Because of current rainfall, the county health officer is cautioning residents who are planning to visit beaches to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter... Read more →

MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL — Amid controversy over environmental issues at Malibu High School, the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner of Weights and Measures cited the school district for a pesticide violation. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Superintendent Sandra Lyon said that they were cited because the district failed... Read more →

Big Blue Bus riders will have to travel to a new location to get their bus passes. The current Transit Store location will close its doors at the end of the business day on Monday, April 14. Doors will reopen at its new location on Tuesday, April 15. Visit the new counter located only a block away on Fourth Street and Broadway. The... Read more →

A summer filmmaking camp for young people is among several themed camps being offered by SMC. (Photo courtesy Santa Monica College) Santa Monica College Community Education is offering a 10 percent Early Bird Discount on a wide range of summer camps for youth and teenagers through May 16. Camps are being offered in technology,... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — The 5 Gyres Institute, the group leading legislation banning cosmetics containing tiny plastic beads, has launched an online video contest for those who want to experience a high seas “plastic garbage patch” firsthand. One winner will be chosen to join 5 Gyre’s sailing expedition to study plastic pollution density in the... Read more →

Drivers better put their phones down when behind the wheel. Throughout the month of April the Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Section will focus on drivers who are talking or texting on cell phones. Every month traffic officers focus on different driving behaviors that are the primary causes of traffic... Read more →

MAIN STREET — Some residents are calling for a ban on pony rides and petting zoos in the city by the sea. No, this is not the Daily Press’ April Fools’ Day edition. A child rides a pony at the Sunday Main Street Farmers' Market. Some want to ban it. (Photo courtesy blocksnap.com) Marcy Winograd, a resident and former... Read more →

VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK — Soon, possibly this month, the first new  neighborhood library in the city in more than 50 years will open at Virginia Avenue Park. The Pico Branch of the library is undergoing the finishing touches and filling out its 25,000-item collection. City librarians hope to see the space soft open later this month with an... Read more →

BAY CITY ARCHIVES — How do you end homelessness in Santa Monica? Lock them all up and “add them to the rock-pile squad.” That was the plan put forth by the chief of police 100 years ago this month, according to Los Angeles Times archives. Chief Randall used the acronym “I.W.W.” — short for “I Won’t Workers” — to... Read more →

Expo Light Rail Line   Note the following activities: 1. 17th Street 10-day closure with 24-hour work shift for rail installation: Through 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. 2. Colorado Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets: Daytime lane closure for April 1. Expect delays 3. Colorado Avenue between Fifth and 18th streets: Street... Read more →