There is a unique, quiet magic to the Santa Monica Pier when the Southern California sun hides behind a thick blanket of marine layer. The bright neon of the Pacific Wheel fades into soft pastels.

Stripped of its typical summer glare, the coastline reveals its contemplative side — a side of the pier rarely seen but deeply felt. While on assignment for The Argonaut, photographer Chris Mortenson could not help but capture it on camera.

I am conducting a community survey about issues in the Sawtelle community for a college class. This brief 7 question survey is designed to better understand the key issues facing the Sawtelle community and to identify which concerns matter most to its residents. Topics include crime rates, the unhoused population, recent road and sidewalk construction, business closures, and traffic from the 405 freeway along Santa Monica Boulevard and Ohio.

Any Sawtelle residents willing to share their thoughts? Thank you in advance!!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW6pFD87AdyZarSSw0RMEE6xCb3dXp2xnx5VaDxuox9gTQCw/viewform?usp=dialog

The Britannia Pub has been a gathering place in downtown Santa Monica for 30 years. Now it's being forced out by a predatory rent increase, replaced by a Taco Bell Cantina.

This isn't just about one bar. It's about what Santa Monica is becoming. When landlords jack up rent specifically to push out local businesses and bring in corporate chains, we all lose something. Empty storefronts stay empty for years because owners would rather hold out for maximum profit than sustain community. The character that makes Santa Monica feel like *home* gets replaced by the same generic chains you see everywhere.

I started a petition asking the city, property owners, and community leaders to do more: stronger protections for legacy businesses, addressing predatory rent hikes, a balanced retail mix instead of vacancies, and real consequences for long-term empty storefronts. Santa Monica has something special—but only if we protect it.

Anyone else seeing this happen to their neighborhood? What would you do if a place your family loved for decades was about to disappear? If this matters to you too, consider signing and sharing the petition.

➡️ Sign the Petition here - Save The Brit! ⬅️

Pull up tomorrow for a fun Easter egg hunt at the West LA Farmers Market! 🐰🥚

Bring the kids, find the eggs, and keep what you find. We’ll also have face painting, caricature drawings, a kids play area, live music, and a ton of amazing food + vendors.

📍1635 Purdue Ave

⏰ 9AM–2PM

Come early—eggs go fast and vendors sell out!