The Santa
Monica Lookout, Santa Monica, California -- OCTOBER 2018
School Bond Campaign Contributions Near $250,000, Dominated by Outside Firms October 31, 2018 -- The campaign for a local school bond has raised nearly $250,000, thanks to major contributions from companies outside Santa Monica and local PTAs, according to the latest campaign finance disclosure statements.
Former Santa Monica Resident "Whitey" Bulger Found Dead in Prison Cell October 30, 2018 -- James J. “Whitey” Bulger Jr., a ruthless Boston mob boss who lived in hiding in a Santa Monica rent control apartment for nearly 16 years, was found dead in his prison cell on Tuesday, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was 89.
Santa Monica College Holds Prayer Vigil for Victims of Synagogue Massacre October 30, 2018 -- More than 200 Santa Monica College students and staff gathered on the school's main campus Tuesday for an interfaith prayer vigil and service honoring the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre.
Pico Activst Calls for Citizens Oversight Committee for Uller City Probe October 29, 2018 -- Pico Neighborhood activist Oscar de la Torre is calling for a Citizens Oversight Committee to monitor the City of Santa Monica's internal probe into child molestation charges against City employee Eric Uller.
City Council Challengers Continue Reaping Contributions October 26, 2018 -- City Council challenger Ashley Powell continued filling her campaign coffers, raising nearly $40,000 over the past month, according to campaign finance statements submitted by Thursday's deadline.
Santa Monica Moves Closer to Energy Efficiency October 25, 2018 -- The Santa Monica City Council took two additional steps Tuesday to encourage residents to become more energy efficient both in their homes and cars.
SMRR Campaign Mailer Raises Waves October 23, 2018 -- A campaign mailer sent by Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) is deceiving voters by making it appear local Democrats oppose term limits, according to supporters of Measure TL.
Santa Monica Councilmember Pam O'Connor Appointed to Metrolink Board October 24, 2018 -- Growing up in Chicago, Santa Monica Councilmember Pam O'Connor would sometimes ride the commuter trains. Now she'll be in the conductor's seat as the newest member of the Metrolink Board.
PART VII -- City Council Candidates Share Their Thoughts on Development
October 22, 2018 -- Unlike 2008 and 2016 when ballot measures to curb development triggered fierce battles, the development measure on the November ballot has drawn little attention and no opposition. We asked council members what that means.
LETTERS -- Right-Wing Propaganda Has No Place in Our Local Press
October 22, 2018 -- The Commission on the Status of Women (“COSW”) deserves recognition and praise as it stands with women all over the country who are courageously coming forward with stories of sexual assault and harassment.
PART VI -- Why Do Incumbents Keep Getting Re-Elected in Santa Monica?
October 19, 2018 -- In Santa Monica, it is rare for a City Council incumbent to lose a bid for re-election. Some attribute that to the money and backing they attract, others to voter satisfaction. Here's what the Council candidates think.
EXTRASanta Monica City Employee Arrested for Lewd Acts with a Minor October 18, 2018 -- (Updated at 6:30 p.m.) A Santa Monica City employee was arrested Thursday morning for lewd acts with a minor dating back to the 1990s, when he was a volunteer with the local Police Activities League (PAL).
OPINION -- Sexual Assault Is Not the Only Challenge Women Hospitality Workers Endure October 18, 2018 -- In this moment of our history, we can no longer be silent on the abuses that women in the workplace face. On Tuesday, a group of Santa Monica workers, residents and clergy will ask our City lawmakers to take action to protect the women who make our tourism industry thrive.
New Gehry Residence Part of Conservancy Tour October 17, 2018 -- When Frank Gehry built his first Santa Monica home in 1978, an outraged neighbor shot at it one night. Forty years later, his new home in the beach city is part of an architectural tour.
Challenge to Santa Monica's Home-Sharing Law Reaches Court of Appeals October 15, 2018 -- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday began hearing arguments in a lawsuit filed by Airbnb and HomeAway that seeks to invalidate key sections of Santa Monica's pioneering homesharing law.
Man Sentenced in Santa Monica Teen's Murder October 15, 2018 -- A Santa Monica man found guilty of shooting to death a recent Samohi graduate last year was sentenced Friday to 40 years to life in prison.
PART I: City Council Candidates on Crime and Why They Are Running October 11, 2018 -- The Lookout asked City Council candidates to answer a series of questions that address the most pressing issues facing Santa Monica -- from crime and development to homelessness and pay at City Hall. Here is the first installment with their answers.
Santa Monica College Fair Draws 4,000 Students October 10, 2018 -- Some 4,000 Santa Monica College students took part in the school's Fall 2018 College Fair ON Tuesday, making it the largest event of its kind in California, college officials said.
OPINION: The Price of "Development Peace" In Santa Monica
October 10, 2016 -- Councilmember Kevin McKeown's idea of "development peace" is a false one. The Council is still up to its old tricks with Local 11, while real concerns go unaddressed. Residents may wonder if this perceived peace is merely just the calm before the storm.
Santa Monica Independent Campaigns Head into Elections with Small War Chests October 9, 2018 -- Less than one month before voters go to the polls, independent expenditure campaigns -- which have no contribution limits -- have raised a little more than $300,000 combined, according to an analysis of campaign finance disclosure statements by the Lookout.
Santa Monica Conservancy Offers Tour of Exclusive Adelaide Drive
October 9, 2018 -- A meandering street hidden behind tall apartment buildings, Adelaide Drive is home to some of Santa Monica's most prominent residents and oldest and most spectacular homes.
OPINION -- “Less than the cost of a latte”? Really?
How much money will the school facilities bond on the November 6 ballot cost residents? Sponsors say less than the cost of a latte a month. But it appears there is no cost certainty in the bond measure for renters or property owners.
Santa Monica Hotel on School District Land Sells for $154 Million October 5, 2018 -- Hilton's DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Monica, which was embroiled in a unionizing battle that shaped its land lease from the School District, has been sold for $154 million, according to media reports.
Council Poised to Pave Way for Promenade Makeover October 5, 2018 -- After three decades of wear and tear and seismic shifts in shopping trends, the Third Street Promenade is ready for a major makeover, City and Downtown officials say. On Tuesday, the City Council is expected to hire an urban design team to begin assessing what needs to be done.
EXCLUSIVESanta Monica School Bond Measure Largely Bankrolled by Outside Firms October 4, 2018 -- About 80 percent of the money raised to support a record $485 million facilities bond for Santa Monica public schools has come from companies outside the City, according to the latest campaign finance disclosure statements.
Education Foundation Raises More than $200,000 During Pledge Days October 4, 2018 -- The Santa Monica Education Foundation raised more than $200,000 in one week during Pledge Days, spurred by a matching gift of $50,000, Foundation officials announced Thursday.
Santa Monica Holds Third Annual COAST Celebration Sunday October 3, 2018 -- Santa Monica will hold its third annual open streets event COAST on Sunday, turning a two- mile route into a carless stage where musicians, dancers and artists will perform.
Santa Monica College Receives Grant to Expand Services for Veterans October 3, 2018 -- Santa Monica College (SMC) has received a $280,000 grant to expand services that help active duty service members and veterans succeed in college, school officials announced Tuesday.
Santa Monica Pier Concert Series Nearing First Season's End October 2, 2018 -- Afro-Beat and R&B will sweep across the Santa Monica Pier Wednesday as the scaled down Twilight concert series stages its penultimate performance of the year