August 2024 brought major leadership changes to Santa Monica as Police Chief Ramon Batista and City Attorney Doug Sloan resigned, marking three senior departures. The month also saw controversial housing policy changes and continued challenges with retail theft.
In September 2024, charter carrier JSX applied to operate daily flights from Santa Monica Airport starting in 2025 using quiet turboprop aircraft, even as city officials reaffirmed the airport will still close permanently in 2028.
July 2024 brought contrasting homeless statistics to the Westside, with Santa Monica reporting a 5% increase primarily from people living in vehicles, while Venice saw its unsheltered population drop 22%. The month also saw major changes to the DTSM board and algorithmic rental pricing banned.
Santa Monica police are investigating a shooting in the downtown area, the latest in a series of violent incidents raising community concerns about public safety. Officials are responding with increased security measures as the entertainment zone launches.
Santa Monica grapples with rising safety concerns after a fatal Promenade shooting, beach closures due to poor water quality, and $10,000 in public bathroom vandalism. Officials respond with enhanced security while local businesses face separate economic challenges.
Santa Monica and Malibu face challenges as county officials recommend against school district separation. Meanwhile, Santa Monica approves downtown zoning changes to aid recovery while several businesses close and new developments advance.
Santa Monica is facing a structural deficit requiring $33.2 million from General Fund reserves over five years despite new taxes. The city is grappling with legal settlements, declining tourism, and reduced daytime population while council considers drastic measures.
Santa Monica and Malibu continue recovering from the Palisades Fire with PCH reopening after a month-long closure. Residents express concerns about debris storage sites while local businesses struggle with economic impacts despite avoiding physical damage.
2025 began with a catastrophic disaster as the Palisades Fire ravaged Los Angeles, destroying over 6,800 structures and killing at least 12 people. Santa Monica residents faced evacuations, toxic contamination concerns, and began the long process of recovery.
Longtime Santa Monica resident Amnon Kabatchnik has released the latest volume in his award-winning series, 'Bloody Broadway: Plays of Menace, Murder, and Mystery,' examining 79 crime-focused Broadway plays from 1900-1930.
City Manager Oliver Chi has appointed Darrick Jacob as Santa Monica's next chief of police. Jacob, who has served with SMPD since 2004 and as acting chief since August 2025, is the first internal candidate selected for the position in over 40 years.
