Community - SMDP

Palisades Recovery Becomes a Test of Leadership, Insurance, and Accountability

In a community still rebuilding from one of the most devastating coastal fires in recent memory, Thursday’s gathering in Pacific Palisades was less about ceremony and more about control

By Michelle Edgar

/ 4 Mar 2026

Rick Caruso and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan walking through fire-damaged areas of Pacific Palisades, California during community recovery tour

LA Marathon returns with personalized race guides to commemorate every runner’s accomplishments

The Los Angeles Marathon is back for 2026, and for the first time in the race's four-decade history, every runner who crosses the finish line at Avenue of

By Matthew Hall

/ 2 Mar 2026

LA Marathon returns with personalized race guides to commemorate every runner’s accomplishments

Santa Monica Native Launches Literary Project to Preserve Pico Neighborhood's Vanishing Voices

As rising rents and redevelopment continue to reshape one of Los Angeles County's most storied working-class neighborhoods, a Santa Monica native is fighting back with poetry, essays, and

By Maaz Alin

/ 2 Mar 2026

Raquel 'Rocky' Perez standing in front of Santa Monica Pier selling poetry books at a community event

Live to Serve: A Visionary Series on Transformation, Service, and Returning to One’s Calling at The Crow

On Sunday evening at The Crow in Santa Monica, a room known for holding intimate truths will become the starting point of something larger - not a performance in the

By Matthew Hall

/ 26 Feb 2026

Speaker or performer at The Crow venue in Santa Monica during Live to Serve transformation series event

March at the Market

March Blog 2026 Celebrating everything green this month. Especially veggies! And who knew there was such a thing as green lavender! (Ask AZ Ranch) With springtime rains, market greens are

By Guest Author

/ 25 Feb 2026

Shoppers browsing fresh produce at Santa Monica farmers market with vendors and community activities in background

Students send community Valentines to senior citizens

Last week students from the Upper School Community Engagement Honors Society at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences completed a student-led Valentine’s Day card initiative benefiting residents at Santa

By Guest Author

/ 25 Feb 2026

Students working at tables creating handmade Valentine's Day cards during a card-making event at Crossroads School in Santa Monica

11th annual Black History Greens Festival celebrates culture, history and wellness

The city of Santa Monica and the Black Santa Monica Community Group will host the 11th annual Black History Greens Festival on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Virginia Avenue Park. The

By Guest Author

/ 24 Feb 2026

11th annual Black History Greens Festival celebrates culture, history and wellness

Around Town: Lunar New Year's and Mardi Gras Celebrations

SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Lunar New Years and Mardi Gras Celebrations, Gladstones LAFD Event, a Star Wars themed dinner,

By Sean Besser

/ 19 Feb 2026

Santa Monica Place shopping center preparing for Lunar New Year celebrations in Santa Monica, California

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