Our Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow (SMa.r.t) articles have, over the past 12 years, collectively presented a critical analysis of the extensive development transforming Santa Monica. While critical of current development trajectories, SMa.r.t. […]
Santa Monica is known for its ocean views, sunny skies, and strong environmental values. But there’s a challenge on the horizon that could test the city’s priorities: water. If Santa Monica follows through on California’s […]
SMO: Fantasy, Fact, and the Fog of Wishful ThinkingBy someone who read the fine print Every few months, a headline appears in Santa Monica promising that the airport—Santa Monica Airport (SMO)—will shut down by the […]
Santa Monica’s new plan to allow outdoor drinking on the Third Street Promenade between 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM is being pitched as a revitalization effort, but it’s more like pouring a shot into a […]
Almost every year, we see new cities, regions, and countries that make the list(s) of our planet’s happiest and healthiest places to reside and visit. Since World Happiness Day occurred on March 20th, it seems […]
Santa Monica dazzles with its ocean views, sunshine, and laid-back charm. But beyond the postcard image lies a more complicated reality—one where the city’s infrastructure often falls short of supporting the people who live there. […]
The January 2025 wildfires that devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena left an indelible mark on Los Angeles County. Beyond the immediate human tragedy lies a critical juncture for community planning and policy development. As climate […]
In the aftermath of the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, homeowners face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and homes from the ground up. Yet within this tragedy lies an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine […]
In a world where wildfire threats grow more ominous each year, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding at the intersection of smart homes and environmental monitoring. Advanced systems combining Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with […]
This is an update of the article appearing in the SM Mirror on Feb 1, 2025 On January 28th, 2025, the City Council did a wise thing and agreed to continue the process, for 30 […]