July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Friendship City Pact Announced Between Santa Monica and Brighton, England

Santa Monica to mark official Friendship City Pact with Brighton & Hove with a series of events and collaborations throughout the month of July

The mayors of Santa Monica and Brighton & Hove in the UK have joined forces this month as part of a new Friendship City Pact to collaborate, support each other and exchange ideas between the pier cities and their citizens. 

“What drives this synergy is the two cities share iconic piers, beautiful coastlines, rich cultures, and vibrant communities offering a natural fit for this partnership,” Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) said in a press release announcing the pact. 

SMTT will host a series of Santa Monica-inspired events and experiences at locations around Brighton throughout the month to help boost coast-to-coast tourism from Brighton to Santa Monica. 

“The pact aims to deepen the relationship between the two cities promoting cultural understanding between their citizens and offering an exchange of ideas and activities through school curriculum, event series and in-market tourism experiences on both sides of the Atlantic,” SMTT said. 

On Friday, July 29, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Lizzie Deane and the Mayor Pro-Tem of Santa Monica, Kristin McCowan will each sign the official Friendship City Partnership Agreement in person. In attendance will be Santa Monica Sister City Association President Jeff Jarow, with senior representatives of Visit Brighton and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism. The mayors will then unveil a dedicated street art mural to mark the collaboration by Santa Monica artist, Ruben Rojas, on Brighton’s Palace Pier before it moves to its permanent home in the city.

“This partnership marks a new chapter for the tourism industries of Santa Monica and Brighton as they partner to celebrate the parallels between the culture, history, food scenes and creative communities of the respective cities, and of course their iconic piers, both over 100 years old, opening a decade apart in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,” SMTT said. 

As part of the scheduled events, SMTT representatives will take part in several key events, which included the Visit USA Summer Affair in London on July 6, a sales mission as well as hosting an event for industry partners, trade, and media to share what’s new and encourage visitation to Santa Monica.

Brighton’s seaside Shelter Hall will play a key role in the collaboration with the launch of a Santa Monica-inspired menu on July 7 as part of a partnership between Mark Rush, the Hall’s chef, who visited Santa Monica in May, and the highly acclaimed, two-starred Michelin chef Josiah Citrin and Govind Armstrong, who will be in Brighton this month showcasing their culinary talents.

“As two of the worlds most beloved coastal cities we are excited to form this partnership. Having two of our talented and award-winning chefs join us in sharing a flavour of what Santa Monica has to offer and creating memorable experiences for the public throughout July, we hope to give locals and visitors a true taste of the Santa Monica vibe while in Brighton to inspire them to visit our city,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

SMTT is offering one lucky winner and a guest from the U.K., the chance to win a four-night trip to Santa Monica. The giveaway went live on July 1 at SantaMonicaLovesBrighton.com.

“We look forward to welcoming the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism team to our shores and supporting this fully immersive cultural experience for our residents and visitors throughout July. It is a sign of the exciting times that lie ahead for both destinations and we look forward to collaborating on further activations as part of our Friendship City Partnership,” said Howard Barden, Head of VisitBrighton.

<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...