It is the beginning of February in the dead middle of winter. In New York its freezing, in Chicago there is snow, and Santa Monica experiences weather that rivals some summers around the world. “Phil” the groundhog saw his shadow and claimed six more weeks of winter, but not here in Santa Monica. We are the lucky ones basking in the sun, playing on the beach, and enjoying a summer day in winter. photo by Margaret Molloy
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Big Blue Bus Expands Service to UCLA and Westwood Starting Aug. 9
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LA Jazz Festival Updates 2026 Schedule
Announced performers include John Legend, Janelle Monáe and Parliament Funkadelic. The LA Jazz Festival has released an updated schedule for its 2026 edition, adding free outdoor concerts and confirming the main two-night Jazz on the […]

LA Phil and Dudamel to Perform Beethoven’s Ninth at Hollywood Bowl
The performance, titled “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl: Beethoven 9,” marks Dudamel’s 17 years as the orchestra’s music director. By Carlos Reyes Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 […]

California Tax Agency Seizes $168M in Illicit Cannabis and Tobacco Since 2019
Officials said the work complements law enforcement operations that target illegal cultivation, manufacturing and trafficking. By Carlos Reyes The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has seized more than $168 million in illicit cannabis […]

Santa Monica Chef Brian Bornemann Plans Pasta Restaurant on Main Street Near Existing Seafood Spot
Crudo e Nudo chef Brian Bornemann is opening Bar Fortuna, a pasta restaurant, at 2917 Main St. in Santa Monica this fall, according to local and national reports. By Sarah Lin Chef Brian Bornemann, owner […]

Finding Peace of Mind in Fire Zones: How a Local Founder is Revolutionizing Wildfire Defense
Safeguarding neighborhoods against wildfires is a collective responsibility, and effective wildfire defense should be accessible to all homeowners, not a luxury reserved for a few. That is the foundational philosophy behind Matador Fire, a company […]
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