Santa Monica and Malibu continue recovering from the Palisades Fire with PCH reopening after a month-long closure. Residents express concerns about debris storage sites while local businesses struggle with economic impacts despite avoiding physical damage.
2025 began with a catastrophic disaster as the Palisades Fire ravaged Los Angeles, destroying over 6,800 structures and killing at least 12 people. Santa Monica residents faced evacuations, toxic contamination concerns, and began the long process of recovery.
As a national report reveals 112 Americans die daily on roadways, Malibu is implementing $50+ million in PCH safety improvements including guardrails, sidewalks, bike lanes and speed detection technology following fatal crashes.
Google has launched an AI-powered digital archive of Route 66 history ahead of the highway's 2026 centennial. The interactive hub features 33 historic attractions across eight states, including special coverage of Santa Monica's endpoint.
Longtime Santa Monica resident Amnon Kabatchnik has released the latest volume in his award-winning series, 'Bloody Broadway: Plays of Menace, Murder, and Mystery,' examining 79 crime-focused Broadway plays from 1900-1930.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District celebrates outstanding fall arts achievements, with dozens of students from Samohi, Lincoln and John Adams Middle Schools selected for prestigious California state honor ensembles and theater awards.
The California Strategic Growth Council approved a $49.9 million grant for Santa Monica, with $35M funding the 1318 4th Street affordable housing development and $14.3M supporting sustainable transportation projects including electric buses and protected bike lanes.
City Manager Oliver Chi has appointed Darrick Jacob as Santa Monica's next chief of police. Jacob, who has served with SMPD since 2004 and as acting chief since August 2025, is the first internal candidate selected for the position in over 40 years.
Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a self-certification program allowing businesses to obtain building permits in as little as one day, bypassing weeks of city review. The program launches April 2026 for commercial renovations, including restaurants.
NoScrubs, an AI-powered laundry delivery service promising 4-hour turnarounds, has launched in Santa Monica with $4.2M in funding. The service uses AI for quality control and partners with local laundromats to clean and fold clothes for less than $1 per day.
Santa Monica has published application and operational requirements for new cannabis retailers ahead of the January 26, 2026 application period. Applications will be processed first-come, first-served, with social equity provisions and a 4% cannabis business tax.
The eighth annual Polar Bear Plunge returns to Santa Monica's Annenberg Community Beach House on January 10, 2026, featuring an ocean plunge, 300-yard swim, heated pool access, and hot chocolate for participants of all ages.
