Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis has been selected for the prestigious 2026 Just City Mayoral Fellowship at Harvard, joining seven other mayors nationwide to advance equity-centered projects during a time of rapid change and uncertainty.
The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to establish a $3.5 million restorative justice program addressing decades of historical harms against African American residents and marginalized communities, funded through a development agreement with RAND Corporation.
Los Angeles County officials report the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades wildfires continue to have severe economic impacts, with rebuilding efforts expected to generate up to 209,000 job-years. Employment losses reached approximately 19% in Eaton and 26% in Palisades fire areas.
Santa Monica Place welcomes families to celebrate Lunar New Year with a free event on Saturday, February 21 from 2-5 p.m. The celebration features traditional lion dances, martial arts performances, calligraphy, crafts, and special red envelope promotions to usher in the Year of the Horse.
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.
