CIVIC CENTER — It’s a phrase that’s frequently been brought up during previous workshops for the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE), one presented in concept yet undefined. On Tuesday, residents got their chance to voice what they believe should be community benefits to result from future developments in the city,... Read more →

SMMUSD — Where kids once hid from boogie monsters in their closets or ghosts under their beds, today they’re being protected from a real threat — trans fat. July 1 marked the beginning of a state-wide ban on trans fat in all food served in public school lunches via vending machines or outside contractors. The bill was... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — When Josh Johnson participates in the L.A. Marathon next year, he can look forward to a short trip home at the end of a long 26.2 miles. If the Santa Monica resident is up for it by then, he can even run there. Marathon officials are planning a new route for the 2010 race, starting the course for its 25th anniversary at... Read more →

CITY HALL — While the recession has led to the downgrading of bond ratings for agencies across the state, two local redevelopment project zones in Santa Monica are enjoying a rare pat on the back. Fitch Ratings recently upgraded the bond status for the Ocean Park Redevelopment Agency, which in the past was involved in the Sea Colony and... Read more →

CITYWIDE — This past May, Santa Monica received an award for being bike-friendly, and some cyclists aren’t pleased. Co-founder of BikeRoWave, a local not-for-profit bike repair shop, and writer of the Cyclists’ Bill of Rights, Alex Thompson has created a petition demanding a revision of the bronze award given to Santa... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — It looks like there’s an arsonist on the loose. The Santa Monica Arson Task Force is asking for the public’s help with the investigation of a series of car fires believed to have been intentionally set by a vandal, the latest two fires occurring Monday in the 1700 block of Franklin Street.  All five fires... Read more →

DOWNTOWN — While still in the infancy stages, a hotel project in development-weary Santa Monica could face an uphill battle of opposition from residents. Maxser and Co., which owns a seven-story historically landmarked commercial tower at 710 Wilshire Blvd., just last month got a glimpse of what resistance may come when Santa Monica... Read more →

CITYWIDE — Arts and culture are about to receive a welcomed boost in funding following City Hall’s announcement Monday that it has approved grants for 19 local organizations in the amount of $90,000 and change through the Community Access and Participation Grants Program. To receive funding, each applicant had to demonstrate a... Read more →

Dear EarthTalk: What effects do fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on residential lawns or on farms have on nearby water bodies like rivers, streams — or even the ocean for those of us who live near the shore? — Linda Reddington, Manahawkin, NJ With the advent of the so-called Green Revolution in the second half of... Read more →

CITY HALL — It’s seen in the low-emission parking enforcement vehicles, the water conservation initiatives and solid waste diversion targets, the products of an aggressive plan aimed at making sustainability a regular component of city life. Half a dozen years after the creation of the Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan (SCP),... Read more →