> ## 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 7, 2026 - URL: https://www.smdp.com/newsletter-jan-7-2026/ - Published: 2026-01-07T19:18:51.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-07T19:18:51.000Z - Author: Editor ### **First Up** ![fire zone](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/2026/01/DSC_0077.jpg) Photo: SMDP ### **Investors snap up fire zone properties and housing recovery struggles** Nearly one year after devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, investors are purchasing about 40% of properties in hard-hit areas....[READ](https://www.smdp.com/investors-snap-up-fire-zone-properties-and-housing-recovery-struggles/) ### **Close to Home** [Woman in custody after child dies in Santa MonicaA woman was in custody Tuesday after an infant died with significant injuries at a Santa Monica apartment, police said.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-72.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/612167214_1313779157457576_7281424024316389302_n.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/woman-in-custody-after-child-dies-in-santa-monica/) [LA County’s Slow Recovery: One Year After Devastating WildfiresLos Angeles continues rebuilding one year after Palisades and Eaton fires killed 31 people and destroyed 16,000+ structures. Only 10 homes have been rebuilt so far.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-68.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_0391-1.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/los-angeles-continues-its-road-to-recovery-one-year-after-twin-infernos-ripped-through-the-region/) [California’s Fire Recovery: Insurance Fairness Gaps in LA CountyOne year after wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, California’s insurance system shows deep disparities in claims handling, regulatory challenges, and rebuilding fairness.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-70.png)SMDPGuest Author![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/DSC_9698.JPG)](https://www.smdp.com/californias-fire-recovery-reckoning-what-one-year-revealed-about-insurance-claims-and-fairness/) [Rams’ Stafford Leads NFL MVP Race Heading Into February DecisionMatthew Stafford and Drake Maye are the frontrunners for NFL MVP, with winners to be announced February 5\. Stafford led the Rams to a 12-5 record.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-71.png)SMDPAssociated Press![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/la-rams-logo-blue-01-15-16.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/nfl-mvp-debate-will-continue-until-a-winner-is-announced-next-month/) ### **In Case You Missed** [Santa Monica Podcast on Housing Crisis Reaches #1 NationwideSanta Monica Daily Press’s podcast ‘A Developing Story’ reached #1 in local news rankings, proving how community journalism on housing issues can resonate nationally.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-67.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/A-developing-story-500x500-1.webp)](https://www.smdp.com/a-developing-story-tops-national-charts-showcasing-the-power-of-local-journalism/) [Historic Route 66 Centennial Kicks Off at Santa Monica PierRoute 66 centennial celebrations began at Santa Monica Pier with a vintage car caravan departing for a cross-country journey to Chicago and Detroit’s Auto Show.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/icon/New-logo-stacked-square-65.png)SMDPMatthew Hall![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_1820.jpg)](https://www.smdp.com/route-66-celebrations-begin-with-road-trip-from-the-pier/) ### Events [ **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 [ **Live Music Fridays at The Surfing Fox** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/live-music-fridays-at-the-surfing-fox/14385252/2026-01-09T18) 120 Colorado Ave Fri. Jan 9 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/16094481/2026-01-10T10) Good Body Pilates Studio 3229 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica Sat. Jan 10 10:00AM Good Body Pilates Studio, 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/14970341/2026-01-11T00) Windward Plaza Sun. Jan 11 12:00AM 1501 Ocean Front Walk, Venice [ **City Council Meeting** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/city-council-meeting/13799967/2026-01-13T17) Santa Monica City Hall Tue. Jan 13 5:30PM 1685 Main St., Santa Monica [ **Memories & Movement Senior Club** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/memories-movement-senior-club/14853634/2026-01-13T10) Virginia Avenue Park Tue. Jan 13 10:30AM 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica [ **Tech & Tasks** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/tech-tasks/16225799/2026-01-13T16) Pico Branch Library Tue. Jan 13 4:00PM 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica [ **Walking Meditation** ](https://smdp.com/event-3?ref=smdp.com#/details/walking-meditation/16206460/2026-01-13T08) Beach lot 5 South Tue. Jan 13 8:00AM 2600 Bernard Way, Los Angeles