Tens of thousands nationwide joined the 'Free America Walkout' across all 50 states protesting Trump administration policies on his inauguration anniversary, with significant participation across California including local demonstrations in Venice.
Pacific Palisades residents Frank Renfro, Mike Furnari, and Kambiz Kamdar have launched PaliBuilds, a technology platform transforming post-disaster home rebuilding with their Bidsy software that automates contractor bidding and introduces AI-powered comparison tools.
Santa Monica’s 2026 election season has officially begun with the filing of two competing citizen-initiated ballot measures and a potential third up for discussion by City Council on Tuesday.
State Senator Ben Allen has introduced legislation to create a state-backed, low-interest loan program for wildfire safety upgrades. SB 894 aims to make home hardening more affordable for California homeowners following devastating Los Angeles fires.
SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes DineLA is Back, Not So Dry January, Happy Birthday Marion Festival, Pizza and Bread Making
Santa Monica has expanded Fairview and Ocean Park branch libraries from self-service to full-service operations three days weekly, restoring librarian staffing and programming as part of the city's $60 million Realignment Plan approved last year.
Light rain ending this morning.
Today: 🌧️ High 64° / Low 51°
Tomorrow: 🌤️ High 65° / Low 52°
First Up
One Year After the Fires, Flexible Funding Helps Local Businesses Reopen and Rebuild
Barnes & Noble Santa Monica will host two free book talks this weekend focused on wellness and goal-setting. Debra Eckerling presents "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting" on Saturday, Jan. 24, while Dr. Portia Preston discusses "Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go?" on Sunday, Jan. 25.
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In a sense, California has been taxing wealth since it became a state 175 years ago.
Well into
A newborn infant discovered on a Main Street sidewalk last week has underscored the human cost of the region's homelessness crisis, even as thousands of volunteers prepare to
Santa Monica City Council voted 4-2 to explore housing standards that could exceed state requirements, following a conflict of interest ruling that forced revotes on previous housing decisions. The Planning Commission will examine options for larger family-sized homes.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will hold its annual Kindergarten Roundup on Jan. 22, allowing parents to meet school staff and begin registration for 2026-27. California's Universal Prekindergarten now makes TK the entry-level grade for eligible children.
