The Argonaut

01/07/2026

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education has voted to enter into a purchase agreement to acquire 814 25th Street in Santa Monica, a property adjacent to Franklin Elementary School.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education voted during its Dec. 18 regular board meeting to enter into a purchase agreement to acquire 814 25th Street in

01/07/2026

Although she has been working in jazz radio for 50 years, Rhonda Hamilton was still surprised to receive a call from the National Endowment for the Arts informing her that she was the recipient of the 2026 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Master Award for Jazz Advocacy. Read our cover feature at https://www.argonautnews.com/community/the-first-lady-of-kjazz-rhonda-hamilton-receives-nea-award-for-jazz-advocacy/article_e22f219d-7b7e-43fc-9123-e0492d5cb90c.html.

📸: Chris Mortenson

01/06/2026

A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against four members of a group that allegedly plotted to set off bombs in Southern California on New Year’s Eve.

A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against four members of a group that allegedly plotted to set off bombs in Southern California on New Year’s Eve, the Department

01/05/2026

The Westside of Los Angeles navigated a transformative 2025, defined by historic challenges and significant institutional growth.

The Westside of Los Angeles navigated a transformative 2025, defined by historic challenges and significant institutional growth. The year began with the devastating Palisades Fire, testing the region’s resilience, followed

01/02/2026

“I am a nonprofit, mission-driven comedy club that is going to use stories for social justice,” says The Crow’s owner Nicole Blaine.

Like millions of people around the world, Nicole Blaine, owner of The Crow comedy club, has an affinity for the 2006 bestseller “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. Before she had

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