March
ZJ Boarding House Closes
Iconic surf shop ZJ Boarding House closed after 37 years as its parent company, Liberated Brands, files for bankruptcy. The store, a Main Street staple, liquidated inventory alongside 120 other locations nationwide. Former owners expressed pride in the community hub they built, while staff face layoffs.
Council Relaxes Gift Rules
The City Council voted 5-2 to research loosening the gift ordinance, allowing officials to attend community events in an official capacity. Proponents argued current strict rules hinder representation, while opponents warned against eroding ethical boundaries and "bright line" rules regarding gifts from lobbyists.
Transportation department moves in sustainability
Santa Monica's Department of Transportation released its 2023-24 annual report showing 11% Big Blue Bus ridership growth to 8.6 million riders. The department expanded its electric bus fleet to 19 vehicles, reducing greenhouse emissions by 22,000 pounds. Infrastructure improvements included 3.8 miles of new bike lanes, 39 curb extensions, 222 refreshed crosswalks, and 37 new parking structure security cameras. A $22.9 million state grant supported the zero-emission fleet goal for 2030.
Cratering customer levels and ballooning legal costs blast a $33 million hole in the city budget
Santa Monica faced a structural deficit requiring $33.2 million from General Fund reserves over five years despite new taxes. The city grappled with legal liabilities from the Eric Uller settlement and voting rights case, declining tourism, corporate exodus reducing daytime population to 60% of pre-pandemic levels, and wildfire impacts. Councilmembers discussed drastic measures, including selling the Fairview Branch Library but agreed on a biennial budget strategy focused on fiscal discipline and leveraging Measure K revenues for public safety.
Google Store Opens
Google opened its sixth physical retail location on the Third Street Promenade. Housed in the historic Keller Building, the 7,100-square-foot store features a minimalist design and offers tech products and repairs. It joins Apple as a key tech retailer anchoring the downtown district.
Electric Aircraft Test
An all-electric Alia CX300 aircraft landed at Santa Monica Airport during a cross-country test of charging infrastructure. The quiet, zero-emission plane demonstrates the potential for electric aviation in logistics and medical transport, highlighting the importance of preserving local airports for future technology.
Army Corps clears half of deferred properties
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed hazardous materials removal at 2,269 of 4,499 Palisades Fire properties deferred by the EPA, marking half the challenging sites requiring specialized equipment. Governor Gavin Newsom deployed over 400 emergency personnel across seven counties ahead of storms forecast to bring heavy rain to burn-scarred areas, raising debris flow and flooding concerns through Friday.
Rainstorms highlight need to clear burned properties
Los Angeles County officials urged wildfire survivors to decide on debris removal options before the March 31 deadline. Over 4,000 rights-of-entry were validated for Phase Two removal, with 242 parcels cleared. The Army Corps worked on 629 parcels. Officials announced evacuation orders for burn areas ahead of storms forecast to bring 1-2 inches of rain, raising debris flow concerns.
Hate Crime Diversion
A judge granted mental health diversion to a man who brutally beat a homeless victim with a pipe in a racially motivated attack. The prosecutor called it the "worst decision in 30 years" but if the defendant completed a two-year program, charges for the attack that left the victim permanently disabled would be dismissed. Christian Hornburg, the victim of the attack, expressed devastation that his attacker was granted diversion instead of prison time. Hornburg, who now requires full-time care, criticized the system for prioritizing the attacker's rehabilitation over justice for the victim of an attempted murder.
Samohi PE Requirements
SMMUSD revised its Independent Study for Physical Education program, increasing required weekly hours from 3.3 to 5 for middle school and 7.5 for high school students. Director Dr. Ashley Benjamin said California Department of Education auditors found the current program non-compliant with state standards.
Santa Monica surfers unite to offer wildfire victims support and supplies
Venice and Santa Monica surf associations created the Santa Monica Helping Hub at 1207 14th Street following the Palisades Fire. President Stephanie Inouye secured the donated space, which served first responders and fire victims with supplies and donations. Hundreds of volunteers contributed, with many displaced residents volunteering despite their losses. The hub initially operated seven days weekly before transitioning to appointment-only weekend operations.
Zbur introduces new legislation to protect pets during a disaster
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur introduced the FOUND Act, requiring local governments to implement pet rescue procedures during disasters and establish animal reunification systems. The legislation, AB 478, was inspired by Oreo, a Pomeranian who survived five days in Palisades Fire rubble. The bill extended rescued pet holding periods from 72 hours to 90 days and mandated online resources for pet evacuation assistance, addressing coordination gaps highlighted by recent wildfires.
Council advances tenant protections and homelessness strategic plan initiatives
City Council approved several housing and homelessness measures. Council extended the homelessness emergency proclamation and scheduled SaMo Bridge diversion program launch for April at Pico Boulevard and Main Street.
Ultimate Performance Gym
Global fitness brand Ultimate Performance opened a "next generation" gym in Santa Monica. Targeting high-net-worth clients with busy schedules, the facility offers data-driven, one-on-one training and nutrition counseling. The company plans further expansion in Los Angeles to meet demand for personalized fitness.
Pavilions Motel Closed
The City revoked the business license of the Pavilions Motel due to persistent nuisance and drug activity. The property was ordered to close for one year after owners failed to meet improvement mandates. A separate civil lawsuit seeks further penalties and security requirements.
SMMUSD Bond Projects
The School Board reviewed construction progress funded by Measures ES and SMS. Key updates included the completion of the John Adams Middle School library and Samohi's Exploration Building. Future projects include the Will Rogers Early Education Building (2025) and McKinley Elementary upgrades (2026).
Stalker on Pier
Three female YouTubers were harassed and threatened with death by a stalker while live-streaming on the Santa Monica Pier. The suspect acted aggressively before the women sought refuge in a nearby store while broadcasting the incident.
Homeless Deaths
Overdoses remained the leading cause of death for LA County's homeless population, claiming 45% of lives in 2023. Despite increased naloxone distribution, mortality rates have plateaued, prompting officials to call for more focused health interventions and faster housing solutions.
Students Aid Fire Victims
First graders at Grant Elementary organized a fundraiser for Red Cross wildfire relief to process their feelings about the disasters. They presented donations to Red Cross representatives, who visited the class to discuss humanitarian work and youth leadership.
Homeless Services Consolidation
Supervisor Horvath proposed a new county department to consolidate homeless services, removing oversight from LAHSA. The move followed audits revealing financial mismanagement and aimed to streamline funding, improve accountability, and leverage state resources for better outcomes.
Wildfire Fraud Arrests
Federal authorities charged three individuals with defrauding FEMA by filing false claims related to the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. The suspects allegedly claimed benefits for properties they did not own, diverting funds meant for actual disaster victims.
Zbur Withdraws Bill
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur withdrew a bill redefining justifiable homicide and self-defense due to strong opposition that he said was the result of misinformation. While intended to prevent vigilante violence by requiring retreat in public, critics argued it criminalized self-defense in the home. Zbur planned to amend the bill to clarify its intent.
Council looks for solutions to double parking problems in the City
Santa Monica City Council approved a request to develop smart loading zone measures reducing congestion and double parking. The initiative directed staff to draft an ordinance establishing a legal framework and fee schedule for a pilot program exploring public-private partnerships using camera technology to monitor commercial loading zones and invoice users, potentially generating millions in revenue.
Several forward thinking female leaders honored with the Yellow Rose Award
The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica honored Carla Fantozzi, Shari Davis, Ana G. Jara, and Joanne Berlin with Yellow Rose Awards. The women were recognized for advancing inclusivity, education, and advocacy for minorities in Santa Monica. Mayor Lana Negrete presented city commendations, emphasizing community outreach. The honorees also received certificates from California State Assembly and Los Angeles County.
Rent Trends
Santa Monica rents rose 2.9% year-over-year, defying a national decline. The city remains the second most expensive in the region, with median one-bedroom rents at $3,200. High demand persisted despite migration data showing renters looking outside the area.
Plans to replace now demolished Parking Structure 3 advance with an updated 122-unit affordable building
Updated plans for 1318 4th Street showed a six-story, 122-unit affordable housing development by EAH Housing with street-level commercial space and 116 underground parking spaces. Fifty units were designated as permanent supportive housing. The $123 million project, potentially exceeding $1 million per unit, targeted winter 2027 construction start with 2029 completion. The former Parking Structure 3 site remained vacant since November 2022 demolition despite proposed entertainment and pickleball activations.
DA Hochman reinstates the death penalty in LA County
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman reinstated the death penalty as a prosecutorial option in special circumstance murder cases, ending the previous blanket prohibition. The policy permitted capital punishment in "exceedingly rare cases" after comprehensive review, with enhanced defense presentation opportunities and mandatory victim survivor consultation. Public Defender Ricardo Garcia criticized the decision as racially biased and financially costly. California maintained the nation's largest death row population but hadn't executed inmates since 2006.
Workers' Comp Surge
Santa Monica's workers' compensation liabilities spiked due to catastrophic claims from police and fire departments. A pilot program using a third-party administrator for the Department of Transportation successfully reduced costs, leading the city to consider expanding this model to other departments.
Sion Roy Campaign
SMC Board Vice Chair Dr. Sion Roy announced his candidacy for State Senate District 24. A cardiologist and educator, Roy aims to replace term-limited Ben Allen, focusing on healthcare access and wildfire recovery.
Big Blue Bus Fares
Big Blue Bus proposes its first fare increase in nearly a decade to cover rising operational costs. The plan includes hiking single-ride and pass prices while eliminating annual passes. The agency argued revenue is needed to maintain service and competitive wages.
Water Rate Hike
Residents face potential water bill increases of nearly $20 monthly over five years. Officials said the hikes are necessary to fund critical infrastructure repairs, including aging reservoirs at risk of seismic failure. Officials noted rates remain competitive with neighboring cities.
AI in Schools
SMMUSD is implementing a measured AI strategy focusing on ethics and data privacy. The district is training students on "prompt literacy" and critical thinking while using secure tools to protect student data, emphasizing AI as a supportive educational tool.
Civic Auditorium Deal
The City Council authorized an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Revitalization Partners Group to renovate the Civic Auditorium. The consortium, including Live Nation and Oak View Group, will fund a $250,000 deposit to explore revitalizing the historic venue closed since 2013.
Paddle Board Workout
A new dry-land fitness program, B-BOARD, launched in Santa Monica using inflatable boards to simulate paddleboarding. The workout improves core stability and balance through instability training, offering the physical benefits of the sport without entering the water.