Cheers Santa Monica! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Live improv comedy show! 🎭😂 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Is there anybody completely useless? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Santa Monica Approves Second SB 79 Housing Development (smdp.com) — A 12‑story, 32‑unit apartment tower is proposed for 15th Street near the 17th Street/Santa Monica College Metro station, becoming Santa Monica's second project under the state's new SB 79 transit‑density law. The plan would replace an unoccupied single‑family home, add six on‑site affordable units, and test the city's cautious, phased approach to implementing SB 79 and related upzoning around key transit areas.
2. Downey rents rise modestly as many regional cities see declines — The Downey Patriot (thedowneypatriot.com) — Santa Monica continues to top the region for one‑bedroom rents, with a median asking price of $2,860, ahead of Irvine and Beverly Hills. A new Zumper report comparing 30 Southern California cities shows Downey's modest increases alongside declines elsewhere, underscoring how Santa Monica remains one of the toughest markets for renters despite broader regional softening.
3. Santa Monica Chamber Names Shana Epstein as New CEO (smdp.com) — Santa Monica's Chamber of Commerce has chosen longtime resident and public-works leader Shana Epstein as its new CEO, starting October 12, to champion local businesses and civic collaboration. Drawing on decades of experience in Beverly Hills and Ventura, she plans to bring a customer‑service mindset and strong ties to city government to support a vibrant Santa Monica economy.
4. Presley Gerber's ex Lexi Wood shares a sweet tribute with heartfelt words (pulptastic.com) — Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, died Sunday at age 27 while at a rehab facility in Santa Monica, where he had recently sought help for addiction struggles. His ex Lexi Wood shared a heartfelt tribute describing his kindness, resilience, and desire to help others, while his family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
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Ok Santa Monica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: No because they can always be used as a bad example! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
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