10, 2024 -- Interim City Clerk Nikima Newsome will assume the post on a permanent basis after the City Council named her Santa Monica's new City Clerk on Tuesday.

Council Poised to Place Two Tax Measures on Ballot
July 9, 2024 -- Two years after Santa Monica voters approved three tax measures in 2022, the City Council is expected to place two more on the November ballot to generate additional revenues for the cash-strapped City.

City Accepting Applications for $2,000 Bike Vouchers
July 9, 2024 -- Santa Monica residents who meet income qualifications can now apply for $2,000 vouchers that can be used to purchase bicycles and related safety equipment, City officials announced Monday.

Council Asked to 'Halt' Plan to Boost Safety Spending
July 8, 2024 -- Ten days after the City Council voted to boost public safety spending minutes before adopting a $765.3 million fiscal year budget, it could vote Tuesday to almost as quickly drop the plan.

Pier Vendors Arrested for Felony Assault, Sexual Battery
July 8, 2024 -- Four Pier vendors were arrested last month in a fight that broke out after one of them sexually battered several women on the beach, according to police.

LETTERS -- Homeless Count Is a 'Comically Wretched Scam'
LA County’s most recent homeless count results bring to mind the comedic Marx Brothers scam that delivers its punch line when the skeptical victim is asked, “Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?”

Apartment Complex Terrorized by Naked Tenant
July 3, 2024 -- A naked tenant who has allegedly been terrorizing a Community Corp building in Santa Monica for months is making headlines after a local television station posted videos of his erratic behavior.

Just the Facts -- SMPD Launches New Blog
Did you know police officers transported 255 individuals to a hospital for mental health evaluations last year? Or that you can find that fact on a new blog the Santa Monica Police Department began posting Wednesday?

Santa Monica Celebrates Independence Day
July 2, 2024 -- City Hall and other public facilities will close on Thursday and municipal services will be scaled back or suspended as Santa Monica celebrates Independence Day with an annual parade in Ocean Park.

Police Step Up Deployment Over Holiday Weekend
July 2, 2024 -- Police officers will be out in force during the Fourth of July weekend as SMPD's holiday deployment plan goes into full effect, officials said.

Council Adopts Budget With Added Public Safety Spending
July 1, 2024 -- In an unexpected move, the City Council last Tuesday voted to explore spending more on public safety minutes before adopting a $765.3 million fiscal year budget that was months in the making.

Monthly Poll Shows Support for Promenade Sign
July 1, 2024 -- A poll of Santa Monica residents concerned with public safety showed overwhelming support for a large sign on the Promenade, condemned by the City Council, that warns the city is unsafe.

Homeless Population Drops in First County-Run Count
June 28, 2024 -- A total of 774 homeless individuals were counted in Santa Monica this year, a decrease of 52 people that is likely an undercount hampered by a precipitous drop in volunteers and technical glitches after the County took over the census.

Santa Monica Rental Market Remains Sluggish
June 28, 2024 -- Santa Monica rents remained flat in June, dipping for the fifth month this year as the national rental market remains sluggish, according to the monthly rent report by Apartment List.

Major Political Establishment Groups to Field United Council Slate
June 27, 2024 -- Santa Monica's political establishment will field a united slate in the November race for four City Council seats after the local Democratic Club made its endorsements Wednesday.

Pier 360 Beach Festival Kicks Off Summer This Weekend
June 27, 2024 -- Legendary volleyball players, Polynesian dancers and 1950s teenage surfing icon “Gidget” will help the Santa Monica Pier kick off the summer this weekend.

Sex Offender Charged with 2 Attempted Murders in Beach Attacks
June 26, 2024 -- The LA County District Attorney on Wednesday filed multiple charges -- including two for attempted murder -- against a homeless sexual offender on parole accused of attacking three women Monday morning on Santa Monica Beach.

School Board Votes to Prepare Bonds for 2024 Ballot
June 26, 2024 -- In a unanimous vote Thursday, the School Board directed staff to prepare two bond measures totaling $890 million for the November 5 ballot.

Homeless Sex Offender Goes on Violent Rampage on Santa Monica Beach
June 25, 2024 -- Santa Monica police arrested a homeless registered sex offender -- who was released from jail last month -- for attacking three women Monday morning during a "reign of terror" on the beach, police said.

Soundwaves New Music Series Presents Final Concert
June 25, 2024 -- The Soundwaves music series -- which has explored the boundaries of new music for eight years -- will conclude next month after nearly 100 shows.

Council Takes Up Promenade Sign Criticizing City
June 24, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to consider a resolution denouncing a large sign posted on a Promenade storefront that reads: "Santa Methica IS NOT Safe."

SMRR Picks Council Slate
June 24, 2024 -- Santa Monica's political establishment is poised to present a united front in the November race for City Council, after its powerful tenants rights group easily picked a slate Saturday.

Study Helps Determine if Council Should Ask Voters for a Raise
June 21, 2024 -- The $23,184 in annual compensation paid to Santa Monica City Councilmembers is higher than that paid by most comparable cities, according to a staff analysis released Friday.

Investment Downtown Signals Revitalization Underway, Officials Say
June 21, 2024 -- The recent purchase of eight parcels on the Third Street Promenade, major investments in hotel projects and a wave of new business openings are signs that the Downtown is headed in the right direction, Downtown officials say.

City Hires New Chief Information Officer
June 20, 2024 -- The chief tech officer for the city of Glendale, Arizona has been hired to head Santa Monica's Information Services Department, marking only the third time the post has changed hands since the dawn of the internet.

'Celebrate America' Returns to SMC Campus
June 20, 2024 -- "Celebrate America" -- Santa Monica's only fireworks display marking the nation’s independence -- will return to Corsair Field on Santa Monica College's (SMC) main campus this month.

SMRR, Dem Club Poised to Make Early Endorsements
June 19, 2024 -- Santa Monica's two most influential political groups are hoping to avoid a divided slate at their upcoming conventions that dashed their efforts to regain a council majority two years ago.

SMC Planetarium Focuses on the Sun, Exoplanets
June 19, 2024 -- Sun worshipers can learn more about Earth's home star as Santa Monica College's Planetarium continues its Friday evening events this month.

Homeless Man Sets Fires After Burglary Arrest
June 18, 2024 -- A homeless man arrested last month for burglary and released without bail will face arson charges after setting three fires four days after his arrest, according to police.

Santa Monica Commemorates Juneteenth
June 18, 2023 -- City Hall and other public facilities will close on Wednesday and municipal services will be scaled back or suspended as Santa Monica commemorates Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of Black slaves after the Civil War.

Santa Monica Rent Board Sets Cap on Monthly Increase
June 17, 2024 -- Santa Monica rent control tenants will see their monthly rent increase in September by 3 percent with a ceiling of $76 after the Rent Control Board approved the latest annual general adjustment last week.

Rent Board Appoints Tenant Activist to Fill Open Seat
June 17, 2024 -- Kay Ambriz -- a staunch tenants' rights advocate who serves on the Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) steering committee -- was appointed Thursday to fill an open seat on the Rent Control Board.

Council to Lower Outdoor Dining Fees on Promenade
June 14, 2024 -- The City Council took steps Tuesday to enliven the struggling Third Street Promenade by waiving, then lowering, sidewalk dining fees.

SMPD to Hold Expanded Traffic Safety Operation
June 14, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will engage in "extra enforcement efforts" with a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation that will take place all of next week.

Patron Kills Main Street Pub Manager
June 13, 2024 -- The manager of a pub on Main Street was killed around midnight Tuesday during a fight that broke out after he asked several patrons to leave, police said.

Santa Monica Joins Global Music Celebration
June 13, 2024 -- Santa Monica will join more than 1,000 cities worldwide on the summer solstice this month to celebrate music-making at three local parks.

Council Nixes Investigation into Leaks Before Setting Procedures
June 11, 2024 -- A deeply divided City Council on Tuesday voted to create clearly defined policy and procedures for leaked closed session items, but stopped short of launching an investigation.

Las Vegas Man Convicted in 2016 Home Invasion
June 12, 2024 -- A man arrested for shooting a Santa Monica resident during a failed home invasion robbery in August 2016 was convicted last week after a multi-year investigation.

Council Could Require Developers Provide More Shade
June 11, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday voted to explore requiring those who build on private land to replace every tree removed with three new trees.

Conservancy Offers Garden Tour of 'Shotgun House'
June 11, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer an intimate Summer Garden Tour this month that focuses on native plants around the historic "shotgun house" in Ocean Park that serves as the organization's resource center.

SPECIAL REPORT -- Homeless Deaths Spiked in Santa Monica Last Year
June 10, 2024 -- The death toll among the homeless in Santa Monica spiked over the past year, with an average of one homeless individual per week dying in the city, according to data from the LA County Coroner's Office.

Soundwaves Concert Features 'Generations of Experimental Music'
June 10, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Public Library’s acclaimed Soundwaves new music series is winding down with a concert this month by the Isaura String Quartet.

EXTRA -- Council to Consider Investigating Leaks
June 7, 2024 -- For the second time in two years, the Santa Monica City Council will consider launching an investigation into leaks from closed session, which typically involve legal, real estate and personnel issues.

Downtown Making Steady Comeback, Officials Say
June 6, 2024 -- You wouldn't know it from the doomsday scenarios painted by critics, but City officials say Santa Monica's Downtown is making a quiet but steady comeback.

LETTERS -- How to Increase Public Safety Downtown
June 6, 2024 -- Fire the useless Legion and Good Guard security companies and replace them with tandem foot patrol police officers on the Promenade.

Brock Signs Letter to Streamline Work Authorization for Illegal Immigrants
June 5, 2024 -- Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock was among 41 elected officials who signed a letter to the President calling for an automatic extension of employment authorization for undocumented immigrants.

Santa Monica to Celebrate Juneteenth with Annual Festival
June 5, 2024 -- Santa Monica will host the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15, with R&B, Soul and Gospel music and unique crafts and food vendors.

CEPS Kicks Off Early Election Season
June 4, 2024 -- (UPDATED) An education advocacy group announced its endorsements in three local races Tuesday, kicking off what promises to be Santa Monica's earliest election season.

Rent Board to Make Another Appointment
June 4, 2024 -- Capping an extraordinarily low-key recruitment effort, candidates for a vacant seat on the Santa Monica Rent Control Board have until noon Wednesday to file an application.

Council Shouldn't Get Raises, Monthly Poll Finds
June 3, 2024 -- A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents found most respondents oppose giving pay raises to Councilmembers or amnesty to UCLA students arrested during anti-Israel protests.

SMC Fashion Show Features Eclectic Student Designs
June 3, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) fashion students will showcase their latest designs before a professional judging panel at LA Mode 2024, the annual student fashion show this month.

Council Adds 4 Officers to Proposed Budget
May 31, 2024 -- After nearly two hours of discussing options and budget trade-offs, the City Council early Wednesday morning voted to add four police officers to the proposed $763.5 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Council Could Explore Asking Voters for a Raise
May 30, 2024 -- Should Santa Monica City Councilmembers -- who are paid about $17,000 a year -- get a raise? The Council on Tuesday voted to find out.

Sluggish Local Rental Market Reflects National Trend
May 30, 2024 -- Santa Monica rent growth remains sluggish, with median prices dipping by -0.2 percent in May, marking the fourth monthly drop this year, according to the rent report by Apartment List released Thursday.

Santa Monica Beach Named Among Top California Beaches
May 29, 2024 -- Santa Monica State Beach has been named one of California's top 10 spots for "beach bliss" by USA TODAY, according to the paper's 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards posted Wednesday.

Homeless Man Arrested for Attacking Senior on Beach
May 29, 2024 -- A homeless man already facing assault charges in a case pending review was arrested after attacking and injuring a 73-year-old woman on Santa Monica Beach last week.

LETTERS -- Violent Attacks Demonstrate Continuing Failure of Crime Policies
May 29, 2024 -- The latest crime statistics disclosed over two-thirds of arrestees in Santa Monica were homeless. And such arrests too often involve serious violent crimes.

Council Candidate Pool Seeking Liberal Establishment Backing Grows
May 28, 2024 -- A potential slate of City Council candidates seeking the backing of Santa Monica's liberal establishment is taking shape early this election year, with a major player joining the list on Tuesday.

SMC to Hold Commencement Ceremony Next Month
May 28, 2024 -- Some 1,000 students are expected to attend Santa Monica College's (SMC) 94th Commencement Ceremony, which will take place in-person at Corsair Field on June 11.

LETTERS -- City Should Help Open Markets and Cafes, Not Pot Shops
May 28, 2024 -- Social equity in cannabis retailing does little for the majority who might have suffered from harsh justice -– and who may lack the ability or desire to operate a successful cannabis store long term.

Lawsuits Claim Pico Neighborhood Landlord Harassed Tenants
May 24, 2024 -- The landlord of a three-unit rent control building in Santa Monica's Pico Neighborhood has been charged with harassment and discrimination in two separate lawsuits filed by the City and two former tenants.

LETTERS -- Council Should Declare Public Safety State of Emergency
May 24, 2024 -- Some Santa Monica merchants don’t file police reports because their insurance costs would go up. Working here now requires combat pay.

Police Enhance Patrols Over the Holiday Weekend
May 24, 2024 -- Memorial Day weekend in Santa Monica promises to be cool and sunny, drawing holiday crowds to the beach and Downtown, as police ramp up patrols across the city.

County Launches Second Round of Rent Relief Program
May 23, 2024 -- Landlords of small buildings could be eligible for up to $30,000 per unit in unpaid rent under a $68 million LA County Rent Relief Program, City officials announced Thursday.

Memorial Day Closures
May 23, 2024 -- City Hall will be closed on Monday to celebrate Memorial Day, the Big Blue Bus (BBB) will operate on weekend hours and some parking meters won't be charging.

Council Takes Up Pacific Park's Bid for Trapeze School Space
May 22, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to continue leasing a "multi-attraction" space on the Pier to a small locally owned trapeze school or turn it over to Pacific Park, the Pier's biggest leaseholder.

Redondo Beach School Board Member to Head Ed Foundation
May 22, 2024 -- After a nationwide search, the Santa Monica Education Foundation has found a new executive director 15 miles south in Redondo Beach.

Homeless Man Charged with Assault, Attempted Murder in Sunday Stabbings
May 21, 2024 -- A homeless man on probation was charged Tuesday with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in Sunday's stabbings of two German tourists in Downtown Santa Monica.

Two Bills to Help Meet State Housing Goals Clear Senate
May 21, 2024 -- Two housing bills that remove barriers to housing construction in the Coastal Zone and impose stiffer penalties on cities that fail to comply with State housing laws have easily cleared the California Senate.

Santa Monica Motel 'Hotbed for Drug Activity,' City Lawsuit Claims
May 20, 2024 -- (UPDATED) The City Attorney's Office on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the owners of a Sunset Park motel claiming it has been a "dangerous narcotics-related public nuisance" for decades.

Suspect Arrested in Stabbing Downtown
May 20, 2024 -- A 29-year-old man on probation was arrested for stabbing two victims and assaulting a third near a Downtown parking structure Sunday night, according to police.

LETTERS -- Protesters Repeating Antisemitic Slogans Are Ignorant or Naive
May 20, 2024 -- Hamas controls Gaza and, unless destroyed, it is a terrorist organization that has as its goal annihilating every Jew in Israel -- to wit, from The River to the Sea.

Council Bars Use of City Funds for Needle Distribution
May 17, 2024 -- In a surprising 6 to 1 vote, the City Council on Tuesday barred two non-profits from using City funds to distribute needles around parks and public spaces.

LETTERS -- Antisemitism 'Wave' Is Only a Drip
May 17, 2024 –- Phrases used for support of Palestinian independence are viewed as Antisemitic. Palestinians are a Semitic people. It's just an outright distortion.

School Board Fills Three Administrative Posts
May 17, 2024 -- The School Board on Thursday approved the appointments of three key administrators -- two principals and the coordinator of special education.

Ed Foundation Wine Auction Sets Fundraising Record
May 16, 2024 -- With fundraising "alarmingly down," the Santa Monica Education Foundation last month raised a record $435,000 for local public schools during its ninth annual Wine Auction, the organization announced Thursday.

Woman Attacked Jogging on Santa Monica Beach Path
May 16, 2024 -- A homeless man on parole for assault with a deadly weapon has been charged with attacking a young woman jogging on the Santa Monica Beach path in Ocean Park early Monday morning.

Peace Resolution Exposes Deep Divisions
May 15, 2024 -- A resolution approved by the City Council early Wednesday morning calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemning "all forms of hate" exposed how deeply Israel's war against Hamas has divided Santa Monica.

State Releases Plan to Remove Contaminated Soil from McKinley Elementary
May 15, 2024 -- State officials on Friday will begin accepting comments on a plan to remove contaminated soil from a portion of McKinley Elementary, School District officials announced this week.

Councilmember Reports on Trip to Vienna
May 14, 2024 -- Councilmember Gleam Davis on Tuesday lamented that more City officials couldn't join her at an expensive social housing study trip to Vienna, Austria that inspired "tremendous ideas."

Santa Monica Pier Offers Yoga by the Sea
May 14, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Pier on Saturday "dove into a summer of wellness" with a third year of seaside yoga sessions, Pier officials announced.

Suspects Who Torched Police Car During 2020 Riots Could Be Tried Again
May 13, 2024 -- Two men accused of setting fire to a Santa Monica police car during the 2020 riots could stand trial after a federal judge threw out their case two years ago.

SAMOSHEL Taking Clients 24/7
May 13, 2024 -- SAMOSHEL -- Santa Monica's homeless shelter on Olympic Boulevard next to the freeway -- is now taking in clients around the clock, City officials announced Friday.

Proponents of Ballot Measure to Amend GS Threaten to Sue City
May 10, 2024 -- An attorney for former Mayor Pam O'Connor on Wednesday threatened to sue the City if it doesn't forward the signatures gathered to amend Measure GS to the County Registrar by May 15.

Israeli Flag Defaced as Council Calls for Resolution Condemning Hate
May 10, 2024 -- A Santa Monica bike shop that has been displaying an Israeli flag in its window was vandalized with a "free Palestine" tag this week, according to a report on Fox 11.

Council to Take Up Crowded Consent Calendar
May 10, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday will take up a lengthy consent calendar that includes keeping a water preservation plan in place and expanding the use of landfills.

Things to Know for Motorcycle Awareness Month
May 9, 2024 -- Motorcycle Awareness month in May is a good time to ponder some statistics that highlight the dangers of riding on two wheels exposed at high speeds.

City Struggles to Meet Affordable Housing Targets
May 8, 2024 -- Despite a surge in multi-family development over the past four fiscal years, Santa Monica met its affordable housing requirement only once, according to a report to the City Council Wednesday.

SMC Seeks Applicants for Bond Oversight Committee
May 8, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) is seeking applicants for the citizens committee that oversees implementation of bond measures approved by voters.

EXTRA -- O'Connor Submits Signatures to Amend Transfer Tax Hike
May 7, 2024 -- A showdown between top City officials and proponents of a ballot initiative seeking to amend Measure GS is brewing one day after former Mayor Pam O'Connor submitted signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

SMC to Launch State's First Homelessness Services Certificate Program
May 7, 2024 -- This fall semester, Santa Monica College (SMC) will launch California's first certificate program preparing students for careers in the homeless services field, school officials announced Monday.

Tourism Industry's Recovery Loses Some Ground
May 6, 2024 -- Santa Monica's tourism industry hit a bump in the road to recovery last year, seeing both the number of visitors and the spending they generated dipping for the first time since the coronavirus shutdown four years ago.

Water Near Santa Monica Pier Under Health Advisory
May 6, 2024 -- Due to high levels of bacteria, visitors to Santa Monica Beach should continue to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in the water near the Pier, County Health officials warn.

Santa Monica Can Implement Housing Law Ruled Unconstitutional, City Attorney Says
May 3, 2024 -- Despite being ruled unconstitutional by a Superior Court judge, Santa Monica can continue implementing a State law that allows multi-family buildings on single family lots, City Attorney Doug Sloan said Friday.

SMC Spring Symposium Focuses on AI
May 3, 2024 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Public Policy Institute (PPI) will present a series of free lectures and discussions this month titled “The Promise and Peril of Artificial Intelligence.”

City to Test License Reader Cameras on Bike Lanes
May 2, 2024 -- Santa Monica is expanding its network of automated, AI-powered camera systems with a pilot program to detect vehicles illegally parked in bicycle lanes, according to an information item sent to the City Council Wednesday.

School District to Hold 2 Meetings on Malibu Split
May 2, 2024 -- Two community meetings will take place in Santa Monica this month to present a tentative agreement that paves the way for Malibu to split from the School District, SMMUSD officials announced Thursday.

Santa Monica Celebrates Bike Month
May 2, 2024 -- Santa Monica is celebrating Bike Month this May with a series of activities that promote safety and tout the major upgrades made to the city's growing network of bicycle lanes.

Monthly Poll Shows Overwhelming Opposition to Homeless Housing Project
May 1, 2024 -- A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found that more than 80 percent oppose the construction of a $1 million per unit apartment building for the homeless.

Community Process to Chart Airport's Future Kicks Off Amid Concerns
April 30, 2024 -- The City next month will take a major step in planning for the future of Santa Monica Airport amid lingering concerns that some of the land will be used for housing or that the airport will stay open.

Police to Be on Lookout for Traffic Violations that Lead Serious Injuries
April 30, 2024 -- Santa Monica police will be on the lookout Friday for those who violate traffic laws leading to collisions involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists that result in serious injuries.

Santa Monica Rents Dip Amid Sluggish Market
April 29, 2024 -- After a one-month rise, Santa Monica rents decreased again in April, bucking a nationwide trend that saw average rents inch up for the third straight month, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Two Arrested for Theft Spree at Local Gas Stations
April 29, 2024 -- Two men from the San Francisco Bay area were charged Friday with stealing property from cars at three Santa Monica gas stations last week.

EXTRA -- Final 4 Santa Monica Hotels Sign Union Contracts, Protests End
April 26, 2024 -- The last four Santa Monica hotels engaged in bitter contract negotiations with the hotel workers union have signed agreements that provide "life-changing" wages for workers, union officials announced Friday.

Community Corp. Breaks Ground on Its First Prefab Development
April 26, 2024 -- Community Corp. broke ground Friday on its first affordable housing development for vulnerable youth that is also its first pre-fabricated building.

Council Bans Use of Traditional Concrete in New Construction
April 25, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday literally took a concrete step to fight carbon emissions by requiring the use of low-carbon concrete for all new construction, swimming pools and spas.

Santa Monica Marks Two Microforest Firsts
April 25, 2024 -- Two "microforests" are springing up in Santa Monica to celebrate Earth Week -- marking what are likely two firsts for the nation.

EXTRA -- Judge Rules Controversial State Housing Law Unconstitutional
April 24, 2024 -- In a major blow to State control over local development, a Superior Court judge on Monday found a California law allowing multi-family buildings on single-family lots unconstitutional.

Santa Monica Hotel Wins Top Award
April 24, 2024 -- The Shore Hotel in Santa Monica has been awarded the nation's top hotel in TripAdvisor's 2024 Best of the Best Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Santa Monica Hotel Signs Union Agreement, 4 Hold Out
April 23, 2024 -- The Proper Santa Monica is one of seven hotels that have reached tentative agreements with the union, leaving four local hotels embroiled in contentious negotiations and ongoing protests.

From Mt. Wilson to SpaceX at the SMC Planetarium
April 23, 2024 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Planetarium next month will focus close and far -- from a look at yesterday's ground-based observatories to an exploration of the outer reaches of the solar system.

LETTERS -- Look and Come to Your Own Conclusion
April 23, 2024 -- John Alle would do well to check if the videos he himself links to counter his fake news narratives.

Mayor Seeks to Speed up Councilmember Items
April 22, 2024 -- Two and a half years ago, the City Council took steps to stem the flood of items its members place on the agenda. On Tuesday it will take up a proposal to shorten the time it takes to go through the often lengthy list.

Premier Punk/Jazz Guitarist to Play in Santa Monica
April 22, 2024 -- Guitarist Joe Baiza -- whose punk band Saccharine Trust made one of Kurt Cobain's favorite albums -- will bring his new quartet to the Santa Monica Public Library Saturday, May 4, for a special performance.

LETTERS -- Stop Inciting Division
April 22, 2024 -- Public safety and drug addiction are not 'Right' or 'Left' issues, writes John Alle, a leader of the Santa Monica Coalition, which organized the rally against the County's needle distribution program.

Santa Monica's First Black Women's Clubhouse Designated a Historic Landmark
April 19, 2024 -- A modest commercial building in the Pico neighborhood that served as a meeting hall for Santa Monica's oldest active Black women's club is now a historic landmark.

SMC’s Global Motion World Dance Company Presents Spring Performance
April 19, 2024 -- SMC’s Global Motion World Dance Company will perform two folklórico dances from Mexico as part of its spring performance that appropriately takes place on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Reforms to Prop 47 Likely Headed for Ballot
April 18, 2024 -- (UPDATED) Proponents of a statewide ballot initiative to amend California's Prop 47 announced they are submitting more than 900,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

Metro Bus Driver Attacked in Santa Monica
April 18, 2024 -- LA County sheriff's deputies arrested a suspect after he attacked a Metro bus driver inside an out-of-service bus in Downtown Santa Monica early Thursday morning.

LETTERS -- Public Safety Must Be the Number One Priority of All Governments
April 18, 2024 -- I worked with people in Vietnamese Refugee Camps who tried to survive without Public Safety, they didn’t make it.

Impact Fee Ruling to Have Little Effect in Santa Monica
April 17, 2024 -- A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Friday that paves the way for developers and builders in California to challenge "impact fees" will have little effect in Santa Monica, according to local land use experts.

Miramar to Host Ed Foundation's Wine Auction Sunday
April 17, 2024 -- Education supporters will gather under the Fairmont Miramar's iconic fig tree Sunday to help raise money for local schools during the Education Foundation's 9th annual Wine Auction.

LETTERS -- It's Time to Return Decorum to City Hall
April 17, 2024 -- Our residents deserve better than the public vitriol and nativism we see from our officials in City Hall.

Rally to Stop Outdoor Needle Program Draws Councilmembers, Press
April 16, 2024 -- About 50 demonstrators -- including the mayor and three City Councilmembers -- participated in a rally Tuesday morning at Reed Park to protest LA County's outdoor needle distribution program in Santa Monica.

Council Set to Approve License Plate Reader Cameras
April 16, 2024 -- Santa Monica is poised to triple the number of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras mounted on light poles under a proposal the City Council is expected to approve Tuesday.

Opponents Fail to Talk Developer into Scaling Down Gelson's Project
April 15, 2024 -- A last-ditch effort by opponents of an approved 521-unit residential project on Lincoln Boulevard failed to scale down Santa Monica's largest housing development in nearly 60 years.

'Milestone' Reached in Efforts to Split School District
April 15, 2024 -- School District and Malibu officials have reached a revenue sharing arrangement that marks a "significant milestone" in the beach city's 13-year effort to split from the district, officials announced.

Three Theft Ring Suspects Arrested, Released With Citations
April 12, 2024 -- Three suspects believed to be part of an organized retail theft ring with gang connections were arrested Thursday for stealing more than $23,000 in merchandise from a Santa Monica beauty store last month.

The Robots Are Coming
April 12, 2024 -- For four hours on a Saturday this month robots will take over Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica, City officials announced this week.

Hotel Union Steps Up Actions Amid Stalled Contract Negotiations
April 11, 2024 -- Workers at two union hotels in Santa Monica went on strike Thursday and will join workers from two other local hotels locked in bitter contract negotiations in a parade on Friday.

Big Blue Bus to Hold Public Hearings Next Week
April 11, 2024 --- The Big Blue Bus will hold two public hearings next week to discuss enhancing service by increasing frequency and adding hours of operation, City transit officials announced Thursday.

EXTRA -- Council Approves $1 Million Per Unit Homeless Housing Project
April 10, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday approved a 122-unit apartment building for the homeless that will cost more than $1 million per unit, making it one of the most expensive affordable housing projects in the nation.

Lyft Driver Charged with Sexually Assaulting Santa Monica Passenger
April 10, 2024 -- Police on Friday arrested a Lyft driver for sexually assaulting an unconscious Santa Monica resident last September during her ride home, police officials said Wednesday.

Bob's Market Owner Who Kept Spirit of Neighborhood Grocery Stores Alive Dead at 92
April 9, 2024 -- Bob Rosenbloom, owner of one of the last independent neighborhood markets on the Westside, died Friday, leaving behind the legacy of a simpler time that is rapidly vanishing in Santa Monica.

Police Arrest Homeless Man After Standoff in Bluffs
April 9, 2024 -- After a tense hour-and-a-half standoff, Santa Monica police on Monday arrested a homeless man who threatened a beach lifeguard with a metallic rod then ran into the bluffs above PCH.

Antisemitic Graffiti Spree in Santa Monica Part of Skyrocketing Trend
April 8, 2024 -- Santa Monica police are investigating a spate of antisemitic graffiti as protests and hate crimes targeting Jews and Israel continue to spread across the nation.

Vandalism Suspect Charged for Tossing Bricks at Cars
April 8, 2024 -- LA County prosecutors on Monday announced vandalism charges against a woman who threw bricks at a dozen vehicles in Santa Monica and Los Angeles.

Council to Take Up 38 More Child Sex Abuse Cases
April 5, 2024 -- One year after the City Council announced the closing of a "sad chapter in Santa Monica history," it will take up sexual abuse cases on Tuesday filed on behalf of 38 additional plaintiffs.

Needle Resolution Set for Council Approval
April 5, 2024 -- The City Council Tuesday is expected to approve a tersely worded resolution that "strongly demands" that LA County Health relocate its needle distribution program indoors.

County Health Pushes New COVID Booster
April 4, 2024 -- LA County Health officials are urging residents to get the newly-released COVID booster shot despite key indicators showing the virus is rapidly waning and a major study that reveals rare, but serious, vaccine-related risks.

Santa Monica Selects its First Poet Laureate
April 4, 2024 -- Santa Monica's first poet laureate, Anne Carmack, is a "self-taught writer and multidisciplinary artist" who has published an Amazon best-selling book of poems, City officials said in a statement this week.

Crime Driving Residents from Parks, Transit, Poll Finds
April 3, 2024 -- A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found an overwhelming majority avoid using City parks or public transportation due to crime and drug use.

Police Crack Down on Drivers Using Phones
April 3, 2024 -- Santa Monica police this month will be "actively looking" for motorists talking on their phones while driving, Police Department officials announced this week.

LETTERS -- Latest Effort to Thwart Measure GS Will Fail
April 3, 2024 -- Santa Monica voters will not be fooled into signing petitions for a ballot measure that takes money from our schools and affordable housing programs to further enrich greedy developers and landlords.

Carousel Operator Poised to Get Contract Extension
April 2, 2024 -- Arguably the most nostalgic and iconic attraction in Santa Monica will be kept going 'round and 'round for the next five years under a contract the City Council is poised to approve on Tuesday.

Homeless Man Sentenced for Series of Sexual Assaults
April 2, 2024 -- A homeless man who sexually preyed on homeless women, including one victim in Santa Monica, has been sentenced to eight years in State prison, according to police.

EXTRA -- Proposed Ballot Initiative Exempts Multi-Family Housing from Transfer Tax
April 1, 2024 -- Former Santa Monica mayor Pam O'Connor filed a ballot initiative with the City Clerk on Thursday that would exempt the sale of multi-family housing from the transfer tax hike approved by Santa Monica voters in 2022.

Pedestrian Killed in Crash Near Pier
April 1, 2024 -- A pedestrian was struck and killed by a car near the Santa Monica Pier early Monday morning, marking third pedestrian death this year.

Santa Monica Rents Rise After 4-Month Drop
March 28, 2024 -- After dropping for four straight months, Santa Monica rents rose 1.5 percent in March but remain down 4.3 percent over the past 12 months, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Rotary Grant Helps SMC Foster Youth Students
March 28, 2024 -- Current and former foster youth enrolled at Santa Monica College (SMC) will get help paying for textbooks, food and transportation thanks to a $21,750 grant from the local Rotary Club.

How Santa Monicans Can Prepare for a Tsunami
March 27, 2024 -- It can arrive within minutes or take hours to reach the coast, but if a tsunami strikes Santa Monica, ocean waves could reach as high as a five-story building.

Soundwaves Presents a Spiritual New Music Odyssey
March 27, 2024 -- Three contemporary works that stretch the boundaries of acoustic music will be performed in the Edye Theater at the Broad Stage next month.

Lifeguard Contract Vote Delayed
March 26, 2024 -- A one-year extension to a contract with LA County for lifeguard services was pushed back two weeks after Tuesday's City Council meeting was canceled due to a lack of a quorum.

DTSM Announces Spring Lineup of Promenade Events
March 26, 2024 -- Chess, outdoor movies, Conscious Markets and a Cinco de Mayo celebration are all part of the lineup of events on the Third Street Promenade this spring.

Workers Ratify Union Contracts at 2 Local Hotels
March 25, 2024 -- Workers at two Santa Monica hotels overwhelmingly voted to ratify union contracts Monday, but protests will continue at five others where agreements have not been reached, union officials said.

Council Majority Denounces Needle Program in Parks
March 22, 2024 -- After a heated discussion, the City Council Tuesday narrowly approved a resolution denouncing a County program that distributes clean needles in parks to homeless addicts.

Council Chooses Developer for Affordable Housing Projects
March 21, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday chose the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) to build 130 housing units for low-income and homeless tenants on three City-owned properties.

Pacific Park Ferris Wheel to Go Dark for Earth Hour
March 21, 2024 -- Pacific Park’s world-famous Ferris wheel will join the Acropolis, the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Great Wall of China and go dark during Earth Hour Saturday night.

Workers at Nearly 3 Dozen Hotels Set to Ratify Contracts
March 20, 2024 -- Workers at 34 Southern California hotels -- including the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica -- will vote Thursday on whether to ratify tentative labor agreements negotiated by the hotel workers union.

LETTERS -- Santa Monica Should Not Give Special Treatment to Local 11
March 20, 2024 -- Ted Winterer's recent letter to The Lookout is full of questions, so here's one for him: Why should the City prioritize a labor union that's not based in Santa Monica over peace and quiet for local taxpayers?

Santa Monica Review Authors Reimagine the Familiar
March 20, 2024 -- The spring 2024 issue of Santa Monica Review (SMR) celebrates "diversity and enduring relationships" with work from new and returning contributors, as well as a debut writer.

Santa Monica Receives Nearly $2 million in Federal Funding
March 19, 2024 -- Santa Monica will receive nearly $2 million in federal funding for three community projects under appropriations bills signed into law this month.

LETTERS -- Stop Blaming the Striking Hotel Workers
March 19, 2024 -- "Clearly, the AFM has not decamped to Brigadoon," writes former Mayor Ted Winterer. "So is the local hotel workers union the villain in this story? I think not."

Land Reparations, Needles and Noise on Council Agenda
March 18, 2024 -- Tuesday's City Council agenda is packed with Councilmember items supposedly curbed by updated procedures, with rival items addressing reparations for a City owned property near the beach.

FBI Seeks Potential Sex Slave Victims of Santa Monica Suspect
March 18, 2024 -- The FBI is looking for potential victims of a Santa Monica man charged with recruiting underage girls to engage in "sexually explicit conduct" and prostitution.

Former Santa Monica City Manager Wins Pasadena Council Seat
March 15, 2024 -- Former Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole -- who resigned from the post four years ago -- will return to the Pasadena City Council after four decades away.

Police Seek Help Finding Sexual Assault Suspect
March 15, 2024 -- Police issued a bulletin Friday seeking help searching for a suspect in a sexual assault that took place near John Adams Middle School two weeks ago.

Pacific Park Bought by Private Equity Firm
March 14, 2024 -- Pacific Park -- the iconic amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier -- has been bought by the New York City-based private equity firm SC Holdings for an undisclosed amount.

Suspected Assailant of Girl Arrested in Venice
March 14, 2024 -- A man suspected of assaulting a six-year-old girl in Santa Monica Sunday has been arrested by Los Angeles police following a similar incident in Venice, SMPD officials said Thursday.

Police Chief Addresses Assault on Six-Year-Old Girl
March 13, 2024 -- Police Chief Ramon Batista on Wednesday denounced Sunday's assault on a six-year-old girl on Main Street as "an affront to public safety" and said detectives are "working hard" to arrest the suspect.

LETTERS -- LA County Policies Put Arrestees Right Back on the Street
While SMPD’s February arrests of four felony burglary suspects at the Santa Monica “Real Real” retail store was met with well-deserved cheers, a deeper dive shows there’s less to celebrate than those initial cheers suggest.

Free Parking Downtown Fails to Lure Holiday Shoppers, Analysis Finds
March 12, 2024 -- An extra 90 minutes of free parking failed to lure more late holiday shoppers Downtown last December, with parking revenues dropping during the three-day offer, according to a parking study released Tuesday.

Police Search for Homeless Suspect Who Assaulted Girl
March 12, 2024 -- Police are searching for a homeless man who assaulted a six-year-old girl Sunday evening as she was walking with her parents on Main Street near the Venice border.

Two Top City Officials Cancel Vienna Housing Trip
March 11, 2024 -- Two top City officials have scrapped plans to attend a "social housing study trip" to Vienna next month that focuses on the Austrian city's public housing projects.

EXTRA -- Santa Monica Loses Lucrative Film Market
March 10, 2024 -- After 33 years in Santa Monica, the American Film Market (AFM) announced Friday it is moving to Las Vegas, dealing a crushing blow to the city's slowly recovering economy.

City Acquires Artwork by Wrongfully Convicted Artist
March 8, 2024 -- A quilt created by a Los Angeles-based artist who spent 42 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit has been acquired by the City of Santa Monica’s Art Bank.

Guards to Begin Patrolling City Buses
March 8, 2024 -- Unarmed security guards will begin patrolling Santa Monica buses and bus stops on Saturday to assist passengers and deter crime and unwanted behavior, according to City transit officials.

County Committee Rejects Trustee Voting Areas for School District
March 7, 2024 -- (UPDATED) A plan to divide the School District into trustee voting areas fell through on Monday after the County Committee in charge of redistricting shot down the map presented by proponents.

Monthly Poll Finds Support for Increasing Drug and Theft Penalties
March 6, 2024 -- There is overwhelming support locally for a proposed statewide ballot measure to toughen penalties for drug and theft crimes, according to a monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents.

Police to Crack Down on Traffic Violations
March 6, 2024 -- On Thursday and Friday, Santa Monica traffic officers will crack down on violations that endanger the safety of those who walk and bicycle on the city's streets.

Gelson's Project Gets First and Final Board Approval
March 5, 2024 -- What planning officials deemed inevitable two years ago became a done deal Monday night -- the city's biggest housing development in nearly 60 years was approved unanimously at its only public hearing.

Suspect in Ocean Park House Break-in Charged
March 5, 2024 -- LA County prosecutors on Tuesday charged Anthony Romero, 28, with burglary and indecent exposure after he broke into an Ocean Park house early Thursday and masturbated next to the victim's bed.

Council Approves Contracts for Gas, Wood and Temp Workers
March 4, 2024 -- The City Council last Tuesday approved contracts to gas up the City's fleets, provide lumber for the Pier and hire temp workers for the Building and Safety Division.

Parolee Arrested for Burglary, Attempted Rape
March 4, 2024 -- A homeless man on parole was arrested for burglary and attempted rape after breaking into a house in Ocean Park early Thursday morning.

State of the City Speeches Express Cautious Optimism
March 1, 2024 -- Santa Monica has weathered the storm and is "turning the corner," but there is still work to be done before the city prospers and thrives again, Mayor Phil Brock and City Manager David White said in their State of the City speeches Thursday.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Trending Down
February 29, 2024 -- Rents in Santa Monica dropped for the fourth straight month in February and have now seen a much steeper annual decrease than rents in both the nation and State, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

SMC Pre-Law Program Wins Diversity Award
February 29, 2024 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Law Pathway program was recognized this month for its efforts to promote diversity within the law field, college officials announced Thursday.

Workers Comp Claims Drop, Settlement Payments Rise
February 28, 2024 -- During the fiscal year that ended June 30, the number of workers compensation claims dropped to the lowest level in more than a decade, according to a report to the City Council this week.

Santa Monica Senator Introduces Bill to Fund Maintenance of State Parks
February 28, 2024 -- State Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) has introduced legislation that creates a fund to "support the stewardship and preservation" of State parks, his office announced Wednesday.

School Board Appoints New Head of Educational Services
February 28, 2024 -- The School Board on Tuesday appointed Dr. Stacy Williamson as the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District's new assistant superintendent of educational services.

Santa Monica Beach Ranked Among Top in U.S.
February 27, 2024 -- Santa Monica State Beach was named one of the top ten beaches in the U.S. by Tripadvisor based on reviews posted on the popular travel website.

Black Apology Fails to Deliver, Racial Justice Advocates Say
February 26, 2024 -- Black History month has been celebrated in Santa Monica this year with food trucks and dancing, proclamations and special events. That the City is not funding the community events is indicative of an underlying problem.

Baroque Meets Pop Art at SMC Gallery
February 26, 2024 -- The eye-popping art created by Santa Monica College (SMC) alum Nehemiah Cisneros during his academic training will be exhibited next month at the school's Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery.

Local Deaths with COVID Persist As Virus Wanes
February 23, 2024 -- Three Santa Monica residents died with COVID-19 over the past month, while indicators of the virus continue to decrease countywide, according to data from LA County Public Health.

SMC Planetarium Looks at Lunar Landings and Solar Eclipses
February 23, 2024 -- Space telescopes, lunar landings and solar eclipses are the focus of presentations at the Santa Monica College (SMC) planetarium (SMC) next month.

EXTRA -- Orange County Museum Showcases Iconic Santa Monica Mosaic
February 22, 2024 -- An iconic half-century-old Santa Monica mosaic -- transported and installed piece by piece in the City of Orange -- was officially welcomed during a ceremony for the re-opening of the Hilbert Museum Thursday afternoon.

Learnin' the Blues During Black History Month
February 22, 2024 -- School District students were immersed in the legacy of the blues during a crash course offered by the New York non-profit JazzReach during Black History Month.

City's Economic Recovery Hampered By 'Challenges'
February 21, 2024 -- While Santa Monica's economy continues to recover, it faces local challenges and national uncertainty that will hamstring efforts to enhance programs and services, according to the the Midyear Budget Review released Wednesday.

BBB Seeks Input for 5-Year Road Map
February 21, 2024 -- The last time the Big Blue Bus (BBB) conducted a major planning effort, the Expo light rail had not yet rolled into town and the coronavirus shutdown was more than five years away.

More Than Half of City's Emergency Housing Voucher Holders Are 'Leased-Up'
February 20, 2024 -- A total of 56 homeless individuals and families living on Santa Monica streets have moved into LA area apartments under an emergency housing program funded by the federal government.

Santa Monica Celebrates Black History Month with Greens Festival Saturday
February 20, 2024 -- Santa Monica continues its month-long celebration of Back history with a free community festival at Virginia Avenue Park on Saturday.

25 Santa Monicans Take Major Step Out of Homelessness
February 16, 2024 -- Twenty-five people living on the streets of Santa Monica were shuttled Wednesday to the first rooms they've had in years in their first big step out of homelessness.

Santa Monica Group Files Lawsuit Over Needle Program
February 16, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Coalition on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the LA County Health Department to halt a program that distributes clean needles in the beach city's parks and other outdoor spaces.

Council Authorizes Funds for Trip to Vienna
February 15, 2024 – The City Council on Tuesday gave two Councilmembers the go-ahead to use their travel funds to attend a week-long housing program in Vienna, Austria, making them the most expensive Councilmember trips bankrolled with taxpayer money.

Theft, Assaults Drove Increase in Crime Last Year
February 14, 2024 -- Crime in Santa Monica increased by 352 reported incidents last year -- driven by stolen property, auto theft and simple assault -- while homeless individuals once again accounted for some two-thirds of the total arrests made.

SMC Students Take Home 5 Journalism Awards
February 15, 2024 -- Santa Monica College's (SMC) student-run media outlet The Corsair has won six Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) awards, including two first-place awards for individual photojournalists.

Authors in Conversation at Public Library
February 14, 2024 -- Two emerging Black novelists will engage in a dialogue about the art of fiction next Wednesday at the Santa Monica Public Library.

Four Teens Arrested for Attempting to Burglarize Store
February 13, 2024 -- Four teenage suspects were arrested early Friday morning after trying to break into The Real Real Store that was the target of a smash-and grab robbery in November.

Brock Endorses State Measure to Increase Drug and Theft Penalties
February 12, 2024 -- Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock on Monday became the first mayor in Los Angeles County to endorse a proposed statewide ballot measure that will toughen penalties for drug and theft crimes.

Property Owners Scramble to Meet New Trespassing Notification Law
February 12, 2024 -- Some Santa Monica property owners and managers were caught off guard after police officers stopped enforcing trespassing laws in their absence unless notarized authorization was given.

EXTRA -- Appeals Court Bounces Voting Rights Case Back to Trial Court
February 9, 2024 -- A California Appeals Court on Friday remanded the voting rights case against the City of Santa Monica to the lower court that ruled in favor of the Latino plaintiffs.

Council to Discuss Wide-ranging Issues
February 9, 2024 -- From public nuisances to a trip to Vienna, the Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday will discuss a number of wide-ranging items its members placed on the agenda.

Most Continue to Disapprove of Council's Performance, Poll Finds
February 8, 2024 -- A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found most disapproved of the City Council's performance and believe the hotel workers union has had a negative influence on the city.

OPINION -- Why I Support Fair Elections in SMMUSD
February 8, 2024 -- A history of disparities in public school resources and educational outcomes is evidence enough to change the status quo, writes Councilmember Oscar de la Torre.

Santa Monica to Celebrate Julia Morgan's Legacy
February 7, 2024 -- The legacy of Julia Morgan -- California's first licensed female architect -- will be celebrated next month at the guest house and pool she designed in Santa Monica.

Police to Hold Bicycle Safety Operation
February 7, 2024 -- Santa Monica police on Thursday are conducting an enforcement operation focused on "primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists."

Council to Launch Process to 'Reframe' Controversial City Hall Murals
February 6, 2024 -- The Ciy Council on Tuesday is expected to take initial steps to "reframe" the towering murals that have greeted visitors to City Hall since 1939 but have recently become a subject of controversy.

Bomb Threat Shuts Down Pier
February 6, 2024 -- Police evacuated the Santa Monica Pier for two hours Tuesday after receiving reports of a bomb threat targeting the popular tourist destination.

Reforms to Prop 47 Could Be Headed for Ballot
February 5, 2024 -- Reforms to California's Prop 47 -- which reduced the prison population by reclassifying certain crimes as misdemeanors -- could be headed for the November ballot.

Ring Discontinues App Police Use to Request Video Footage
February 5, 2024 -- Ring's announcement that police will no longer be able to request users' doorbell footage on its Neighbors app will have some impact on crime investigations, Santa Monica police officials said Monday.

Appeals Court Orders Reduced Sentence for Convicted Rapist
February 2, 2024 -- A state appeals court panel on Wednesday ordered a reduced sentence for a homeless man convicted of raping a Santa Monica woman in her Ocean Park apartment in June 2018.

SMC Celebrates Black History Month
February 2, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) will celebrate Black History Month with a series of talks, discussions and author readings, as well as a workshop to help students enter historically Black colleges and universities.

Santa Monica Man Who Hacked Campaign Website Sentenced
February 1, 2024 -- A Santa Monica man was sentenced Thursday for hacking into the computer of a Congressional Democratic candidate in 2018 that set off a domino effect resulting in Republicans regaining the key seat.

SMC Presents 'Pearls & Insights' Literary Series
February 1, 2024 -- Santa Monica College this month will present its SMC Library’s Pearls & Insights series featuring "a noteworthy spectrum" of writers reading and discussing their works.

Santa Monica Sees Biggest Annual Rent Drop in Region
January 31, 2024 -- Santa Monica had the largest annual rent decrease in the LA region, dropping by -5.4 percent after prices fell in January for the third straight month, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Newsom Designates Santa Monica Prohousing Community
January 31, 2024 -- Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday designated Santa Monica as a prohousing community recognized for "cutting red tape and speeding up housing approvals."

Sunset Park Shooter Charged with Murder
January 30, 2024 -- (UPDATED) A homeless woman responsible for violent crimes in Los Angeles was charged Tuesday with the murder of a 46-year-old man in Sunset Park last Thursday.

School Redistricting Hearings Resume Wednesday
January 30, 2024 -- Hearings to divide the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District into trustee areas will resume in Malibu on Wednesday, one year after a redistricting plan was submitted by supporters.

Few Volunteers, Tech Glitches Hamper Homeless Count
January 29, 2024 -- Wednesday's annual homeless count in Santa Monica had far fewer volunteers than previous years and may have encountered some technical glitches, according to data and statements from County officials.

Hotel Union Wage Measure Fails to Meet Deadline
January 29, 2024 -- An initiative requiring Santa Monica hotels to pay their workers at least $30 an hour failed to meet Monday's deadline for filing signatures, according to the City Clerk.

OPINION -- Close the Loophole in Permit Parking
January 29, 2024 -- Massive new development is coming to our city and hundreds of new apartments are already in construction that will offer “unbundled” parking, threatening to jam neighborhood streets throughout Santa Monica.

Suspect Arrested, Victim Identified in Sunset Park Homicide
January 26, 2024 -- Police arrested a homeless woman Friday morning for the fatal shooting of a 46-year-old resident of Los Angeles in Sunset Park Thursday.

Former Mayor Appointed To Landmarks Commission
January 26, 2024 -- Former mayor Pam O'Connor, who served a record 24 years on the City Council, will return to the Landmarks Commission, where she launched her political career more than three decades ago.

Santa Monica Hires New Fire Chief
January 25, 2024 -- City Manager David White on Thursday announced the hiring of Monterey Park Fire Chief Matthew Hallock to lead a much larger fire department in Santa Monica.

Man Fatally Shot in Sunset Park
January 25, 2024 -- Santa Monica police are searching for one or more suspects in a deadly shooting in Sunset Park Thursday morning that marked the year's first homicide.

Security Heightened After Council Members Threatened
January 24, 2024 -- The Police Department beefed up security at Tuesday night's City Council meeting after three Councilmembers received death threats, according to several sources familiar with the situation.

Council Strengthens Tenant Protections Amid Uptick in Evictions
January 24, 2024 -- (UPDATED) Spurred by 67 eviction notices filed in Santa Monica last year, the City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to strengthen the City's "robust" tenant protection laws already in place.

Housing Commission Pushes to Connect Voucher Holders and Landlords
January 24, 2024 -- More than 100 prospective tenants with housing vouchers may be finding it difficult to rent an apartment in Santa Monica, and the City's Housing Commission wants to do something about it.

COVID-Related Deaths Spike in Santa Monica
January 22, 2024 -- Seven Santa Monica residents have died with COVID since December 28 and ten local facilities have reported outbreaks of the virus, according to data released Thursday by LA County Public Health.

Miramar Matching Grant to Boost Ed Foundation's Fundraising Drive
January 22, 2024 -- For the seventh year in a row, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows has given the Santa Monica Education Foundation a matching grant to boost funding for programs and staff at local schools.

Security Guards Could Patrol Santa Monica Buses
January 19, 2024 -- Amid a rise in crime and disturbances, Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB) fleet could soon be patrolled by unarmed security guards as part of a contract the City Council will consider Tuesday.

SMC's Accreditation Reaffirmed
January 19, 2024 -- After "an extensive self-evaluation and peer review process," Santa Monica College's accreditation has been reaffirmed for another seven years, College officials announced this week.

City to Explore Ways to Boost Minority Contractors
January 18, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday is expected to hire a consultant to begin exploring ways to boost the number of minority contractors hired by the City.

Motel Voucher Program Activated for Upcoming Storm
January 18, 2024 -- Homeless individuals in the City and County of Los Angeles can apply for motel vouchers if they have nowhere to stay during an upcoming winter storm.

Council Considers Fee for Candidate Statements
January 17, 2024 -- Local candidates who want the City Clerk to distribute their candidate statement to voters will have to pay more than $1,000, under a staff proposal the City Council will take up Tuesday.

Santa Monica Man Sentenced in Bitcoin Money-Laundering Scheme
January 17, 2024 -- A Santa Monica man who helped launder millions of dollars through his crypocurency exchange was sentenced to four months in federal prison Wednesday.

Injury Crashes Involving Pedestrians Rising
January 16, 2023 -- Two homeless women killed in traffic collisions in the past month are part of a trend that is seeing more pedestrians hit by motorists in Santa Monica.

OPINION -- Supercharged Densification With No EIR
January 16, 2024 -- Huge increases in the size of housing projects allowed by a new State law will result in "a rolling environmental and financial train wreck" for Santa Monica.

Second Pedestrian in a Month Killed in Saturday Crash
January 16, 2024 -- A woman in her fifties was killed by a car as she walked across Lincoln Boulevard Saturday, marking the second pedestrian fatality in the past month, according to police.

New Group Formed to Fight City Hall
January 12, 2024 -- A new player entered Santa Monica's crowded political arena this week with a website focused on public safety and a video that has garnered more than 1,400 views.

City Closes Facilities, Reduces Services Monday
January 12, 2024 -- City Hall will be closed on Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Big Blue Bus (BBB) will operate on weekend hours and some parking meters won't be charging.

Santa Monica Preps for Homeless Count
January 11, 2024 -- When volunteers fan out across Santa Monica this month for the 2024 homeless count, they will comb the streets earlier than usual armed with updated technology.

City Launches 'Diversion Court' for Minor Offenses
January 11, 2024 -- Homeless individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues who commit minor crimes can now have their cases dropped if they complete a social services regimen.

City Requests Proposals for Civic Auditorium
January 10, 2024 -- The City has issued a request for "letters of interest" to revitalize the shuttered Civic Auditorium as an entertainment, events and cultural arts venue, City officials announced Wednesday.

'Stop the Hate' Theme of MLK Celebration Monday
January 10, 2024 -- “Stop the Hate, Start the Healing” is the theme of this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration held in Santa Monica on Monday.

Indebted Downtown Building Sells for More Than $86 Million
January 9, 2024 -- A Downtown office complex that became a cautionary tale of navigating Santa Monica's notoriously slow planning process has sold for $86.7 million -- far below the value of the debt on the building, according to reports.

SMC Extends Record Transfer Streak
January 9, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) maintained its streak as the No.1 transfer college to the University of California that began the year the Cold War ended and Justice Clarence Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court.

EXTRA -- Union, Miramar Reach Tentative Agreement
January 8, 2024 -- The hotel workers union announced Monday that it has reached a tentative agreement with the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, ending a 6-month-long intermittent strike that heightened tensions with neighboring residents.

Mental Health Crisis Team Hits Streets
January 8, 2024 -- A mental health crisis team was deployed in Santa Monica Monday as part of a pilot program to help, and eventually alleviate, the heavy workload of first responders dealing with the homeless.

Police Reform Agenda Item Stirs Pot
January 5, 2024 -- (UPDATED) An unusually worded item on Tuesday's Police Reform Commission agenda has widened the rift over the hotly debated issue of racial profiling in traffic stops.

BBB Ridership Far Below 2019 Despite 2-Year Rise
January 4, 2024 -- Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB) gained ridership for the second straight year, but it remains far below the levels before the coronavirus shutdown, a new report shows.

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Murder
January 5, 2024 -- A Santa Monica man was arrested for murder New Year's Day after trying to force a tenant from a property he owns in San Bernardino County.

Santa Monica Rents Drop in 2023 After Two-Year Rise
January 4, 2024 -- Rents in Santa Monica dropped -4.2 percent last year, after seeing steep rises over the previous two years, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Police to Hold Bike Safety Enforcement Operation as City Boosts Efforts to Protect Cyclists
January 3, 2024 -- With the City Council focused on boosting bicycle safety, Santa Monica police will crack down Thursday on behaviors responsible for collisions involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Monthly Poll Takes Pulse on Noisy Protests, Parking Tax and Homeless Cleanup Efforts
January 3, 2024 -- An overwhelming majority of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents supports limiting "disruptive" early morning protests in residential areas and boosting homeless cleanup efforts, according to a monthly poll.

COVID Levels Remain Low Despite Expected Rise
January 2, 2024 -- The spread of a more contagious COVID variant and lower than expected vaccination rates have failed to result in a winter surge of the coronavirus, according to LA County Public Health data.