> ## 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 2, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-2-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-02T20:22:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-02T20:22:00.000Z - Author: 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](https://www.smdp.com/smdp-launches-new-website-as-newsletter-growth-skyrockets/). 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 [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/01/image.png)](https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/ca/santa-monica?ref=smdp.com) ### **Close to Home** [UCLA: California Wildland Firefighters Would Use RespiratorsCalifornia wildland firefighters are willing to wear respirators despite concerns about mobility and safety, according to new UCLA research on workplace protection.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-58.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---DSC_0336.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/wildland-firefighters-open-to-respirator-use-ucla-study-finds/) ### **Q4 2025 in review** [Santa Monica’s December 2025: Council Conflicts & Major City ChangesSanta Monica’s December 2025 saw City Council controversies, a new pier bridge, Olympic event partnerships, and major decisions on housing, healthcare and airport operations.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-55.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Iceentrepreneurstillhasaburningpassionforthec.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-december-controversy-on-the-council/) [November 2023 in Santa Monica: Waymo Shutdown Leads Local NewsWhat happened in Santa Monica and Malibu during November 2023? Waymo operations halted, PCH safety funding approved, and new businesses opened amid controversy.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-56.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0009.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-november-waymo-worries/) [Santa Monica Approves Major City Revitalization Plan for 2025Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved City Manager Oliver Chi’s revitalization plan addressing budget deficits and departmental reorganization to stabilize the city’s finances.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-57.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Jail-break-at-the-beach.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-october-city-manager-aims-to-revitalize-santa-monica/) You can find the rest of 2025 reviews here: [January](https://www.smdp.com/2025-began-with-a-generational-disaster/), [February](https://www.smdp.com/wildfire-impacts-continued-to-smolder-as-normal-life-returned-to-the-city/), [March](https://www.smdp.com/council-pitches-wild-ideas-to-dig-the-city-out-of-a-33m-budget-hole/), [April](https://www.smdp.com/setback-for-school-separation-and-the-city-heads-for-a-fiscal-cliff/), [May](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-may-safety-concerns-rise-to-the-top/), [June](https://www.smdp.com/peaceful-protests-and-random-shootings-in-downtown/), [July](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-july-homelessness-increases-despite-county-declines/), [August](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-august-resignations-rock-city-hall/), [September](https://www.smdp.com/year-in-review-september-new-air-service-takes-off-at-smo/). ### **In Case You Missed** [Controversial developer defaults on Promenade loansLeo 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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-54.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0730.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/controversial-developer-defaults-on-promenade-loans/) [FAA rules Santa Monica violated federal law over feesThe FAA ruled Santa Monica illegally accumulated $19M in airport surplus revenue it planned to use for city services after closure rather than aviation purposes.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-52.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0084-12--1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/faa-rules-santa-monica-violated-federal-law-over-fees/) ### Events [ **Live Music Fridays at The Surfing Fox** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/live-music-fridays-at-the-surfing-fox/14385252/2026-01-02T18) 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** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/beginner-reformer-pilates-at-good-body-pilates-studio/16094481/2026-01-03T10) Good Body Pilates Studio 3229 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica Sat. Jan 3 10:00AM Good Body Pilates Studio, Santa Monica [ **Downtown Walking Tour** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/downtown-walking-tour/15830816/2026-01-03T10) Hosteling Intl. Sat. Jan 3 10:00AM 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica [ **Santa Monica Airport Antique Market** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/santa-monica-airport-antique-market/15831601/2026-01-04T08) Santa Monica Airport Sun. Jan 4 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/14970341/2026-01-04T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Jan 4 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [ **The Gordons Improv Residency** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/the-gordons-improv-residency/14863274/2026-01-05T19) Westside Comedy Theater Mon. Jan 5 7:00PM 1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica [ **Memories & Movement Senior Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/memories-movement-senior-club/14853634/2026-01-06T10) Virginia Avenue Park Tue. Jan 6 10:30AM 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica [ **Tech & Tasks** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/tech-tasks/16225799/2026-01-06T16) Pico Branch Library Tue. Jan 6 4:00PM 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica [ **Rent Control Board Meeting** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/rent-control-board-meeting/13406661/2026-01-08T19) Santa Monica City Hall Thu. Jan 8 7:00PM 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica