February 4, 2026
Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

SMa.r.t. Column: Downtown Deception

Three weeks ago the Planning Commission approved a 140 unit eight story skyscraper downtown which meets all the requirements of the Downtown Community Plan, but misses several significant City urban goals. This building at 601 […]

SMa.r.t. Column: Is Santa Monica’s Heart For Sale?

Following is the first of several articles previously written about a proposed hotel project in the center of our downtown. It appears this behemoth of a project on Arizona between 4th & 5th is rearing […]

SMa.r.t. Column: ENOUGH!

Residents are lamenting the turn our beach town has taken in the last few years, and sadly it is not for the better. Mom & Pop stores and services are closing. Crime is up significantly. […]

SMa.r.t. Column: Civic Center Field Saga – Part 2

Last week’s article covered the start of the community effort to get a new multipurpose sports field at the corner of Pico and 4th Street. After months of deliberations, on July 2, 2002 the City […]

SMa.r.t. Column: The Civic Center Field Saga

Many of you may have seen the green fence around the former Civic Center parking lot at the corner of Pico Blvd. and 4th Street. That mundane construction device is the first tangible culmination of […]

SMa.r.t. Column: Deep Thoughts of Real Urban Thinkers

Two years ago, and in the context of the Downtown Community Plan which was being discussed at the time,  we provided a few thought-provoking observations by architects, designers, and philosophers who have thought deeply about […]

Another Scheme to Leave Residents Behind!

SM.a.r.t. was recently made aware of a new home-sharing scheme. It appears to be quite straightforward. Go to Ikea, add a lot of bunk beds to your house or apartment, and list your new hostel […]

Design Standards – An Urban Dance and Who Chooses?

This is a follow up to our recent articles which discussed the effects of design on our environment, our culture, heritage and economy.  Santa Monica’s temperate beachfront environment attracts corporate and off-shore investment dollars that […]