The Argonaut

01/01/2026

This holiday season, The Realm Company turned tradition on its head with “KRAMPUS,” a darkly immersive ballet that descended into the eerie folklore of the infamous yuletide anti-hero against the backdrop of Electric Lodge in Venice.

Our photographer Chris Mortenson enjoyed the dark tale, which featured haunting choreography by Artistic Director Chasen Greenwood and an original score by Taylor Briggs.

12/31/2025

Thousands gathered along Windward Avenue on a recent Saturday for the 14th annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting & Block Party, a longtime community tradition marking the start of the holiday season. The free, family-friendly event featured live music, local food offerings, kids’ activities and photos with Santa before the iconic Venice Sign was illuminated in festive holiday colors following a countdown. The celebration included a performance by the Venice All-Stars, a supergroup led by Grammy-winning producer Rob Christie and featuring musicians who tour with major recording artists. 📸: Venice Paparazzi

12/31/2025

Josh Madson believes in celebrating humanity. Through his photography, both independently and through Community Collage, the nonprofit he founded, the Del Mar resident is reminding everyone that they are part of something bigger than themselves. He is bringing that ethos to Downtown LA on New Year’s Eve, hosting a free portrait experience at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA celebration.

Josh Madson believes in celebrating humanity. Through his photography, both independently and through Community Collage, the nonprofit he founded, the Del Mar resident is reminding everyone that they are part

12/31/2025

Some people celebrate at home with a glass of bubbly watching the ball drop elsewhere. Others like to paint the town silver and gold as they toast to the new year. Find a few options at argonautnews.com/arts_and_events/ring-in-2026-what-s-happening-around-town-on-new-year-s-eve/article_402b7244-321e-4d97-8706-8a70a9bb56da.html.

📸: Courtesy of BOA Steakhouse

12/30/2025

There is nothing a father wants more than for his son than to become a success. When reporter Ed Condran interviewed Carl Reiner shortly after the comedy icon became an octogenarian in 2002, the Mark Twain Prize Award winner beamed when the conversation turned to his son Rob Reiner.

There is nothing a father wants more than for his son than to become a success. When I interviewed Carl Reiner shortly after the comedy icon became an octogenarian in

12/30/2025

A California brown pelican found in Marina Del Rey is recovering from a severe slashed pouch injury that is believed to be caused by human actions.

12/29/2025

When Victoria Mehrnia and her husband moved to Playa Vista two years ago, one of the first things she noticed was that she had not seen any merchandise with the community’s name on it. Malibu and Marina del Rey had merchandise, so why not Playa Vista? Read about her passion project, Playa Vista Beach Club, at https://www.argonautnews.com/business/playa-vista-beach-club-hats-off-to-a-local-pv-entrepreneur/article_4c523f2a-64ef-42cd-bdab-3df6e981b260.html.

Photo by Chris Mortenson

12/26/2025

The Santa Monica Fire Department has launched an Advanced Provider Unit, a service designed to help residents receive high-quality medical care while reducing the need for emergency room visits in certain situations. Details at https://www.argonautnews.com/news/timely-medical-care-santa-monica-fire-department-launches-advanced-provider-unit/article_96fe58b3-e902-4f82-93cb-e331e441f973.html.

12/24/2025

This is the season for fun and feasting with family and friends, but there are hazards that lurk and we need to exercise caution to protect ourselves from illness.

This is the season for fun and feasting with family and friends but there are hazards that lurk and we need to exercise caution to protect ourselves from illness. Being

12/23/2025

Construction has started to replace and upgrade the Santa Monica Pier Bridge.

Construction has started to replace and upgrade the Santa Monica Pier Bridge as part of the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, the city announced on Dec. 9. Crews have started staging

12/22/2025

The holiday season is coming to a close, and for people searching for that perfect gift for Christmas Hannukah, time is running out. Perhaps it is too late to rely on FedEx, USPS or Amazon to get gifts for your family and friends. Fortunately for Westsiders, there are several local businesses in the community perfect for gift giving this holiday season.

The holiday season is coming to a close, and for people searching for that perfect gift for Christmas Hannukah, time is running out. Perhaps it is too late to rely

12/19/2025

Fans gathered at The Ice Rink in Santa Monica to celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday with an evening of ice skating set to the pop star’s music. Swifties of all ages took to the rink dressed in themed outfits representing different eras of the singer’s career, turning the rink into a colorful tribute. The event blended music, skating and fandom, creating a festive atmosphere as attendees marked the occasion on the ice. Our photographer, Chris Mortenson, was there.