> ## 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 31, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-31-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-31T17:55:39.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-31T17:55:38.000Z - Author: Editor It's summer in January.. Today: ☀️ High 80° / Low 58° Tomorrow: 🌤️ High 75° / Low 53° ### **First Up** ![chart of declining funds](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w960/format/webp/2026/01/SMC-Fund-Balance.png) ### 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](https://www.smdp.com/layoffs-coming-to-santa-monica-college-as-the-school-runs-out-of-money-next-year/) --- ![recovered merchandise](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w960/format/webp/2026/01/SMPD---Cover.jpg) ### 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](https://www.smdp.com/police-bust-retail-theft-ring/) ### **Close to Home** [Santa Monicans gather for anti-ICE protestsProtesters 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.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-185.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0121-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monicans-gather-for-anti-ice-protests/) [Santa Monica Senator Fights to Protect CA Recycling Label LawCalifornia State Senator Ben Allen from Santa Monica is opposing a federal bill that would weaken California’s truth-in-labeling law for recyclable products.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-186.png)SMDPMaaz Alin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/COVER---Ben-Allen-1.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/allen-opposes-federal-bill-that-would-weaken-california-recycling-label-law/) [Santa Monica May Expand Downtown Alcohol-Friendly ZoneSanta 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.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-188.png)SMDPDevan Sipher![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0100-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/santa-monicas-entertainment-zone-could-expand-throughout-downtown-and-into-neighboring-streets/) ### **In Case You Missed It** [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 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/) [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/) [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/) ### Events [ **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 [ **Venice Electric Light Parade - Sundays at Sunset** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/venice-electric-light-parade-sundays-at-sunset/14970341/2026-02-01T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Feb 1 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [ **The Gordons Improv Residency** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/the-gordons-improv-residency/14863274/2026-02-02T19) Westside Comedy Theater Mon. Feb 2 7:00PM 1323-A 3rd St, Santa Monica [Read our PDF version](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/013026.pdf%0A?ref=smdp.com)