May 2, 2026
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Belmar Apartments, the largest affordable housing development that the City of Santa Monica has ever helped finance, is now providing homes for 160 families.

New Santa Monica Payment Standard and HOUSE Program:

The City of Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) now has stronger tools to assist tenants with obtaining affordable housing. Santa Monica rents have increased well above Federal program limits, making rental assistance vouchers noncompetitive in the housing market.

Signs on the beach Thursday morning.

Updated: Pico Kenter Drain Opened Without Warning: City Promises to do Better Next Time

Adhoc signs were placed on Santa Monica beach late Wednesday afternoon, advising swimmers to avoid the Pico Kenter Drain area. The fact that the Santa Monica City Council signs came almost a full workday after the Pico Kenter Drain was opened into the ocean without warning in the morning, has outraged residents and lifeguards alike, causing the raising of eyebrows across the community.

Last year's panel

Youth Literary Fest Starts Friday:

The Youth and Young Adult Book Festival (Yallwest) is opening Friday in Santa Monica with thousands expected to attend the popular literary and arts event that has expanded to boasting a fabulous line-up of talent.

Building Expo

Expo CEO Richard Thorpe To Retire:

Richard (Rick) Thorpe, Chief Executive Officer of the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, today announced he will retire on May 6, 2016, after more than 40 years in the transit industry and just prior to the scheduled opening of Phase 2 of the Expo light rail line on May 20th.