> ## 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: Feb 28, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-feb-28-2026/ - Published: 2026-02-28T18:03:06.000Z - Updated: 2026-02-28T18:03:06.000Z - Author: Editor Sunshine and a few clouds. Today: 🌤️ High 75° / Low 57° Tomorrow: 🌤️ High 70° / Low 56° ### **First Up** ![Ben Allen](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w960/format/webp/2026/02/COVER---Ben-Allen-1.jpg) State Senator Ben Allen introduced SB 1209 ### Ben Allen introduces bill giving Department of Insurance increased enforcement powers SB 1209 would grant the California Department of Insurance new authority to compel insurers to address violations..[READ](https://www.smdp.com/california-bill-would-give-insurance-department-new-enforcement-powers/) ### **Close to Home** [No clear frontrunner for governor, but new poll names five with the best shotBy Dan Walters, CalMatters This commentary was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. For the last year, as the array of announced and potential candidates for governor constantly fluctuated, those who closely follow California politics have waited for the field to stabilize and for independent polling to![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-301.png)SMDPCal Matters![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Steve-Hilton.png)](https://www.smdp.com/no-clear-frontrunner-for-governor-but-new-poll-names-five-with-the-best-shot/) [Santa Monica Settles with Alleged Drug Den Motel OwnersSanta Monica City Council approved settlement with Pavilions Motel owners, ending litigation over Ocean Park Boulevard property linked to drug sales and violence.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-303.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/hotel-2-scaled-1-1.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/owners-of-alleged-drug-den-motel-agree-to-sweeping-restrictions-on-future-ownership-and-operation/) [Addiction recovery has exploded across L.A, now City Hall wants spacing rulesOn many residential blocks, one pattern is hard to miss — new residents arriving with duffel bags, ride-share vans idling at the curb, and cigarette smoke curling over hedges that once framed quiet single-family homes. What looks like a few chaotic neighbors on a single street is many times something bigger![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-302.png)SMDPGuest Author![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/69434e32c928e.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/addiction-recovery-has-exploded-across-l-a-now-city-hall-wants-spacing-rules/) [Santa Monica Tackles High Restaurant Conversion FeesSanta Monica City Council unanimously approved exploring fee reductions for converting vacant retail spaces to restaurants, addressing $70,000+ costs.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-300.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---DSC_0122-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-council-unanimously-backs-study-of-restaurant-fee-reductions/) [Pali High Baseball Team Finally Has a Home Field AgainPalisades Charter High School baseball team opens new permanent home field at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center after year of displacement.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-299.png)SMDPMichelle Edgar![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_6162.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/palisades-charter-high-baseball-finds-a-home-again-in-cheviot-hills/) ### **In Case You Missed It** [Santa Monica Adds Emerging Artist to City CollectionSanta Monica adds Erica Mahinay’s ‘Unfetter (Blue Gaze)’ to municipal Art Bank through Frieze LA partnership. Temporary public art on display through March 1.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-296.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Artist-Erica-Mahinay-and-Santa-Monica-Cultural-Affairs-Manager-Sofia-Klatzker-standing-next-to-Unfetter--Blue-Gaze---2025.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/city-acquires-emerging-artists-work-through-frieze-partnership-debuts-temporary-public-art/) [DOJ Sues UCLA Over Alleged Campus AntisemitismJustice Department sues UCLA, alleging it failed to protect Jewish employees from campus hostility and antisemitic harassment.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-292.png)SMDPAssociated Press![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/uclapano-3.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/justice-department-suit-accuses-ucla-of-failing-to-protect-jewish-employees-from-campus-hostility/) [March Events at Santa Monica Farmers MarketsSanta Monica’s Main Street and Pico farmers markets host spring events in March 2026, featuring live music, kids activities, and fresh greens.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-291.png)SMDPGuest Author![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0378--1--1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/march-at-the-market/) ### Events [ **Frieze Los Angeles** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/frieze-los-angeles/17921206/2026-02-28T11) Santa Monica Airport Sat. Feb 28 11:00AM 3026 Airport Ave, Santa Monica [ **Mandy Gonzalez in Concert Presented by BroadStage Santa Monica** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/mandy-gonzalez-in-concert-presented-by-broadstage-santa-monica/17795532/2026-02-28T19) The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage Sat. Feb 28 7:30PM 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica [ **Frieze Los Angeles** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/frieze-los-angeles/17921206/2026-03-01T11) Santa Monica Airport Sun. Mar 1 11:00AM 3026 Airport Ave, Santa Monica [ **Live To Serve** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/live-to-serve/18152759/2026-03-01T18) The Crow Sun. Mar 1 6:00PM 2525 Michigan Avenue #Unit F4, Santa Monica [ **Santa Monica Airport Antique Market** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/santa-monica-airport-antique-market/15831601/2026-03-01T08) Santa Monica Airport Sun. Mar 1 8:00AM 2800-3200 Airport Ave, 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/14970341/2026-03-01T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Mar 1 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [ **The Gordons Improv Residency** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/the-gordons-improv-residency/14863274/2026-03-02T19) Westside Comedy Theater Mon. Mar 2 7:00PM 1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica [Read our PDF version](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/022726.pdf%0A?ref=smdp.com)