> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # May 16, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/may-16-2026/ - Published: 2026-05-16T16:19:57.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-16T16:19:57.000Z - Author: Natalie Simpson Good morning, happy weekend, and thank you for being a loyal reader. Sun and clouds mixed. High 66F. Winds SW 10 to 15 mph. Today 🌤️ 66º/58º ; Tomorrow 🌤️ 66º/58º; Monday 🌤️ 71º/57º ### FIRST UP ![snail's eye view of artificial turf](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/05/image-3.png) SMDP photo # Local organizations coalescing around opposition to turf fields All seven Santa Monica neighborhood organizations and the local democratic club have formally called on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District to abandon plans to install artificial turf at..[READ](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-organizations-begin-to-coalesce-around-opposition-to-turf-fields/) ### MORE NEWS [Fatal accident closes Ocean Park and MainThe intersection of Main and Ocean Park was closed Friday afternoon while police investigated a fatal accident between a pedestrian and a bus. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers and firefighters responded to the collision at about 2 p.m. on Friday. While both a Metro and Big![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-437.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0096-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/fatal-accident-closes-ocean-park-and-main/) [SMC Global Motion World Dance Company PerformanceSanta Monica College Global Motion World Dance Company performs traditional and contemporary world dances May 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Broad Stage. Tickets $20-$23.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-438.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/GM_F-25_DSC_0621.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/smcs-global-motion-world-dance-company-to-perform-may-16-17/) [Santa Monica Optometrist Expands Eye Health Education Through Book and NonprofitAs daily life becomes increasingly screen driven, from Zoom calls and scrolling to digital classrooms and late night streaming, optometrist Irina Yakubin is working to make eye health education more accessible, approachable, and community centered in Santa Monica. Yakubin, an optometrist and founder of OptiHealth Optometry, practices within Montana Eyes![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-440.png)SMDPMichelle Edgar![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/YOHO_09_Handpiece-1-1.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-optometrist-expands-eye-health-education-through-book-and-nonprofit/) [Santa Monica Council Unanimously Adopts Boulevard Safety Plan, Orders Quick-Build Protections at School CrossingThe City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a safety overhaul of Santa Monica Boulevard, directing staff to install temporary physical barriers at a dangerous intersection near McKinley Elementary School before the next school year and to pursue stronger pedestrian crossing technology on the corridor’s eastern half. The 7-0 vote on![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-444.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0001-1-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-council-unanimously-adopts-boulevard-safety-plan-orders-quick-build-protections-at-school-crossing/) ### IN CASE YOU MISSED [Olympic High School Honored with California Model Schools AwardOlympic High School in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District earned the California Model Schools Award for exemplary continuation education and innovative academic practices.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-439.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Olympic-High-School-staff-gather-to-celebrate-the-school-s-California-Model-Schools-Award-designation..jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/olympic-high-school-earns-california-model-schools-award/) [Kristina Irwin mounts ‘common sense’ campaign for State SenateAs California’s political landscape continues to shift amid growing concerns over affordability, public safety, homelessness, and wildfire recovery, Senate candidate Kristina Irwin is positioning herself as what she calls a “common sense” voice focused on working families, local control, and holding government accountable. Irwin, a Republican candidate running for![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-442.png)SMDPMichelle Edgar![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/unnamed-37-1-2.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/kristina-irwin-mounts-common-sense-campaign-for-state-senate/) [California has 6 weeks of gas supply. After that, it gets expensiveBy Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Eleven weeks into the Iran war and a global energy shock, California drivers are paying the highest gas prices in the nation, an average of $6.15 a gallon this week. The pain at![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-443.png)SMDPCal Matters![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/042026-Central-Valley-Voting-LV-CM-21.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/california-has-6-weeks-of-gas-supply-after-that-it-gets-expensive/) Interested in nearby events? Check out our [editor's picks](https://www.smdp.com/event-3/#/show?subset=picks). You can read our print version [here](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051526.pdf?ref=smdp.com).