September 24, 2026
Brand banner reading The Cheat Sheet in bold orange-red letters, with a sunset gradient, palm trees, and a city skyline silhouette.
Everything you need to survive the week ahead. Updated Thursdays.

It’s National Punctuation Day!

🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Nia Vardalos (64), “Mean” Joe Greene (80)
🗓️ ON THIS DATE: Big Bang Theory premieres on CBS (2007)

Tonight is Back to School night at Santa Monica High School. The program begins at 6:00 PM. Validated parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure on 4th Street.

Back to School Night

🏪 HAPPENING NOW
NOT SO FAST…
PARKS COMMISSION QUESTIONS LEGALITY OF CLOVER PARK TRAPEZE DEAL
The vice chairperson told City Council the deal may violate numerous local rules.
DON’T WORRY, IT’S COMING BACK
SANTA MONICA PIER SIGN TO BE TEMPORARILY REMOVED FOR RESTORATION
The iconic sign will be shipped to Las Vegas and returned in late 2027.
OPEN LATER
MUSEUM OF FLYING EXTENDS HOURS
The museum will stay open one hour later beginning today.
BOOTED BY THE BOTS
WESTSIDE RESIDENTS FUME AS POPULAR ANIMAL RESCUER IS BOOTED FROM NEXTDOOR APP
Austin Muhs was featured in People magazine last year.
STEPPED UP PRESENCE?
SMPD MAY PATROL METRO LINE UNDER NEW AGREEMENT
Under the agreement, officers would “patrol platforms, ride trains, support fare compliance operations (and) remove riders without valid fare.”

🗓️ UPCOMING COMMUNITY MEETINGS

10/1: SMMUSD Board meeting

10/1: NOMA meeting

10/5: Northeast Neighbors meeting

10/5: Architectural Review Board meeting

🎬 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

🏪 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Lindsay Davis

The performance and pain of Lindsay Davis: Also known as ‘Daisy The Venice Healer,’ she is the most unlikely candidate in this year’s race for Santa Monica City Council. Read her exclusive interview with the Santa Monica Sun.

🎟️ THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK
🎬 MOVIES

  • Avengers: Endgame – Encore — Opens Sept 25 (Fri) • AMC
  • Forgotten Island — Opens Sept 25 (Fri) • AMC
🎵 CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC

  • R&B Tour: Usher & Chris Brown — Sept 26 (Sat) • SoFi Stadium
  • Bruno Mars — Sept 30 (Wed) • SoFi Stadium
🎭 COMEDY, THEATER & ARTS

  • Bert Kreischer — Sept 26 (Sat) • Greek Theatre
  • Into the Woods (Opening) — Sept 26 (Sat) • Morgan-Wixson Theatre
📺 TELEVISION

  • A Different World (premiere) — Sept 24 (Wed) • Netflix
  • Saturday Night Live (premiere) — Sept 26 (Sat) • NBC
🍷 NIGHTLIFE / AFTER DARK

  • ’90s Night — Fridays • The Room, SM
  • Trivia with Jon Rosenthol — Mondays • O’Brien’s Irish Pub
🧘 COMMUNITY, OUTDOORS & FAMILY

  • Abbot Kinney Festival — Sept 27 (Sun) • Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
  • Bunny Hoppy Hour — Sept 30 (Wed) • The Cook’s Garden, Venice
🏟️ COLLEGE & PRO SPORTS

  • College: SMC @ LA Valley College — Sept 26 (Sat)
  • NCAA: Oregon @ USC — Sept 26 (Sat) • LA Memorial Coliseum

📌 COMING SOON
Neptune's Frozen Treats

Neptune’s Frozen Treats headed to Montana Ave: Yet another yummy dessert option is on the way. Check out the scoop from Toddrickallen.com

🏈 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL – WEEK 5
High School Football

Week 5 features several key matchups that could impact the rest of the season.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Estancia @ Brentwood
Franklin @ University
St. Monica @ CSHM

Remember to check the Santa Monica Sun each weekend for scores and game recaps.

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