February 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Offers Relief to Businesses and Residents Amid Wildfire Recovery Efforts

City Eases Housing Restrictions, Monitors Price Gouging, Provides Resources

The city of Santa Monica is taking steps to support businesses, protect consumers, and assist displaced residents in the wake of regional wildfires, officials announced Wednesday.

All Santa Monica areas north of San Vicente Boulevard remain under an Evacuation Warning. Residents may voluntarily return to this area but should remain prepared with gathered essentials and be ready to leave if conditions worsen.

There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in the city of Santa Monica and no active fires in Santa Monica. This is the latest map for the city of Santa Monica.

Under an emergency order, the city has eased restrictions on short-term rentals to help those impacted by the fires find temporary housing. Property owners can rent homes, apartments, and accessory dwelling units for less than 30 days during the emergency, without minimum lease requirements. Rent control laws remain in effect, and the city has pledged to monitor and strictly enforce anti-price gouging measures. For more information on housing for fire victims, including

how property owners can offer units for rent, click here. 

Residents or property owners offering units to displaced individuals must complete a registration form and obtain a business license. To find more information on price gouging click here

The Emergency Does Not:

  • Suspend the City’s local rent control or just cause eviction laws. These remain in effect.
  • Remove affordability restrictions and the requirement to utilize the City’s Below Market Housing Waitlist on deed-restricted affordable residences within the City of Santa Monica.
  • Waive Federal Section 8 Voucher restrictions which prevent voucher holders from subleasing or short-term renting their residence. 

The Consumer Protection Unit of the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office is investigating reports of price gouging. State law prohibits price increases exceeding 10% on goods, services, or housing after a declared emergency. Complaints can be filed by emailing Consumer.Mailbox@santamonica.gov or visiting smconsumer.org.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing free walk-in counseling and disaster loan assistance to affected businesses and homeowners. Counseling sessions are available at the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Hours on Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 2525 Main St. #103 – this service will not be available on Monday, January 20 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. 

Santa Monica businesses are also offering promotions and discounts to evacuees and first responders, including reduced rates at hotels and deals at restaurants, salons, and retail shops. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing gift cards or visiting establishments in person. Support local vendors at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, now open in all locations as regularly scheduled. 

The Santa Monica Pier invites the community to support by purchasing gift cards from Santa Monica restaurants, shops, and small businesses and bringing them to Locals’ Night on Jan. 23. Gift cards will be collected and donated to those in need.  

As regional air quality improves, the city encourages residents to take advantage of public transit or use Santa Monica’s bike network. The Big Blue Bus and Metro E Line have resumed normal fare collection after temporarily suspending fares for evacuees.

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) remains closed north of Lincoln Boulevard, with alternate routes available through I-10. Areas north of San Vicente Boulevard remain under evacuation warnings, and residents returning voluntarily should remain prepared to leave if conditions worsen.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued guidance on safe cleanup, air quality precautions, and ocean water safety. Santa Monica officials assured residents that the city’s tap water remains safe to drink.

You can watch a video message from the city regarding drinking water safety:

<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...