California Gov. Gavin Newsom's new memoir aims to reframe his privileged past by highlighting personal struggles, including his parents' divorce, his mother's cancer, and his own battles with alcohol while addressing his Getty family connections.
Republican Steve Hilton raised $4.1 million for California's gubernatorial race, outpacing prominent Democrats including Rep. Eric Swalwell and former Rep. Katie Porter. Only billionaire Tom Steyer, who poured $28M of his own money into the race, raised more.
Sunny. High 84F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Today: ☀️ High 83° / Low 59°
Tomorrow: ☁️ High 79° / Low 58°
First Up
Santa Monica Council Approves Scaled-Back Memorial Park Expansion
The Santa Monica City Council is exploring changes to its meeting procedures to improve public participation, including guaranteed two-minute speaking times and restructured closed sessions, though members remain divided on early meetings due to work constraints.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to raise the threshold for formal evictions in unincorporated areas from one month to two months of unpaid rent, offering additional protection to tenants facing economic hardship, particularly those impacted by immigration raids.
Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a revised Memorial Park expansion plan, eliminating elevated tennis and pickleball courts to save $17M amid funding shortfalls. The 30-year project will expand the park from 10.3 to 13.2 acres but still faces a $45-58M funding gap.
Alexander Soofer, 42, executive director of a Hyde Park charity, pleaded not guilty to defrauding the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority of $5+ million intended for homeless services, with $2M allegedly going toward his properties.
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.
Sunny to partly cloudy.
Today: 🌤️ High 72° / Low 59°
Tomorrow: ☀️ High 83° / Low 60°
First Up
College Board meets Tuesday as school heads for fiscal cliff
Santa Monica College'
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.
