> ## 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 16 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-16-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-16T19:51:41.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-16T19:51:41.000Z - Author: Editor ### **First Up** ![boards,commissions](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/2026/01/Cover---1.jpg) BODIES: The city currently operates 26 advisory bodies with 162 volunteer members. (Photo Credit: Courtesy). ### **Santa Monica Council Rejects Consolidation of Disabilities Commission** Santa Monica City Council voted 4-2 to maintain the Disabilities Commission as a standalone body, rejecting a staff recommendation...[READ](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-council-rejects-consolidation-of-disabilities-commission/) ### **Close to Home** [Santa Monica: Finding Humanity and Sanity in Today’s News CycleFinding balance during overwhelming news cycles requires limiting media consumption, focusing on the present, and maintaining vigilance without sacrificing mental health.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-116.png)SMDPDevan Sipher![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/unmuted-scaled-1.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/how-do-we-keep-our-humanity-and-our-sanity/) [LAHSA Improves LA Homeless Count Amid Accuracy ConcernsLAHSA is enhancing its 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count with better digital maps, expanded support staff and training amid ongoing concerns about the count’s accuracy.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-114.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0140-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/lahsa-announces-improvements-to-2026-homeless-count-amid-ongoing-accuracy-concerns/) [Malibu Strengthens Building Codes Against Earthquakes and WildfiresMalibu City Council approved Ordinance No. 531 with tougher building standards for earthquake and wildfire protection, taking effect 30 days after Jan 12 adoption.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-115.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/malibu.png)](https://www.smdp.com/malibu-city-council-adopts-stricter-building-codes-after-lengthy-debate/) [Santa Monica to Host 41st Annual MLK Celebration January 19Santa Monica College and MLK Westside Coalition will host the 41st annual MLK Day celebration on Jan. 19 at John Adams Middle School, featuring Emmy winner Bonnie Boswell.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-117.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/BonnieBoswell_Photo.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/41st-annual-mlk-celebration-set-for-jan-19/) ### **In Case You Missed** [SMC Emeritus Gallery to Feature Barbara Gordon’s Portrait ArtSMC Emeritus Gallery presents a free online exhibition of Barbara Gordon’s portraits of women and children starting January 22 with a virtual launch event from 5-6:30pm.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-109.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Barbara-Gordon.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/smc-emeritus-gallery-hosts-free-online-opening-for-barbara-gordon-portrait-exhibition/) [LA Students Displaced by Palisades Fire to Host Climate LivestreamStudents displaced by the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles will host a global livestream on Jan. 24 calling for climate action and demanding fossil fuel companies pay for damages.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-110.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Samohi-2.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/students-displaced-by-palisades-fire-to-present-global-climate-action-livestream/) [Dodgers Announce DodgerFest with World Series Champions on Jan. 31The Dodgers will host DodgerFest on Jan. 31, featuring Ohtani, Betts and Freeman from their championship teams. Tickets go on sale Jan. 15 for members, Jan. 16 for public.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-111.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/image001-1.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/dodgers-announce-annual-dodgerfest-for-jan-31/) [Santa Monica welcomes Chief JacobFirst Up Darrick Jacob sworn in as new Police Chief City Manager Oliver Chi appointed Darrick Jacob as Santa Monica’s police chief...READ Close to Home LA County Breaks Ground on Triple-Capacity Marina del Rey ParkingLos Angeles County is building a new 368-space parking structure in Marina del Rey at![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-112.png)SMDPEditor![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0523.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-welcomes-chief-jacob/) ### Events [ **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 [ **Venice Electric Light Parade - Sundays at Sunset** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/venice-electric-light-parade-sundays-at-sunset/14970341/2026-01-18T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Jan 18 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [ **The Gordons Improv Residency** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/the-gordons-improv-residency/14863274/2026-01-19T19) Westside Comedy Theater Mon. Jan 19 7:00PM 1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica [ **Books & Bagels - Venice Library Book Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/books-bagels-venice-library-book-club/14548474/2026-01-20T12) Venice Branch Library Tue. Jan 20 12:30PM 501 S Venice Blvd., Venice [ **Memories & Movement Senior Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/memories-movement-senior-club/14853634/2026-01-20T10) Virginia Avenue Park Tue. Jan 20 10:30AM 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica [ **Tech & Tasks** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/tech-tasks/16225799/2026-01-20T16) Pico Branch Library Tue. Jan 20 4:00PM 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica [ **Walking Meditation** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/walking-meditation/16206460/2026-01-21T08) Beach lot 5 South Wed. Jan 21 8:00AM 2600 Bernard Way, Los Angeles [Read our PDF version](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/011626.pdf%0A?ref=smdp.com)