Hi Santa Monica! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: PEAKING: Psychedelics and the Pursuit of Happiness (Film Premiere) and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Couple Identified In Santa Monica Murder-Suicide (patch.com) — Santa Monica residents are learning more about a tragic murder-suicide after authorities identified Nicole and Hendrik Rabitzsch, found dead in a home on the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard. Police say Hendrik fatally shot Nicole before killing himself, and emphasize the incident appears isolated with no ongoing threat to the public, while urging anyone with information or in crisis to reach out to local and national hotlines.
2. Eating on Route 66: Burgers and Schwarzenegger shakes in Santa Monica (dailynews.com) — In Santa Monica, Route 66 fans can still explore the historic 1936 terminus at Lincoln and Olympic, grab a themed burger at Mel's Drive-In, and walk the pier despite current vehicle access closures. The story explains parking options, ongoing bridge and sign renovations, and where to find Route 66 souvenirs and classic burgers right on the Santa Monica Pier.
3. Presley Gerber avoided search at sober home because 'he was famous,' reports say (ledger-enquirer.com) — A 27-year-old man died Sept. 20 in a Santa Monica sober living home after reportedly being allowed to check in while still high and carrying drugs, raising questions about the facility's safeguards. Police in Santa Monica say there's no sign of foul play but are investigating how he obtained the narcotics, while the admissions officer has reportedly been fired and the operators' past struggles with addiction are under renewed scrutiny.
4. In 1944, Betty Rogers donated her late husband Will Rogers' 359-acre Pacific Palisades ranch to California. Today, it's a state park, but the 31-room house was destroyed in the Palisades fire (parade.com) — Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades, just up the coast from Santa Monica, has reopened after the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire that began in the Santa Monica Mountains. Most trails are usable again, but the historic 31-room ranch house and visitor center were largely destroyed, leaving only partial structures while recovery planning continues with public input opportunities for local residents.
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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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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