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.
Your complete guide to Santa Monica's holiday celebrations, featuring family-friendly New Year's Eve events, special Christmas dining options at local restaurants, NYE parties, and festive activities across the Westside.
Google has launched an AI-powered digital archive of Route 66 history ahead of the highway's 2026 centennial. The interactive hub features 33 historic attractions across eight states, including special coverage of Santa Monica's endpoint.
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.
The California Strategic Growth Council approved a $49.9 million grant for Santa Monica, with $35M funding the 1318 4th Street affordable housing development and $14.3M supporting sustainable transportation projects including electric buses and protected bike lanes.
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.
NoScrubs, an AI-powered laundry delivery service promising 4-hour turnarounds, has launched in Santa Monica with $4.2M in funding. The service uses AI for quality control and partners with local laundromats to clean and fold clothes for less than $1 per day.
Santa Monica has published application and operational requirements for new cannabis retailers ahead of the January 26, 2026 application period. Applications will be processed first-come, first-served, with social equity provisions and a 4% cannabis business tax.
