August 8, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Palihouse Santa Monica Denied Liquor License At Planning Commission:

Dozens of Santa Monica residents turned out at the Santa Monica Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday night to oppose Palihouse Santa Monica’s application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to sell alcoholic beverages to hotel patrons.

More than 40 members of the public provided comment about the permit that would have allowed the hotel to provide alcoholic beverages to hotel patrons for consumption on the premises in addition to providing hotel patrons with access through mini-bars. 

Planning Commissioners voted 7-0 to deny Palihouse Santa Monica’s permit application.

At Wednesday’s meeting, UNITE HERE Local 11 questioned Palihouse’s lack of community engagement.

The Palihouse Santa Monica, formerly The Embassy Hotel and Apartments, was purchased by Avi Brosh and partner Lighthouse Investments in December 2012. Neighbors to the hotel have maintained a vocal opposition since the hotel’s renovation.

“The Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Conditional Use Permit is a win for the community,” said Melanie Luthern, organizer and research analyst for UNITE HERE Local 11.

According to its website, the Palihouse brand is “[e]stablished with the conviction that neighborhoods, unique experiences and inspiring places are integral to a life well-traveled, the Palihouse brand has been designed so savvy guests can explore the people and places they visit ‘authentically’ – with style, sophistication and individuality.”

Luthern called into question Palihouse’s decision to brand a hotel as a neighborhood experience when residents in the neighborhood claim that the hotel does not belong there.

“The people of Santa Monica expect developers to understand and respond to the community,” Luthern said. “In a politically active community like this one, failure to involve the community can create more than branding and headline risk for investors. This conditional use permit is an entitlement that would have added measurable value to the property.”

Lighthouse Investments LLC is listed on the deed of trust as the owner of the property. Lighthouse Investments is a privately held, national real estate investment and development company based in Los Angeles.

in News
<>Related Posts

‘Dad Bod’ Contest Comes to Venice Restaurant This Weekend

August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

The competition will unfold over three themed rounds: a beachwear walk, a tongue-in-cheek “talent show,” and a final flex-off judged...

City Preps for Return of SaMoHi, Pali High Students by Boosting Safety

August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

Efforts to ensure student safety include reactivating school crossing guards, completing pedestrian safety upgrades, and promoting free public transit As...

Hot Dog on a Stick and Santa Monica Brew Works Team Up for Santa Monica’s Dog Days of Summer

August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

Dog-Friendly Event in Santa Monica Supports Local Rescue Group  Santa Monica’s four-legged residents will get their day in the sun...

Santa Monica’s ICARUS AI Launches Global Grant Initiative, Empowering 5,000 Lives Through Education

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

SANTA MONICA, CA – ICARUS AI https://icarus.education/ a local Artificial Intelligence and education technology company, headquartered right here in Santa...

Santa Monica’s Chez Jay Celebrates 66 Years with Retro Bash by the Beach

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

Landmark Restaurant Celebrates With Classic Cars, Live Music, Celebrity Lore One of Los Angeles County’s most storied restaurants will mark...

Swiss Firm Partners with California Startup to Aid Wildfire Recovery With AI Robots

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

The robotic microfactories are designed to fabricate structural wall panels on-site with high precision, aiming to speed up the construction...

Film Review: Weapons

August 6, 2025

August 6, 2025

By Dolores Quintana You might be asking yourself what the film Weapons is about. Not to worry, writer and director...

Trial Date Set for Alleged ‘Ketamine Queen’ in Matthew Perry’s Death

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

Woman Accused in Matthew Perry’s Overdose to Face Jury The woman accused of supplying the fatal dose of ketamine that...

Santa Monica to Enter Mediation Over Ebony Beach Club Land Seizure

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

The decision follows a year-long investigation into White’s efforts to open the Ebony Beach Club—a nonprofit intended to provide a...

(Video) Palisades Rec Center Completes Construction of First Responder-Themed Playground

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

The new playground–which replaces a near-40-year-old one–was made with funds largely generated by the FireAid Benefit Concert. Palisades Rec Center...

Santa Monica Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees to Ease Shelter Surge

August 5, 2025

August 5, 2025

Overcrowded Shelter Needs Homes for Cats and Dogs Amid an unprecedented surge in intakes, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has...

Elvis Meets Oedipus at the Getty Villa in Fall Premiere of Oedipus the King, Mama!

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

Getty Villa Stages Rock-Fueled Oedipus Satire Under the Stars The Getty Villa Museum will bring the myth of Oedipus to...

Retail and Dining Could be Coming to RAND’s Santa Monica Headquarters

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

The changes aim to revitalize the underutilized property, which has seen reduced occupancy due to post-pandemic hybrid work trends The...

(Video) Festival of Chariots Transforms Venice Beach Into a Showcase of Indian Culture

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

First held in Los Angeles in 1976, the festival draws inspiration from the ancient Jagannath Puri festival in India Festival...

Side-by-Side Beachfront Homes in Santa Monica  Hit Market for $23M Each

August 4, 2025

August 4, 2025

Designed with minimalist luxury, the residences showcase floor-to-ceiling glass walls and views of the Pacific Ocean Two modern beachfront homes,...