Operator of Pacific Park on the Pier, announces sale to SC Holdings
Santa Monica Amusements LLC, the operating group of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, has announced its sale to New York City-based SC Holdings, an investment firm with a history of working in the consumer, entertainment and hospitality sectors. According to a statement from Pacific Park, over the next five years, SC Holdings will make $10 million in capital investments in food and entertainment programs supporting park operations.
Community donations boost school district budget
Spending cuts and revenue increases are painting a positive picture for finances at the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. During a recent meeting of the district’s Board of Education, the district received a positive certification on its 2023-24 budget 2nd Interim Report, meaning the district will be able to meet its financial obligations in the current and two subsequent fiscal years.
Homeless man arrested after attacking a second child
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the suspect involved in the recent assault on a six-year-old child has been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department following another incident in Venice where he is accused of hitting a different child on March 14. The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Ashante Lamar Morgan and is believed to be homeless. The first incident took place at the junction of Main Street and Marine on March 10 at approximately 7pm.
Gala goes to Phantom status for food bank
To maintain its mission fighting food insecurity, the Westside Food Bank did away with a gala setting decades ago, freeing up fundraising to go towards its annual Phantom Dinner tradition. Now in its 28th year, the Phantom Dinner gathers support to give toward food that reaches local food insecure residents via 38 food pantries, including five direct-service mobile pantries operated by Westside staff.
First candidate declares run for City Council
Dan Hall is the first person to formally declare their intent to run for City Council in this year’s election. Four seats will be up for election in November, all currently occupied by incumbents (Gleam Davis, Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra). Hall is the first person to publicly announce an intent to run, but formal paperwork to become a candidate won’t be available for several months.
Local man accused of national prostitution and child abuse scheme
A Santa Monica man has been arrested on accusations he operated a nationwide scheme sexually grooming and abusing children. The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims of John Douglas Burch, 54, of Santa Monica. Burch has been charged by federal indictment with traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct and enticement of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and prostitution.
Trio’s technique, sensibility sizzles at Santa Monica school
Prominently featured on the third floor of Santa Monica Place, The Gourmandise School welcomes everyone from basic bakers to culinary connoisseurs, leading the way on everything edible through foundational skill training and meal preparation courses. Now approaching its 13th anniversary, the mall mainstay is under the care of three female leaders: Co-owner and founding chef Clémence De Lutz, General Manager Sabrina Ironside and Vice President of Operations Claire Hutchens.
Archer VTOL “air taxi” headlines first of monthly Aviation Innovation series of talks
In the first of a new, monthly series of talks being held inside the Museum of Flying at Santa Monica Airport, SVP of Marketing for Archer Aviation, Miles Rogers, spoke on the topic of the company’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) “air taxi.” Following the announcement a month ago that Archer Aviation was partnering with Atlantic Aviation to begin the development of electric aircraft infrastructure at Atlantic’s existing assets — including Santa Monica Municipal Airport — a great deal of interest has been expressed by both aviation aficionados and current residents alike.
Drag disco dances again with weekly LouLou showcase
Launched on March 21, LouLou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge at Santa Monica Place is the new home for “Disco Queen” nights, a tradition that pays homage to the historic Paris disco nightlife and Los Angeles’ strong drag show community. The new weekly occurrence blends the Mediterranean menu of LouLou with a party featuring disco balls, a resident DJ and the world’s top drag queens.
Lady Vikings win wire-to-wire in intracity matchup
On March 18, the Santa Monica Lady Vikings softball squad defeated cross-town rival Saint Monica Lady Mariners 8-1 at Samohi. The Lady Vikings jumped out to an early lead with a 4-run first inning, holding onto the advantage throughout. Samohi pitcher Drew Vudmaska was the star of the day, striking out 10 Saint Monica batters in seven innings of work, while bringing in two RBIs on offense.
Pumps bump up in March as summer-blend transition begins
Santa Monica residents are feeling more of a guzzle of their funds at the gas pump this month. According to the national source for gas station prices, GasBuddy, average gasoline prices in Los Angeles are 17 cents per gallon higher in March than in February, and the average price of gas in the metro ($4.25 per gallon) is seven cents greater than March 2023. Santa Monica pumps were impacted on similar levels, as per GasBuddy prices and Daily Press reporting, at least 10 local gas stations are up at least nine cents per gallon from February 13 to March 19.
Samohi turns to Harlem in exciting entertainment event
Cheering, clapping and good-natured catcalling were the ingredients of a banner night at Barnum Hall, as the Samohi venue ventured to Harlem for the Samohi Black Student Union’s Apollo Night on March 15. The talent show took its name from the Apollo Theater in Harlem, which opened its doors to the first amateur night in 1934, creating countless careers in entertainment.
March brings high school marchers a crucial travel upgrade
On March 14, the high school’s Discovery parking lot was packed with students from Samohi’s Marching Band, as they played fanfare to welcome the band’s new trailer onto campus for the first time. The brand-new trailer, built by Oklahoma-based company Clubhouse Trailers, will serve as home base during band competitions and keep intact the more than $300,000 worth of equipment involved in each trek.
District reaches the ‘stars’ with annual music tradition
Students of all grade levels and expertises joined together in the Samohi Greek Theatre on March 16 for the 73rd annual “Stairway of the Stars” concert, highlighting Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s exemplary musical talents. Nearly 900 students in elementary, middle and high school representing every district campus performed, showcasing the district’s choir, band, jazz band and orchestra.
Rent, mortgage only piece of payment pie
Locals are paying more to live in their abodes, and this also extends to other household bills, with new analysis stating that household expenses in Santa Monica are much higher than the average United States home. According to the data by Doxo Insights, average household expenses in the city equate to $3,598 per month, a gap of 69.2% higher than the US average of $2,126.
Split council votes to condemn County’s “Harm Reduction Services” program
In a predictable 3-4 split along party lines, City Council voted to prepare and return for Council approval within 30 days a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of Los Angeles County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in Santa Monica. The essence of the discussion revolved around a program whereby every week the centrally located Christine Emerson Reed Park, a transit van from the Venice Family Clinic, distributes clean syringes, Narcan and fentanyl testing kits to anyone suffering from drug addiction.
Shein hosts Santa Monica Place pop-up
Global fashion giant Shein held a pop-up at Santa Monica Place from March 22-24, allowing customers to get their hands on clothing in real time as opposed to online shopping. The pop-up on the ground floor of the East Galleria was the first United States pop-up for the company in 2024. The Chinese company has become a powerhouse of modern fashion, rising to prominence among young shoppers and while it was initially focused on shipping rather than designing, it has evolved into a fully integrated retailer.
ross@smdp.com