> ## 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 21, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-apr-21-2026/ - Published: 2026-04-21T18:56:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-21T18:56:56.000Z - Author: Editor Generally cloudy. High around 65F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Today: 🌧️ High 66° / Low 52° Tomorrow: 🌤️High 68° / Low 56° ### **First Up** ![LA Metro](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/2026/04/DSC_0026.JPG) SMDP Photo ## Lawmakers move to shield LA Metro from housing law A state Senate committee is weighing legislation that would exempt some jurisdictions, including Los Angeles County's transit agency... [READ](https://www.smdp.com/lawmakers-move-to-shield-la-metro-from-housing-law/) ### **Close to Home** [Don R McCowan, Santa Monica Community Leader, RememberedDon R McCowan, a dedicated postal worker and youth mentor in Santa Monica, California, passed away on April 12, 2026, at age 79 after battling Parkinson’s disease.![](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/image0-1-1.jpeg)](https://www.smdp.com/don-r-mccowan-dedicated-civil-servant-and-supporter-of-local-youth-dies/) [SMC Launches Cloud Computing Bachelor’s DegreeSanta Monica College receives approval for a new Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing degree launching Fall 2027, with costs around $10,000 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/COVER---SMC-Main-Campus.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-college-wins-approval-for-cloud-computing-bachelors-degree/) [LAHSA to lay off 284 workers as County shifts homelessness responseThe Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority will issue layoff notices to 284 employees on April 30 as the agency undergoes a sweeping restructuring driven by the county’s decision to pull more than $300 million in annual funding and stand up its own homelessness department. LAHSA notified SEIU Local 721, the![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0680.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/lahsa-to-lay-off-284-workers-as-county-shifts-homelessness-response/) [Malibu’s Real Recovery Challenge: Finding the MoneyMalibu’s wildfire recovery is stalled by insurance and funding gaps, not approvals. 597 homes lost, rebuilding costs exceed coverage, and infrastructure needs $200M+ in repairs.![](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/IMG_6798.JPEG)](https://www.smdp.com/malibu-officials-experts-confront-recoverys-true-challenge-the-money/) ### **In Case You Missed It** [Malibu Adopts Major Wildfire Safety Plan UpdateMalibu City Council unanimously adopted an updated Safety Element on Monday, replacing a 1995 plan and qualifying the city for CAL FIRE grants and potential insurance relief.![](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/size/w1200/2026/04/COVER---malibu.png)](https://www.smdp.com/malibu-council-adopts-long-overdue-safety-plan-to-improve-wildfire-protections-qualify-for-state-grants/) [Santa Monica Rent Control Board Eyes November Ballot MeasuresSanta Monica Rent Control Board unanimously voted to advance four proposed amendments to the city’s rent control charter toward a public hearing, with measures on tenant protections and fee adjustments potentially heading to November ballot.![](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-2.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-rent-control-board-eyes-ballot-measures-on-tenant-protections-fees/) [Santa Monica’s Community Gardens Turn 50Santa Monica celebrated 50 years of community gardens on April 14 at City Hall with an Earth Month reception featuring local art, refreshments, and community members.![](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/IMG_1412.jpeg)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-marks-50-years-of-community-gardens/) [Venice Beach Half Marathon Returns May 17Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K returns May 17, 2026 with 5,000+ participants. Half marathon, 5K, and kids events on Ocean Front Walk and Venice Boulevard.![](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---SCS_5857.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/venice-beach-half-marathon-returns-may-17-with-more-than-5-000-expected-participants/) [Irish Contemporary Art Comes to LA This MayThe Irish Contemporaries {V} exhibition features contemporary Irish artists at 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica (May 15-June 6) and Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro (May 16-June 6).![](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/Irish-Untitled.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/irish-contemporary-art-exhibition-to-span-two-l-a-venues-this-spring/) --- [ ![](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone_static/184438/image/0?seed=) ](https://ad.broadstreetads.com/zone%5Fstatic/184438/click/0?seed=&ref=smdp.com) --- ### Events [ **Memories & Movement Senior Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/memories-movement-senior-club/14853634/2026-04-21T10) Virginia Avenue Park Tue. Apr 21 10:30AM 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica [ **Wine Wednesday at the Whaler** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/wine-wednesday-at-the-whaler/16952883/2026-04-22T00) 101 Broadway Wed. Apr 22 12:00AM CA 90401 Contact Info (424) 330-0166 info@venicewhaler.com Does not apply on holidays, Santa Monica [ **Bundy Triangle Night Market** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/bundy-triangle-night-market/18490079/2026-04-24T17) Bundy Triangle Fri. Apr 24 5:00PM 1500 S Bundy Drive, Los Angeles [ **DadTime** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/dadtime/17327106/2026-04-25T09) Virginia Avenue Park (fitness room inside the Park Center) Sat. Apr 25 9:00AM 2200 Virginia Avenue, 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/14970341/2026-04-26T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Apr 26 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [Read our latest print edition](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/042126.pdf?ref=smdp.com) > Newsletter ID: 2026-04-21-01:14:38:262t