Santa Monica Mirror

06/13/2022

Westside Man Arrested in Alleged $5.2 Million Construction Bond Scam - SM Mirror

A Westwood man was arrested this month on a 27-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he defrauded victims out of more than $5 million by purporting to sell bonds for large-scale construction and other projects.

Tommy Lester Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison By Staff Writer A Westwood man was arrested this month on a 27-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he defrauded victims out of more than $5 million by purporting to sell bonds for large-scale construction and other projects.

06/13/2022

$2 Billion Luxe Hotel Coming to Former Robinsons-May Property in Beverly Hills - SM Mirror

A $2 billion luxe hotel is coming to the former Robinsons-May property in Beverly Hills.

One Beverly Hills expected to be completed in 2027 By Dolores Quintana Aman, a luxury hotel brand with a twist, is coming to Beverly Hills as reported by The Los Angeles Times as part of the development of One Beverly Hills. Aman resorts exist all over the world and have distinct features

06/13/2022

How is the Westside Commercial Real Estate Market Recovering? - SM Mirror

The commercial real estate market in Los Angeles is still trying to recover from over two years of pandemic woes. While some areas have shown promise, other areas can’t seem to break out of the market’s decline.

By Dolores Quintana The commercial real estate market in Los Angeles is still trying to recover from over two years of pandemic woes. While some areas have shown promise, other areas can’t seem to break out of the market’s decline, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Jodie Poirier, executi

06/13/2022

Former Home of the ‘Godmother of Santa Monica’ up for Sale - SM Mirror

The former home of the “Godmother of Santa Monica” is now up for sale for $22 million.

1707 San Vicente Boulevard property on market for $22 million The former home of the “Godmother of Santa Monica” is now up for sale for $22 million as reported by The Real Deal.com. This historic estate that sits on one acre of land is located at 1707 San Vicente Boulevard and has eight bedrooms

06/10/2022

SMa.r.t. Column: Wheeling Electrically - SM Mirror

“For many people, safety on the streets is the #1 reason for avoiding the use of bicycles, electric or conventional. Protected, or completely separated bike lanes are seen as the most popular method of increasing bike safety. One problem with safe bike infrastructure in Santa Monica is that many protected (or separated) bike lanes are badly designed, with poor integration with car traffic,” writes SMa.r.t. in their latest column.

A recent weekend visit to Dana Point, on the Orange County coastline, revealed a curious scene: dozens, if not hundreds of folks using electric bicycles to visit the coastline, ride in the streets and travel around the harbor. There were more electric bikes than conventional ones in view, and riders

06/10/2022

Students at Muir Elementary, SMASH Campus to Be Relocated Over High Levels of Mold - SM Mirror

Students at Santa Monica’s Muir Elementary / SMASH campus will be relocated after high levels of mold were found in multiple classrooms.

High levels of mold in two classrooms forces students to move By Dolores Quintana Students at Santa Monica’s Muir Elementary / SMASH campus will be relocated after high levels of mold were found in multiple classrooms. The relocation was determined to be necessary after the Board of Education

06/09/2022

What Is the Most Popular Fast Food Chain in Los Angeles? - SM Mirror

What is the most popular fast food restaurant in Los Angeles? Hint, it’s not In-N-Out.

Survey finds that Five Guys is the most popular chain in the Los Angeles area By Dolores Quintana Top Agency, or Test Optimize Perform - a collaborative team of marketing agencies that collect and analyze data, has released its list of the top five restaurants in each state and across thirty o

06/09/2022

Local Brewery Celebrates National Donut Day

National donut day celebrations brought sweet treats and a unique beer to the westside. Join us as we explore two local bakeries and a brewery on the tastiest day of the year!
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Video sponsored by Montana Avenue - Santa Monica, CA.
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Reporter / Producer - Juliet Lemar
Thank you - Randy's Donuts
Blue Star Donuts Santa Monica Brew Works DK's Donuts & Bakery

06/09/2022

Wild Spinach Spotted at The Santa Monica Farmers Market

Wild spinach also known as Lambs Quarters is a summer green that can spice up your summer salads with a unique flavor.
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Video sponsored by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
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Reporter / Producer - Juliet Lemar
Thank you - Flora Bella Farm

06/08/2022

Runoff Set for LA City Council District 11 Race - SM Mirror

With no candidate capturing more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election is set for November to fill Mike Bonin’s Los Angeles City Council seat.

Erin Darling and Traci Park finish in first and second place in race to replace Mike Bonin By Sam Catanzaro With no candidate capturing more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election is set for November to fill Mike Bonin's Los Angeles City Council seat. According to partial returns,

06/08/2022

Orchestra Santa Monica’s “Beethoven and Broadway” Free Season Finale Concert This Weekend - SM Mirror

Orchestra Santa Monica (OSM) is performing a “Beethoven and Broadway” season finale concert this weekend, and thanks to a generous donation, tickets can be purchased for free.

June 11 at Adams Performing Arts center By Sam Catanzaro Orchestra Santa Monica (OSM) is performing a “Beethoven and Broadway” season finale concert this weekend, and thanks to a generous donation, tickets can be purchased for free. The event will take place on Saturday, June 11 at Adams P

06/08/2022

WISE & Healthy Aging Honors Community Advocates at Annual ‘Celebration of Caring’ - SM Mirror

The life and legacy of a long-time community advocate, a veteran volunteer and the president of the RAND Corporation will be honored for the numerous contributions they have made to improve the lives of others at WISE & healthy Aging’s annual “Celebration of Caring” event at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica on June 20.

“Celebration of Caring” Will Be Held Monday, June 20, at The Broad Stage The life and legacy of a long-time community advocate, a veteran volunteer and the president of the RAND Corporation will be honored for the numerous contributions they have made to improve the lives of others at WISE &

06/08/2022

Family Fun and Polo Match Raising Funds for Teen Cancer America This Weekend

This weekend join Teen Cancer America for a fundraising event at Will Rogers State Park.
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Video sponsored by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
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Reporter / Producer - Juliet Lemar
Thank you Teen Cancer America

06/08/2022

Santa Monica Education Foundation Raises $400,000 at Annual Wine Auction - SM Mirror

The Santa Monica Education Foundation recently hosted its 7th annual spring Wine Auction, which raised $400,000. This was the first in-person event the foundation has held since the start of the pandemic.

First in-person event the foundation has held since the start of the pandemic. By Ashley Sloan The Santa Monica Education Foundation recently hosted its 7th annual spring Wine Auction, which raised $400,000. This was the first in-person event the foundation has held since the start of the pand

06/08/2022

Community Corp. Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Mar Vista Affordable Housing Development - SM Mirror

The new development provides 50 newly constructed, 100 percent affordable apartments in the Mar Vista and is the organization's first development outside of Santa Monica.

Development provides 50 newly constructed, 100 percent affordable apartments in the Mar Vista Last Friday, Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin and LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, attended Community Corporation of Santa Monica’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for their recently completed affor

06/07/2022

Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Announces New President - SM Mirror

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce has announced Judy Kruger as its new President and CEO.

Judy Kruger takes the helm, succeeding Laurel Rosen By Sam Catanzaro Last week the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce announced Santa Monica resident Judy Kruger as their new President and CEO. In its announcement, the Chamber touted Kruger’s “extensive” background in business. Kruger, who mo

06/07/2022

Officials Warn of Ecstasy Pills Contaminated With Fentanyl as Three Santa Monica Students Recover From Overdose - SM Mirror

Officials are warning of a large number of ecstasy pills laced with fentanyl that have entered the Los Angeles drug market. The warning comes as three Santa Monica Unified School District students recover from an overdose after taking drugs contaminated with the powerful synthetic opioid.

Warning comes after three SMMUSD students recover from overdose By Sam Catanzaro Officials are warning of a large number of ecstasy pills laced with fentanyl that have entered the Los Angeles drug market. The warning comes as three Santa Monica Unified School District students recover from an

06/06/2022

Population Loss: New Era or Pandemic Glitch? - SM Mirror

“The pandemic drove tens of thousands of white collar employees to work from home – and allowed them to make that home anywhere they liked,” writes Tom Elias in his latest column. “That’s a drive the increased-density fanatics now running California housing policy ought to note well, for it shows that given the choice, most human beings will choose not to live stacked up in apartment buildings and condominiums.”

By Tom Elias, Columnist The numbers suggest a major change is underway in California. It would take a Nostradamus to know if that change is real and long lasting or if those proclaiming it are merely overreacting to a pandemic-induced glitch. “We are in this new demographic era for California

06/06/2022

Councilmember Brock Proposes CounterMeasure to Mayor Himmelrich’s Transfer Tax Initiative - SM Mirror

Councilmember Phil Brock has called Mayor Sue Himmelrich’s recent transfer tax measure that she is attempting to place on the ballot “outrageous” and has countered with his own measure.

General tax measure would raise $15 million annually By Dolores Quintana Councilmember Phil Brock has called Mayor Sue Himmelrich’s recent transfer tax measure that she is attempting to place on the ballot “outrageous” and has countered with his own measure as reported by The Santa Monica Look

06/06/2022

SMa.r.t. Column: The Sound of Silence Is Big & Tall - SM Mirror

“That well of silence would be the Planning Commission, the City Council, and Us, the resident voters, who continue to perpetrate the not too slow demise of what had been a fairly successful and desirable beachfront community, by being too silent,” writes SMa.r.t. in their latest column.

All too often these days we find ourselves wondering how we could have been so correct about so many planning issues that we have written about over these last nine years, and yet so frequently we turn around and there it is…another project that is absolutely wrong, and that had been warned agains...

06/06/2022

Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector Mails Notices of Delinquent Payments for Property Owners - SM Mirror

Keith Knox, Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, is in the process of mailing approximately 162,000 Notices of Delinquency (Notices) to Los Angeles County property owners who have not paid their Annual and/or Supplemental Secured Property Taxes in full for the 2021-22 tax year.

Keith Knox, Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, is in the process of mailing approximately 162,000 Notices of Delinquency (Notices) to Los Angeles County property owners who have not paid their Annual and/or Supplemental Secured Property Taxes in full for the 2021-22 tax year. The No

06/04/2022

Samohi Marine Biology Students Dissect and Consume Classwork - SM Mirror

Students in Benjamin Kay’s marine biology classes at Santa Monica High School (Samohi) recently took part in the 16th annual squid dissection and cookout, on the rooftop classroom of the Discovery building.

16th annual squid dissection and cookout takes place in Benjamin Kay’s biology class By Diana Bouchaaya Students in Benjamin Kay’s marine biology classes at Santa Monica High School (Samohi) recently took part in the 16th annual squid dissection and cookout, on the rooftop classroom of the Dis

06/04/2022

Teen Cancer America to Host Third Annual Polo Event at Will Rogers Polo Club - SM Mirror

Teen Cancer America, the national non-profit founded by rock icons Roger Daltrey & Pete Townshend of The Who, will be hosting Rock n’ Polo III, its 3rd annual polo event benefiting teens & young adults fighting cancer at the Will Rogers Polo Club.

Fundraiser to feature music, food, hospitality and more! By Staff Writer Teen Cancer America (TCA), the national non-profit founded by rock icons Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, will be hosting Rock n’ Polo III, its third annual polo event benefiting teens and young adults fightin

06/04/2022

Two Santa Monica Recreation Employees Named Hometown Heroes by the Red Cross for Life Saving Efforts - SM Mirror

Two City of Santa Monica employees were recently honored by the Red Cross for saving an off duty police officer having a cardiac arrest.

Jose Barron and Anthony Diaz honored for saving police officer having cardiac arrest By Dolores Quintana The American Red Cross of the Los Angeles Region held their Hometown Heroes Ceremony on May 19 at the Carson Community Center in Carson, California as reported by Culver City News. Of the t

06/04/2022

CASA/LA Benefit Raises $800,000 for Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Services at Skirball Center - SM Mirror

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Los Angeles held its 10th Annual Gala event, renamed this year to the REIMAGINE GALA at the Skirball Cultural Center, raising over $800,000.

REIMAGINE Gala hosted by Topher & Ashley Grace raised funds at 10th annual event By Staff Writer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Los Angeles held its 10th Annual Gala event, renamed this year to the REIMAGINE GALA at the Skirball Cultural Center, raising over $800,000. The

06/04/2022

Assembly Bill AB 2691 Could Bring Cannabis Sales to Farmers Markets - SM Mirror

California lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow cannabis sales at farmers markets.

Bill passes California Assembly’s Appropriations Committee By Dolores Quintana Farmers markets might get a lucrative new revenue stream and a new product if Assembly Bill 2691 passed in the state legislature as reported by Eater Los Angeles. It could be a boon for independent farmers and those

06/04/2022

OP-Ed: DTSM Chair Barry Snell on Safety Ambassadors - SM Mirror

“Recently, there have been calls to eliminate our dedicated, effective, compassionate and loyal ambassadors. We are here to say that this is not on the table,” Barry Snell Chair, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board of Directors writes in an Op-ed.

By Barry Snell Chair, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board of Directors The Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) Board of Directors and staff are fully aware of concerns regarding public safety along our beloved Third Street Promenade and the downtown district as a whole. We share those concerns and