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Newsletter: Jan 2, 2026

By Editor
🗓️
Welcome to 2026. If you still write checks, don't forget..

We would like to start the year by thanking our readers for their patience during our technology transition last month. It actually went smoother than anticipated and we are 98% done fixing the potholes and re-enabling missing features.

We are excited for what our new platform enables. Most importantly, we will be able to spend more time creating content and less time managing it. We hope it shows.

The rain mostly stayed away for the Rose Bowl, but there's still some more to go

Close to Home

UCLA: California Wildland Firefighters Would Use Respirators
California wildland firefighters are willing to wear respirators despite concerns about mobility and safety, according to new UCLA research on workplace protection.

Q4 2025 in review

Santa Monica’s December 2025: Council Conflicts & Major City Changes
Santa Monica’s December 2025 saw City Council controversies, a new pier bridge, Olympic event partnerships, and major decisions on housing, healthcare and airport operations.
November 2023 in Santa Monica: Waymo Shutdown Leads Local News
What happened in Santa Monica and Malibu during November 2023? Waymo operations halted, PCH safety funding approved, and new businesses opened amid controversy.
Santa Monica Approves Major City Revitalization Plan for 2025
Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved City Manager Oliver Chi’s revitalization plan addressing budget deficits and departmental reorganization to stabilize the city’s finances.

You can find the rest of 2025 reviews here: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.

In Case You Missed

Controversial developer defaults on Promenade loans
Leo Pustilnikov, a developer who has clashed repeatedly with Santa Monica city officials over downtown governance and housing projects, has defaulted on a $37.5 million loan
FAA rules Santa Monica violated federal law over fees
The FAA ruled Santa Monica illegally accumulated $19M in airport surplus revenue it planned to use for city services after closure rather than aviation purposes.

Events

Live Music Fridays at The Surfing Fox

120 Colorado Ave

Fri. Jan 2 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

Good Body Pilates Studio 3229 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica

Sat. Jan 3 10:00AM

Good Body Pilates Studio, Santa Monica

Downtown Walking Tour

Hosteling Intl.

Sat. Jan 3 10:00AM

1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica

Santa Monica Airport Antique Market

Santa Monica Airport

Sun. Jan 4 8:00AM

2800-3200 Airport Ave, Santa Monica

Venice Electric Light Parade - Sundays at Sunset

Windward Plaza

Sun. Jan 4 12:00AM

1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice

The Gordons Improv Residency

Westside Comedy Theater

Mon. Jan 5 7:00PM

1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica

Memories & Movement Senior Club

Virginia Avenue Park

Tue. Jan 6 10:30AM

2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica

Tech & Tasks

Pico Branch Library

Tue. Jan 6 4:00PM

2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica

Rent Control Board Meeting

Santa Monica City Hall

Thu. Jan 8 7:00PM

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

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