Planning Head Who Helped Shape City to Retire
September 19, 2024 -- David Martin -- who for more than a decade helped steer the physical development of Santa Monica -- will retire as head of planning at the end of the year, City officials announced Thursday.

SMC Invites Volunteers to Clean Up Old 'Inkwell' Beach
September 19, 2024 -- During Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, volunteers will descend on a once-segregated stretch of Santa Monica beach frequented by legendary Black surfer Nick Gabaldón.

Police to Crack Down on Impaired Drivers
September 18, 2024 -- Santa Monica police will hold a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city, police officials said Wednesday.

Santa Monica Review Offers Mix of Fact and Fiction
September 18, 2024 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) will hold a launch party next month for the latest edition of its acclaimed literary journal, which offers a probing look at pressing social issues.

Santa Monica Most Expensive City for Business
September 17, 2024 -- A July survey of more than two hundred cities that is garnering new-found interest ranked Santa Monica as the most expensive city to conduct business in the region and in seven competing states.

Dem Party, Labor Endorse Council Challengers
September 17, 2024 -- A slate of four challengers trying to seize control of the City Council will have the support of the City's tenant rights group, labor and the Democratic Party that make up Santa Monica's political establishment.

City Offers Anti-Harassment Training as Tensions Rise
September 16, 2024 -- Santa Monica will observe United Against Hate Week early this year by offering a free virtual training on Wednesday on stopping voter harassment at the polls.

OPINION -- Santa Monica Police Won't See Funding Approved by Council
September 16, 2024 -- It appears someone slipped language into the police funding item, without discussion in public, that the funds could only be accessed once the Police Department was at full staffing, writes police union president Cody Green.

City Seeks Volunteers to Develop Aging and Disability Action Plan
September 16, 2024 -- The City is seeking volunteers to help shape a plan that addresses the needs of Santa Monica's older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers.

School District, Malibu Agree on Separation Package
September 13, 2024 -- School District and Malibu City officials announced Friday they have reached a "milestone" agreement on a proposed package to separate the district.

Downtown Train Station Cracks Down on Illegal Riders
September 13, 2024 -- A new TAP-to-Exit program to crack down on fare dodgers and reduce crime aboard Metro trains was launched at Santa Monica's Downtown station this month.

Council Bans Sleeping Items in Anti-Camping Law
September 12, 2024 -- A change to Santa Monica's anti-camping ordinance made by the City Council Tuesday night highlighted the deep divisions over crime and homelessness that could decide the November election.

Teen Charged with Attempted Murder in Beach Shooting
September 12, 2024 -- A 19-year-old Van Nuys man is being held on $4.1 million bail after being charged with attempted murder in a shooting that took place on the beach in Ocean Park Sunday.

Homeless Man Arrested After Breaking Into Bedroom, Exposing Himself
September 12, 2024 -- A homeless prowler with a criminal record was arrested Saturday after entering an apartment near Reed Park and exposing himself to the victim, who had been sleeping in her bed.

Sex Crimes Continue Disturbing Trend
September 11, 2024 -- Three sex-related crimes recently took place in Santa Monica, contributing to what Police Chief Ramon Batista has called a "disturbing string of crimes."

Santa Monica Celebrates Life Without a Car
September 11, 2024 -- Santa Monica students can hop a Big Blue Bus (BBB) for free during Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! week, from September 30 to October 4, transit officials announced Wednesday.

Candidate Forum Highlights Deep Divisions
September 10, 2024 -- A packed candidates' forum on Sunday highlighted the stark policy differences staked out by two slates that will go head-to-head in the November race for control of the City Council.

LETTERS -- Institutional Racism Is Alive and Well in Santa Monica
September 10, 2024 -- The Council's tactic of refusing to settle the voting rights lawsuit to avoid attorney's fees only to accumulate mounting legal fees is irresponsible and nonsensical, writes Maria Loya, a plaintiff in the case.

School District Hires New Special Ed Coordinator
September 10, 2024 -- The School Board on Thursday hired Melodi Johnson as the District's special education coordinator, a post she most recently held at the Palisades Charter High School.

Fire Department to Mark 9/11 Day of Remembrance
September 9, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Fire Department will conduct "a brief and solemn ceremony" on Wednesday, September 11, to honor the 2,977 people, including two Santa Monicans, who died during the terrorist attacks that day.

EXTRA -- Voting Rights Judge Issues Dire Warning
September 9, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday will once again take up an 8 1/2 year-old voting rights lawsuit after the judge in the case said he sees it lasting another "five to seven" years.

Police Chief Addresses Recent 'String of Crimes'
September 6, 2024 -- Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista issued a candid message to the community Friday in the wake of "a disturbing string of crimes" that have taken place in public spaces over the past few weeks.

Chief's Message to the Community: 'A Commitment to Safety and Vigilance'

PUBLIC NOTICE -- Safety Tips from the Office of the Chief of Police

Stabbing Victim's Body Found Near Reed Park
September 6, 2024 -- Police are searching for a suspect in the fatal stabbing of a homeless man whose body was found near Reed Park early Friday morning.

Council to Take Up Housekeeper Workloads
September 5, 2024 -- The City Council on Tuesday will beef up a 2019 law to help crack down on hotels allegedly overworking housekeepers and wrap up two proposed ordinances continued from previous meetings.

Homeless Man Charged in 2 Assaults Last Week
September 5, 2024 -- A homeless man on probation with a lengthy arrest record was charged on Wednesday with three counts of felony assault after attacking a woman on the beach and a store employee at Trader Joe's, according to police.

Santa Monica Buses Can Deny Service Under New Law
September 4, 2024 -- Starting January 1, Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB) will have the authority to deny service to those who commit policy infractions or crimes under a senate bill approved last month.

New Speed Limits Pave Way for Cars, Scooters to Share Some Roads
September 4, 2024 -- Drivers will be required to slow down -- and, in some cases, share roads with motorized scooters -- after the City Council lowered speed limits on select streets in Santa Monica.

LETTERS -- Congrats to the Santa Monica Pier! Happy Birthday!
September 4, 2024 -- I’ll never forget those folks that strategized tactics to get the Council’s vote changed, financed the tiny campaign and endlessly spoke to neighbors and the public about the value of the Pier.

Local Poll Shows Strong Support for Beefing Up Anti-camping Law
September 3, 2024 -- A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents interested in public safety found overwhelming support for outlawing sleeping in public with blankets and sleeping bags.

LETTERS -- Stop Pretending Long-failed Remedies Will Work
September 3, 2024 -- Decades of multi-million-dollar spending have failed to curb rampant crime by an unhinged homeless population that is devastating Santa Monica.

Pier to Celebrate 115th Birthday Friday
September 3, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Pier -- which inspired an iconic cartoon character and has appeared in more than 100 films, videos and video games -- is preparing for its close-up.