Musings on a Musical L.A. Christmas
By Robert Ragaini A Mess of Masses 9:30 a.m. I go to mass. It’s the Catholic Church four blocks away and there have already been two earlier masses, 5:30 and 7:30. I get there as […]
Affordable Housing Year in Review
By Richard Hilton The City of Santa Monica has experienced a lot of affordable housing accomplishments in the last two years; I’ll describe some of our more notable achievements. HUD/Section 8: Our federally-funded Voucher […]
SMa.r.t.-Dangers of Wishing Upon a “Star-chitect”
This coming Thursday, January 11, there is a community meeting regarding a project that could have a major impact on Santa Monica’s future. As an involved group of architects, planners, and city commissioners, we feel […]
Resolutions Aren’t Only for Humans: Tips for a Happier Healthier Pet in 2018
Forty percent of Americans will make New Year’s resolutions this year – but what about pets? The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start for our four-legged friends too. From diet and […]
Fire Ruling Has Huge Effect on Utilities
By Tom Elias Under intense political pressure at the same time bone-dry Santa Ana and Sundowner winds propelled unchecked wildfires across Southern California in early December, the California Public Utilities Commission handed down perhaps its […]
Two Fast Healthy Dining Options on the Westside
By Kathy Leonardo These days, everyone is in a rush…Finding healthy fast dining options is a necessity in this fast paced world. I recently had the chance to visit two counter service style restaurants […]
Letter to the Editor: Ballona Wetlands Trust Response
Dear Editor: The Ballona Wetlands Land trust is encouraged that our paid advertisement finally prompted Heal the Bay to comment on the clearly incompatible land use of outside interest parking in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological […]
Tax “Reforms” Could Hit Housing, Wider Economy
By Tom Elias It’s already well established that the tax “reforms” now being hashed out in secret by a joint committee of Republicans from the Senate and the House of Representatives will likely cost Californians […]
SMa.r.t.-Santa Monica’s Early Adoption of Solar Ordinance is a “Shady Deal” for Residents
By Thane Roberts If you are considering a major remodel, or building a new home this year, you should prepare yourself for additional costs. Although the State has mandated that all new residences in California […]
Now We’ll See What Transparency Can Do
By Tom Elias California will be exploring new ground as the impending election year builds to its climax in early November. For the first time ever, big donors to ballot proposition campaigns will not be […]
Sweet Laurel Bakery Will Not Reopen in Palisades, Closes Santa Monica Pickup Spot
Sweet Laurel opened its flagship store in Palisades Village in 2018 and built a strong following across West Los Angeles....
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SM.a.r.t. Column: Santa Monica Isn’t Rebounding Yet. It’s Replacing
Santa Monica officially reports numerous new business openings, often highlighted by the media as signs of economic recovery. However, a...
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