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Protesters Blame Local Company for Fentanyl Deaths
February 17, 2026 -- Santa Monica made national headlines last week when families from across the nation gathered outside the offices of one of the city's biggest employers to protest the drug deaths of their children.
Santa Monica Celebrates Lunar New Year
February 17, 2026 -- Pacific Park celebrated the “Year of the Horse” Monday with a "dazzling" 90-foot-tall display on the Pier, and the Santa Monica Place mall Downtown will follow suit with festivities this weekend.
Plan to Lease Homeless Facilities Gets Pushback
February 13, 2026 -- Community leaders in two neighborhoods Tuesday opposed City Council negotiations to lease spaces in three area properties that provide transitional housing for the homeless.
Santa Monica Celebrates Presidents Day
February 13, 2026 -- City Hall will be closed Monday to celebrate Presidents Day, and facilities and programs will be scaled back or closed.
Homelessness Emergency Enters Fourth Year
February 12, 2026 -- The City Council on Tuesday extended the Local Emergency on Homelessness for a fourth year, making it easier to seek funding and launch initiatives to tackle the long-entrenched problem.
Police Investigating Murder Suicide
February 12, 2026 -- Police officers found two victims of an apparent murder suicide in an oceanfront residential complex in Santa Monica early Saturday morning.
City Launches In-House Ambulance Service
February 11, 2026 -- After decades of contracting ambulance transports for emergencies, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) launched its own in-house ambulance service this month.
Santa Monica Tech Company Settles Landmark Lawsuit
February 11, 2026 -- Snap Inc, one of Santa Monica's largest employers, became the first major social media platform to settle a landmark lawsuit claiming the companies deliberately addict children.
Neighborhood Group Pulls Out of City Grant Program
February 10, 2026 -- Northeast Neighbors informed City officials Monday that the group will not participate in a new grant program it claims is overly restrictive, invasive and muzzles free speech.
Promenade to Host Valentine's Day Festival
February 10, 2026 -- The Third Street Promenade will be transformed Saturday as Downtown stages one of Santa Monica's largest free nightlife and music events to date in Southern California's first entertainment zone.
City Taking Steps to Lease Beds for Homeless Outside Downtown
February 9, 2026 -- The City of Santa Monica is taking steps to relocate homeless services and temporary shelter from Downtown as a key component of its citywide "Realignment Plan."
PCH Off-Ramp Closed
February 9, 2026 -- The City closed a key freeway off-ramp for more than two weeks starting Monday as part of the $35.6 million Pier Bridge reconstruction project.
City Negotiating to Lease Housing for the Mentally Ill
February 6, 2026 -- The City Council will meet in closed session Tuesday to discuss leasing space from an adult residential facility for the mentally ill in the Pico Neighborhood.
Councilmembers Call for Revamping Traffic Safety
February 6, 2026 -- A decade after Santa Monica implemented a "Vision Zero" plan that has failed to curb fatal and severe injury crashes, three Councilmembers are calling for the City to go in a new direction.
Proposed Statewide Ballot Measure Puts Local Transfer Tax at Risk
February 5, 2026 -- (UPDATED) A local property transfer tax estimated to generate $50 million a year to help build affordable housing is at risk of being overturned.
County Tightens Oversight Over Homeless Funding
February 5, 2026 -- On Tuesday, the LA County Board of Supervisors took steps to strengthen oversight and accountability in homeless services contracts.
Officer Initiated Calls, Arrests Up
February 4, 2026 -- Santa Monica police last month continued taking proactive measures that resulted in an increase in both officer initiated calls and arrests, according to data released Tuesday.
Sharing Memories During Pier's 'Month of Love'
February 4, 2026 -- For generations, the Santa Monica Pier has served as a scenic backdrop for love and romance -- from first dates and wedding proposals to special moments with family and friends.
SMC Board Poised to Slash More than 70 Jobs
February 3, 2026 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Board this Tuesday is expected to eliminate or abolish 74 classified and management positions to address a "fiscal crisis" that has "reached a tipping point," the school's top official said.
Santa Monica Celebrates Black History
February 3, 2026 -- Santa Monica is commemorating Black History Month with a series of events that help mark "an especially significant and momentous milestone," City officials said.
Council Approves Narrowed Labor Policy
February 2 , 2026 -- Hospitality businesses on the Pier and nearby hotels on City-owned property must offer open positions to laid off workers under an ordinance approved by the City Council last week.
BBB to Offer Free Rides on Transit Equity Day
February 2, 2026 -- On Wednesday, the Big Blue Bus will honor the legacy of Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks during Transit Equity Day by offering free rides to all passengers.
Feds Probe Waymo Collision with Child
January 30, 2026 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Waymo's protocols after one of the company's self-driving cars struck a child near Grant Elementary School last Friday.
SMPD Takes Part in Retail Theft Ring Bust
January 30, 2026 -- Santa Monica police took part in a crackdown on an organized retail theft operation that targeted multiple retailers throughout Southern California, including in Santa Monica, police officials said Thursday.
Poll Shows Strong Support for Keeping Airport Open
January 29, 2026 -- A poll released Wednesday found that 67 percent of Santa Monica voters want the Airport to stay open, a result met with skepticism by proponents of a "Great Park" and those pushing to include housing on the site.
City Sues Landlords for $18 Million
January 29, 2026 -- The City Attorney's office last week sued the owners of 28 Santa Monica rent-controlled apartment buildings who allegedly made $18 million illegally renting units as short-term rentals.
Council Approves $3.5 Million for 'Restorative Justice' Program
January 28, 2026 -- The City Council unanimously approved a $3.5 million Restorative Justice Program Tuesday that is one of the largest locally funded initiatives of its kind in the nation.
SMC's Homeless Service Program Gets Funding
January 28, 2026 -- Santa Monica College has received $355,000 in funding from United Way of Greater Los Angeles to expand its groundbreaking Homeless Service Work program, school officials announced Wednesday.
Council to Take Up Scaled Back Unionizing Ordinance
January 27, 2026 -- A proposed ordinance that originally required businesses on City-owned properties to sign labor peace agreements will return to the Council Tuesday in a dramatically scaled-back version.
Criminal Referrals Up
January 27, 2026 -- There has been a marked increase in the number of criminal cases taken up by the City Attorney's office, according to data released by Councilmember Lana Negrete on Monday.
What Is in the Airport Housing Initiative
January 26, 2026 -- The Great Park and Community Housing Initiative submitted to the City Clerk this month seeks to create 3,000 units of "permanently affordable housing" on Airport land that, in many cases, would rival or exceed current market rates.
Former City Communications Director to Head Downtown Agency
January 26, 2026 -- Former City communications director Debbie Lee returned to Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.'s Promenade office Monday to run the agency she re-branded 15 years ago.
Two Ballot Measures Filed
January 22, 2026 -- Two ballot measures were submitted to the City Clerk's office in the last week, one of which threatens to divide Santa Monica's political establishment.
MODE Expands Services After Milestone Month
January 22, 2026 -- A big Blue Bus program that offers discounted rides to those over 65 or disabled is expanding its services after its most successful month since the coronavirus shutdown five years ago.
Council to Consider Parcel Tax Measure
January 21, 2026 -- The City Council next Tuesday will decide whether to ask voters in November to approve another tax to help the cash-strapped municipal government make ends meet.
Find What You Are Looking For With Santa Monica Reads
January 21, 2026 -- In a month when two library branches are reopening for full service after closing for five years, Santa Monica has made an apt choice for its 2026 Santa Monica Reads program.
Council Casts Differing Votes on Previous Housing Actions
January 20. 2026 -- The City Council last week repealed a housing-related measure, reapproved another and sent a third back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration.
Recycling and Trash Request Changes Coming
January 20, 2026 -- Starting next month, customers who request changes to their recycling and trash services using 311 will need to provide an account number, according to Public Works.
Santa Monica Celebrates MLK Day
January 16, 2026 -- City Hall will be closed Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day as Santa Monica hosts one of Southern California's biggest celebrations honoring the civil rights icon.
City Extends Developer Perks for Off-Site Affordable Housing
January 16, 2025 -- The City Council on Tuesday expanded a pilot program eagerly embraced by market-rate housing developers that offers density bonuses and an opportunity to build mandated affordable units off-site.
Council Reveals Closed Session Negotiations
January 15, 2026 -- In a highly unusual move, the City Council on Tuesday disclosed the privileged discussion of a potential real estate deal involving Santa Monica's largest affordable housing provider and a controversial developer.
Police to Conduct Traffic Safety Operation
January 15, 2026 -- The Police Department will hold a traffic safety operation for the second time in a week Thursday that targets areas with a history of collisions, police officials said.
Downtown Improvements Pick Up Steam
January 14, 2026 -- The City has completed the latest phase of Downtown improvements under a "Realignment Plan" approved by the City Counciil less than three months ago.
Monthly Poll Gauges City Manager's Performance
January 14, 2026 -- A recent poll of "civically minded" Santa Monica residents gave new City Manager Oliver Chi a stronger approval rating than the City Council has received, with many holding judgment on his job performance.
CEO of Local Non-Profit Charged with Embezzling Over $5 Million
January 13, 2026 -- The CEO of a non-profit camp for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions headquartered in Santa Monica has been charged with embezzling $5.2 million.
Pier to Turn into a Classic Drive-In
January 13, 2026 -- The Santa Monica Pier will transform into a 1950s drive-in movie theater during "Locals' Night" on Thursday when Pacific Park presents a screening of "Grease."
Palisades Fire Victims Still Waiting for Help
January 12, 2026 -- One year after fire devastated Pacific Palisades, displaced residents are still waiting for long overdue financial help and greater government certainty.
Retired City Clerk Returns
January 12, 2026 -- Former City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren will assume her old post on an interim basis while the City embarks on a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.
Mother Charged with Her Baby's Murder
January 9, 2026 -- A mother has been charged with the extremely violent murder of her 17-month-old daughter, who was found by police in a Santa Monica apartment Tuesday.
Council to Revisit Housing Votes
January 9, 2026 -- The City Council Tuesday will recast votes on housing items Councilmember Jesse Zwick voted on after being hired by a housing advocacy group, resulting in a conflict of interest.
City Hires New Housing Director
January 8, 2026 -- A rising New York City official who helped secure housing for a record 43,000 vulnerable residents has been hired to run the City's Housing Authority and homeless services programs.
Santa Monica Holds Birthday Bash for Marion Davies
January 8, 2026 -- Santa Monicans have a chance this month to join a long list of legendary guests -- including Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill -- who once flocked to Marion Davies beachfront home.
Fairview, Ocean Park Libraries to Offer Full Service
January 7, 2025 -- For the first time since the coronavirus shutdown five years ago, the Fairview and Ocean Park Branch Libraries will reopen for full service this month, City officials announced Tuesday.
Mother Arrested After Injured Infant Dies
January 7, 2025 -- A woman was arrested Tuesday after allegedly killing her infant child, who was hospitalized with "significant injuries" and later died, police officials said.
Documents Sealed as Nick Reiner Faces Murder Charges
January 6, 2026 -- Nick Reiner's arraignment Wednesday will offer no further details on why he allegedly murdered his parents, Robert and Michelle Reiner, or his movements in Santa Monica that day.
Microgrants Fund 150th Anniversary Celebration
January 6, 2026 -- A total of 28 community projects commemorating Santa Monica's 150th anniversary were supported with $50,620 in microgrants provided by the City, officials said Tuesday.
New Laws Kick in This Month
January 5, 2026 -- New laws are taking effect this month that dictate everything from what appliances landlords must provide to how much motorists must pay for parking in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Starting Point for Route 66 Celebration
January 5, 2026 -- Route 66’s 100th Anniversary celebration officially began Saturday as nine classic cars that had taken the near-mythical highway over its 60-year reign departed from the final stop in Santa Monica.
TOP STORIES 2025 Q4 -- Tragedies Strike, Big Changes Come to Santa Monica
December 31, 2025 -- During the autumn months, the City Council took a series of bold steps that ushered in major changes, while Santa Monica found itself at the center of events that made national headlines.
Developer Behind Ocean Avenue Homeless Facilities Defaults on $37.5 Million Loan
December 31, 2025 -- Leo Pustilnikov -- who sued the City after being ousted from the Downtown board and tried opening two mental health facilities on Ocean Avenue -- has defaulted on a $37.5 million loan on a Promenade building, according to a real estate website.
Top Stories 2025 Q3 -- Fiscal Emergency, Rising Homelessness and Housing Roadblocks
December 31, 2025 -- The Council approves a "Great Park" without housing and proclaims the City is in "fiscal distress," as the homeless population rises and lawsuits mount.
Top Stories 2025 Q2 -- Bad News, Fire Impacts and a New City Manager
December 30, 2025 -- Spring bears bad news and rising rates, the impacts from the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire is felt on the streets and along the shore and the Council hires a new City Manager.
Top Stories 2025 Q1 -- Housing, Evacuations and a Budget Crisis
December 29, 2025 -- A newly seated City Council makes housing development a top priority and floats ways to balance a budget that has been relying on rapidly depleting reserves. A few miles away, the raging Palisades Fire has unforeseen impacts on the beach city.
Holiday Enforcement Operations Result in Multiple Arrests
December 30, 2025 -- Santa Monica police made more than 70 arrests in one week during the holiday season and another 22 arrests during a one-day operation the Friday before Christmas.
School District Hires Transportation Director
December 29, 2025 -- The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has hired a new transportation director who began her career as a school bus driver and worked her way up the ranks.
LETTERS -- Santa Monica's Not So Wonderful Life
December 29, 2025 -- Our leaders only appear interested in boosting the fortunes of new-construction landlords, even if it impoverishes renters in the long term.
Voter Initiated Transfer Taxes Get Legal Boost
December 23, 2025 -- A Los Angeles parcel transfer tax similar to the one approved in Santa Monica three years ago was upheld last week by the California Court of Appeals, handing another victory to voter-initiated taxes.
City Takes Extended Holiday Break
December 23, 2025 -- Several City facilities and non-essential services closed for two weeks on Monday, while most other services will be suspended on Christmas and New Year. All public safety and emergency services will operate normally during the closure.
Council Approves Digital Billboards Downtown
December 22, 2025 -- Spurred by a fiscal crisis, the City Council last week paved the way for as many as 16 digital billboards Downtown that can span 1,000 square feet each and remain in place for 30 years.
SMC Appoints New Student Services Officer
December 22, 2025 -- After a nationwide search, Santa Monica College (SMC) appointed a South Florida college administrator to become the school's Chief Student Services officer.
Council Takes Major Steps to Kick-Start Economy
December 19, 2025 -- The City Council on Tuesday took initial steps to host major events that will "put Santa Monica on the global stage" during the world's biggest sporting competitions.
Hundreds Gather for Miramar Holiday Celebration
December 19, 2025 -- The Miramar Hotel's holiday event Meet Me Under the Fig Tree collected more than a ton of food and hundreds of items of clothing and toys for those most in need.
Did Nick Reiner Spend the Day in Santa Monica After Allegedly Killing His Parents?
December 18, 2025 -- The scant information available pinpointing Nick Reiner's whereabouts after allegedly murdering his parents indicates he may have spent much of the day in Santa Monica.
Take the Annual Polar Bear Plunge January 10
December 18, 2025 -- It's too early to forecast the weather for next month's annual Polar Bear Plunge at Santa Monica Beach, but chances are it'll be more than 100 degrees warmer than where real polar bears live.
Acting Chief to Hold Post on Permanent Basis
December 17, 2025 -- Acting Police Chief Darrick Jacob has been appointed as Santa Monica's next police chief, making him the first member of the force to be elevated to the top post in nearly half a century.
City Receives $50 Million for Housing, Transit
December 17, 2025 -- A Downtown affordable housing project expected to cost $1 million per unit to build has received a major funding boost after the City received a nearly $50 million grant.
County Supervisor Questions Council's Position, Gets Starkly Different Responses
December 16, 2025 -- A letter Wednesday from County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath seeking to clarify the City Council's "varied positions" on housing for mentally ill homeless individuals elicited very different responses from the outgoing and incoming mayors.
New Parking Rates to Go Into Effect Next Month
December 16, 2025 -- Starting January 12, motorists will need to feed an extra quarter per hour in City meters and parking in Downtown structures will be free for the first 30 minutes, down from 90.
Sexual Abuse Cases Against City to Go to Trial
December 15, 2025 -- Nearly six years after the City of Santa Monica began settling sexual abuse cases that so far have cost $230 million, a judge has ordered test trials for some of the pending cases.
Santa Monica Police Boost Security at Jewish Events
December 15, 2025 -- The Santa Monica Police Department has increased patrols and officer presence at Jewish places of worship and community celebrations in the wake of an anti-semitic terrorist attack that killed 15 people in Australia Sunday.
City's Housing Trust Fund Stretched Thin
December 12, 2025 -- The City fund that helps subsidize affordable housing construction in Santa Monica ended the fiscal year with some $14.5 million, enough to subsidize 122 affordable units on City-owned sites.
SMC Top in UC Transfers for 35th Straight Year
December 12, 2025 -- The vast majority of Santa Monica College (SMC) students weren't born the last time the school failed to rank as the number one transfer college to the California University system.
Malibu Council Seals Deal on Separation
December 11, 2025 -- In what is being touted as a "historic" vote that marks a "major milestone," the Malibu City Council Monday unanimously approved a "separation package" that paves the way to creating an independent Malibu School District.
SMTT's Holiday Pass Unlocks Exclusive Deals
December 11, 2025 -- With the holiday season in full swing, residents and visitors can have special shopping, dining and entertainment offers at their fingertips as they explore Santa Monica.
Pier Bridge Construction Officially Begins
December 10, 2025 -- Eight years after a new bridge leading to the Santa Monica Pier was initially scheduled to be completed, construction officially got underway this week to replace the 86-year old structure.
Share the Holiday Spirit Under the Miramar Fig Tree Sunday
December 10, 2025 -- Some 1,000 residents and visitors are expected to gather once again under the Fairmont Miramar Hotel's iconic 150-year-old fig tree Sunday to raise a toast to the holiday season.
December 9, 2025 -- A celebrated opera singer was allegedly stabbed to death by his son in their Pico Neighborhood home in Santa Monica Monday night, according to police.
More Pomp for Mayoral Swearing In
December 9, 2025 -- In Santa Monica, the swearing in of a new mayor has typically been an unceremonious affair with the incoming mayor repeating the words recited by the City Clerk before addressing the audience from the dais.
Police to Enforce Hands-Free Cell Law
December 9, 2025 -- Santa Monica traffic officers this month will crack down on motorists suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law, police officials announced Monday.
City To Give Low-Income Renters Free Appliances
December 8, 2025 -- Low-income Santa Monica renters can now apply to receive free heat pumps and other energy-efficient appliances as part of the City's electrification plan.
City Clerk Latest Top Official to Leave Post
December 8, 2025 -- City officials announced Friday that City Clerk Nikima Newsome will leave the post in January, marking the fifth department head to depart since July.
Mayoral Transition Highlights Contrasting Styles, Focus
December 5, 2025 -- On Tuesday, a new mayor will assume what is a mostly ceremonial post, but more than usual, the transition will alter the dynamics of the City Council and provide a contrast in leadership styles.
Travel Through Time on Sunday
December 5, 2025 -- Residents of the future -- human or robotic -- can find out what Santa Monica was like when they unseal a time capsule created during a free public event Sunday.
Malibu, School District Close to Separation Agreement
December 4, 2025 -- The School Board on Monday took "a decisive and historic step" when it unanimously approved three agreements that pave the way for Malibu's separation from the District.
Local Doctor Charged in Actor's Death Sentenced to Prison
December 4, 2025 -- A former Santa Monica doctor was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months in federal prison for repeatedly selling vials of ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, who died of an overdose in October 2023.
City Signs Airport Lease with JSX
December 3, 2025 -- A public charter air carrier offering flights in 30-seat turboprops has entered into a three-year lease agreement to operate at Santa Monica Airport (SMO), City officials announced Tuesday.
Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday
December 3, 2025 -- Santa Monica kicks off its holiday celebrations with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Promenade Thursday evening that features live music and a special appearance by Santa.
City Launches Pilot Program for Engineered Wood Construction
December 2, 2025 -- The City has launched a one-year pilot program that encourages developers to use engineered wood to build large multi-family and commercial buildings, Santa Monica officials announced Monday.
New SMC Planetarium Offers Sunday Matinées
December 2, 2025 -- The Santa Monica College (SMC) Planetarium will showcase its new home and cutting-edge equipment at two special Sunday matinées this month.
New Air Carrier to Launch this Month
December 1, 2025 -- JSX, a trendsetting alternative to major airlines, will begin operating at Santa Monica Airport this month with daily service to Las Vegas, company officials announced last week.
Help Make a Santa Monica Card Game
December 1, 2025 -- Santa Monica residents have one week to help create a card game celebrating the city's 150th anniversary by submitting a drawing or picture for the deck. |
