The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday adopted a resolution proclaiming a local emergency for the 2026-2027 El Niño winter season, enabling the city to quickly procure and deploy equipment, supplies, services and other resources as needed to address potential storm-related impacts.

Potential impacts could include:

Repeated heavy rainfall and saturated ground
Rapid urban flooding where drainage capacity is exceeded
Coastal wave action, beach erosion, and high surf
Falling trees, downed power lines, traffic disruptions, and power outages
Slope instability and debris movement, especially near steep terrain and wildfire burn-affected areas
Bluff erosion, with mud and debris falling on to Pacific Coast Highway

The local emergency proclamation is one of several measures the city is taking to protect residents and infrastructure and prepare for potential storm impacts, building on its usual winter storm preparedness measures.

“While we can’t know exactly what this winter will bring, we can take steps now to prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño and help keep our community safe,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “I’m proud of our city staff for taking a proactive approach to preparedness and working to minimize potential impacts on our residents and businesses. Proclaiming a local emergency gives the city greater flexibility to take early action, strengthen our readiness and help protect our community.”

Preparations underway include:

Constructing sand berms to reduce sand erosion on the beach and along storm drain outflows
Inspecting and repairing roofs, gutters, and drains at city facilities to help prevent leaks and flooding
Cleaning more than 600 catch basins to improve stormwater drainage
Purchasing additional sandbags for distribution at fire stations
Launching the city’s Storm Event website, which provides information on how the community can prepare for and respond to storms, available in five languages
Temporarily relaxing shelter access criteria for people experiencing homelessness during storm events, allowing first responders and outreach teams to refer people to shelter

The Santa Monica Fire Department will also host “Sandbag Saturdays” on Nov. 7, 14, and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at Clover Park. Fire Department personnel will fill sandbags for residents and business owners. Outside of these events, Santa Monica residents can fill their own sandbags by picking up free empty sandbags at any Santa Monica fire station and filling them with sand from the sand bin located in the Clover Park parking lot.

The city of Santa Monica will join the U.S. Army for a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in Beach Parking Lot 4, between Santa Monica Beach and Crescent Bay Park.

Now in its seventh year, the event will feature live performances, a Chinook helicopter flyover, remarks from senior military leaders and local elected officials and more. The ceremony portion of the event will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by music and entertainment from noon to 1 p.m.

Begun as a private gathering at the Santa Monica Veterans Memorial in 2020, the annual Veterans Day event has grown into a major community celebration bringing together veterans, service members, military families, distinguished leaders, and neighbors to honor veterans and their service to our county.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

On October 29, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to Parking Structure 5 near Broadway and 4th Street for a report of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.

Officers made contact with the individual, who was subsequently taken into police custody for a medical evaluation.

During the response, the 1400 block of 4th Street, the 300 block of Broadway, and the adjacent rear alley were temporarily closed. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while emergency personnel worked at the scene.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support.

LIVE FROM THE LA OPERA STAGE TO THE BIG SCREEN AT THE SANTA MONICA PIER

Saturday, October 17, 2026
Pre-show activities begin at 4:00pm
Broadcast begins at 6:00pm
Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401

A Celebration by the sea! ONE DAY · ONE BEACH · ONE COMMUNITY

She captivates. They unravel. That’s where the danger begins. Gather your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic, and come experience the music and drama of Carmen under the stars. A fleeting romance unleashes a storm of passion, jealousy, and a deadly love triangle in this brand-new production packed with Spanish Gothic flair, plus fan-favorite tunes like the Toreador Song and the Habanera.

This event is free to attend and open to all ages.
Click Here for more info.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag WARNING for parts of LA County, including northern Santa Monica, on Thurs 10/15 - Fri 10/16. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph, with risks of tree damage, power outages, and rapid spread of wildfires.

Fifty years ago, a crew of local surfers took their moves from the waves to the streets and changed skateboarding forever. Locals' Night celebrates Dogtown's 50th anniversary with a drive-in screening of Dogtown and Z-Boys, just blocks from where the legend began.

Dogtown Car Club is teaming up with Locals Night on the Santa Monica Pier for a special night celebrating the culture, history, music, and cars that helped make Dogtown legendary.

🎧 Vinyl Dj set by original Z-Boy Tony Alva

🎶 Live music from Cycotic Youth

🎬 Watch Dogtown and Z-Boys on the big screen

🛹 Skate Ramp by Beyond the Board

💃 Live music by Chino Espinoza Y Los Dueños Del Son and salsa dance lessons with Courtney Parsi

🎨 Local vendors to shop and support

📚 Books & Cookies musical story time

🚗 Classic Car Meet

Tickets (FREE)

Drive-In Ticket: Required to bring a car. One per car. (Car Meet participants do not require car tickets and will have a dedicated section)

General Seating Ticket: Bring a chair or blanket. One per person.

Skate Ticket: Required to ride the ramp, plus a signed waiver. Register in advance.

Click Here for more info & to reserve tickets.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

Saturday, October 10

Douglas Park, 2439 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA

Metered parking around the park. Free street park in the surrounding neighborhood (look out for restrictions)

Costume shopping to start @ 5pm (first come first serve, so arrive early to check in)

What's spookier than lack of community & unsustainable shopping practices?

Fight these frights with your neighbors on the westside and have fun while doing it at this free event.

Kick off the Halloween season with sweet treats, crafts, a trinket trade and clothing swap.

Dress up in your best brooding black attire to take advantage of the photo op.

All are welcome

Click Here for more info.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

Lindsay Davis, more commonly known as Venice Healer Daisy , meets and chats with felllow Santa Monica City Council candidate, Ashley Oelsen.

Venice Healer Daisy is officialy running for Santa Monica City Council. A Santa Monica that builds systems rooted in care: meeting basic needs with dignity, strengthening community bonds, protecting our environment, and ensuring no person or neighborhood is left behind.

"I've lived the survival stress of homelessness and the long path of recovery. I've learned firsthand what it means when systems are built on scarcity instead of care—how loneliness multiplies suffering, how shame replaces dignity. But I've also experienced the healing power of community, the resilience in human connection, and what becomes possible when people are met with compassion instead of judgment."

"I'm running because I want to build a Santa Monica where fewer people have to survive the way I did. Where everyone belongs. Where our systems are designed to meet needs, reduce suffering, and lift people up with their dignity intact. That's what a caring city looks like."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

The Victorian in Santa Monica will close down after a 20-year run.

They shared the closure news on Instagram on October 5, 2026 Housed in a historic Victorian-style building dating back to 1892 at 2640 Main St, The Victorian served as a restaurant offering a Mediterranean-influenced classic American brunch and dinner menu, alongside private weddings and events and functioned as a multi-level club with DJs across three floors and the subterranean Basement Tavern bar.

The last event will be their annual Halloween party on October 31, 2026

No specific reason for the closure was included in the public announcement, but city records show that there is unpaid rent of $278,094.


The city-owned property will have the lease tranfered to a new company, The Santamonican Club, LLC. who will pay the back rent and turn the property into a members only club. The site's 25 public parking spaces and the lawn beside the California Heritage Museum would stay open to the public, and the new operator must keep supporting the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market, which sets up on the property's parking lot.

Sunday, Oct 11, 2026
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Historic Belmar Park
1840 4th Street
Santa Monica, California 90401

Historic Belmar Park in Santa Monica is more than just a green space; it's a poignant memorial to a vibrant African American community that thrived in the Belmar neighborhood from the late 19th century until the 1950s. The park serves as a reminder of the importance of community, offering a space for healing and education.

This public cultural activation will focus on the history of Belmar and Black Santa Monica, celebrating the contributions of Black residents and acknowledging the historic loss of land and homes in the area.

The day will include:

Conversations with award-winning journalist, radio host, and podcaster Sam Sanders DJ Sets by KCRW's Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux

Live music from 2026 NPR Tiny Desk Winner Cure For Paranoia, and a performance by Songs with Strings and special guests

Interactive art-making celebrating Belmar History A "Give Someone Their Flowers" Bloom Bar Activation

Art and photo installation by interdisciplinary artist April Banks, Santa Monica Conservancy, and Quinn Research Center

Food vendors, along with a Wine Garden curated by Offhand Wine Bar

This community benefit was made possible by Ocean Way Festival, in partnership with the city of Santa Monica.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

On September 26, 2026, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard to conduct a welfare check.

Officers entered the residence and located two deceased adults, one male and one female.

SMPD detectives have determined that the deaths of two adults found inside a residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard were the result of a murder-suicide involving a married couple.

The investigation indicates that the husband fatally shot his wife before taking his own life. Investigators determined the incident occurred at approximately 6:42 a.m. on September 26. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

No other individuals are believed to have been involved. This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending formal identification and notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Watch Commander, available 24 hours a day, at 310-458-8427.

The Moomat Ahiko Way on- and off-ramps providing access to and from Pacific Coast Highway are expected to fully close for approximately two months starting as early as Monday, Sept. 28. This work is part of the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project and will include demolition activities of the final portion of the old Pier bridge followed by construction of the new bridge columns. This will be the largest portion of the bridge demolished since the start of the project. Crews will use the closed ramps to ensure motorists’ safety and to stage necessary equipment to perform these activities.

Motorists traveling southbound on PCH will be directed to either exit at the California Incline or continue on eastbound I-10 to Lincoln Boulevard. Motorists wanting to access PCH from Ocean Avenue should continue northbound to the California Incline.

The Santa Monica Pier will remain open throughout the closure, including all restaurants, shops, attractions, businesses and amenities. Visitors can continue to access the Pier by following posted signage directing to alternate routes and parking facilities.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time while traveling to and from the Pier during the temporary closure.

The Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project will replace the nearly 87-year-old bridge that serves as the primary vehicle access to the Pier. The project will improve safety, accessibility and the long-term reliability of this important connection while maintaining access to the Pier throughout construction whenever possible.

Researchers from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering’s Coastal Flood Lab, in partnership with The Bay Foundation, will release a temporary, nontoxic pink dye into the ocean on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to better understand water circulation around the breakwater and the Santa Monica Pier.

Weather permitting, the dye release will take place at approximately 11 a.m. Three additional dye releases are planned throughout October.

The dye is a harmless, EPA-approved fluorescent tracer dye that will allow researchers to track the water’s movements and wave-driven circulation. Researchers will monitor the bright pink plume with drones, a camera mounted on the pier mast, a remote-controlled survey boat that measures dye concentration, and instruments placed on the seafloor.

The researchers conducted four similar dye releases last fall as part of the ongoing study to better understand how the breakwater shapes currents, water quality, and the shoreline.

The experiment builds on years-long efforts by the city of Santa Monica and its partners to address ocean water quality beneath the Pier.

Members of the public may be able to see the pink dye from the Pier and/or shore for a couple of hours following the release.

Pier Play returns to the Santa Monica Pier for an expanded 2-Day Immersive Experience.

An expanded, 2-day multi-genre dance music experience

Oceanside stage with sunset views

Limited capacity for a more intentional environment

Interactive and immersive playground

21+

October 3rd from 2:30pm to 10:30pm

October 4th from 2:30pm to 10:30pm

For more info, and to buy tickets, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

Boarding For Breast Cancer is thrilled to announce the 17th Annual Skate The Coast October 23 + 24, 2026 in Santa Monica, CA.

Skate the Coast takes participants down a 19-mile route along the beautiful California coastline starting at the Santa Monica Pier and ending in Redondo Beach. This event is similar to Skate the Lake with a registration pre-party in Redondo Beach with live music, raffles, auctions, and sponsored beverages. Riders meet the next morning for the main event, while those looking for a smaller commitment can drop in at Dockweiler State Beach to join for the last leg of the route. Awards, food, prizes, and more will greet participants at our finish line at Dive N Surf!

B4BC welcomes anyone on wheels of all ages and abilities to join this push for prevention as we raise funds for B4BC's education, prevention and survivorship programs. Please help us reach our $75K goal by registering today! Registration includes an event tee shirt, goodie bag and prizes for top fundraisers!



THE DETAILS

OCTOBER 23 | REGISTRATION PARTY

FIRESTONE BREWERY VENICE | 3PM-8PM

Lets kick-off Skate The Coast with a registration party on October 23! Swing by to sign your waivers, get your event tee + goodie bag and stay for live music, cold drinks, raffles and auctions!

OCTOBER 24 | SKATE THE COAST

9AM-4PM

Skate-bike-roll 15 miles from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach with B4BC and friends! This is a collective push for prevention with three hydration stops along the way.

The morning will start at Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach where we'll load the shuttles to the Santa Monica Pier. From there we'll cruise down the coast to Arbor Venice, Marina Del Rey, Dockweiler State Beach, Hermosa Beach and finishing off at Dive N Surf for awards and celebrations. Our finish line party includes live music, food, adult beverages, raffle prizes and silent auction.



For more details and to register, Click Here ⁠

Taste top local dishes at Santa Monica Pier, plus craft drinks, yacht rock, oyster competitions & VIP experiences benefiting Heal the Bay.

OFF THE HOOK Seafood Festival RETURNS to the iconic Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, Oct. 11, to celebrate National Seafood Month, the 100-year Anniversary of Route 66, AND to raise funds for Heal the Bay!



Santa Monica's premier food festival showcases the city's best restaurants and chefs with their favorite underwater ingredients.

Attendees will enjoy:

Seafood tastings from 25+ restaurants
Craft beer (N/A option)
Boutique wine tastings (N/A option)
Spirits tastings
Live Yacht Rock Band ('70s & '80s soft rock)
Oyster shucking & slurping competitions, sponsored by Westside Oyster Club
Underwater-inspired photo ops
Artisan vendors
Sustainable Seafood VIP Lounge, sponsored by Santa Monica Seafood
And more underwater-inspired fun!

As always, OFF THE HOOK is committed to sustainability. The event is 100% free of single-use plastics and highlights innovation and education around ocean conservation because celebrating the sea means protecting it too.

A portion of sales will benefit Heal the Bay to help protect our coastline, restore our waterways, and keep our Santa Monica Bay clean! This year’s event will also support the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, to help fund their efforts to provide free community programming.

Live entertainment will be provided by The Windbreakers, bringing their '70s & '80s Yacht Rock Party to the Pier.

Click Here for more info and to get tickets.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

Venice Healer Daisy is officialy running for Santa Monica City Council. A Santa Monica that builds systems rooted in care: meeting basic needs with dignity, strengthening community bonds, protecting our environment, and ensuring no person or neighborhood is left behind.

"I've lived the survival stress of homelessness and the long path of recovery. I've learned firsthand what it means when systems are built on scarcity instead of care—how loneliness multiplies suffering, how shame replaces dignity. But I've also experienced the healing power of community, the resilience in human connection, and what becomes possible when people are met with compassion instead of judgment."

"I'm running because I want to build a Santa Monica where fewer people have to survive the way I did. Where everyone belongs. Where our systems are designed to meet needs, reduce suffering, and lift people up with their dignity intact. That's what a caring city looks like."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Sunday, Oct 11, 2026
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Historic Belmar Park
1840 4th Street
Santa Monica, California 90401

Historic Belmar Park in Santa Monica is more than just a green space; it's a poignant memorial to a vibrant African American community that thrived in the Belmar neighborhood from the late 19th century until the 1950s. The park serves as a reminder of the importance of community, offering a space for healing and education.

This public cultural activation will focus on the history of Belmar and Black Santa Monica, celebrating the contributions of Black residents and acknowledging the historic loss of land and homes in the area.

The day will include:

Conversations with award-winning journalist, radio host, and podcaster Sam Sanders DJ Sets by KCRW's Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux

Live music from 2026 NPR Tiny Desk Winner Cure For Paranoia, and a performance by Songs with Strings and special guests

Interactive art-making celebrating Belmar History A "Give Someone Their Flowers" Bloom Bar Activation

Art and photo installation by interdisciplinary artist April Banks, Santa Monica Conservancy, and Quinn Research Center

Food vendors, along with a Wine Garden curated by Offhand Wine Bar

This community benefit was made possible by Ocean Way Festival, in partnership with the city of Santa Monica.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

The city said the swells from Hurricane Marie stripped away too much sand to safely hold the beach festival.

A 550-foot-long mural by Daniel Alonzo extends from 3rd to 5th Street along Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica. Known as "Whale of a Mural," this vibrant artwork depicts Pacific gray whales and pilot whales, accompanied by bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and common dolphins, all swimming together in harmony.

Located at Ocean Park Boulevard and 4th Street, the mural has democratized art by bringing it into public space, standing as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and communal spirit. It is a cherished feature of Santa Monica, a testament to the city’s rich artistic history and its community’s passion for environmental conservation. Its depiction of marine life native to Santa Monica Bay has inspired countless residents and visitors alike.

Unfortunately, over the years, this iconic mural has suffered from neglect and exposure to the elements, leaving it in dire need of restoration. Its gradual deterioration has been heartbreaking for the community. Beyond its artistic beauty, it serves as a continuous reminder of our responsibility to protect both our natural environment and the art that celebrates it.

To ensure future generations can experience its beauty, we urge the City of Santa Monica to allocate funding and resources to restore Whale of a Mural to its original glory.

Restoration efforts would require collaboration with the original artist, Daniel Alonzo, his assistants, conservation experts, and the City Council to ensure an accurate, respectful, and long-lasting refurbishment of this treasured landmark.

Recognizing the mural as a historical landmark would further highlight its significance and facilitate future maintenance, ensuring it receives the care it deserves. Such designation would protect the mural from potential threats, including urban development or changes in city ordinances that could otherwise jeopardize its existence.

Help us breathe new life into Whale of a Mural and secure its place in Santa Monica’s cultural landscape for years to come. Sign the petition calling on the City of Santa Monica to act now to preserve this irreplaceable masterpiece for the benefit of our community, the greater Los Angeles area, and the many who visit our beautiful city.

Let’s unite to honor our past, celebrate this artist’s achievements, and protect our environment. Your signature will make a difference.

Click Here for more info.