Community - SMDP

Around Town: Valentine’s, Galentine’s President’s Day Weekend Happenings

From romantic dinners to Galentine's gatherings, Santa Monica offers dozens of Valentine's Day celebrations, President's Day activities, and Lunar New Year events across the Westside this weekend, including the Block Fest on the Promenade and ATTUNE at Tongva Park.

By Sean Besser

/ 12 Feb 2026

People enjoying Valentine's Day and President's Day weekend activities in Santa Monica, California

Elks support disabled children

The Santa Monica Elks Lodge recently held a successful Mah Jong Mania fundraiser, raising over $7,000 to help disabled children receive needed therapy. The event drew 60 participants who enjoyed a full day of Mah Jong play with meals and prizes.

By Guest Author

/ 11 Feb 2026

Four women from the Santa Monica Elks Lodge who organized the Mah Jong Mania fundraiser for disabled children's therapy

HexClad and LA’s Culinary Leaders support Steadfast LA in Wildfire Recovery Efforts

HexClad hosted 'Rise & Dine LA' at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, bringing together Gordon Ramsay, Dominique Crenn, and other culinary stars to support Steadfast LA's wildfire recovery efforts. The event featured 300 guests including Dr. Dre and a performance by Macy Gray.

By Michelle Edgar

/ 28 Jan 2026

Celebrity guests and Michelin-starred chefs gathered at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades for HexClad's wildfire recovery fundraising dinner

From Ash to Action: Steadfast LA, Samara, and Supervisor Barger Launch New Model for Fire Recovery With First Modular Home Installation in Altadena

In just 34 days from permit to installation, Steadfast LA and Samara delivered the first permanent wildfire recovery home to the Rodriguez family in Altadena, marking one of the fastest post-fire housing installations in LA County history.

By Michelle Edgar

/ 27 Jan 2026

Installation of a modular home in Altadena, California, with Steadfast LA and LA County officials present for the Rodriguez family's new home delivery

Around Town: DineLA is Back, Not So Dry January, & More!

SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes DineLA is Back, Not So Dry January, Happy Birthday Marion Festival, Pizza and Bread Making

By Sean Besser

/ 22 Jan 2026

Around Town: DineLA is Back, Not So Dry January, & More!

A Game of Connection: How Jimmy Dunne’s Bocce League Became a Palisadian Tradition

One year after fire altered Pacific Palisades, Jimmy Dunne's bocce league has become more than a game—it's a community anchor. With 36 teams and rebuilt courts, residents find connection and healing through this unexpected tradition.

By Michelle Edgar

/ 20 Jan 2026

People playing bocce at Veterans Gardens in Pacific Palisades with restored courts visible against backdrop of recovering fire-damaged landscape

41st Annual MLK Celebration Set for Jan. 19

Santa Monica will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 41st annual celebration on Monday, Jan. 19 at John Adams Middle School. Emmy-winning producer Bonnie Boswell will deliver the keynote address at this free community event.

By Matthew Hall

/ 15 Jan 2026

Image related to Santa Monica's 41st Annual MLK Day celebration featuring Emmy Award-winning producer Bonnie Boswell as keynote speaker

Bank of America Grants $1 Million for Pacific Palisades YMCA Reconstruction

Bank of America has granted $1 million to rebuild the Lowe Family YMCA serving Pacific Palisades-Malibu, which was destroyed in LA wildfires a year ago. The donation is the first and largest corporate contribution to the YMCA's $25 million capital campaign.

By Maaz Alin

/ 12 Jan 2026

Bank of America representatives presenting a $1 million check to YMCA officials for the Pacific Palisades facility reconstruction

Santa Monica Pier to Host First Drive-In Movie Night

The Santa Monica Pier will host its first drive-in movie experience on January 15, featuring 'Grease' from 3:30-9:30pm. The event includes 1950s-themed activities, classic cars, live performances, and free popcorn for early arrivals.

By Maaz Alin

/ 11 Jan 2026

Santa Monica Pier prepared for drive-in movie night with cars parked on the iconic wooden deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Los Angeles Launches "We Show Up" Campaign to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Devastating Fires

Los Angeles will mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires with a week-long 'We Show Up' campaign urging residents to support ongoing recovery efforts in Altadena, Pasadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades.

By Maaz Alin

/ 9 Jan 2026

LA Rises 'We Show Up' campaign promotional image supporting fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles communities including Malibu and Pacific Palisades

Around Town: Polar Plunge, Comedy Shows, Bollywood, & More!

Santa Monica's weekend lineup includes the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Annenberg Beach House, Symphonic Bollywood at Broadstage, comedy shows, and the final weeks of beachside ice skating. Plus, new restaurant openings like HomeState and Holy Basil.

By Sean Besser

/ 8 Jan 2026

Event promotional image for Santa Monica weekend activities including the Polar Bear Plunge and other local events

Malibu to Mark One Year Since Devastating Palisades Fire With Community Commemoration

Malibu will host a community commemoration on January 7 marking one year since the devastating Palisades Fire that claimed 12 lives and destroyed over 6,800 structures across Los Angeles' westside communities, becoming California's third-most destructive wildfire.

By Maaz Alin

/ 5 Jan 2026

Image related to the Palisades Fire aftermath or recovery in Malibu, California