May
Parking Overhaul Debated
Consultants proposed replacing downtown's 90-minute free parking with flat rates to raise revenue. Business leaders opposed the plan, fearing it would deter visitors. The DTSM board recommended maintaining the grace period and exploring evening flat rates instead.
Downtown Santa Monica Board urges caution on alcohol-allowed Promenade plan
While Santa Monica's City Council voted to create a permanent entertainment zone allowing open-container alcohol on Third Street Promenade, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. board members expressed concerns about security, enforcement and costs. Board members questioned monitoring capabilities and called for clear safeguards before launching the program.
California launches free AI tool to speed fire recovery
Governor Gavin Newsom launched an AI-driven software system to accelerate building permit approvals for Eaton and Palisades fire recovery. The free Archistar technology used computer vision and machine learning to check designs against building codes instantly, reducing approval times from weeks to hours. Los Angeles city and county governments committed to using the system.
Samohi students get a call from the highest flying alumni
Santa Monica High graduate Jonathan Kim, now a NASA astronaut orbiting Earth, virtually spoke to SMMUSD students. Kim became a Navy SEAL, earned a Harvard medical degree, and joined NASA in 2017. He launched April 8, 2025 for an eight-month mission, making Samohi the only U.S. high school producing two unrelated astronauts.
As academics argue over minimum wage impact, business owners say the cost is wearing them down
California's $20 fast-food minimum wage sparked intense debate between economists and business owners. A pair of academic studies contradicted each other on lost jobs. However, local business owners reported dramatic impacts, with all her Los Angeles County locations showing negative sales for 12 consecutive months after the April 2024 increase. The businesses reduced employee hours, raised prices, and depleted 30% of their capital reserves built over 40 years.
Entertainment Zone Approved
The City Council approved a "soft launch" for the Promenade Entertainment Zone, allowing open alcohol consumption in designated areas. Staff said they would review the program's impact in six months to determine if it should be expanded to adjacent streets.
Crayola Donation
Epic Entertainment Group donated $60,000 worth of Crayola supplies to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica. The gift aims to foster creativity and joy for local children following recent wildfires and community hardships.
Democratic Club Endorsements
The Santa Monica Democratic Club endorsed state bills expanding environmental protections and labor rights. Backed legislation includes AB 648 for community college housing and SB 7 regarding AI in the workplace, aiming to protect vulnerable populations.
Gelato Flagship Opens
Brazilian-born Italian gelato brand Bacio di Latte is opening a flagship location near the Promenade. The shop features daily in-house production using organic dairy and seasonal fruit, designed with a rustic Italian kitchen aesthetic.
Skateboarding Takeover
Street League Skateboarding (SLS) brought a free "Takeover" event to the Santa Monica Pier, recreating a famous skate spot for a single-day competition. The event featured top pros and blends high-stakes skating with a festival atmosphere.
Cyclist Assault
A cyclist reported being shoved off his bike and assaulted by a stranger on the Third Street Promenade. The victim criticized the slow police response and lack of intervention by nearby security, highlighting safety concerns in the district.
Promenade Shooting
A man was fatally shot during an attempted robbery inside a closed store on the Third Street Promenade. The victim killed one suspect, and police arrested a second suspect, Karen Melikyan, charging him with homicide and conspiracy. In an unrelated case, a man was hospitalized after being shot during an altercation in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel driveway on the same night.
Outlandish Expands
Santa Monica-based retailer Outlandish said it was expanding to Brazil through a partnership with MindgruveMacarta. The move supports TikTok Shop's Latin American launch, leveraging Outlandish's live shopping expertise developed at its Third Street Promenade studio.
Archer Aviation
Archer Aviation was named the official air taxi provider for the LA28 Olympic Games. The company plans to use its electric "Midnight" aircraft to ferry passengers between venues, significantly reducing travel time compared to cars.
PCH Master Plan
Caltrans unveiled a long-term Master Plan for PCH in Malibu, proposing lane reductions and new sidewalks. Residents and officials expressed concern about implementing major changes during fire recovery, fearing increased congestion and safety risks.
Waymo recall
Waymo issued a voluntary recall of over 1,200 self-driving vehicles following low-speed collisions with roadside barriers like gates and chains. The company resolved the issue through a December 2024 software update affecting its fifth-generation system. NHTSA investigated 16 collisions between 2022-2024, none causing injuries. Waymo continued operating in multiple cities despite the recall.
Endangered fish return home after five-month fire recovery
Endangered northern tidewater gobies returned to Topanga Canyon Lagoon after spending five months recovering at two Southern California aquariums following their January rescue from the Palisades Fire. Eight organizations collaborated on the rescue, funded by $43,000 in donations. The fish population was Los Angeles County's healthiest before the fire devastated their habitat.
Federal agencies tout record setting pace to clear firedamaged property
Over 5,000 properties across Eaton and Palisades burn areas were cleared of fire debris in what officials called America's fastest major disaster cleanup. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA and California removed over 2 million tons of debris in three months, with 2,500 additional properties cleared awaiting final approval.
Lawmakers work to protect kids online
Senate leaders reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act, bipartisan legislation requiring social media platforms to protect minors from harmful content. The bill previously passed the Senate 91-3 in 2024 but stalled in the House. Advocates including bereaved parents urged passage, citing continued deaths from online challenges and fentanyl purchases facilitated by social platforms.
Heal the Bay Report
The Santa Monica Pier received an "F" grade for water quality in Heal the Bay's annual report. Officials cited bird feces and urban runoff as causes, while the city noted that most of its coastline remains clean.
Ready to Succeed
Nonprofit Ready to Succeed celebrated the graduation of 27 foster and first-generation college students. The program provides mentorship and career coaching, and graduates received a surprise $54,000 gift to split to help launch their careers.
Shore Hotel opens new restaurant
The Shore Hotel opened Shoreside, a California-coastal restaurant and bar, following a year-long renovation. Executive Chef Todd Bohak, a Santa Monica native, led the sustainable concept featuring a fully electric kitchen with induction cooktops and energy-efficient equipment. The space included ocean views, a 16-seat marble bar, and stretched from the lobby to an open-air patio.
DTSM Budget
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. board members voted to reallocate $400,000 for parking structure maintenance and $150,000 for entertainment zone events while reducing lighting and winter decoration budgets. The changes shifted from enhanced zone maintenance to custodial services, with total parking costs reaching $628,000 compared to last year's $1.2 million, representing significant savings.
Ballet honors firefighters
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica honored firefighters at its "Masters of Movement" performances featuring NYC Ballet principals Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. The Gala recognized first responders with the Huntley Community Arts Award, with proceeds supporting the Fire Relief Scholarship Fund for 55 affected ballet families who lost homes in 2025 LA-area fires.
More mall closures
True Food Kitchen and Aesop closed Santa Monica Place locations as Prism Places assumed management of the financially distressed mall. The property, under court-appointed receiver Trigild after Macerich's $300 million loan default, faced nearly 70% vacancy. The closures reflected broader challenges as the once-flagship shopping center struggled to maintain tenants despite pop-up attractions.
Airport Options
The city released three potential options for the future of the Santa Monica Airport site, envisioning varying mixes of housing, parkland, and water features. A public survey was opened to gather feedback on the proposals.
City Manager Contract
The City Council unanimously appointed Oliver Chi as the new City Manager with a salary over $410,000. Chi, formerly of Irvine, will oversee the city's budget and recovery efforts, with the contract including housing assistance.
Food Drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers held its annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive. Residents were encouraged to leave non-perishable food by mailboxes for collection to support local food banks during the summer months.
Turf Debate
A controversy erupted over SMMUSD's plan to install synthetic turf at Franklin and Grant elementary schools. The district cited durability and safety, while parents and environmentalists opposed it due to concerns about heat and plastic materials.
Minimum Wage Debate
A new study challenged claims that California's fast-food minimum wage hike caused job losses. However, franchise owners report financial strain, shuffling funds to pay bills. The debate continues over the law's impact on employment and business viability.
Sexual Assault (SMC)
A student at Santa Monica College reported a sexual battery in the library. The suspect asked for a kiss before grabbing the victim.
Bathroom Vandalism
Santa Monica police arrested Jairo Navarette, 49, a homeless man, for vandalizing Ocean Front Walk public restrooms by flushing trash down toilets. The damage cost the city approximately $10,000 in April repairs alone, with individual incidents costing $1,500-$2,500 each. Navarette was booked on felony vandalism charges following his Sunday arrest near Ocean Avenue.
Monsignor Torgerson
Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson Pastor celebrated 60 years of priesthood with half of that spent at Monica’s Church. Torgerson is a Los Angeles native ordained in 1965. After serving at Holy Trinity in San Pedro and earning a Masters from Fordham, he directed Youth Ministry for 11 years and Religious Education for the LA Archdiocese until 1987. Has been at St. Monica for 30 years, serving as pastor for 25 years.
Insurance criticism following wildfires
State Farm faced mounting criticism over delayed smoke damage claims following LA-area fires, prompting Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to demand answers. Fire survivors, lawmakers and advocates asked Lara to investigate the company, which simultaneously sought a 17% rate increase. The company received approximately 12,500 fire-related claims and paid over $3.12 billion, expecting total payouts exceeding $7 billion.
School Opening Delayed
The reopening of the Ocean Park neighborhood school, housing Muir and SMASH, was delayed until 2026 due to construction timelines. Students remained displaced while the campus underwent significant renovations.
Spirit Awards depart Santa Monica due to anticipated Pier bridge construction
The Film Independent Spirit Awards relocated from Santa Monica to Hollywood Palladium for its February 15, 2026 ceremony, ending decades at the beachside location. Organizers cited Santa Monica's Pier Bridge replacement project as a factor. The move represented the second major film event departing Santa Monica recently, following the American Film Market's relocation to Las Vegas in 2024.
Beacon Hotel closes, guests out of pocket as it preps for relaunch as ‘The Eden’
The Beacon hotel on Ocean Avenue abruptly closed in April, canceling reservations without notice as parent company Sonder faced financial troubles. The historic Art Deco property, formerly Hotel Shangri-La, was set to reopen in early June as The Eden. International guests lost money on currency exchanges, while Sonder struggled with debt restructuring and potential Nasdaq delisting.
Gov. Gavin Newsom urges cities and counties to ban homeless encampments
Governor Gavin Newsom urged California cities to clear homeless encampments, unveiling a statewide blueprint for camping bans that local governments could adopt. He released $3.3 billion in voter-approved funds for housing and treatment. The model ordinance prohibited persistent camping and encampments blocking sidewalks, requiring officials to offer shelter before clearing sites. Major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco already began clearing encampments following a Supreme Court ruling that eased restrictions. Critics argued bans disrupted housing efforts and caused people to lose documents and case manager contacts. A 2024 audit revealed California spent $24 billion over five years on homelessness without consistently tracking effectiveness.
Local rules already surpass state proposals
Santa Monica's anti-camping ordinance imposed stricter regulations than Governor Gavin Newsom's May 2025 statewide model ordinance. The local law prohibited camping in virtually all public spaces at any time, treating violations as criminal misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Newsom's model focused on preventing permanent encampments rather than banning all outdoor sleeping, required 48-hour written notices before clearances, and mandated shelter offers before enforcement. Santa Monica's zero-tolerance approach allowed immediate citations for single-night camping, while the state model permitted temporary camping up to three days. City officials emphasized a "lead-with-compassion" enforcement philosophy despite the stricter legal framework.
Stabbing near Santa Monica Pier follows fight between two unhoused individuals
A man was hospitalized in stable condition Saturday night after a stabbing near the Santa Monica Pier at Ocean and Colorado Avenues. Police said the incident stemmed from a dispute between two individuals believed to be experiencing homelessness. A suspect was detained nearby without resistance, and the intersection temporarily closed before reopening.
SMC Student Deported
A Santa Monica College student was apprehended by ICE agents near his West Los Angeles residence on May 5 and subsequently deported. College officials confirmed the student was physically safe and planned to seek legal counsel. The incident occurred off-campus. SMC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all students regardless of immigration status and maintained policies restricting information sharing with immigration authorities without court orders. Santa Monica police confirmed they do not participate in immigration enforcement operations.
Budget Shortfall
Santa Monica faced a $60 million budget shortfall over five years due to slow economic recovery. The city planned to use reserves and Measure K funds to maintain services while addressing structural deficits.
Malibu District Rejected
The LA County Committee rejected Malibu's petition for an independent school district for the second time. The vote followed recusals from Santa Monica members, leaving the separation process stalled pending further negotiations.
PCH Reopens
PCH reopened early after accelerated debris cleanup from the Palisades fire. While accessible, the road had reduced capacity. Officials warned of ongoing repairs and urged caution in the construction zones.
Hiring Freeze
Facing financial strain, Santa Monica paused new hiring. Staff highlighted the need for fiscal caution during a budget study session, with proposed cuts to manage the deficit.
Memorial Day Ceremony
A small, heartfelt ceremony at Santa Monica College honored fallen service members. Keynote speaker Rocio V. Palermo reflected on sacrifice, and the event concluded with a rendition of "Amazing Grace."
Jewelry Thief Arrested
Santa Monica police arrested Craig Anthony Richey, 58, on April 23 for a home invasion robbery on La Mesa Drive where $56,000 in jewelry was stolen. The suspect displayed a firearm during the incident. Detectives tracked the stolen items leading to Richey's arrest and booking for first-degree robbery. The investigation continued.
Therapist Arrested
Physical therapist Fernando A. Salazar was arrested for sexual battery alleged to have occurred during a session.
Camp Ban Proposal
Governor Newsom urged cities to ban homeless encampments, providing a model ordinance. Santa Monica officials noted their local rules are already stricter, prohibiting camping in public spaces at all times.
Retailers Leave Mall
True Food Kitchen and Aesop closed their locations at Santa Monica Place. The mall is now under new management by Prism Places following a loan default, with plans to revitalize the space using local programming.
Ballet Honors
Westside Ballet's gala honored alumnus Andrew Veyette and featured performances ranging from classical to contemporary. The event celebrated the company's legacy and community contributions, including scholarships for aspiring dancers.
Marina Culture Jam
Marina del Rey celebrated its 60th anniversary with the "Marina Culture Jam," a free festival featuring music, art, and cultural performances at Burton Chace Park to engage the community.