Week of November 11, 2024

BREAKING NEWS: Social Media Buzz: Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Pregnant? Unverified Rumors Circulate Online

David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer

Recent speculation has erupted online regarding whether Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is expecting a baby. These rumors surfaced on social media following comments about a possible “baby bump” seen in photos, though there has been no official statement from AOC, 35, on the matter. The chatter reportedly began with right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who took to Twitter to taunt Ocasio-Cortez, saying, “Hey @AOC, the election is over. You can come out and finally admit you’re...

Mountain Fire Burns Over 20,000 Acres in Ventura County, Crews Achieve 14% Containment

Sofia Black, Observer Staff Writer

Ventura County, CA – The Mountain Fire, which ignited at 8:51 a.m. on November 6 in Ventura County, has rapidly grown, scorching a total of 20,764.7 acres over the span of just two days. As of Friday afternoon, containment remains limited, with 7% of the fire under control, according to official reports. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. An intensive firefighting effort is underway, involving a team of 2,420 firefighters who are actively battling the blaze. The deployment...

What do New Santa Monica City Councilmen Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya, and Ellis Raskin Want?

David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer

Counsel On the Council Santa Monica City Council has a new majority, consisting of two incumbents plus newcomers Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya, and Ellis Raskin. All were endorsed by SMRR, and by the local Democratic Club. None were endorsed by the police or fire fighters unions, who preferred defeated incumbents Phil Brock and Oscar de la Torre. So what happens now? What do they really want? What changes will the newcomers make in your lives as Santa Monica residents?I...

Gov. Newsom Calls Special Legislative Session, In Order to "Trump-proof" California "Values"

David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer

California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling a special legislative session to proactively counter proposed policies from Donald Trump before Trump's inauguration. Newsom's team states the session will aim to "protect California values, including fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, immigrant families, and more," though specific details are yet to come. The move, announced just a day after Trump's decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential...

Election Results for California, Los Angeles County, and City of Santa Monica as of November 8, 2024

Observer Staff

State results based on ( 24,811 of 24,811 ) precincts partially reporting as of November 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Los Angeles County results as of November 7, 4:34 pm, unknown percent of votes processed California State Measures Proposition 2 Bonds for public schools and colleges Yes 57.0% Proposition 3 Constitutional right to marriage Yes 61.3% Proposition 4 Bonds for climate risks Yes 58.1% Proposition 5 Allows 55% vote to pass bonds for affordable housing No 56.2% Proposition 6 Eliminates forcing...

Santa Monica Chooses SMRR Over Safety Slate, Electing Ellis Raskin, Natalya Zernitskaya, Dan Hall and Barry Snell

David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer

11.5.24: The results are now in (though not final) and it appears none of the 4 members of the Safety Slate have been elected to Santa Monica City Council. Ellis Raskin lead the field with 13,395 votes, or 13.32%. Dan Hall was second at 13,384 votes, 13.31%. Natalya Zernitskaya finished third at 12,904 and Barry Snell got 12,806 votes. The top four all won seats on the 7 member Council. The numbers of votes are remarkably similar, which suggests a large scale ballot harvesting operation...

Beach Warnings for Los Angeles County November 6, 2024

LA Department of Public Health

November 6, 2024 Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters: BEACH AREA WARNINGS: Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey The entire swim area. Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier. Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro The entire swim area. Windward storm drain at...

  • BREAKING NEWS: Myra Valley Launches Flying Mats and Acrobats-A Children's Book Celebrating Adventure, Movement, and Kindness

    Observer staff

    Los Angeles, CA – August 27, 2024 – Pilates instructor and author Myra Valley has released her debut children's book, Flying Mats and Acrobats, an inspiring story for children ages 4 and up that combines action-packed adventures with lessons in kindness and the joy of movement. This origin story introduces readers to Evie and her friends, a group of young acrobats who, with the help of magical flying mats, take on exciting quests to help others and spread positivity. Evie leads this first...

BREAKING NEWS: Santa Monica Cares About Safety and Crime, But SMRR Falsely Scared Local Voters By Threatening the End of Rent Control

Russell Belinsky, Santa Monicans United

Friends of SMU: Well I write with a heavy pen to inform you that the "Santa Monicans United" endorsed slate lost. While the election was spirited and close, it seems that the renter's rights issues (false claims that The Establishment Slate wished to abolish rent protection) and other scare tactics predominated with the mostly (65-70%) renter population. While our polling showed safety and crime the key issues, The Establishment Slate (aka SMRR Slate) used fear, misinformation, and false...

  • Step into the Magic of the Holidays at Downtown Santa Monica Ice at Santa Monica

    As the holiday season approaches, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) brings the holiday spirit to the downtown district with a series of community events. From the much-anticipated return of Ice at Santa Monica presented by Disney+ and themed skate nights to the delightful Holiday Thursdays and the tree lighting celebration, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season in the heart of Santa Monica. On Thursday, November 21, the community will gather for the Official City of Santa...

  • The Daily Santa Monica Crime and Drug Video - November 8, 2024

    Santa Monica Coalition
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    Santa Monica's City Council thinks the city is just fine. One councilmember called the homeless residents our neighbors, their wants and desires equivalent to those of people who pay rent and pay taxes. The 'freedom' of some, most of whom suffer from drug addiction and mental illness, to live in filth, disease and to commit crimes with impunity, is valued over the ability of the rest of society to live healthy lives in law and order. Watch the videos shot and distributed by the Santa Monica...