March 6, 2026

Thursday, January 15, 2025
Today is National Hat Day
Wikipedia turns 25 today!

 

☀️ Good Morning, Santa Monica!

Today is National Hat Day. Whether you’re rocking a Dodgers cap on the promenade, a fedora for the farmers market, or a cozy beanie to handle that “chilly” 60-degree morning breeze at the beach, we hope you’re wearing it with style today.

Grab your favorite lid and let’s dive in…

_________

Grease is the word!
One of Hollywood’s most beloved musicals is now the first ever drive-in movie at the Santa Monica Pier.  The gang from Rydell High will hit the big screen tonight (January 15) at 6:30 p.m.  A limited number of cars are permitted.  Audio will be transmitted on a private radio frequency — just like in the old days…

Plus…

▶︎ Santa Monica has a new police chief
Darrick Jacob first joined the SMPD in 2004 and has been acting chief since August.  SMDP

▶︎ Local restaurant loses liquor license over violations
Dozens of complaints have been filed against Beethoven Market, which has only been open for one year.  EaterLA

▶︎ Intelligentcia Coffee opening on Pico.
The Chicago-based chain will take over the former Weinerschnitzel property.  Toddrickallen

▶︎ Socalo calls it quits after five years 
The popular spot founded by Border Grill legends Susan Feninger and Mary Sue Milliken will serve its final meal on February 14. WhatNow

▶︎ Santa Monica pauses new downtown parking rates…for now
City Council will revisit the fee hikes at its next meeting on January 27.  Observer

▶︎ DineLA Restaurant week begins January 23
More than 30 Santa Monica restaurants are scheduled to participate.  See the list

 


Kamala Harris is ditching Brentwood for $8 million Malibu mansion  NY Post

Costco is offering cash for your old electronics  Yahoo

Joe Dirt tribute wins big at Pennsylvania Farm Show  AP

Thursday, January 15
Santa Monica Parks & Recreation Commission
6:00 PM – City Hall

Monday. January 19
Santa Monica Arts Commission
6:30 PM – City Hall
Architectural Review Board
7:00 PM – City Hall

Tuesday, January 20
Mid City Neighbors Association
6:30 PM – Zoom

SMMUSD Board of Education
5:30 PM – District Office

Santa Monica High School PTSA
7:00 PM – Cafeteria

Wednesday, January 21
Santa Monica Planning Commission
6:00 PM – City Hall

 

Seven things you don’t want to miss in the week ahead…

1. Last Call for Ice Skating
Squeeze in one more spin on the seasonal rink at 5th & Arizona before it melts away for good. Ice at Santa Monica closes this Monday, January 19.

2. Jeopardy Alumni Trivia
Test your knowledge alongside former contestants every Wednesday at O’Brien’s Pub.  2226 Wilshire Blvd.

3. Open Mic Night
Take your shot at stardom every Tuesday at Weary Livers on Pico. 2819 Pico Blvd.

4. Rocky Horror Picture Show
Dress up, throw rice, and scream “Don’t dream it, be it!” The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a decades-long Saturday night tradition in West L.A. Nuart Theatre | 11272 Santa Monica Blvd

5. Hot Girl Walk LA
Get your steps in while you make new (hot) friends on this 4 mile walk through Santa Monica.  Details

6. Selena Pop-up Exhibit debuts at Grammy Museum
Selena: From Texas to the World runs through March 16.

7. iHeartRadio ALTer Ego @ The Forum
Green Day, 21 Pilots and Cage The Elephant headline this one night music festival.

8. Men’s College Basketball:  Purdue @ UCLA
The Boilermakers (17-1) put their near-perfect season on the line against the hometown Bruins (12-6).  Pauley Pavillion | 301 Westwood Plaza


Duran Duran, Offspring, James Taylor to headline BeachLife 2026
More than 35,000 attendees are expected for the three day event May 1 – 3 in Redondo Beach.

Pitbull hits the road this summer with ‘Lil John
The I’m Back Tour will stop May 30 at the Hollywood Bowl

New in theaters this week:  28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, A Private Life, Charlie The Wonder Dog

 

ON SALE NOW

Charlie Puth
April 29 | Kia Forum
Sign up for the presale

The Sound of Music
May 5 – 24 | Pantages Theatre

Sign up for the presale

Pitbull: I’m Back Tour
May 30 | Hollywood Bowl

Sign up for the presale

TV Taping: Star Search
January 20 – February 11| Studio City 

Get free tickets

LMS Theatre presents: Frozen
January 23 – 25 | Lincoln Middle School
On sale now

 

 

Business Spotlight

O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
2226 Wilshire Boulevard
310-453-2787

O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Restaurant brings a taste of Ireland to the westside.

One of the best neighborhood joints on the west side, O’Brien’s is the type of spot where “everybody knows your name.”  Come as you are for a pint of Guinness, a plate of fish and chips or a trivia challenge with former Jeopardy champs.

Lots of TVs bring in hoards of New York Giants and Manchester United fans on weekends.


We celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19.  All banks, schools and government offices will be closed.

Enjoy the warm weather, Santa Monica.  See you next week!

Sean Daly

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