January 2, 2026
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Plastic Bag Ban Repeal: An Irrelevant Vote?:

What if California voters repealed a law, but it remained the law anyway?
That’s a situation the state may soon face if a yet-unnumbered proposition aiming to repeal a 2014 statewide ban on plastic grocery bags should pass in November.

Rescue Dogs Take the Limelight.

Rescue Dogs Take the Limelight:

There were all the trappings one expects from a movie premier: mingling among chicly-dressed actors, filmmakers and guests, red carpet photos and craft services. The presence of rescue dogs wandering between premier-goers’ legs, was not quite as standard, but “Rescue Dogs: The Movie” is in a class of its own.

Free Workshop Sunday on Environmental Racism. Niki Okuk, right, will be a speaker.

Environmental Racism Workshop Sunday in Santa Monica:

In light of the national news about Flint, Michigan, and more local concerns about water problems and fraking in our own county, the Committee for Racial Justice will hold its monthly workshop Sunday in Santa Monica with a focus on environmental racism.

420 Games Reach New High.

420 Games Reach New High (VIDEO):

Celebrating all things 420-aligned, the 420 Games hit Santa Monica Saturday, attracting a wide range of participants from near and far.

Downtown Santa Monica

Community Consultation Key to Extended DCP:

Amidst resident rumblings regarding development and the future of Santa Monica, the City released a new Downtown Community Plan (DCP) timeline Tuesday in an effort to create a final blueprint that is more reflective of what people really want.

Whole Foods to Finally Become Restricted Country Club.

Whole Foods to Finally Become Restricted Country Club:

Saying that the move was inevitable based on its pricing and specific appeal, all Whole Foods stores will now become Restricted Country Clubs featuring 18 holes of golf, tennis courts, bars serving $22 mixed drinks, and a cigar smoking lounge.

Gluten-Free bakery to add flavor.

Gluten-Free Bakery to Add Flavor:

Blandie’s Gluten-Free Bakery on Main Street has announced a revision of their inventory that will now allow for some baked goods to have flavor and some kind of taste.

Bus Stops Will Have 10 cent Pony Rides.

Bus Stops Will Have 10 Cent Pony Rides:

Noting that something was still missing from the new Santa Monica bus stops, the city will add a “pony ride” amusement at each stop. Operating for a retro-licious 10 cents, children can enjoy a jiggly 3 minute ride on the back of “Bucky Roo”, a simulated small horse. Meanwhile, real ponies breathed a collective sigh of relief at the announcement since…