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Newsletter: Jan 31, 2026

By Editor

It's summer in January..
Today: ☀️ High 80° / Low 58°
Tomorrow: 🌤️ High 75° / Low 53°

First Up

chart of declining funds

Layoffs coming to Santa Monica College as the school runs out of money next year

Santa Monica College will eliminate approximately 70 positions as it faces a projected $16.7 million deficit that could deplete its financial reserves by...READ


recovered merchandise

Santa Monica PD busts major retail theft ring

The Santa Monica Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division executed multiple search warrants across three counties, arresting five suspects and recovering approximately...READ

Close to Home

Santa Monicans gather for anti-ICE protests
Protesters across the United States staged a nationwide “blackout” strike calling for no work, no school and no shopping to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement on Friday. Santa Monicans gathered along Olympic Blvd. to participate and specifically call out Amazon’s affiliation with the federal government.
Santa Monica Senator Fights to Protect CA Recycling Label Law
California State Senator Ben Allen from Santa Monica is opposing a federal bill that would weaken California’s truth-in-labeling law for recyclable products.
Santa Monica May Expand Downtown Alcohol-Friendly Zone
Santa Monica’s downtown Entertainment Zone could expand from its current 3-block area to include Fourth Street to Ocean Avenue and from Wilshire to Colorado, following DTSM approval.

In Case You Missed It

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 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+.
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
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.

Events

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

Venice Electric Light Parade - Sundays at Sunset

Windward Plaza

Sun. Feb 1 12:00AM

1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice

The Gordons Improv Residency

Westside Comedy Theater

Mon. Feb 2 7:00PM

1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica

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