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Newsletter: Jan 30, 2026

By Editor

Abundant sunshine. High 78F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Today: ☀️ High 79° / Low 56°
Tomorrow: ☀️ High 80° / Low 56°

First Up

downtown

Santa Monica's entertainment zone could expand throughout Downtown and into neighboring streets

Santa Monica officials are considering expanding the downtown Entertainment Zone, where patrons can carry alcoholic drinks while walking outdoors...READ

Close to Home

SMMUSD Board Updates Student Policies After Years of No Changes
SMMUSD is updating nine student services policies, including attendance rules, work permits, and safety transfers to align with new California legislation and CSBA guidelines.
Malibu’s Homelessness Continues 5-Year Decline, Down to 44 People
Malibu’s homeless population decreased to 44 in 2026, down from 46 in 2025 and 69 in 2024, marking the fifth straight year of decline thanks to outreach and housing efforts.
Santa Monica’s Top Events: Food, Music & Culture This Week
Discover Santa Monica’s top events this week including DineLA Restaurant Week, Leonard Cohen Tribute Concert, Grammy events, and local workshops through Feb 6.
California Bill Guarantees Human Customer Service Within 5 Minutes
California’s new Right to Human Customer Service Act would require large businesses to provide human customer service representatives within 5 minutes of request.

In Case You Missed It

Santa Monica Passes New Worker Protections for Pier Businesses
Santa Monica City Council voted 6-1 to require pier hospitality businesses to rehire laid-off workers and retain employees for 90 days after ownership changes.
Former Teacher Opens Community Gym on Pico in Santa Monica
New Santa Monica gym Spry Fitness offers personalized training in a non-intimidating environment, with one-on-one and small group sessions for ages 12-80+.
Toxic Pesticide Endangers California Communities 20 Years Later
Methyl bromide remains in use across 36 California counties despite a 2005 phaseout recommendation, with Long Beach exposure levels nearly double state safety limits.
Santa Monica files $18M lawsuit over illegal short-term rentals
City alleges systematic conversion of rent-controlled units to Airbnb rentals violated municipal housing law The city of Santa Monica has filed a lawsuit against a family of landlords who control more than 25 rent-controlled properties, alleging they illegally converted dozens of apartments into short-term Airbnb rentals and pocketed approximately $18

Events

New Exhibition at the history museum celebrates Food & Family

Santa Monica History Museum

Fri. Jan 30 11:00AM

1350 Seventh Street, Santa Monica

the_NDA_show

The Crow

Fri. Jan 30 8:00PM

2525 Michigan Avenue #Unit F4, Santa Monica

Comedy and Magic at The Santa Monica Playhouse

Santa Monica Playhouse

Sat. Jan 31 7:30PM

1211 4th St,, Santa Monica

New Exhibition at the history museum celebrates Food & Family

Santa Monica History Museum

Sat. Jan 31 11:00AM

1350 Seventh Street, Santa Monica

The Regent Reset

Regent Santa Monica Beach | Pacific Garden

Sat. Jan 31 8:30AM

1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica

SMOKESTACK LIGHTNING

Harvelle's Santa Monica

Sat. Jan 31 9:30PM

1432 4th St,, Santa Monica

Kaleidoscope performs in Santa Monica, Sunday February 1, 2026

First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica

Sun. Feb 1 2:00PM

1220 2nd St., Santa Monica

Makers Hive Market

Santa Monica Place

Sun. Feb 1 12:00PM

395 Santa Monica Pl,, Santa Monica

New Exhibition at the history museum celebrates Food & Family

Santa Monica History Museum

Sun. Feb 1 11:00AM

1350 Seventh Street, Santa Monica

Santa Monica Airport Antique Market

Santa Monica Airport

Sun. Feb 1 8:00AM

2800-3200 Airport Ave, Santa Monica

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