> ## 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: Jan 12 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-10-2026-2/ - Published: 2026-01-12T19:21:55.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-12T19:21:55.000Z - Author: Editor ### **First Up** ![Outdoor movie screen](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w960/format/webp/2026/01/COVER---Santa-Monica-Pier-Revs-Up-The-New-Year-With-First-Ever-Drive-In-Movie-Night-Featuring--Grease--On-January-15-Photo-One.jpg) Photo: Courtesy of SM Pier Corp. ### **Santa Monica Pier to Host First Drive-In Movie Night** The Santa Monica Pier will host its first drive-in movie experience on January 15, featuring..[READ](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-pier-to-host-first-drive-in-movie-night/) ### **Close to Home** [City Hall scrambles to fix housing votes as new questions emerge over councilmember conflictsOfficials are racing to ratify a series of housing-related votes from 2025 after state regulators determined Councilmember Jesse Zwick was conflicted on those decisions, while newly filed complaints allege other council members may have also violated ethics rules on a separate housing deal. The City Council will consider ratifying several![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-93.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/conflict-1.png)](https://www.smdp.com/city-hall-scrambles-to-fix-housing-votes-as-new-questions-emerge-over-councilmember-conflicts/) [LA County Adopts Human Trafficking Prevention Month for 2026Los Angeles County supervisors unanimously approved making January 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month, focusing on survivor-centered services ahead of major events.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-92.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Hilda-3-1.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/la-county-declares-january-2026-human-trafficking-prevention-month/) [VR headsets are ‘hope machines’ inside California prisons, offering escape and practical experienceJacob Smith has been in prison for two decades, but he and other inmates are still taking regular trips to far-flung, exotic locales![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-89.png)SMDPAssociated Press![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/VR-KVSP_20210801_774.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/vr-headsets-are-hope-machines-inside-california-prisons-offering-escape-and-practical-experience/) ### **In Case You Missed** [Santa Monica Council to Approve Downtown Digital Billboard DistrictSanta Monica City Council will vote on final approval for 16 digital billboards along Third Street Promenade, potentially generating $7 million annually for downtown revitalization.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-82.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Billboard2.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-council-to-finalize-digital-billboard-district-tuesday/) [Santa Monica Taps NYC Housing Leader as New DirectorSanta Monica has appointed Aileen Reynolds as Housing and Human Services Director, bringing NYC experience to address affordable housing and homelessness.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-84.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Aileen-Reynolds-photo.png)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-appoints-aileen-reynolds-as-housing-human-services-director/) ### Events [ **City Council Meeting** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/city-council-meeting/13799967/2026-01-13T17) Santa Monica City Hall Tue. Jan 13 5:30PM 1685 Main St., Santa Monica [ **Memories & Movement Senior Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/memories-movement-senior-club/14853634/2026-01-13T10) Virginia Avenue Park Tue. Jan 13 10:30AM 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica [ **Tech & Tasks** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/tech-tasks/16225799/2026-01-13T16) Pico Branch Library Tue. Jan 13 4:00PM 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica [ **Walking Meditation** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/walking-meditation/16206460/2026-01-13T08) Beach lot 5 South Tue. Jan 13 8:00AM 2600 Bernard Way, Los Angeles [ **Rebuild Committee - Santa Monica & PaliBu Chamber** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/rebuild-committee-santa-monica-palibu-chamber/15499169/2026-01-15T15) Zoom link to be sent before the meeting Thu. Jan 15 3:00PM , Santa Monica [ **Walking Meditation** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/walking-meditation/16206460/2026-01-15T08) Beach lot 5 South Thu. Jan 15 8:00AM 2600 Bernard Way, Los Angeles [ **Live Music Fridays at The Surfing Fox** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/live-music-fridays-at-the-surfing-fox/14385252/2026-01-16T18) 120 Colorado Ave Fri. Jan 16 6:00PM CA Contact Info (424) 214-1830 matt.sedgwick@candrpr.com Visit thesurfingfoxsm.com to view menus and learn more, Santa Monica [ **Beginner Reformer Pilates at Good Body Pilates Studio** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/beginner-reformer-pilates-at-good-body-pilates-studio/16094481/2026-01-17T10) Good Body Pilates Studio 3229 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica Sat. Jan 17 10:00AM Good Body Pilates Studio, Santa Monica [ **Downtown Walking Tour** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/downtown-walking-tour/15830816/2026-01-17T10) Hosteling Intl. Sat. Jan 17 10:00AM 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica [ **Walking Meditation** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/walking-meditation/16206460/2026-01-17T08) Beach lot 5 South Sat. Jan 17 8:00AM 2600 Bernard Way, Los Angeles --- [Read our PDF version](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/011226.pdf%0A?ref=smdp.com)