> ## 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 30, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-30-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-30T18:23:15.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-30T18:23:15.000Z - Author: 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](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/2026/01/DSC_0100.JPG) ### 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](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monicas-entertainment-zone-could-expand-throughout-downtown-and-into-neighboring-streets/) ### **Close to Home** [SMMUSD Board Updates Student Policies After Years of No ChangesSMMUSD is updating nine student services policies, including attendance rules, work permits, and safety transfers to align with new California legislation and CSBA guidelines.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-183.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/smmusd.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/school-board-considers-major-student-services-policy-updates/) [Malibu’s Homelessness Continues 5-Year Decline, Down to 44 PeopleMalibu’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.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-182.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/docswrite-ad_4nxdmym3unudmgqxhsz717raixdsh.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/malibu-continues-multi-year-trend-of-declining-homelessness/) [Santa Monica’s Top Events: Food, Music & Culture This WeekDiscover Santa Monica’s top events this week including DineLA Restaurant Week, Leonard Cohen Tribute Concert, Grammy events, and local workshops through Feb 6.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-180.png)SMDPSean Besser![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/batalla.png)](https://www.smdp.com/around-town-dinela-leonard-cohen-tribute-concert-grammy-events/) [California Bill Guarantees Human Customer Service Within 5 MinutesCalifornia’s new Right to Human Customer Service Act would require large businesses to provide human customer service representatives within 5 minutes of request.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-179.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Rick-Zbur-2.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/lawmaker-proposes-guaranteed-access-to-human-customer-service/) ### **In Case You Missed It** [Santa Monica Passes New Worker Protections for Pier BusinessesSanta 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.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-178.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/Pier_11--1-.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-approves-new-rules-for-who-can-work-in-businesses-on-city-owned-property/) [Former Teacher Opens Community Gym on Pico in Santa MonicaNew 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+.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-177.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Spry-2.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/former-teacher-opens-community-focused-gym-on-pico-boulevard/) [Toxic Pesticide Endangers California Communities 20 Years LaterMethyl bromide remains in use across 36 California counties despite a 2005 phaseout recommendation, with Long Beach exposure levels nearly double state safety limits.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-176.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Figure-1-HR-bottom.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/toxic-pesticide-remains-in-widespread-use-across-california-despite-2005-phaseout-recommendation/) [Santa Monica files $18M lawsuit over illegal short-term rentalsCity 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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-175.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/lawsuit-1.png)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-files-18m-lawsuit-over-illegal-short-term-rentals/) ### Events [ **New Exhibition at the history museum celebrates Food & Family** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/new-exhibition-at-the-history-museum-celebrates-food-family/17896821/2026-01-30T11) Santa Monica History Museum Fri. Jan 30 11:00AM 1350 Seventh Street, Santa Monica [ **the\_NDA\_show** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/thendashow/17765051/2026-01-30T20) The Crow Fri. Jan 30 8:00PM 2525 Michigan Avenue #Unit F4, Santa Monica [ **Comedy and Magic at The Santa Monica Playhouse** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/comedy-and-magic-at-the-santa-monica-playhouse/17855996/2026-01-31T19) Santa Monica Playhouse Sat. Jan 31 7:30PM 1211 4th St,, Santa Monica [ **New Exhibition at the history museum celebrates Food & Family** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/new-exhibition-at-the-history-museum-celebrates-food-family/17896821/2026-01-31T11) Santa Monica History Museum Sat. Jan 31 11:00AM 1350 Seventh Street, Santa Monica [ **The Regent Reset** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/the-regent-reset/17903077/2026-01-31T08) Regent Santa Monica Beach | Pacific Garden Sat. Jan 31 8:30AM 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica [ **SMOKESTACK LIGHTNING** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/smokestack-lightning/17779104/2026-01-31T21) Harvelle's Santa Monica Sat. Jan 31 9:30PM 1432 4th St,, Santa Monica [ **Kaleidoscope performs in Santa Monica, Sunday February 1, 2026** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/kaleidoscope-performs-in-santa-monica-sunday-february-1-2026/17839768/2026-02-01T14) First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica Sun. Feb 1 2:00PM 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica [ **Makers Hive Market** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/makers-hive-market/17882256/2026-02-01T12) Santa Monica Place Sun. Feb 1 12:00PM 395 Santa Monica Pl,, Santa Monica [ **New Exhibition at the history museum celebrates Food & Family** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/new-exhibition-at-the-history-museum-celebrates-food-family/17896821/2026-02-01T11) Santa Monica History Museum Sun. Feb 1 11:00AM 1350 Seventh Street, Santa Monica [ **Santa Monica Airport Antique Market** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/santa-monica-airport-antique-market/15831601/2026-02-01T08) Santa Monica Airport Sun. Feb 1 8:00AM 2800-3200 Airport Ave, Santa Monica [Read our PDF version](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/013026.pdf%0A?ref=smdp.com)