The City Council Tuesday took another step forward in bringing more than 120 affordable apartments, including 50 with supportive services, to the city-owned site on 4th Street.Mayor Phil Brock expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Moving forward in bringing affordable and permanent supportive housing to city-owned land is a key step in our strategy to fulfill our Housing Element requirements. I look forward to the next steps and ultimately seeing families move into these new homes and thrive.”The development was made possible by $2 million secured by Rep....
Researchers at the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA have made a significant breakthrough in optical computing technology that could revolutionize the field of visual information processing. The team has developed a transparent device that operates under low-power ambient light, offering nonlinear operation essential for processing visual information efficiently.In a study published in Nature Communications, Aydogan Ozcan, the Volgenau Professor of Engineering Innovation at UCLA, expressed the significance of this advancement, stating, “Optical nonlinearities are...
The city of Santa Monica is gearing up to discuss proposed service changes to the Big Blue Bus over the next five years. An initiative known as Brighter Blue aims to address evolving rider needs and travel behavior post-pandemic, with a focus on sustainability and connectivity within the community.Director of Transportation Anuj Gupta highlighted the importance of community input in shaping the future of Big Blue Bus services, stating, “We are advancing our engagement process to ensure that future Big Blue Bus service aligns with community needs, promotes greater access...
UCLA and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science have secured a $5 million grant to establish a multidisciplinary research center focused on leveraging neuroscience for the benefit of society. The institutions are matching the grant funding to kickstart the initiative.The partnership, supported by the Dana Foundation, is aimed at maximizing the potential of neuroscience for public good. The collaborative effort will bring together experts from various fields such as neuroscience, social sciences, education, policy, and the humanities to collaborate with local...
On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:00 am, a concerning incident unfolded in Santa Monica when a lifeguard was threatened with a metallic rod, leading to a dramatic sequence of events. The suspect involved in the incident was identified as Michael Vincent Parrett, a 38-year-old homeless male.According to reports, Parrett jumped from the roof of Lifeguard Tower 12 and aggressively approached the lifeguard with the rod, making threatening gestures. Fortunately, the lifeguard managed to evade the attacks and remained unharmed.Following the initial confrontation, Santa...
A Santa Monica resident awoke to a nightmare after falling asleep in a car and experiencing inappropriate touching. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted the harrowing incident where she was subjected to unwanted advances before refusing the suspect's offer to walk her home. Upon reaching her residence, she discovered a significant lapse in time since she was picked up.Following a thorough investigation by Santa Monica detectives, the perpetrator was identified as 34-year-old Los Angeles resident Fernando Macias Morales. The authorities swiftly...
In a recent announcement, the city of Santa Monica revealed the winners of the 28th annual Sustainable Quality Awards. Among the distinguished recipients, Patagonia Santa Monica was recognized as the grand prize winner for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.Alongside Patagonia Santa Monica, five other local businesses were acknowledged for their contributions in various areas of sustainability. Angeles Investment Advisors received accolades for excellence in economic development, while Avocado Green Mattress and HGA were commended for their exemplary stewardship...
The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating multiple reports of anti-Semitic graffiti found in various locations throughout the city, including the Pico Neighborhood. The graffiti was discovered on sidewalks, trees, and light posts in the area. Chief Ramon Batista of the Santa Monica Police Department stated, "Let me be clear: there is no place for hate in Santa Monica. We are appalled by these cowardly acts of anti-Semitism. Our department is fully committed to upholding the safety and dignity of all members of our community."The department has...
UCLA psychologists have found that the way choices are presented can significantly impact decision-making processes. According to a recent study published in Nature Communications, the order in which information is provided to individuals can influence whether they opt for immediate gratification or exercise patience for larger rewards in the future.Lead author of the study, Ian Krajbich, highlighted the importance of framing choices by stating, "The takeaway message is that people can be impatient or exhibit a lack of self-control for many reasons." The research...
California authorities are reminding the public to celebrate responsibly as 4/20 approaches. The focus is on safety and ensuring individuals do not drive under the influence of marijuana.In a statement, an official emphasized, "Whether it is on 4/20 or any other day, it is unsafe and illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. It’s important to make responsible choices, especially when it comes to getting behind the wheel."For those planning to partake in 4/20 activities involving marijuana consumption, the advice is clear: plan ahead, designate a sober driver,...
Santa Monica Public Library has named Anne Carmack as the City of Santa Monica's first Poet Laureate. Carmack, a Santa Monica-based writer and multidisciplinary artist, is known for her work that delves into themes of personal narrative, identity, philosophy, and spirituality through various mediums such as poetry, painting, photography, filmmaking, and storytelling.Mayor Phil Brock expressed his excitement, stating, “We are a place full of vibrant arts and culture and I am thrilled to see Santa Monica have its own poet laureate." He looks forward to the upcoming...
The U.S. theater industry may find a path to a more sustainable future by adopting practices learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by UCLA professor Barbara Fuchs and Rhonda Sharrah, a UCLA doctoral candidate in English. Fuchs emphasized the importance of collaboration among theater companies, producers, and stakeholders to attract greater public and private support, stating, “The pandemic accelerated that crisis yet also led to unprecedented government funding, which demonstrated how much money could be made available for the sector.”The report...
The Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, California, is gearing up to host a special event aimed at connecting and welcoming refugee families and new community members. The Families Welcome event, organized in partnership with Miry’s List, will take place on April 14 from 2-5 p.m.Rabia Ahmadi, a new Angeleno from Afghanistan, will kick off the event with opening remarks, setting the tone for a day focused on inclusion and diversity. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kymberly Stewart will provide a musical performance, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.Miry...
Santa Monica, CA– April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and a time to put safety in the driver’s seat. The Santa Monica Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law."In today's fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence...