Santa Monica City Council will consider consolidating the Disabilities, Housing, and Human Services commissions into a single body and removing council liaisons to prevent undue influence in the most significant restructuring since 2021.
Los Angeles will mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires with a week-long 'We Show Up' campaign urging residents to support ongoing recovery efforts in Altadena, Pasadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
More than 5,500 hazardous sites across the US will face coastal flooding by 2100, with California ranking fifth among seven states most at risk. Poor and marginalized communities face disproportionate danger as facilities handling sewage, toxic waste, and industrial pollutants become flood-prone.
LA Metro has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the LA River Path project, opening public comment through Feb. 2, 2026. The billion-dollar project would create a continuous 32-mile walking and biking path from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach.
A new UCLA study of the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires found that cancer-causing chemicals lingered inside homes long after outdoor air cleared, with some toxic compounds peaking weeks after flames were extinguished rather than during active burning.
Malibu will host a community commemoration on January 7 marking one year since the devastating Palisades Fire that claimed 12 lives and destroyed over 6,800 structures across Los Angeles' westside communities, becoming California's third-most destructive wildfire.
Santa Monica's housing market cooled significantly in 2025, with rents falling 1.2% in November and median home prices dropping 10.5% year-over-year to $1.75 million. Only 37% of homes sold above list price as buyers gained negotiating power.
Pacific Palisades will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the January 7 Palisades Fire with a ceremony honoring the 12 lives lost. The event on Wednesday includes a flag presentation, procession, and community lunch.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has ratified a local emergency proclamation for recent winter storms that caused widespread damage. The declaration enables the county to seek reimbursement for storm-related damages and accelerate recovery efforts.
Wildland firefighters across California are willing to wear respiratory protection despite concerns about mobility and safety, UCLA researchers found. The study comes as firefighters face increasing exposure to carcinogens and toxins from wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region.
Bank of America has committed $10 million in zero-interest loans to Community Development Financial Institutions supporting housing, nonprofit facilities and small business recovery from the Eaton and Palisades fires across Los Angeles.
Santa Monica's December 2025 featured significant developments including controversial City Council decisions, the start of Pier Bridge construction, approval of Olympic beach events, and shifting positions on housing development and abuse litigation.
