July
Venice Homelessness Declined — Venice's unsheltered homeless population dropped 22% in 2024, falling by 165 people to around 585. Researchers found no clear policy explanation for the decline, unlike other LA neighborhoods. Despite the reduction, rough sleeping doubled to 48%.
Pet Shelters Prepared for July 4th — Animal shelters nationwide braced for lost pets during July 4th celebrations. Fireworks caused panic in animals, leading to escapes. Facilities advised owners to microchip pets and keep them indoors during the noisy holiday.
PFAS Contamination Found — A Waterkeeper Alliance report revealed high levels of PFAS "forever chemicals" in household items and local waterways. The study indicated these dangerous substances exceeded federal safety limits, posing risks to public health and environment.
Homeless Student Count Rose — California saw an increase in homeless students, partly due to better identification methods. However, funding for support programs expired, and anticipated federal budget cuts threatened resources for these vulnerable families.
Wildfire Rebuilding Authority Created — LA County Supervisors approved creating a dedicated authority to streamline rebuilding efforts after the Palisades and Altadena wildfires. The initiative aimed to cut red tape and coordinate recovery based on community feedback.
Alcohol Sales Approved Near College — The Planning Commission approved beer and wine sales for a Chevron station near Santa Monica College despite public opposition. Conditions included bans on single-serve containers and requirements for staff to clean nearby trash.
School District Adopted Budget — The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board adopted a $282 million budget for 2025-26. The financial plan addressed declining enrollment and projected deficits while anticipating a student body of 8,333.
Council Pursued Airport Park — The City Council directed staff to study a park-only future for the Santa Monica Airport land. This decision effectively rejected housing development on the site and avoided a Measure LC voter requirement.
Endangered Fish Returned — In a conservation victory, 160 endangered northern tidewater gobies were returned to Topanga Canyon. The fish had been rescued and rehabilitated after the Palisades Fire contaminated their habitat.
Trump Ordered Homeless Crackdown — President Trump signed an executive order prioritizing law enforcement over housing-first approaches to homelessness. The policy encouraged aggressive anti-camping enforcement and involuntary treatment, clashing with California's established strategies.
Worker Retention Ordinance Considered — The City Council considered "right to recall" ordinances. These would require employers on city-owned land to prioritize rehiring laid-off workers based on seniority when positions became available. The idea never came to fruition before the council after threats of lawsuits tabled discussions.
Citywide Equity Plan Reviewed — City officials reviewed a comprehensive five-year Equity Plan and a $5.5 million contract with the RAND Corporation. The initiative established goals to address systemic inequalities in Santa Monica between 2025 and 2030.
Remote Courts Made Permanent — The LA Superior Court launched a pilot program to permanently integrate remote appearance technology in juvenile courts. The move aimed to modernize the system and improve access to justice post-pandemic.
Rental Market Tightened — Santa Monica's rental market became the second most expensive in the region, with low vacancy rates and rising prices. This strength in rentals contrasted with a cooling residential sales market.
Olympics Budget Concerns Raised — State legislators warned that budget constraints might hinder preparations for the 2028 LA Olympics. Officials were concerned about balancing the Games' massive logistical needs with fiscal obligations to vulnerable residents.
HHS Restricted Immigrant Access — The Department of Health and Human Services rescinded a policy allowing undocumented immigrants access to programs like Head Start. Officials claimed this restored legal compliance, while health officials warned of risks.
Malibu School Resource Officer — The Malibu City Council approved a contract to place a Sheriff's deputy as a School Resource Officer for the upcoming school year, satisfying a long-standing community demand for increased security.
AI Commission Drafted White Paper — Santa Monica's AI commission drafted a white paper to guide city policy. The report focused on resources and concerns regarding disability bias in algorithms and image generation technology.
Police Contract Approved — The City Council approved a new police contract in a split vote. Dissenting members opposed a clause tying officer salaries to neighboring cities, arguing it negatively impacted the budget for other roles.
LAHSA CEO Resigned — Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum stepped down as CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Her departure came amid federal investigations into the agency, though she was cleared of specific allegations.
CicLAvia Route Announced — A new CicLAvia route connected Culver City to Venice Beach. The event opened 6.75 miles of streets to pedestrians and cyclists for a car-free community celebration.
DTSM Board Overhauled — In an unprecedented move, the City Council voted to remove all six of its appointees to the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. board. They were replaced with new members to reshape leadership more akin with the Council’s priorities.
Dune Project Postponed — The Coastal Commission postponed a vote on a dune restoration project for Santa Monica beach. Residents raised concerns that the project could increase fire hazards and attract encampments.
Algorithmic Pricing Banned — Santa Monica became one of the first cities to ban algorithmic rental pricing software. Critics argued the technology helped landlords fix rents at artificially high levels, driving up housing costs.
July 4th Parade Celebrated — Santa Monica celebrated Independence Day with its annual Main Street parade. The event featured diverse community participants and marked the holiday without legal fireworks.
Protest Items Banned — The City Council passed an emergency ordinance banning specific items at public assemblies. Leaf blowers, hammers, and frozen water bottles were prohibited at protests to enhance public safety.
Homelessness Increased Locally — Contrasting with countywide decreases, Santa Monica reported a 5% rise in homelessness. The increase was driven largely by a rise in the number of people living in vehicles.
Impersonator Arrested — Steve Farzam, a longtime police impersonator, was arrested for impersonating a firefighter and committing other felonies during the Palisades Fire emergency.
State of the City Held — The annual State of the City event moved to Reed Park, ditching formal speeches for a festival format. The community celebration featured live performances and local government booths.
Pier Pursuit Ended in Arrest — A police pursuit of an armed assault suspect ended at the Santa Monica Pier. Officers arrested the driver and took custody of a dog found in the vehicle.
Neighborhood Funding Studied — The City Council ordered a study of how neighborhood groups were funded. Councilmember Dan Hall raised concerns about taxpayer money supporting organizations that engaged in political lobbying.
Tacos Por Favor Expanded — The popular fast-casual eatery opened its first full-service restaurant and bar. Located in the former Cock n' Bull pub spot, the expansion increased their footprint in Santa Monica.
Big Blue Bus Implemented Bans — Big Blue Bus launched a program allowing officials to ban riders who repeatedly violated rules or committed crimes. The policy utilized authority granted by new state legislation to improve safety.
Diner Antonette Opened — A new restaurant, Diner Antonette, opened in Santa Monica. It combined a French bistro menu with a vintage art deco aesthetic and a retail shop, replacing a former bakery.
Four Wood Golf Opened — A new golf lifestyle club opened on Pico, offering coaching and a curated bar. The space was designed to bring the community together through a shared love of the sport.
Hate Crime Diversion Challenged — The LA District Attorney challenged a judge's ruling that granted mental health diversion to a man accused of a violent hate crime, seeking to reinstate criminal proceedings.
Pasjoli Changed Concept — Chef Dave Beran reopened Pasjoli after a brief closure. The restaurant shifted from high-end French cuisine to a more accessible neighborhood bistro concept to adapt to the current dining landscape.
Bagel Shop Refreshed — New owners Lenny Rosenberg and Adaeze Nwanonyiri purchased the long-standing New York Bagel & Deli. They refreshed the interior and menu while keeping the original recipes intact.
DTSM CEO Departed — Andrew Thomas stepped down as CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. His tenure focused on post-pandemic recovery, public safety, and managing the district's economic challenges.
Psychedelic Summit Hosted — MUD\WTR Café hosted a "Psychedelic Summit" featuring panels and workshops. The event focused on the science and spirituality of mushrooms, blending wellness education with community gathering.
Beach Ranked for Theft — A gambling website study ranked Santa Monica State Beach as the second-most dangerous in the U.S. for theft, citing high rates of vehicle break-ins and property crimes.
Wildfire Storytelling Session Held — USC's Annenberg School hosted a listening session for wildfire survivors. The event allowed community members to record their stories and preserve memories following the devastating Palisades fires.
Olive Oil Boutique Opened — A new gourmet boutique on Montana Avenue specialized in fresh olive oils and vinegars. The shop emphasized health benefits and freshness by sourcing products seasonally from both hemispheres.
Bus Fares Increased — Big Blue Bus raised fares for the first time since 2016. Cash rides increased to $1.50, and pass prices rose to address increased operational costs.
Surplus Land Lease Initiated — Santa Monica initiated a search for developers to lease three city-owned sites. Projects had to include at least 25% affordable housing to meet state mandates.
Malibu Waived Fees — The Malibu City Council approved waiving up to $32 million in planning and building fees. The program aimed to help residents rebuild homes destroyed by recent wildfires.
Downtown Business Restrictions Eased — The Planning Commission unanimously recommended eliminating downtown business restrictions, including bans on dancing and expanded alcohol service. Changes would make permanent 2023 interim measures designed for economic recovery.
California Crime Dropped — California's 2024 homicide rate fell 10.4% to 4.3 per 100,000—second-lowest since 1966. Violent crime dropped 6%, property crime 8.4%. Santa Monica saw overall crimes decline 2%, but murders rose from one to six.
Wildfire Rebuilding Plan Released — LA County released a blueprint to accelerate reconstruction after January's fires destroyed 10,000 structures. The plan waived non-safety codes, deferred fees, and expedited tax relief, potentially saving homeowners $30,000.
Sign Code Relaxation Explored — The Planning Commission considered allowing businesses larger, higher signs to boost economic development. The city also planned a special district for Third Street Promenade potentially allowing digital billboards.
Music Festival Debuted — The Santa Monica Music Festival launched July 17-20 at First Presbyterian Church, featuring 16 performers and music by 20 composers. Tickets ranged from $15-$250.
Beaches Tested Safe Post-Wildfire — Six months post-wildfire, testing showed Santa Monica Bay beaches were largely safe, with contaminants below risk thresholds. However, gaps remained in safety monitoring protocols for disaster-related sand contamination.
Building Code Order Issued — Governor Newsom's executive order allowed wildfire victims to rebuild under 2022 building codes instead of stricter 2025 standards requiring all-electric homes. Environmental advocates criticized the decision.
Construction Measures Announced — Governor Newsom announced measures accelerating post-wildfire construction six months after fires. His executive order eased building codes amid frustration over costs, permitting delays, and insurance gaps.
Olympic Schedule Released — LA28 organizers released the first Olympic competition schedule, exactly three years before the Games. Venice Beach would award the first medal in triathlon. The schedule featured 844 ticketed events.
Event Permits Extended — Malibu City Council extended temporary event permits from January 31 to May 31, 2026, to help businesses recover from the Palisades Fire. The three-tier system allowed events based on attendance.
Wildfire Stories Collected — USC's Wildfire Youth Media Initiative hosted a free public storytelling event July 19 at KCRW studios for Pacific Palisades fire survivors. Stories would be archived digitally and potentially published.
Economic Boost Projected — California officials projected an $18 billion economic impact from the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with approximately 90,000 full-time equivalent jobs and $700 million in state and local tax revenue.
AI Impact Explored — The Santa Monica Disabilities Commission examined how artificial intelligence could both help and harm people with disabilities. Commissioners highlighted concerns about algorithmic bias and AI's failure to generate representative images.
Dine LA Week Returned — Nearly 450 restaurants across Los Angeles participated in Summer 2025 Dine LA Restaurant Week, running July 25 through August 8. More than 50 Santa Monica restaurants showcased the city's diverse culinary landscape.
Frog Tadpoles Released — Nearly 600 California red-legged frog tadpoles were released into Santa Monica Mountains streams, marking an emergency conservation success for a species that vanished from the area over 50 years ago.
Tree Heritage Program Presented — A free online program explored the cultural significance of trees in Pacific Palisades and examined how the community's horticultural heritage inspired recovery efforts following the devastating January wildfire.
Office Building Replacement Proposed — Developers submitted plans to replace a 1970s office building at 3205 Ocean Park Ave with a seven-story mixed-use project containing 102 apartments and 4,251 square feet of commercial space.
Festival of Chariots Held — Three towering hand-pulled chariots rolled through Santa Monica and Venice on Sunday, August 3, for the 49th annual Festival of the Chariots. The parade drew 30,000-50,000 participants.
Traffic Disruptions Planned — Caltrans announced extended lane closures on Pacific Coast Highway through late September for Palisades Fire recovery work. Additionally, I-405 weekend lane reductions through Sepulveda Pass began August 22.
Price Gouging Protections Extended — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors extended housing price gouging protections for wildfire survivors through August 30. The county received over 3,800 consumer complaints alleging price gouging since January's wildfires.