Latest News

December 5, 2025

  1. Shifts in Santa Monica Demographics Linked to Decline in Local School Enrollment: Santa Monica has seen a marked decrease in local school-age children over recent decades, despite a significant increase in housing development. Enrollment in the Santa Monica Unified School District has dropped from 12,000 students in 1990 to about 8,900 today, with a notable portion of current students residing outside the city. Changing demographics, evolving family structures, and economic challenges have all contributed to lower local demand for family-sized housing. This trend may put additional pressure on local schools moving forward. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 5)

December 3, 2025

  1. Reflection on Community Giving and Social Responsibility in Santa Monica: A recent commentary in the Santa Monica Mirror explores the complexities of charitable giving, particularly following events like Giving Tuesday. The author examines ongoing social challenges such as hunger, housing and healthcare, highlighting gaps in government support and the persistent need for community contributions. The piece also emphasizes the importance of supporting the arts and local organizations. Despite systemic issues, local groups continue to rely on donations to address critical needs. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Dec 3)

November 19, 2025

  1. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium's Future Sparks Debate on Arts and Development: Santa Monica is at a crossroads regarding the future of its historic Civic Auditorium, once considered vital to the city's cultural identity. Plans led by arts professionals to revitalize the space were halted by the City Council, raising concerns about shifting priorities. Some residents worry that ongoing debates could lead to redevelopment for housing, hotels, and retail, rather than preserving the venue for arts. The decision is expected to shape the city's cultural landscape for years to come. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Nov 19)

November 17, 2025

  1. Santa Monica Council Ends Deal to Revive Civic Auditorium, Concerns Raised: A group of four Santa Monica City Council members recently voted to halt negotiations with the RPG Group, a major concert promoter, on a proposed plan to restore the historic Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The group had offered to invest in reviving the site at no direct cost to the city or residents, but the council cited financial concerns. Critics argue that the land's high value for developers factored into the decision. The future of the venue remains uncertain after this development. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Nov 12)

October 29, 2025

  1. Theatre Palisades Presents Final Performances of 'The Wisdom of Eve' in Culver City: Theatre Palisades will conclude its run of 'The Wisdom of Eve' at the Blue Door Theatre in Culver City, with final shows scheduled through September 21. The production, adapted from Mary Orr's story, explores ambition and rivalry in the entertainment world. Tickets are available for the remaining 8  (Source: Yo! Venice! on Sep 19)

  2. Willows Community School in Culver City Offers Campus Tours for Prospective Families: The Willows Community School, a non-profit independent school serving developmental kindergarten through 8th grade in Culver City, is inviting families to schedule campus tours. The school enrolls approximately 470 students each year. More information about admissions and tour registration is on the (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 17)

  3. Pasta Sisters Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Special Pricing and New Happy Hour: Pasta Sisters, a family-owned Italian restaurant with locations in Culver City, Mid-City, and Costa Mesa, is marking its 10th year in business by offering its signature Tomato & Basil with Spaghetti for $8 on September 23. The promotion is available in person and by phone at Culver City and Mid-City (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 22)

  4. Willows Community School in Culver City Offers Campus Tours for Prospective Families: The Willows Community School, a non-profit independent school serving developmental kindergarten through eighth grade, is inviting families to tour its Culver City campus. The school enrolls about 470 students each year and aims to provide a supportive learning environment. Interested families can g (Source: Yo! Venice! on Oct 22)

  5. Venice Chamber Schedules Networking Mixer at Belles Beach House: The Venice Chamber of Commerce, together with the Culver City Chamber, will hold a networking mixer on October 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Belles Beach House on Windward Avenue. The event is open to members and prospective members, with tickets available for a fee. Attendees can expect opportunities to be (Source: Yo! Venice! on Oct 3)

  6. Mar Vista Apartment Building With 12 Units Listed for $3.6 Million: A multifamily building featuring 12 units has been placed on the market in Mar Vista for $3.6 million. Located at 3743 McLaughlin Avenue near the Culver City border, the 7,380-square-foot structure was built in 1961 and includes a combination of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Five units are currently furnished and rented on a month-to-month basis, with an option for delivery vacant. The sale also comes with approved permits and accessory dwelling unit plans, allowing for potential revenue growth. (Source: Yo! Venice! on Sep 22)

  7. Willows Community School in Culver City Offers Campus Tours for Prospective Families: The Willows Community School, a non-profit independent school in Culver City serving developmental kindergarten through 8th grade, is inviting families to tour its campus. The school enrolls about 470 students each year. Interested families can find more information about the admissions process on   (Source: Yo! Venice! on Sep 17)

  8. Willows Community School in Culver City Offers Campus Tours for Prospective Families: The Willows Community School, a non-profit independent school in Culver City serving developmental kindergarten through eighth grade, is inviting families to tour its campus. The school enrolls about 470 students each year and aims to provide a supportive learning environment. Information about tour (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 22)

  9. Local Column Highlights Live Music Recommendations in Santa Monica Area: A weekly column in the Santa Monica Mirror offers curated recommendations for live music events in the Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles area. The column aims to inform residents about notable performances and encourage community engagement with the local music scene. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 19)

  10. Upcoming Live Music Recommendations for Santa Monica Area, Sept. 24–Oct. 1: A local columnist highlights notable live music events happening in the Santa Monica area from September 24 to October 1. The recommendations aim to help residents discover performances they might otherwise miss, with a focus on artists and shows relevant to the Westside Beaches community. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 24)

  11. Columnist Shares Live Music Picks and Remembers Mark Volman: A local columnist, now writing for the Santa Monica Mirror, offers personal recommendations for upcoming live music events in the Los Angeles area. The column also pays tribute to musician Mark Volman, who recently passed away in Nashville. The feature aims to guide readers to notable performances, (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 12)

October 22, 2025

  1. Culver City Considers Entertainment Zone Designation for Downtown Area: Culver City's City Council has instructed municipal staff to collaborate with the Economic Development Subcommittee on potential changes to local ordinances that would establish an entertainment zone in the downtown area. The proposed designation would encompass the entire Downtown Culver City area, (Source: Santa Monica Next on Oct 22)

  2. Santa Monica Council Decision on Civic Auditorium Draws Community Scrutiny: Recent actions by four Santa Monica City Council members regarding the future of the historic Civic Auditorium have sparked debate among residents. The council's rejection of a proposed restoration plan has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the possibility of new housing on a (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 22)

October 15, 2025

  1. Live Music and Arts Events Highlighted in Santa Monica for October 15-22: Santa Monica is set to host a range of live music and arts events from October 15 to 22, including performances by Marsalis and Escovedo. Residents are also encouraged to attend a peaceful demonstration supporting free speech at Palisades Park on October 18. The events aim to engage the local arts,  (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 15)

October 10, 2025

  1. Kamasi Washington Performs at Blue Note Hollywood Through Weekend: Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, known for his innovative style and collaborations, is performing a series of shows at the Blue Note in Hollywood. The residency features two performances nightly and continues through the weekend, offering local audiences an opportunity to experience his music in  (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 10)

October 3, 2025

  1. Live Music Highlights in Santa Monica Include Kamasi Washington and Al Green: Santa Monica will host several notable music events from October 1 to 8, featuring performances by Kamasi Washington and Al Green. The recommendations come from a local columnist whose music and arts coverage continues in the Santa Monica Mirror. Residents can expect a range of live shows in the Los (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Oct 3)

September 23, 2025

  1. Culver City Advances Bike and Pedestrian Upgrades Near Metro Stations: Culver City is progressing with construction on the Robertson Boulevard Complete Street Project, focusing on a 700-foot section between Venice and Washington Boulevards. The improvements, located just south of the Metro E Line station, aim to enhance safety and accessibility for cyclists and walkers (Source: Santa Monica Next on Sep 23)

September 19, 2025

  1. Theatre Palisades Presents Final Performances of 'The Wisdom of Eve' in Culver City: Theatre Palisades will conclude its run of 'The Wisdom of Eve' at the Blue Door Theatre in Culver City, with final shows scheduled through September 21. The production, adapted from Mary Orr's story, explores ambition and rivalry in the entertainment world. Tickets are available for general and for (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 19)

September 16, 2025

  1. Culver City Resident Sentenced for Drone Collision with Firefighting Aircraft in Pali: A Culver City man received a federal prison sentence, home detention, and over $150,000 in restitution after his drone collided with a firefighting plane during the Palisades wildfire. The incident, which occurred in January, disrupted aerial firefighting efforts. The sentence also includes required (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Sep 16)