> ## 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 17, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-17-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-17T19:54:25.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-17T19:54:25.000Z - Author: Editor 😎 We hope you're enjoying this beautiful MLK holiday weekend. If you have the time, please listen to **A Developing Story*, our chart-topping six-part podcast series available on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3irmcz1LwANe9b8ZPGvfbj?ref=smdp.com), [Apple Music](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-developing-story/id1476619656?ref=smdp.com) or [here](https://www.smdp.com/tag/podcast/). [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/01/image-3.png)](https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/ca/santa-monica?ref=smdp.com) ### Close to Home [WWD Style Awards in LA: Behind the Scenes of Celebrity StyleThe WWD Style Awards in LA honored the creative forces behind celebrity style, with George Clooney accepting an award on behalf of Giorgio Armani.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-122.png)SMDPGuest Author![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/image3.png)](https://www.smdp.com/wwd-style-awards-peeling-back-the-curtain-on-culturemakers/) [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 Council Rejects Disabilities Commission ConsolidationSanta Monica City Council voted 4-2 to keep the Disabilities Commission independent, rejecting a proposed merger with housing and human services commissions.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-121.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Cover---1-3.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-council-rejects-consolidation-of-disabilities-commission/) ### **In Case You Missed** [‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave. as officials reject proposed sale of affordable housing buildings to developerAnother chapter in the confusing and convoluted Saga of Ocean Avenue Housing was written this week introducing new characters and additional plot twists to what has already become a Byzantine epic of confusion and contradiction. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Santa Monica City Council, officials heard a closed session![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-123.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_8217-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/prisoner-housing-is-on-the-table-for-ocean-ave-as-officials-reject-proposed-sale-of-affordable-housing-buildings-to-developer/) [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/) [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/) [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 [ **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 [ **Live Music Fridays at The Surfing Fox** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/live-music-fridays-at-the-surfing-fox/14385252/2026-01-23T18) 120 Colorado Ave Fri. Jan 23 6:00PM CA Contact Info (424) 214-1830 matt.sedgwick@candrpr.com Visit thesurfingfoxsm.com to view menus and learn more, Santa Monica [ **Walking Meditation** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/walking-meditation/16206460/2026-01-23T08) Beach lot 5 South Fri. Jan 23 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)