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Political Establishment Lacks Unified Front in Council Race
August 27, 2026 – Unlike the 2024 race for Santa Monica City Council, which saw record spending and unified slates, this year's Council race is generating little funding and splintered backing from major political groups.
Americana in the Park Returns for 6th Season
August 27, 2026 – The sixth annual Americana in the Park -- a free concert series showcasing authentic American music -- returns to Gandara Park next month, City officials announced Wednesday.
Last-Minute Budget Deal Would Exempt Major Downtown Project from Review
August 26, 2026 – Gov. Gavin Newsom's office on Tuesday sent a trailer bill proposal to State legislative leaders that would strip Santa Monica and Coastal Commission oversight of a major Downtown project, a leading California environmentalist said Tuesday.
Voyager, Mercury and Light at the SMC Planetarium
August 26, 2026 -- The Santa Monica College Planetarium will explore the Voyager Missions, the planet Mercury and "a nearly mathless explanation of Light" during shows on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons in September.
Police Beef Up Patrols After Weekend Shootings
August 25, 2026 – Santa Monica is boosting its police presence along the beach, Pier, Palisades Park and Downtown in the wake of two shootings this weekend, one involving a police officer, City officials announced Tuesday morning.
Single-Family Neighborhoof Pushes Back on Transit Oriented Development
August 25, 2026 -- A single-family neighborhood targeted for transit-oriented multi-family development will be the focus of a meeting tonight held by City Community Development officials.
Police Arrest Juvenile in Pier Shooting
August 24, 2026 – A juvenile suspect was taken into custody Sunday night in connection with a shooting near the Pier ramp earlier in the evening, as police continue looking for additional suspects, SMPD officials said.
Officer Fatally Shoots Knife-Wielding Assailant in Palisades Park
August 24, 2026 – A Santa Monica police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly charged officers with a knife in Palisades Park Saturday afternoon, SMPD officials said.
Top City Earners Made More than $500,000 in Pay
August 21, 2026 – Six Santa Monica City employees earned more than half a million dollars in pay last year, excluding benefits, and were among the 71 municipal workers who made more than $350,000, according to data compiled by Transparent California.
Deadline for Route 66 Songwriting Contest Fast Approaching
August 21, 2026 – Musicians and songwriters have less than one month to submit a song that celebrates Santa Monica's ties to Route 66 as the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the legendary Mother Road.
Malibu Set to Launch Speed Camera Program on PCH
August 20, 2026 – The City of Malibu this week launched efforts to educate motorists about its new PCH Speed Safety System that uses cameras to catch drivers speeding along Malibu's 21-mile stretch of coastal highway.
SMC Planetarium Preps Stargazers for Big Celestial Event
August 20, 2026 -- Next week's Blood Moon lunar eclipse will be visible across North America, and the Santa Monica College (SMC) Planetarium will present a show Friday for stargazers to prepare.
Promenade Billboards Go Up, Alternate Vision Stirs Debate
August 19, 2026 – As large digital billboards begin going up that opponents fear will turn the Promenade into a mini Las Vegas strip, an idyllic vision of the walk street is generating plenty of comments on social media.
Conservancy Introduces 'Sidewalk Talks'
August 19, 2026 -- A pioneering structure in the Pico Neighborhood will be the subject of the Santa Monica Conservancy's first "Sidewalk Talks," a series to build awareness of structures that are worthy of being preserved.
National Drop in Crime Reflected in Local Trend
August 18, 2026 -- Data released by the FBI Friday indicates violent crime nationwide saw its largest year-to-year decline last year, a trend reflected in Santa Monica, according to an analysis of crimes reported in 2025.
America’s Black Botanical Legacy Focus of SMC Author Talk
August 18, 2026 – Did you know sycamore trees were havens and signposts for slaves trying to escape, or that pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine?
11 Candidates Qualify to Run for Council
August 17, 2026 -- Eleven candidates are in the running for three City Council seats -- including two incumbents and a former mayor -- down from 20 hopefuls who pulled nominating papers for the November 3 race.
Waymo Can Operate Lots Overnight for Now
August 17, 2026 – Waymo has started operating its charging and servicing lots on Broadway around the clock after the California Court of Appeals on Friday temporarily paused enforcement of a preliminary injunction blocking the activity overnight.
Affordable Housing Airport Measure Fails to Meet Deadline
August 14, 2026 – Sponsors of a ballot initiative to build 3,000 units of affordable housing on Airport land did not submit signed petitions by Wednesday's deadline and will have to start again if they want to place the measure on the 2028 ballot.
LETTERS -- Unfair Parcel Tax Ballot Language Misleads Voters
August 14, 2026 -- Nowhere in any of the ballot materials does it expressly state that Malibu gets the benefit of the Santa Monica parcel tax without paying. The language used is inaccurate and misleading and must be amended.
City Seeks Property Owners to Rent to Homeless
August 13, 2026 -- Los Angeles County landlords can now lease their vacant units or buildings to the City to provide transitional housing for the homeless living on Santa Monica's streets, City officials announced Wednesday.
Santa Monica to Showcase Diverse Cuisines During Restaurant Week
August 13, 2026 – Food lovers can experience Santa Monica's diverse cuisines at more than 40 local restaurants that will offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus during Dine LA Restaurant Week from August 14 to 28.
Radically Opposing Views on Parcel Tax
August 12, 2026 – Supporters of a $495 parcel tax on the November ballot say the money is needed to “protect educational excellence,” but opponents counter it is in effect a City tax that won't increase school funding, according to ballot arguments submitted to the City Clerk last week.
School District Gets State Funding Boost
August 12, 2026 – The School District will have an additional $11.23 million this school year after the State boosted funding under its enacted budget for the current fiscal year, and more money could be on the way, District officials announced Tuesday.
City To Evaluate Civic Auditorium's Potential as Live Venue
August 11, 2026 – Can the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium make a comeback as a live entertainment venue? That's the question the City hopes to answer by entering into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with a major entertainment firm.
Put Safety First as Schools Open, Police Advise
August 11, 2025 – With the opening of schools fast approaching, the Santa Monica Police Department is reminding everyone to "slow down, stay alert and help make the trip to and from school a safe one."
SMRR Endorses Torosis, Ivanov for Council
August 10, 2026 -- Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMMR) endorsed Mayor Caroline Tororis and Rent Control Board member Danny Ivanov at the group's annual convention Sunday, but failed to make a third endorsement in the race for three open City Council seats.
Elderly Couple Dies in Fire
August 10, 2026 -- An elderly couple died early Sunday morning after fire consumed their two-story Tudor-style home on Santa Monica's north side.
SMPD Rejects ICE's Take on Immigration Arrest
August 7, 2026 – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials criticized Santa Monica police Thursday for releasing a twice convicted burglar who had been placed on an immigration hold, an action police officials said is required by State and County laws and policies.
Santa Monica Man Sentenced to Life in Hate Crime Attack
August 7, 2026 – A Santa Monica Man was sentenced Thursday to life in state prison for "a brutal, unprovoked hate crime attack" aboard a Metro bus on the night of March 25, 2023, the LA County District Attorney's office announced.
The $35 Million Cost of Rehabbing a Rent Control Building
August 6, 2026 – An effort to save the apartments of 40 households in a 77-year-old rent control building has turned into what is likely the most expensive housing renovation in Santa Monica's history, according to information provided in a staff report to the City Council.
Guests Can Bet on Pier's Future During Benefit Next Month
August 6, 2026 – The Pier's historic Merry Go-Round Building will be turned into a "floating casino" for one night next month for a fundraiser honoring two families who helped preserve the pleasure pier's storied past and shaped its future.
Half of Remaining San Vicente Coral Trees in Poor Condition but 'Stabilizing'
August 5, 2026 -- More than half of San Vicente Boulevard's remaining coral trees are in "poor condition," and the City is racing to save the dwindling population plagued by two pests and the lack of water.
City Hosts Ceremony to Rename Street After Black Entrepreneur
August 5, 2026 – The City will host a ceremony Monday to rename a stretch of street after a Black entrepreneur who planned to open a beach club on land taken by the City some 70 years ago.
Council Delays Samoshel Closure
August 4, 2026 – In a confusing move that failed to add up the homeless people who would be displaced, the City Council last week delayed the closure of Samoshel, a key component of the Realignment Plan the Council approved last October.
City Kicks Off New Concert Series
August 4, 2026 -- The City will kick off a new six-week free live music and film series in Tongva Park on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m., City officials announced Monday.
More than 550 Community Corp Rent Control Units Could See Rent Hikes
August 3, 2026 – Effective September 1, Santa Monica's largest non-profit affordable housing provider could raise the rents on more than 550 rent-controlled households by as much as 10 percent a year to offset rising maintenance and management costs.
City Implements Changes Under State Open Meetings Law
August 3, 2026 – The City has implemented changes made under the State's updated open public meetings law that aim to "increase public participation, accessibility and transparency in local government," City officials announced Monday.
Council Places Measure to Amend Bed Tax on Ballot
July 31, 2026 – In an effort to boost City revenues during major special events, the City Council on Tuesday placed a measure on the November ballot that imposes a bed tax on corporate hotel bookings of more than 30 days.
Santa Monica Celebrates National Night Out Tuesday
July 31, 2026 – Santa Monica residents Tuesday evening will join 38 million neighbors in 17,000 communities for National Night Out, an annual event promoting police-community relationships.
Council Scraps Ballot Measure Provision Allowing Tenant to Add Occupant
July 30, 2026 – The City Council Tuesday night scrapped a key provision of a ballot measure that would have allowed tenants to move a family member into their units without giving the landlord a reason why.
Appian Way Reopens Ahead of Schedule
July 30, 2026 -- It took one day, instead of eight, to tear down a portion of the Pier Bridge over Appian Way, allowing the roadway that provides access to the south side of the Pier parking lot to reopen Tuesday, City officials said.
Judge Halts Waymo's Overnight Operations
July 29, 2026 -- Waymo will be barred from operating its charging and servicing lots on Broadway overnight after an LA County Superior Court judge on Monday granted the City's motion for a preliminary injunction in its public nuisance case.
Suspects Arrested Shortly After Two Killings Last Week
July 29, 2026 -- Santa Monica police took two murder suspects into custody for separate killings that took place this week, with one arrest coming within three hours and the other within two days of the killings.
Councilmember Item Could Delay Plan to Move Samoshel
July 28, 2026 -- An item added to tonight's City Council agenda could delay a plan six months in the making to close Samoshel and relocate the Downtown shelter's residents to a local motel and a shelter outside the city.
City-Run Diversion Court Sees Increase in Cases
July 28, 2026 -- A City-run diversion court that provides homeless individuals who commit misdemeanor crimes a path to treatment and housing has produced 29 graduates and dismissed 58 criminal cases in its first two years.
Homeless Count Hit Record Low Amid Questionable Numbers
July 27, 2026 -- Santa Monica's homeless population dropped to 718 individuals this year, the lowest number recorded since the first homeless count was taken 23 years ago.
Woman Killed in Assisted Living Facility
July 27, 2026 – Santa Monica Police arrested a suspect Saturday night in the killing of a woman inside an assisted care housing facility for homeless residents in the Pico Neighborhood.
Former Mayor Retires After Heading Move LA
July 24, 2026 --Former Santa Monica mayor Denny Zane retired this month after nearly two decades heading Move LA, the non-profit behind countywide ballot measures that are generating nearly $4 billion a year from tax increases.
Five SMC Students Attend 'Space Camp'
July 24, 2026 -- Five Santa Monica College (SMC) students have been selected to receive the highly competitive Space Camp Scholarship awarded by the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science.
ICE Apprehends Suspect Released After Burglary Arrest
July 23, 2026 -- (UPDATED) U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents on Thursday morning took a man into custody who was released by Santa Monica police after being arrested on suspicion of vehicle burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Las Vegas Juvenile Turns Himself in for Fatal Shooting
July 23, 2026 -- A 16-year-old male from Las Vegas has turned himself in to police for the fatal shooting that took place near the Pier shortly after midnight Sunday, police officials said Thursday.
Renter Aid Program Taking Applications
July 22, 2026 -- Applications are now open for a financial aid program that provides one-time payments for vulnerable renters "experiencing a temporary housing crisis," City officials announced Wednesday.
Road Rage Shooter Arrested After High Speed Chase
July 22, 2026 -- The suspect in a road rage shooting in Santa Monica on July 3 was arrested Tuesday after a televised high-speed chase on two major freeways that reached speeds of up to 100 mph.
Appian Way to Close for Pier Bridge Demolition
July 21, 2026 -- The road that provides access to the south side of the Pier parking lot will be closed next week as the City starts tearing down the 90-year-old Pier bridge, City officials announced Monday.
Police Investigating Fatal Shooting Near Pier
July 21, 2026 -- Santa Monica police detectives are investigating a fatal shooting near the Pier shortly after midnight Sunday as the suspect or suspects remain at large.
Council Race Kicks off as 15 Hopefuls Pull Papers
July 20, 2026 -- Fifteen potential candidates pulled papers to run for three open City Council seats during the first week of the nominating period that kicked off Monday.
Police Seek Help Finding Missing Elder
July 20, 2026 --Santa Monica police are seeking the public's help finding a 93-year-old woman with dementia who was last seen in the Downtown.
LETTERS -- Who Gets a Seat at the Table?
July 20, 2026 -- Public confidence depends on knowing that decisions are guided by the merits of an issue -- not by who has the greatest access to elected officials.
Major Acts to Headline New Music Festival
July 17, 2026 -- Santa Monica will launch its first major music festival on the beach in September, 13 years after the Twilight Dance Concert series brought major musical acts -- and enormous crowds -- to the Santa Monica Pier.
Dem Club Makes Endorsements in Three Local Races
July 17, 2026 -- While the Democratic Club for the first time on Wednesday failed to endorse a City Council slate, its expanded membership base successfully weighed in on three other local races.
COAST Returns for World Cup Final
July 16, 2026 -- COAST -- Southern California's signature open streets festival -- will return after a six-year hiatus to celebrate the World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday.
Wildlife Officials Nab Lobster Poachers on Pier
July 15, 2026 -- State wildlife officials arrested six lobster poachers on the Santa Monica Pier Tuesday and seized 34 lobsters as evidence, which they released alive back into the ocean.
PAL Students Awarded More Than $31,000 in Scholarships
July 15, 2026 -- The Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) last week awarded more than $31,000 in scholarships to ten high school juniors and graduating seniors, most of them from the Pico Neighborhood.
LETTERS -- California Roadhouse Remains Ready to Sign Lawful Lease
July 15, 2026 --- We are not asking for special treatment, writes Roadhouse founder Sean Ahaus. We are asking for a fair opportunity to operate under the same legal framework that governs private employers throughout California.
Latest Plan to Save the Civic Auditorium Pulled
July 14, 2026 -- A consortium of top-ranking concert promoters that has been pursuing plans to restore and operate the historic Civic Auditorium is pulling out after two years, a group championing the effort said Monday.
Judge Tosses Airport Lawsuit
July 14, 2026 -- (UPDATED) A Superior Court judge this month dismissed a lawsuit claiming the City illegally allowed a charter air carrier to operate at Santa Monica Airport without conducting an environmental review.
LETTERS -- Will the City Relapse Into Out-of-Control Crime?
July 14, 2026 -- A better-resourced SMPD is doing a stellar job suppressing crime, but November’s election will either help or harm their efforts.
Construction to Start on Housing for Homeless Seniors
July 13, 2026 -- Construction will start this month on an 82-unit senior housing project -- which includes supportive housing for homeless seniors -- at the site of a public parking lot near Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center.
Residents Invited to Upcoming State of the City
July 13, 2026 -- Next week's State of the City address -- which has traditionally been held in a hall filled with civic leaders and stakeholders -- will once again resemble a big block party.
Camera Obscura Building to Become a Swiss Space for Olympics
July 9, 2026 -- Santa Monica's quaint and iconic Camera Obscura building in Palisades Park will get a major makeover for the 2028 Summer Olympics as part of the City's efforts to cash in on major regional events.
Police Make Arrests Involving Illegal Firearms
July 9, 2026 -- During the final week in June, Santa Monica police were involved in three incidents involving illegal fire arms and, in an unusual occurrence, a shoplifter bit an officer during an arrest.
City Ends Roadhouse Negotiations
July 8, 2026 -- After a year in the works, the City has ended negotiations to lease a restaurant space on the Santa Monica Pier to the California Roadhouse, which promised to bring back live music.
Council to Consider Parcel Tax for November Ballot
July 8, 2026 -- (UPDATED) The City Council is expected to place a parcel tax measure on the November ballot to fund local schools after Santa Monica voters approved seven tax measures in the past two elections.
Council Race Kicks Into High Gear
July 7, 2026 -- (UPDATED) The race for three open City Council seats is kicking into high gear next week, as candidates begin circulating nominating petitions on Monday and a major political group picks its slate two days later.
Santa Monica Hate Crime Assaults at Center of New Law
July 7, 2026 -- A mental health policy at the center of a high profile racial attack in Santa Monica has been amended under a bill signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week.
City Issues First Fines in Automated Bike Lane Enforcement Program
July 6, 2026 -- The City of Santa Monica last week began issuing $93 tickets to the owners of vehicles that were caught on camera stopped or parked illegally in bike lanes.
Police to Hold DUI Checkpoint Friday
July 6, 2026 -- Santa Monica police will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint Friday as the Department boosts efforts to crack down on impaired drivers.
Franklin to Install Natural Grass Field
July 2, 2026 -- The School Board last month voted to temporarily install a natural grass field at Franklin Elementary and expressed support for a moratorium on new synthetic turf fields at elementary school campuses.
Santa Monica Celebrates Independence Day
July 2, 2026 -- Santa Monica will celebrate the nation's 250th birthday this weekend with a parade, Ferris Wheel light shows and the closure of numerous City facilities.
Proposed Coastal Trailer Bill Thwarted, But Could Return
July 1, 2026 -- A last-minute bill to add mixed-use housing projects along Santa Monica's coast didn't make it into the State's new budget but could return in August, a State environmental leader warned Tuesday.
World Cup Matches Boosting Local Economy
July 1, 2026 -- The World Cup is helping kick-start Santa Monica's lagging economy and tonight's Watch Party on the Promenade for Team USA's knockout match could draw record crowds.
Santa Monica to Host Swiss Winter Village
June 30, 2026 -- The Santa Monica Pier will take on an Alpine feel this winter after the City Council gave the go-ahead to mount "an authentic Swiss holiday market" on the structure's wooden parking deck.
Police to Crack Down on Speeding Drivers
June 30, 2026 -- Santa Monica police will boost patrols starting this month in an effort to crack down on speeding drivers, officials announced Monday.
Rent Board Recommends Ballot Measures
June 29, 2026 -- Santa Monica voters in November could be asked to increase the amount of rent a tenant must owe before being evicted for non-payment and allow them to move a family member into their units.
Officers Recognized for DUI Arrests
June 29, 2026 -- As Santa Monica ramps up its traffic enforcement efforts, two officers were recognized this month by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their DUI arrests.
Amended Coastal Bill Could Be Wiped Out
June 26, 2026 -- A trailer bill Gov. Gavin Newsom could attach to the State budget would open up Santa Monica's coast to a burst of multi-family development by undoing an amended version of AB 1740.
Police Continue Boosting Traffic Enforcement
June 26, 2026 -- The Police Department continued to crack down on traffic violations issuing more than 150 citations in one week and addressing a half dozen significant incidents.
Council Approves Parking Zone to Protect Residents from Vehicle Dweller
June 25, 2026 -- In an unprecedented move, the City Council on Tuesday voted to create a preferential parking zone to protect residents of a dead-end street from a masked, apparently mentally ill man.
Pier Festival Celebrates Beach Culture
June 25, 2026 -- Santa Monica will celebrate its beach roots this weekend as the “Pier 360” Beach Festival returns with two "action-packed" days of ocean sports, live entertainment and beach culture, Pier officials said.
Former Mayor Seeks Rent Board Seat
June 24, 2026 -- Former Mayor Sue Himmelrich -- a longtime champion of tenants rights who has helped spearhead two local tax measures for affordable housing -- is seeking a seat on Santa Monica's Rent Control Board.
Library Branches Expand to Full Hours
June 24, 2026 -- Three branches of the Santa Monica Public Library will expand to full hours starting Monday, July 6 after the City Council last fall approved funding.
Senate Set to Take Up Radically Amended Coastal Bill
June 23, 2026 -- A stripped-down version of a controversial bill that originally exempted Santa Monica from most Coastal Commission permits, including housing, will get its first Senate hearing today.
Sierra Club Joins Great Parks Coalition
June 23, 2026 -- The Santa Monica Great Park Coalition (GPC) received a major boost last week when the Sierra Club joined its ranks to push for a sprawling park on land currently occupied by the city's Airport.
More Than 7,000 SMC Students Graduated Last Week
June 22, 2026 -- A total of 7,068 Santa Monica College students -- the second largest graduating class in the school’s nearly 100-year history -- received degrees and certificates last week.
City Closes Facilities, Scales Back Services Friday
June 18, 2026 -- City Hall and other public facilities will close Friday, and municipal services will be scaled back or suspended, as Santa Monica celebrates the official end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, 1865.
Santa Monica Celebrates Juneteenth with Expanded Offerings
June 18, 2026 -- Santa Monica will commemorate the official end of slavery in the United States starting on Friday, Juneteenth, and continuing Saturday with the City's 34th Annual Celebration at Virginia Avenue Park.
EVITE SCAM ALERT
June 17, 2026 -- The Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau are warning internet users of a new wave of fraud involving email invitations (evites).
Residents Petition Council to Curb Overnight Parking
June 17, 2026 -- The City Council on Tuesday will consider creating a Preferential Parking zone on a north side street after residents complained the occupants of vehicles parked overnight are jeopardizing the neighborhood's welfare.
Most Beach Lots to Stay Open Later
June 17, 2026 -- Visitors to Santa Monica Beach will have plenty of time to watch the sunset after parking in the public beach lots in summer.
HUD Suspends LA Homeless Agency's Funding
June 16, 2026 -- The Federal government announced Thursday it will no longer fund the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) effective immediately.
Make Music in Santa Monica Sunday
June 16, 2026 -- Santa Monica will join more than 2,000 cities in dozens of countries around the world Sunday in a celebration of live music everyone can take part in.
'Great Park' Gets Major Funding Boost
June 15, 2026 -- Santa Monica's "generational" plan to build a "Great Park" on Airport land received a major funding boost that will help complete the initial phase of the multi-year project and secure additional funding.
Restorative Justice Commission Takes Shape
June 15, 2026 -- The City of Santa Monica is accepting applications for its new Restorative Justice Commission, which will help implement one of the largest locally-funded programs of its kind in the nation.
Santa Monica to Enter Float in Rose Parade
June 12, 2026 -- The City Council this week gave the go-ahead to take part in next year's Rose Parade, 50 years after Santa Monica's entry won a prize the first time the event was televised.
Santa Monica Kicks Off World Cup
June 12, 2026 -- The World Cup kicks off in Los Angeles today, and Santa Monica will host three free events featuring live broadcasts of the opening match between USA and Paraguay. |
