The Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a 25-year Parks and Recreation Vision Plan but amended a key policy to re-evaluate existing artificial turf fields for potential replacement with natural grass alternatives at the end of their lifespan.
The Malibu City Council voted 4-0 to develop plans for temporary regulation-sized soccer fields at the Ioki property while continuing design work on a multigenerational community center at Heathercliff, balancing community needs with post-fire recovery efforts.
Big Blue Bus will offer free rides on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, honoring Rosa Parks' birthday and Transit Equity Day. This national day of action supports equitable, affordable, accessible transit with this year's theme 'Transit Moves Democracy'.
Pacific Park transforms the Santa Monica Pier for Valentine's Day with 'Love Lights the Pier' featuring 174,000 LED lights on the Pacific Wheel, romantic DJ performances, and heart-themed photo opportunities from February 1-15.
The Santa Monica Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division executed multiple search warrants across three counties, arresting five suspects and recovering approximately $100,000 in stolen merchandise from an organized retail theft operation.
State Sen. Ben Allen of Santa Monica is criticizing federal legislation that would undermine California's truth-in-labeling law for recyclable products, warning it would increase costs for consumers and create more pollution.
A Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Los Angeles County in a lawsuit filed by the City of Calabasas challenging the use of Calabasas Landfill for Palisades Fire debris removal, finding all safety protocols were followed.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board reviewed extensive revisions to nine student services policies, updating regulations unchanged since 2009. Changes focus on attendance, work permits, safety transfers, and align with recent California legislation.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur introduced the Right to Human Customer Service Act requiring large California businesses to provide human customer service within five minutes. The bill aims to end situations where consumers are trapped in automated systems.
Applications are now open for cannabis retailers in Santa Monica with a first-come, first-served process. The program includes a social equity component and a 4% cannabis business tax that was approved by 66% of Santa Monica voters in 2022.
Spry Fitness, a new appointment-only gym at 2222 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica, offers personalized training in a non-intimidating environment. Owner Evan Spry, a former history teacher and local resident, designed the studio to welcome clients ages 12 to 80+.
Twenty years after officials recommended phasing out methyl bromide, the toxic pesticide remains widespread in California. New UCLA research shows some communities face exposure nearly double state safety recommendations, with port areas like Long Beach at highest risk.
