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.

EXTRA -- Celebrated Singer Killed in His Santa Monica Home
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.