Efforts to Restore The Civic Enter New Phase
December 8, 2023 -- Efforts to bring back Santa Monica's storied Civic Auditorium as an entertainment and cultural arts venue are picking up steam after State housing officials freed up the City to seek proposals from private developers.

County Program to Pay Landlords for Past-Due Rent
December 8, 2023 -- In an effort to stem evictions, LA County will pay qualified mom-and pop landlords negatively impacted by the COVID shutdown up to $30,000 in past-due rent per unit for existing tenants, County officials announced Friday.

Santa Monica Poised to Launch Ad Program in Downtown Parking Structures
December 7, 2023 -- Visitors using Santa Monica's Downtown public parking structures could soon be targeted with an advertising program expected to generate more than $1.2 million for the cash-strapped City over the next five years.

The Circus Could be Back in Town
December 6, 2023 -- Cirque Du Soleil could be back in town next year after a decade away, and it could give Santa Monica's economy a much needed boost, according to a staff report to the City Council.

Homeless Man Charged with Attempted Homicide in Palisades Park
December 6, 2023 -- A homeless man was arrested for attempted homicide after strangling another homeless man Friday morning in Palisades Park, according to police.

Poll Finds Support for Proposed Racial Profiling Policy
December 5, 2023 -- A slight majority of Santa Monica residents backs a proposed racial profiling policy that requires police officers to state the reason for all traffic stops on body-worn video, according to a monthly poll.

Suspects Wanted in Smash-and-Grab Retail Robbery
December 5, 2023 -- LA County's newly formed Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCT) is looking for four masked suspects who made off with more than $50,000 in a smash-and-grab style robbery in Santa Monica this month.

Officer Tapped to Head City Tech Department Turns Down Job
December 4, 2023 -- Santa Monica's incoming Chief Information Officer has withdrawn her acceptance one month after being named to the top tech post, City officials announced Monday.

Police Reform Commission Approves Racial Profiling Policy, Again
December 1, 2023 -- In a hastily called meeting, the City's Police Reform Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a pretextual stop policy after its previous vote was deemed invalid.

Memorial Park Accommodates Pickleball Craze
December 1, 2023 -- To accommodate the growing demand for pickleball, Santa Monica's Memorial Park is now offering reservations for court time and select sessions, City officials announced Thursday.

County Pushes Boosters Amid Vaccine Hesitancy
November 30, 2023 -- Los Angeles County heath officials are urging that everyone over 6 months of age be vaccinated despite near record-low hospitalization and death rates.

Santa Coming to Town Saturday
November 29, 2023 -- Santa Claus -- escorted by fire engines, police cars and motorcycles -- will pay his 31st annual visit to Santa Monica on Saturday.

Police Reform Commission to Recast Invalidated Vote
November 29, 2023 -- Santa Monica's Police Reform Commission will hold a special meeting Thursday night to vote -- again -- on a pretexual stop policy after its initial vote was deemed invalid.

Santa Monica Rents Drop After Hot Streak
November 28, 2023 -- Rents in Santa Monica dropped in November after bucking a nationwide trend by rising for three months straight, according to the latest report by Apartment List.

Pub Crawl to Benefit Westside Food Bank
November 28, 2023 -- Holiday revelers can help feed the hungry by raising a toast during the 15th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl next month.

Civic Nominated for National Historic Designation
November 27, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Conservancy is seeking to have the Civic Auditorium designated a national historic property to help lure private investors who can renovate the "endangered" iconic structure.

All-Star Trio to Perform at Main Library
November 27, 2023 -- An all-star trio of local musicians will take the stage at the Santa Monica Public Library’s acclaimed Soundwaves new music series Saturday.

City Free to Negotiate Civic Sale with Commercial Developers
November 22, 2023 -- State housing officials have given the City the go-ahead to negotiate the purchase of the Civic Auditorium with any interested party, City officials announced Wednesday.

Two Suspects Arrested After Stealing Safe
November 22, 2023 -- Two suspects were arrested Tuesday after stealing a safe from a residence near Downtown Santa Monica, according to police.

City Holiday Closures and Service Changes
November 21, 2023 -- City Hall will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, the Big Blue Bus (BBB) will operate on weekend hours and some parking meters won't be charging.

Police Reform Commission Approves Recommendations to Address Racial Profiling
November 21, 2023 -- Santa Monica's Police Reform Commission this month approved a report recommending that officers state the reason for all traffic and pedestrian stops on body-worn video (BWV).

Intersection Where Bicyclist Killed to Get 4-Way Stop Signs
November 20, 2023 -- Less than one month after a bicyclist was killed by a car on 19th Street and Idaho Avenue, the City will install four-way stop signs at the dangerous intersection.

Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with Santa Monica Hotel
November 20, 2023 -- The hotel workers union announced Monday that it has reached a tentative agreement with Le Merigot Hotel "after months of strikes across the industry."

Council Takes Steps to Curb Collisions Involving Cyclists, Pedestrians
November 17, 2023 -- Spurred by the death of a bicyclist in Santa Monica last month, the City Council took additional steps Tuesday to eliminate all crashes that seriously injure or kill bicyclists and pedestrians.

Council Bans Bird Feeding on Pier, Beach
November 17, 2023 -- The City Council Tuesday approved a law banning feeding birds and animals on the Pier and beach but worried it could be undermined by a single individual.

Homeless Man Charged with Felony After Tossing Pole from Bridge
November 16, 2023 -- A homeless man was arrested last Friday after he chucked a metal pole from the top of a pedestrian bridge onto oncoming traffic on PCH.

After "Spooktacular" Success, PAL Preps for Toy Drive
November 16, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) geared up for its upcoming holiday toy giveaway by hosting a bigger than expected Halloween “Spooktacular” last month.

Winter Skies at Santa Monica College Planetarium
November 15, 2023 -- Non-Western celestial worlds, the Winter Solstice and bodies in outer space will be the topics of lectures next month at the Santa Monica College Planetarium.

Homeless Man Charged with Carjacking, Robbery
November 15, 2023 -- A homeless man faces multiple charges after carjacking six victims, confiscating their cell phones and forcing them to drive him around the city, police said.

Voting Rights Case in Spotlight Again
November 14, 2023 -- For the third time in six months, speakers on Monday weighed in on the voting rights lawsuit filed in 2016 by Latino plaintiffs against the City -- this time urging the Council not to settle the case.

LETTERS -- Police Should Have Weekly Bike Safety Operations
November 14, 20023 -- As a cyclist and a pedestrian, I am very much aware of increased aggressive driving patterns by automotive drivers.

Council Could Ban Feeding Birds Around Pier
November 13, 2023 -- If an effort to tackle persistently high levels of bacteria in the waters near the Pier, the City Council on Tuesday is expected to ban feeding birds and animals on the beach and Pier.

Bicycle Safety Focus of Council Item, Police Operation
November 13, 2023 -- Some three weeks after a bicyclist was struck and killed by a car, the City Council is expected to vote Tuesday night to strengthen Santa Monica's commitment "to eliminate all fatal and severe-injury crashes."

New Hospitality Group Takes on City Hall Policies
November 9, 2023 -- A new political grassroots group made up of local hospitality businesses is being formed to push City Hall to more aggressively fight crime and homelessness and lower operating costs.

EXTRA -- Serial Prowler Arrested in Santa Monica's Most Exclusive Neighborhood
November 9, 2023 -- A homeless serial prowler who is an unregistered sex offender was arrested early Wednesday morning after trying to break into a Santa Monica home in one of the nation's most expensive neighborhoods.

City Hall Mural Findings Subject of Open House
November 8, 2023 -- Nine months after the public began weighing in on the fate of two controversial murals in the City Hall lobby, the City will host an open house on Thursday to discuss the findings.

Commended Crime-Fighter Retires
November 8, 2023 -- After being involved in numerous felony arrests and apprehensions a crime-fighter on Santa Monica's police force is retiring at a total cost to the City of $1.

Calls for Police Service Now Updated Via Text
November 7, 2023 -- Callers who request police services in Santa Monica no longer have to call back to get an update on the incident they reported.

Jewish Caucus Calls for Immediate Halt to Antisemitism on State Campuses
November 7, 2023 -- Two legislators representing Santa Monica signed a letter to top officials of the State's university systems expressing "outrage and concern" over the recent "explosion" of antisemitism on campuses.

OPINION -- Letter from Jewish Caucus to University Administrators
November 7, 2023 -- Administrators must be crystal clear in word and in deed that antisemitism -- like all other forms of hatred and bigotry -- will not be tolerated on our campuses.

Police Reform Commission Takes Up Racial Profiling Policy
November 6, 2023 -- The City's Police Reform Commission on Tuesday is scheduled to vote on a report that addresses whether Santa Monica police are making traffic stops based on race and, if so, what can be done to address the issue.

City Hires Third Info Services Director in Internet Era
November 6, 2023 -- After a nationwide search, City Manager David White has appointed the third person to head the City's Information Services Department since the dawn of the internet three decades ago.

North of Montana Remains Among Most Expensive U.S. Zip Codes
November 3, 2023 -- Santa Monica's North of Montana Neighborhood remains one of the ten priciest zip codes in the nation, although it slipped slightly in the 2023 rankings compiled by PropertyShark.

Veterans Day Ceremony at Pier to Feature Live Rock, Blues and a Flyover
November 3, 2023 -- Santa Monica's Fourth Annual Veterans Day ceremony, which will take place next Friday at 11 a.m. on the Pier, promises to be "the biggest yet," City officials said.

Grand Opening Thursday for New Improved "Ice"
November 2, 2023 -- After encountering several obstacles over the past few years, ICE at Santa Monica will glide into the holiday season with a bang next week.

Monthly Poll Finds Strong Support for Fighting Zero-Bail Protocol
November 2, 2023 -- A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found the vast majority agree with the City Council's recent decision to join a lawsuit seeking to block LA County's zero-bail system.

Four Suspects Beat, Rob Elderly Santa Monica Resident
November 1, 2023 -- Four suspects armed with a handgun were arrested Tuesday night after they beat and robbed a 79-year-old woman on Lincoln Boulevard then fled in a stolen vehicle, according to police.

SMC Forum Presents “The Arts & the AI Apocalypse"
November 1, 2023 -- Santa Monica College's Fall Arts and Cultural Affairs Forum will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting the arts and how humans are fighting back.

Santa Monica Rents Rise During Seasonal Slowdown
October 31, 2023 -- For the third straight month Santa Monica rents rose in October, defying a nationwide downswing that began in August, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

City Holds Training to Stop Public Harassment
October 31, 2023 -- The City of Santa Monica next month will offer a free virtual training to help bystanders stand up against hate and intolerance, City officials announced this week.

Negrete Cannot Participate in Potential Sale of the Civic to the School District
October 31, 2023 -- School District officials have held back a proposal to purchase the Civic Auditorium from the City, but if they decide to move forward again, Councilmember Lana Negrete will not be participating in the decision.

Bicyclist Dies After Traffic Collision Friday
October 30, 2023 -- A 69-year-old bicyclist struck by a car Friday morning died of her injuries, marking Santa Monica's first bicycle fatality this year, according to reports.

Police Arrest Bank Robbery Suspect
October 27, 2023 -- Police on Wednesday arrested a suspect wanted for the armed robbery of a Montana Avenue bank last month, police officials said Friday.

Council Approves Retail Sale of Recreational Cannabis
October 27, 2023 -- Hoping to boost much-needed tax revenues and salvage a struggling new business sector, the City Council on Tuesday voted to allow the retail sale of cannabis for recreational use.

City Hires Director for New Department Focused on Housing and Homelessness
October 26, 2023 -- Heather Averick -- who has led a range of housing, food and advocacy programs for the poor and homeless -- will head a new department focused on affordable housing and homeless services, City officials announced this month.

Davis Fails to Change Rules for Choosing Mayor
October 26, 2023 -- Mayor Gleam Davis failed to convince her City Council opponents at Tuesday night's meeting that they were not the targets of her proposal to tweak the rules dictating how a mayor is chosen.

City Hall Veteran Tapped for Top Financial Post
October 26, 2023 -- A longtime City employee raised in Santa Monica will direct the Finance Department during a challenging recovery, City officials announced Thursday.

Police Arrest Three Suspects in Copper Theft
October 25, 2023 -- Police arrested three suspects early Monday morning after pulling over a vehicle and finding 500 feet of copper wire, a material critical to Santa Monica's infrastructure, according to police.

High Hopes, Low Turnout for COVID Booster
October 24, 2023 -- A little-publicized USC poll found that nearly two-thirds of LA County residents plan to get the fall COVID booster, although Public Health officials report only 10 percent have taken the shot.

SMC Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater Showcases New Works
October 24, 2023 -- Santa Monica College's celebrated Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater will showcase new works next week that range in style from modern ballet to Hip Hop.

DA to Investigate Exploitation of Temp Hotel Workers
October 23, 2023 -- The LA County District Attorney will investigate allegations that three area hotels, including one in Santa Monica, are exploiting "unhoused refugees" hired during an intermittent labor strike by the hotel workers union.

City Attorney Weighs in on Proposed Amendment for Choosing Mayor
October 23, 2023 -- A proposed amendment to suspend the rules dictating how a mayor is chosen could result in the election of a Councilmember other than Phil Brock in December, according to City Attorney Doug Sloan.

Bureaucratic Tweak or Effort to Block Next Mayor?
October 20, 2023 -- A proposed tweak to a rule dictating how a mayor is chosen could jeopardize a City Council vote to make Councilmember Phil Brock Santa Monica's next mayor.

Police Seek Go-Ahead to Use Military Equipment
October 20, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Police Department will ask the City Council Tuesday to authorize the use of military-grade cameras for mapping and locating persons in crisis inside buildings.

African American Women’s Club Hall Could Become Historic Landmark
October 19, 2023 -- A one-story commercial building that served as a women's club meeting hall in what was once Santa Monica's thriving Black community could become a historic landmark next year.

Councilmember Floats Proposal to Shorten Meetings
October 18, 2023 -- Over the past 20 years, the City Council has taken numerous stabs at shortening City Council meetings, but last week's marathon session that adjourned 4 a.m. indicates the changes haven't worked.

Skipping from Planet to Planet
October 18, 2023 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Planetarium will continue its survey of the solar system next month with a look at the two biggest planets -- Jupiter and Saturn.

Police Department Nearing Full Force
October 17, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Police Department has made major strides in addressing historically low staffing levels and is approaching a full force, the City Manager told the Council last week.

Interim Transportation Director to Remain Behind the Wheel
October 17, 2023 -- After a nationwide search, the City has tapped interim Transportation Director Anuj Gupta to permanently steer the department during a critical time.

Booster Rollout Slow as Predicted
October 16, 2023 -- LA County Public Health officials are urging residents to seek "reliable sources" of information as COVID booster shots are encountering a predictably lukewarm reception.

LETTERS -- Cannabis Warning Labels Needed
October 16, 2023 -- Consumers have a right to know the risks when using a city-permitted, recreational drug. Even FDA medicines list side-effects and risks.

Trailblazing Jazz Musician to Give Reading This Month
October 16, 2023 -- Trailblazing jazz composer and flutist Nicole Mitchell will read from her book at the Santa Monica Public Library followed by a performance at Disney Hall this month.

Santa Monica Housing Bill Among 56 Signed into Law
October 13, 2023 -- A tenant with "a disability related to mobility" can seek to be moved to a first-floor unit under a bill co-sponsored by the City of Santa Monica that was signed into law Wednesday.

LETTERS -- Ill-Conceived City Ideology Victimizes the Community
October 13, 2023 -- As a 22-year Santa Monica resident, I was shocked to read your October 13 article "Santa Monica Joins Lawsuit to Block Zero Bail," in which Councilmember Caroline Torosis is quoted justifying her No vote.

Santa Monica Joins Lawsuit to Block Zero Bail
October 12, 2023 -- The Santa Monica City Council voted 4 to 3 on Tuesday to join more than dozen cities in a lawsuit challenging LA County's zero-bail system that went into effect October 1.

OPINION -- Voter Discrimination, Racism . . . Here We Go Again
October 12, 2023 -- We are told a new “study” effectively alleges rampant racism in the switch to at large-elections in 1946. We’ve been down this road before.

Council Shoots Down Lottery Plan for Airport Site
October 11, 2023 -- A skeptical City Council majority early Wednesday morning rejected a plan to have a randomly selected panel of 40 people recommend the future of Santa Monica Airport's 227-acre site.

OPINION -- Why is Lindsey Horvath Coming to Town?
October 11, 2023 -- If the city truly wants to tackle issues plaguing Santa Monica, the Chamber should know heeding Supervisor Horvath’s advice is not the way.

Santa Monica Is Case Study in Voter Discrimination, Report Contends
October 10, 2023 -- Santa Monica's switch to at-large elections in 1946 exemplified a nationwide effort to disenfranchise Black and Latino voters, according to a joint study released this month.

Man in Custody After Making Repeated Bomb Threats
October 10, 2023 -- A Garden Grove man is in custody after scaling the Pacific Park Ferris wheel and making multiple bomb threats during a more than one-hour standoff with officers, police officials said Tuesday.

Randomly Chosen Airport Panel Gets Major Pushback
October 9, 2023 -- A City staff proposal to have a randomly chosen panel guide the future of Santa Monica Airport has been met with stiff opposition from activists who paved the way for transforming the 227-acre site.

Police Evacuate Pier After Bomb Threat
October 9, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Pier was evacuated Monday afternoon after a man claiming to have a bomb climbed the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, according to police.

Two Runaway Children Arrested in Robbery Attempt
October 6, 2023 -- Police arrested two repeat offenders ages 11 and 13 Monday morning after they attempted to rob a man at knifepoint parked at the beach, police said.

District Holds Back Civic Proposal For Now
October 6, 2023 -- The School District will not submit a proposal to purchase and rehabilitate the Civic Auditorium unless the City fails to find another buyer, District officials said Friday.

Santa Monica Man Pleads Guilty in Money-Laundering Scheme
October 5, 2023 -- A Santa Monica man accused of allowing scammers and drug traffickers to launder millions of dollars through his cryptocurrency-cash exchange company pleaded guilty to a federal charge Wednesday.

Police, Fire Hold Active Threat Drill at Pier
October 5, 2023 -- Smoke will engulf parts of the Santa Monica Pier and shots will be heard Thursday morning during a "mass casualty" training exercise staged by the Police and Fire departments.

School District 'Encourages' City to Explore Other Options for Civic
October 4, 2023 -- As the School Board on Thursday weighs in on negotiations to purchase the Civic Auditorium, District officials are encouraging the City to "explore and exhaust" other options.

School District Investigating $3 Million Hack Involving Construction Funds
October 4, 2023 -- A construction contractor for the School District was the victim of a "carefully orchestrated hack" that resulted in a fraudulent transaction of $2,933,511.64 from District funds, officials said Tuesday.

Local Poll Finds Most Don't Plan to Take Booster Shot
October 3, 2023 -- A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found that most do not plan to get the latest COVID-19 booster shot being pushed by LA County Health officials.

Woman Attacked on Main Street
October 3, 2023 -- County prosecutors filed assault charges Tuesday against a repeat offender who attacked a woman riding her bicycle along Main Street Sunday night.

City to Begin Negotiating Record 570-Unit Project
October 2, 2023 -- The City Council last week gave the go-ahead to execute an exclusive negotiating agreement that could result in the largest residential development in Santa Monica history.

City Hires New Recs and Arts Head
October 2, 2023 -- The director of community services for Beverly Hills has been hired to run Santa Monica's newly established Recreation and Arts Department, City officials announced Friday.

County Agrees to Triple the Beds for Mentally Ill and Addicted Homeless
September 29, 2023 -- Los Angeles County will have to commit up to $1.24 billion to provide 3,000 beds and services for homeless people with mental health and substance use disorders under a settlement approved in federal court Friday.

Security Firm Terminates Downtown Contract
September 29, 2023 -- A tip sent to Downtown officials Thursday from an encrypted email server quickly unraveled a security program to patrol the Promenade that was months in the making.

Council Gives Final Approval to Public Safety Laws
September 28, 2023 -- The City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to three public safety measures that tighten standards for openly carrying knives, selling and owning guns and securing vacant properties.

Council Tensions Rise Over Point of Privilege
September 28, 2023 -- Simmering tensions between City Councilmembers boiled over Tuesday night as a discussion over amending rules and procedures turned personal.

Local Rents Continue Rising Amid Nationwide Drop
September 27, 2023 -- Bucking a nationwide trend, Santa Monica rents rose 2.1 percent in September, but the rate of growth has flattened after soaring last year, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Big Blue Bus to Offer Free Rides
September 27, 2023 -- Regular riders and those who never take public transit can hop on a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (BBB) for free next Wednesday to support clean air initiatives, agency officials announced Tuesday.

Services for Pioneering BBB Director Saturday
September 26, 2023 -- Services for former Big Blue Bus (BBB) director Stephanie Negriff -- who guided the agency's transition to a clean energy fleet two decades ago -- will be held Saturday. Negriff, 67, died on September 11.

Samohi Orchestra Program Presents Benefit Concert
September 26, 2023 -- The award-winning Santa Monica High School Orchestra Program, which is celebrating 120 years this season, will present a benefit concert next week showcasing movie music, School District officials said Wednesday.

EXTRA -- Randomly Chosen Panel Should Guide Airport's Future, Officials Say
September 25, 2023 -- The future of Santa Monica Airport should be hammered out -- not by the usual community activists and civic volunteers -- but by randomly selected "everyday people," City officials told the City Council Monday.

Bill To Ban 'Pretextual' Stops Pulled
September 25, 2023 -- A push by police reform advocates to halt "pretextual stops" by Santa Monica police was set back this month after the California legislature killed a bill to eliminate the practice statewide.

County Health Pushes Boosters But Faces Hurdles
September 22, 2023 -- LA County began aggressively pushing the new COVID-19 boosters this week amid insurance snags, supply delays and resistance from a more skeptical public, according to recent reports.

Crime, Nature and Poetry at SMC Fall Literary Series
September 22, 2023 -- Crime fiction, awakening the senses and the connection between fantasy and reality are among the topics that will be discussed at Santa Monica College's (SMC) Literary Talks & Readings series this fall.

Downtown Activist Attacked in Palisades Park
September 21, 2023 -- John Alle -- a Downtown business activist known for his crusading efforts to fight crime and anti-social behavior -- was hospitalized after being attacked by a homeless man in Palisades Park Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

DUI Driver Arrested After Police Chase Ends at Pier
September 21, 2023 -- A man recklessly driving a stolen vehicle led police on a late-night chase Wednesday that ended with his arrest at the Santa Monica Pier, according to police.

City Could Adopt AI-Equipped Camera Pilot Programs
September 20, 2023 -- Two City pilot programs that use AI-equipped cameras to deter crime and scan for parking violations should be permanently implemented, transportation officials told the City Council Wednesday.

Convicted Santa Monica Killer Charged with Cellmate's Murder
September 20, 2023 -- Ramon Escobar -- the convicted serial killer who committed two of his 2018 murders in Santa Monica -- has been charged with murdering his prison cellmate earlier this year, prosecutors announced Monday.

Jupiter, Rocketry and DIY Space Images at the SMC Planetarium
September 19, 2023 -- Upcoming shows at the Santa Monica College (SMC) planetarium will run the gamut -- from Galileo’s first fuzzy views of Jupiter's moons to extremely high resolution images of the universe.

Santa Monica Boosts Efforts to Tackle Homeless Problem in Parks
September 19, 2023 -- The City is increasing police patrols and stepping up efforts to clean up encampments in public parks frequented by the homeless, according to a report to the City Council last week.

Barnes & Noble Returns to The Promenade
September 18, 2023 -- Five years after shutting down, Barnes & Noble will return to the Promenade, marking "a pivotal moment" in the revitalization of the struggling pedestrian strip, Downtown officials announced Monday.

SMPD Gets Over $6 Million to Combat Retail Theft
September 18, 2023 -- The Santa Monica Police Department will receive more than $6 million in State funding to combat organized retail theft in the city, police officials announced last week.

Low-Income Residents Could Get Free E-Bikes
September 15, 2023 -- Santa Monica residents enrolled in low-income assistance programs could soon be eligible for up to $2,000 from the City to pay for a new e-bike, City officials announced Thursday.

LETTERS -- Residents Just Want You to Do Your Job
September 15, 2023 -- Apparently Couuncilmember Lana Negrete has still not resolved why labor item co-author Phil Brock threw her under the bus when he revealed a secret last-minute deal, writes Former Mayor Kevin McKeown.

OPINION -- Abandoning the Rules for Politics
September 15, 2023 -- Tuesday’s City Council meeting was unfortunately a showing of how politics took precedence over facilitating a fair and unbiased meeting, writes Councilmember Lana Negrete.

Much Noise, No Action on Union Protests
September 14, 2023 -- The City Council on Tuesday engaged in lengthy debates about parliamentary procedure before listening to dozens of speakers address an issue that had been pulled from the agenda.

Traffic Officer Hospitalized After Being Struck by DUI Driver
September 14, 2023 -- A motorist was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after striking an SMPD traffic enforcement scooter Wednesday afternoon, seriously injuring the officer, according to police.

City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren to Retire
September 13, 2023 -- When Denise Anderson-Warren joined the City Clerk's office homelessness was the hot-button issue and political factions were fighting for control of the City Council.

Zero-Bail Protocol to Take Effect
September 13, 2023 -- Starting next month, most suspects arrested in Santa Monica for non-violent felonies and misdemeanors will be released on the spot or immediately after booking without bail, police officials said Wednesday.

OPINION -- Council Abandons Residents
September 13, 2023 -- I cannot recall another time ever when a Council majority deliberately chose to abandon the work of the City, writes former Mayor Kevin McKeown.

Police Investigate Tip From 'Creep Catching Unit'
September 12, 2023 -- Police detectives are investigating allegations of attempted lewd acts with a minor after meeting with a private vigilante group that targets online predators, police said Tuesday.

Coastal Clean Up Day This Month at Former 'Inkwell' Beach
September 12, 2023 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) is inviting volunteers to take part in Coastal Cleanup Day this month at a once-segregated stretch of beach frequented by a legendary Black surfer.

Lobbying Efforts Pick Up Steam in Voting Rights Case
September 11, 2023 -- Proponents of both fighting and settling the voting rights lawsuit against the City are stepping up their lobbying efforts as the City Council prepares to discuss the issue in closed session Tuesday.

OPINION -- Let the Appeals Court Decide Voting Rights Case

OPINION -- It's Time to End City's Voting Rights Fight

City Council to Tackle Noise
September 11, 2023 -- The City Council on Tuesday will explore ways to quell early morning hotel union demonstrations, quiet roaring cars and tone down raucous musicians on the Promenade.

Water Around Pier Under Continued Health Advisory
September 8, 2023 -- The water near the Santa Monica Pier remained under a Public Health advisory Friday as bacteria levels exceeded State standards that make it unsafe to swim.

Santa Monica to Hold 9/11 Day of Remembrance
September 8, 2019 -- Early Monday morning, the Fire Department will honor the memories of the 2,977 people, including two Santa Monicans, who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Last Taxis in Town
September 7, 2023 -- Fourteen years ago, Santa Monica was a wild west for taxi cabs, as the City scrambled to curb the 511 permitted cabs operated by 55 companies.

SMC Gallery to Exhibit Works by Arts 'Pioneer'
September 7, 2023 -- Selected works by d’Arcy Hayman, "one of the great unsung heroes of 20th century art," will be on view at the Santa Monica College (SMC) Emeritus Art Gallery, exhibition organizers said.

Monthly Poll Finds Overwhelming Opposition to Early Morning Union Protests
September 6, 2023 -- A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents shows overwhelming opposition to early morning protests by the hotel workers union and lukewarm support for settling and seven-year-long voting rights lawsuit.

SMC Honors Constitution Day With Talks By Legal Scholars
September 6, 2023 -- (UPDATED) Santa Monica College (SMC) will commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787 with two talks on the nation's guiding document this month.

Police Search for Suspects Who Targeted Montana Avenue Businesses
September 5, 2023 -- Police are searching for three masked suspects and beefing up security along Montana Avenue after three stores were vandalized, with two of them broken into, early Monday morning.

Man Arrested for Attempted Rape
September 5, 2023 -- A man was arrested for attempted rape Saturday after the victim fought off the naked assailant who broke into her apartment in Santa Monica's Mid-City Neighborhood, according to police.

Power Outage Shuts Down Samohi
September 5, 2023 -- Samohi closed down on Tuesday after a major blown fuse triggered a power outage, District officials announced Monday night.