May 16, 2025

Breaking News

Santa Ynez Reservoir is Still Empty, Ten Weeks After the Palisades Fire

Observer Staff | May 11, 2025

Local Briefs Santa Ynez Reservoir Still Empty The Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades is not back in service as of the latest available information. It was famously empty for 18 months leading up to the February 7th fire that decimated Pacific Palisades. In April 2025, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reported that additional small tears and pinhole-sized leaks were found in the reservoir's floating cover during refilling, when it was about 25%...

As Santa Monica City Council Debates Racial Reparations, City Finances Approach Bankruptcy

Mike Hunt, Observer Staff Writer | May 11, 2025

Santa Monica’s financial troubles mirror LA County’s in that legal settlements are a significant drain, but the city’s smaller scale and tourism-dependent economy make its challenges distinct. The $230 million in settlements is a heavy burden for a city of Santa Monica’s size, and the lack of progress on the voting rights case suggests ongoing legal exposure. Blaming settlements alone oversimplifies the issue—declining tourism revenue and high operational costs are...

Ballet Folklorico Performs For Cinco de Mayo at Will Rogers Elementary School in Santa Monica

Stan Greene, Observer Staff Writer | May 11, 2025

Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico stands as the sole folkloric dance company in Santa Monica. Recently, they showcased their talent at the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at Will Rogers Elementary School, a tradition that has been ongoing for over 25 years. Additionally, the company performed at the 3rd Street Promenade's Cinco de Mayo event this past Sunday. Performing for the community and visitors of Santa Monica is a privilege that fosters unity. Cinco de Mayo, a holiday...

SM Police Called to Recover a Dead Body at the City's Homeless Housing, 1413 Michigan Ave

David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer | May 12, 2025

Details are pending, but the SMPD were called to recover a dead body at the City's Homeless Housing, located at 1413 Michigan Ave. This from a reliable source on Monday evening, May 12th. 1413 Michigan Ave is associated with the Michigan Avenue Navigation Center, a facility in Santa Monica providing services and temporary housing for homeless individuals. It's part of the city's efforts to address homelessness, offering case management, meals, and...

So Many Ways to Spend a Fun-Filled Weekend in Torrance – Just a 20-Minute Drive from Santa Monica

Chanin Victor, Travel and Lifestyle Editor | May 15, 2025

Welcome to Torrance, California-Where Coastal Beach Vibe Meets City Energy Located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, just 20 minutes south of the Westside, Torrance is a hidden gem blending breezy beach vibes with vibrant city life. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a full weekend getaway, Torrance delivers the best of both worlds-mid-century charm, a rich cultural history, and a laid-back California feel that's perfect for families. Many SoCal...

BREAKING NEWS: 5 key mental health trends from the 2025 State of Mental Health Report

Stacker, Kelsey Chacon for Rula Health | May 12, 2025

Understanding how people perceive their mental well-being—especially in such a rapidly changing world—is vital to Rula's mission to connect people with the mental healthcare they need. In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, Rula released the State of Mental Health Report: Mental Well-being in a Changing World. Surveying over 2,000 U.S. consumers, the report was designed to illuminate: - People's relationship with their mental health - How people feel about...

  • Report: Inflation and labor shortages are stressing small business owners right now

    Stacker, Erika Malzberg for NEXT | May 12, 2025

    Inflation, reduced consumer spending and labor shortages top small business owners' list of worries, according to a nationwide NEXT survey of 500 business owners that also asked what they're doing to address those concerns. The goal of the survey was to understand how business owners think about the economy and the threats to their business, and what's changed since NEXT's last pulse check in 2023. The results show how small business owners think about and respond to risk....

BREAKING NEWS: Public Drunkenness on the 3rd Street Promenade Day and Night Over the Last 4 months

John Alle, Special to the Observer | May 15, 2025

1) The Santa Monica Coalition/Safe Cities is in favor of additional outdoor restaurant seating for service and consumption of food and all alcoholic beverages. But the City charges almost as much for the outdoor seating as property owners are receiving in rent for indoor brick and mortar space 2) The Mayor's and City Council's publicly stated goal and objective is to expand the program from 5 or 6 am to 2 am daily. 3) In just the last week there have been multiple arrests for...

BREAKING NEWS: The Disorder From Which Everything Bad Arises - Santa Monica is Dying from Lack of Law Enforcement

Arthur Jeon, Special to the Observer | May 14, 2025

Dear Council, I don't often share John Alle's videos. I find him directionally right, but I think he is tactically wrong-I've argued with him about his signs on the promenade which are often unnecessarily personal and seem counterproductive. His scope is too narrow, (we are more than our disorder), and occasionally he drifts into hyperbole. But I absolutely understand his frustration in the face of a seemingly indifferent bureaucracy that seems more intent on gaslighting our...

BREAKING NEWS: Malls all over Southern California are Thriving. Here Are The Two Reasons the Promenade is Struggling

Arthur Jeon, Special to the Observer | May 13, 2025

Dear Council, I don't often share John Alle's videos. I find him directionally right, but I think he is tactically wrong-I've argued with him about his signs on the promenade which are often unnecessarily personal and seem counterproductive. His scope is too narrow, (we are more than our disorder), and occasionally he drifts into hyperbole. But I absolutely understand his frustration in the face of a seemingly indifferent bureaucracy that seems more intent on gaslighting our...

  • Data shows medication-assisted treatment works for opioid use disorder-so why aren't more people getting it?

    Stacker, Kayla Levy for Charlie Health | May 12, 2025

    Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a treatable but potentially life-threatening condition. Yet millions of people still lack access to the most effective treatment options. According to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medications for OUD, especially buprenorphine and methadone, can significantly reduce the risk of overdose and improve long-term health outcomes. Despite this, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) remains widely...

  • The Daily Santa Monica Crime and Drug Video - March 19, 2025

    Santa Monica Coalition | May 11, 2025
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    Santa Monica's City Council thinks the city is just fine. One councilmember called the homeless residents our neighbors, their wants and desires equivalent to those of people who pay rent and pay taxes. The 'freedom' of some, most of whom suffer from drug addiction and mental illness, to live in filth, disease and to commit crimes with impunity, is valued over the ability of the rest of society to live healthy lives in law and order. Watch the videos shot and distributed by...

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