> ## 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. # Newsletter: Apr 11, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-apr-11-2026/ - Published: 2026-04-11T17:00:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-11T17:00:56.000Z - Author: Editor Partly cloudy. Rain early tomorrow. Today: 🌤️ High 65° / Low 58° Tomorrow: 🌧️ High 64° / Low 52° ### **First Up** ![groundbreaking](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w960/format/webp/2026/04/IMG_3897-1.jpeg) Photo: Michelle Edgar ## Santa Monica Breaks Ground on $56 Million Clean Transit Future Santa Monica officials, state leaders and community advocates gathered Thursday at Big Blue Bus headquarters to break ground on a $56 million.. [READ](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-breaks-ground-on-56-million-clean-transit-future/) ### **Close to Home** [Santa Monica History Museum Names New Executive DirectorAnne Wallentine appointed executive director of Santa Monica History Museum after serving as curator since 2023, developing LGBTQ+ and housing exhibits.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/1-Anne-Wallentine-2026-ED-Courtesy-SMHM.jpeg)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-history-museum-names-anne-wallentine-executive-director/) [Santa Monica Events: New Art Gallery, Kids Club & MoreSanta Monica opens first municipal art gallery at Bergamot Station April 10\. Plus kids activities, pet fairs, wine tastings, and BagelFest in LA.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPSean Besser![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/pets.png)](https://www.smdp.com/around-town-gallery-openings-pet-fairs-and-bagel-fest/) [LA28 Olympic Tickets Now Available Worldwide After Record SaleLA28 Olympic tickets went on sale globally April 9 after record-breaking locals presale. 50% under $200, 1M tickets at $28\. Draw system through April 19.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/LA28-fsunnamed.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/la28-olympic-tickets-go-on-sale-globally-following-strong-locals-presale/) [$500K Awarded for Topanga Beach Lagoon RestorationThe Resource Conservation District of Santa Monica Mountains received $500,000 in LA County Measure A funding to restore Topanga Lagoon and improve coastal access at the popular beach that draws nearly one million visitors annually.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/image.jpeg)](https://www.smdp.com/500k-awarded-to-restore-topanga-lagoon-and-improve-coastal-access/) [LA Marathon Honors 3 Champions as 2026 Golden StarsThe Los Angeles Marathon honored wheelchair champion Jim Knaub and marathon winners Wesley and John Korir as 2026 Golden Stars for their contributions to the race.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Untitled-1.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/la-marathon-honors-three-champions-as-2026-golden-stars/) ### **In Case You Missed It** [Santa Monica Art: Husband-Wife Duo Shows at Bruce LurieBruce Lurie Gallery in Santa Monica opens ‘Observed/Imagined’ featuring photographer Gary Levinson and painter Jody Levinson April 18-May 16, 2026.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---image003.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/bruce-lurie-gallery-to-exhibit-husband-and-wife-duo-exploring-observation-and-imagination/) [Denim Run Brings Exercise and Advocacy to Santa MonicaThe inaugural Denim Runs event launches Sunday in Santa Monica during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, founded by survivor advocate Summer Willis.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMichelle Edgar![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/image0.png)](https://www.smdp.com/denim-run-brings-exercise-and-advocacy-to-santa-monica/) [Santa Monica Posts Biggest Rent Drop in LA Metro AreaSanta Monica rents fell 8.1% annually in April 2026, the sharpest decline in LA metro. Median rent now $2,328, down from $2,527 last year.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Cover---Screenshot-2026-04-01-134555.png)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-posts-sharpest-rent-decline-in-los-angeles-metro/) [Santa Monica Pier Marks Route 66’s 100th AnniversarySanta Monica Pier executives attended a Chicago ceremony designating Navy Pier as Route 66’s new symbolic eastern starting point for the highway’s 100th anniversary.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPGuest Author![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Navy-Pier-and-Santa-Monica-Pier-officials-dedicated-Navy-Pier-as-the-new-symbolic-eastern-starting-point-of-Historic-Route-66-on-March-25--2026-Photo-One..jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/locals-travel-to-chicago-to-mark-symbolic-starting-point-of-route-66/) ### Events [ **$5 Community Dog Training Classes!** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/5-community-dog-training-classes/11981844/2026-04-11T10) Virginia Ave Park Sat. Apr 11 10:30AM 2200 Virgina Ave, Santa Monica [ **Main Street Walk** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/main-street-walk/18119523/2026-04-11T10) The Historic Shotgun House Sat. Apr 11 10:30AM 2520 2nd St, Santa Monica [ **Venice Electric Light Parade - Sundays at Sunset** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/venice-electric-light-parade-sundays-at-sunset/14970341/2026-04-12T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Apr 12 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [ **City Council Meeting** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/city-council-meeting/13799967/2026-04-14T17) Santa Monica City Hall Tue. Apr 14 5:30PM 1685 Main St., Santa Monica [ **Memories & Movement Senior Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/memories-movement-senior-club/14853634/2026-04-14T10) Virginia Avenue Park Tue. Apr 14 10:30AM 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica [ **Biz@Sunset Mixer** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/bizsunset-mixer/16613817/2026-04-15T17) Lunetta Wed. Apr 15 5:00PM 2420 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica [Read our PDF version](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/041026.pdf?ref=smdp.com)