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West LA Times

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

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SMPD Bike/Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for 5/3/2024

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has announced plans to conduct a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on May 3, 2024, with a focus on reducing collisions between motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The operation aims to address violations that commonly lead to accidents involving these road users.According to the SMPD, officers will be deployed to locations with high rates of pedestrian and bike collisions to enforce traffic laws and promote safety. The enforcement efforts will target violations such as speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield to...

By West LA Times | Apr 29, 2024

Local Government

Santa Monica Public Library Spotlights Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Santa Monica Public Library is gearing up to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout the month of May. The library will be showcasing the rich and diverse contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent through various displays, book lists, and special events.One of the highlighted events at the Main Library on Santa Monica Blvd. is on May 11 at 2 p.m. Filmmaker Brian Tadashi Maeda will screen his award-winning feature documentary, "We Said No! No!: A Story of Civil Disobedience," which tells the story of...

By West LA Times | Apr 29, 2024

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Community Corporation of Santa Monica Breaks Ground on New Affordable Development in Santa Monica

By West LA Times | Apr 29, 2024

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 29, 2024) – Community Corporation of Santa Monica, a non-profit organization, and the city of Santa Monica have come together to commence the construction of Berkeley Station, a new affordable housing development. This project aims to provide 13 units of 100% affordable housing for low-income families and transition-aged youth in Santa Monica.Tara Barauskas, the executive director of Community Corporation, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, "Berkeley Station is an exciting, innovative project and represents two firsts for us –...

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Justice, Equity & Diversity: Santa Monica Council Advances Social Equity in Adult-Use Cannabis Program

By West LA Times | Apr 26, 2024

At last week's meeting, the Santa Monica City Council made significant progress in the development of the city’s ordinance on adult-use cannabis, with a specific focus on advancing social equity within the industry.The council's decision was guided by the goal of ensuring that communities most impacted by cannabis enforcement policies have the opportunity to benefit from the newly legalized industry. As stated by an unidentified council member, "The goal of the cannabis social equity component is to develop a program that helps ensure that the communities most impacted by...

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Local Government

Sustainable & Connected: City to require use of low-carbon concrete in new construction

By West LA Times | Apr 25, 2024

The City Council of Santa Monica, California, has approved an ordinance mandating the use of low-carbon concrete for all new construction projects, swimming pools, and spas. This move is part of the city's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce embodied carbon emissions.Chief Sustainability Officer Shannon Parry expressed her enthusiasm for the city's progress, stating, "I’m thrilled to see our city continue to advance towards the goal of carbon neutrality." She highlighted the readiness of the concrete industry to supply low-carbon alternatives and emphasized...

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Santa Monica Introduces New Microforests in Honor of Earth Week

By West LA Times | Apr 24, 2024

In honor of Earth Week, Santa Monica is set to welcome two new microforests, described as "fast-growing, low maintenance, tiny preserves that mimic natural woodlands." The initiative is made possible through a collaboration involving the Malibu Foundation, Santa Monica College (SMC), and the city itself.The microforests, which are designed to capture stormwater, mitigate heat, sequester carbon, and improve biodiversity, are part of a sustainable effort to restore nature in urban areas. The partnership has brought these innovative ecosystems to life within the city,...

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Addressing Homelessness: Updates on the city’s housing efforts

By West LA Times | Apr 24, 2024

The city’s Housing and Human Services Department is making significant strides in addressing the housing crisis and providing support to the homeless population. In a recent update, a spokesperson for the department highlighted some of the positive changes and initiatives that have been implemented.One of the key priorities for the department is funding permanent supportive housing and partnering with nonprofits on affordable housing projects. According to the spokesperson, efforts are also being made to help residents stay housed through voucher programs and supportive...

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Local Government

Summer Recreation Registration Opens in Santa Monica

By West LA Times | Apr 23, 2024

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 23, 2024) — The city of Santa Monica is gearing up for its summer recreation programs as registration opens for residents and non-residents. According to the announcement, registration will commence on Wednesday, April 24, at 6 a.m. for Santa Monica residents, and a week later on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 a.m. for non-residents.The summer recreation programs offer a variety of indoor and outdoor classes for individuals of all ages. These activities are held at city parks, the Santa Monica Swim Center, and the Annenberg Community Beach House...

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A Note from the City of Santa Monica’s New Director of Recreation and Arts

By West LA Times | Apr 23, 2024

The new director of Santa Monica's Recreation and Arts Department shared a heartfelt message with the community, expressing their love for the city and excitement to serve its residents. The director emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration in shaping the future of recreational and artistic offerings in Santa Monica.Reflecting on their newfound love for Santa Monica, the director stated, "Though I couldn’t tell you exactly when I fell in love with Santa Monica, I just knew it -- I was home." They expressed gratitude to the community for the warm...

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Symposium on fair housing laws and youth poster contest finalists announced

By West LA Times | Apr 18, 2024

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 18, 2024) — The city of Santa Monica is commemorating Fair Housing Month this April with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about fair housing laws and celebrating the creativity of local youth. The city will be hosting a free symposium on local fair housing laws and housing discrimination at the Main Library, along with announcing the student finalists of the annual youth poster contest.The 2024 Fair Housing Symposium, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room, will feature...

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Santa Monica

By West LA Times | Apr 17, 2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the city of Santa Monica is hosting a series of events and activities to highlight mental and behavioral health issues. The city invites the community to participate in these events aimed at increasing understanding and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. According to the City of Santa Monica, "Join the city of Santa Monica for a series of community events and activities highlighting mental and behavioral health throughout the month of May."In light of the importance of mental health, the city is also recognizing Asian...

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Organized Retail Theft Suspects Arrested Following Ulta Beauty Store Burglary

By West LA Times | Apr 12, 2024

Santa Monica, CA - Authorities in Santa Monica have made significant progress in the case of the Ulta Beauty store burglary that occurred on March 23, 2024. Following an intense investigation, suspects have been apprehended.According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the suspects involved in the organized retail theft were tracked to a location in South Los Angeles. Subsequently, on April 11, 2024, a joint operation between SMPD detectives and the LAPD Organized Retail Crime Task Force led to the arrest of three individuals associated with the burglary.The...

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Local Government

Arts & Literacy Festival Brings Community Together in Santa Monica

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 11, 2024) — The city of Santa Monica, in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, is gearing up to host the 10th annual Arts & Literacy Festival on Saturday, April 27, at Virginia Avenue Park. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is open to all families and is free to attend.This year's festival carries the theme "The robots are here," and will showcase a variety of activities and games organized by over 30 community organizations. These activities align with the Santa Monica Cradle to Career Building Blocks...

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Addressing Homelessness: Affordable and permanent supportive housing moves forward at city-owned site

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

The City Council Tuesday took another step forward in bringing more than 120 affordable apartments, including 50 with supportive services, to the city-owned site on 4th Street.Mayor Phil Brock expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Moving forward in bringing affordable and permanent supportive housing to city-owned land is a key step in our strategy to fulfill our Housing Element requirements. I look forward to the next steps and ultimately seeing families move into these new homes and thrive.”The development was made possible by $2 million secured by Rep....

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Sustainable & Connected: Big Blue Bus Announces Public Hearings for Proposed Five-Year Service Plan

By West LA Times | Apr 11, 2024

The city of Santa Monica is gearing up to discuss proposed service changes to the Big Blue Bus over the next five years. An initiative known as Brighter Blue aims to address evolving rider needs and travel behavior post-pandemic, with a focus on sustainability and connectivity within the community.Director of Transportation Anuj Gupta highlighted the importance of community input in shaping the future of Big Blue Bus services, stating, “We are advancing our engagement process to ensure that future Big Blue Bus service aligns with community needs, promotes greater access...

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Santa Monica Lifeguard Threatened, PCH Briefly Closed During Arrest

By West LA Times | Apr 9, 2024

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, a concerning incident unfolded in Santa Monica when a lifeguard was threatened with a metallic rod, leading to a dramatic sequence of events. The suspect involved in the incident was identified as Michael Vincent Parrett, a 38-year-old homeless male.According to reports, Parrett jumped from the roof of Lifeguard Tower 12 and aggressively approached the lifeguard with the rod, making threatening gestures. Fortunately, the lifeguard managed to evade the attacks and remained unharmed.Following the initial confrontation, Santa...

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September 2023 Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested

By West LA Times | Apr 9, 2024

A Santa Monica resident awoke to a nightmare after falling asleep in a car and experiencing inappropriate touching. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted the harrowing incident where she was subjected to unwanted advances before refusing the suspect's offer to walk her home. Upon reaching her residence, she discovered a significant lapse in time since she was picked up.Following a thorough investigation by Santa Monica detectives, the perpetrator was identified as 34-year-old Los Angeles resident Fernando Macias Morales. The authorities swiftly...

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Sustainable & Connected: 28th annual Sustainable Quality Awards winners announced

By West LA Times | Apr 8, 2024

In a recent announcement, the city of Santa Monica revealed the winners of the 28th annual Sustainable Quality Awards. Among the distinguished recipients, Patagonia Santa Monica was recognized as the grand prize winner for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.Alongside Patagonia Santa Monica, five other local businesses were acknowledged for their contributions in various areas of sustainability. Angeles Investment Advisors received accolades for excellence in economic development, while Avocado Green Mattress and HGA were commended for their exemplary stewardship...

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Local Government

Santa Monica Police Department Investigating Anti-Semitic Graffiti

By West LA Times | Apr 7, 2024

The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating multiple reports of anti-Semitic graffiti found in various locations throughout the city, including the Pico Neighborhood. The graffiti was discovered on sidewalks, trees, and light posts in the area. Chief Ramon Batista of the Santa Monica Police Department stated, "Let me be clear: there is no place for hate in Santa Monica. We are appalled by these cowardly acts of anti-Semitism. Our department is fully committed to upholding the safety and dignity of all members of our community."The department has...

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DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze: Best Buds Stay Sober Behind the Wheel

By West LA Times | Apr 4, 2024

California authorities are reminding the public to celebrate responsibly as 4/20 approaches. The focus is on safety and ensuring individuals do not drive under the influence of marijuana.In a statement, an official emphasized, "Whether it is on 4/20 or any other day, it is unsafe and illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. It’s important to make responsible choices, especially when it comes to getting behind the wheel."For those planning to partake in 4/20 activities involving marijuana consumption, the advice is clear: plan ahead, designate a sober driver,...