It’s National Fluffernutter Day!
🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Actor Chevy Chase (83), singer Bruno Mars (41)
📅 ON THIS DATE: New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen throws perfect game in World Series to beat Brooklyn Dodgers (1956)
The heat wave is expected to end, but we can expect a wet end to the weekend on the Westside. You’ll still find plenty of cool events & activities –– including a ‘Rocky Horror’-themed burlesque show –– in today’s edition of The Cheat Sheet!
CLOSING TIME?
California Pizza Kitchen wants to leave Santa Monica
The struggling chain restaurant is trying to get out of the lease for its location on Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica Sun
CHANGE OF USE
Historic ‘Victorian’ space on Main Street to become members-only club
Plans were presented to City Council earlier this year. The Victorian will close at the end of October.
SMDP
CRIME WATCH
Local man charged with kidnapping, rape kills himself in Santa Monica
Alexander William Schecter, 26, was scheduled to appear in court today.
Lookout
HONORING A COMMITMENT
Goldenvoice hosts events, invests in Santa Monica community
The entertainment giant will also produce the Ocean Way Festival on Santa Monica Beach in 2027.
Argonaut
MAKE IT A LANDMARK?
Santa Monica Conservancy wants to save Mel’s Diner from wrecking ball
The site of the former Penguin diner may soon be leveled to make way for an eight story apartment building.
SM Conservancy
10/8: Lincoln Middle School PTSA meeting
10/8: John Adams Middle School PTSA meeting
10/8: Rent Control Board meeting
10/13: City Council meeting
10/13: Ocean Park Association meeting
10/15: Board of Education meeting
10/15: Recreation & Parks Commission meeting
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Santa Monica Filmmaker Varda Bar-Kar brings Janis Ian documentary to Miles Playhouse
The free event will include a screening of Janis Ian: Breaking Silence and a Q&A with the director.
MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
‘Rocky Horror’ burlesque show comes to Illusion Magic Lounge
The evening will feature singing, dancing, burlesque and aerial acts. One show only.
MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
Off The Hook seafood festival returns to Santa Monica Pier
More than 25 Santa Monica chefs and restaurants will showcase their creations starting at 4:00 p.m.
MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 – 18
Awareness Film Festival returns to Santa Monica
Celebrating 17 years of films driving social awareness and positive change.
MORE INFO
10/10: Movies in the Park: ‘Lego Movie’ @ Reed Park
10/10: Halloween Block Fest @ Third Street Promenade
10/10: Fifth Street Festival @ Los Amigos Park
10/11: Venice Street Fair @ 3rd & Rose
10/15: Locals Night: ‘Dogtown’ 50th @ SM Pier
ONGOING EVENTS:
- Into The Woods @ Morgan-Wixson Theatre (ends 10/18)
- Olivia Rodrigo: The Cure @ Grammy Museum
- Brits in L.A. Trivia @ O’Brien’s Pub (Wednesdays)
- Western Line Dancing @ Santa Monica Place (Wednesdays)
- Hang Ten Comedy Night @ Gladstones (Wednesdays)
- Live Band Karaoke @ Harvelles (Wednesdays)
- Music Bingo @ O’Brien’s Pub (Thursdays)
- Mission IMPROVable @ Westside Comedy Theatre (Fridays)
- Magic By The Sea @ Illusion Magic Lounge (Fridays)
- The Toledo Show @ Harvelles (Sundays)
- Karaoke @ The Gaslite (Nightly)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Day of the Dog to take over Main Street
The free, pet-friendly festival featuring vendors, pet activities, demonstrations, and dog races.
MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 & 31
‘Cinema by the Sea’ returns for two weeks only
The Regent Santa Monica will present screenings of Hocus Pocus (Oct. 24) and Practical Magic (Oct. 31)
MORE INFO
‘FIFTH STREET FESTIVAL’ is this weekend! Be sure to stop by the fundraising event for Ocean Park Schoolhouse (formerly SMASH) Saturday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Week 8 features several key matchups that could impact the rest of the season.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Samohi @ North (Torrance)
Venice @ Fairfax
Palisades @ University
Remember to check the Santa Monica Sun each weekend for scores and game recaps.
This newsletter is curated by The Santa Monica Sun and is intended as a resource for the Santa Monica and Westside communities. We encourage you to “opt-in” to receive weekly updates—please share this email with a friend!
If you would like to provide feedback or have news to submit, please reach out to CheatSheet@SantaMonicaSun.com.
- Cheat Sheet 10/8: Santa Monica news, entertainment, sports, events - October 8, 2026
- ‘Rocky Horror’ burlesque show heads to Illusion Magic Lounge - October 8, 2026
- And the Emmys go to… Prime Video - October 6, 2026