Looking to get my wife’s bike repainted or powder coated black, but not trying to break the bank. Newer to the area so looking for recommendations!

I’ve noticed my travel time is getting longer now, even when it’s just going to the other side of Santa Monica. I realized this city is getting so many more people (and vehicles) because of the recent fires.

I filled up my car this morning, and noticed the decrease in mileage to empty compared to the usual range, which is interesting. I think it’s because of how slow the city driving and how heavy the traffic has been.

Do you notice it? The behavior change I am doing is to add more time buffer (adding 5-10 minutes more to the travel time) when I need to be somewhere.

Going out for drinks on Saturday night, not super familiar with the area. Any recommendations for a nice environment to hit up? Want a place where we can hear ourselves talk

DOJ announcement

Tl;dr the guy is a Culver City resident and flew 1500meters from one of the 3SP parking structures to the Palisades. That is beyond visual line of sight and is therefore illegal. He has pled guilty.

It looks like any day now until Great White opens their new location in Brentwood! I live walkable in the neighborhood so it’s always a plus for me to find new places that I can walk to☺️

I’m down here all the time and I don’t know if they’re looking for someone or what but they (#1)have been parked behind me for an hour (#2) driving the bike path and # a 3rd cruising the lot.

👋🏼👋🏼 preschool related question so maybe quite niche haha

We received an admissions email from Blue Oak Santa Monica, which we are thrilled about. But we understand that a lot of other preschools here follow an end-of-February decision date. We had thought Blue Oak also followed this timeline but now we see their email confirming our application said they start to make decisions in late January.

Anyone with experience with Blue Oak know if they always required decisions by mid February? I know it’s preschool lol, but we also are just hoping to see our options if any others and feel like we’re being time pressured 😞

Curious to hear if others are doing any boycotts. Social media is an obvious one of course, but what about specific shops in the city?

I’m now looking at groceries (done with Whole Foods, moving to Costco and TJ) and convenience (done with Target moving to Walgreens)

Also thinking about quitting One Medical.

Hello! I left town a month ago during the evacuations and am looking to hire someone to clean the apartment when I get back next week. Does anyone have any recommendations for someone to clean a 1 bedroom/1 bath in Santa Monica?

About the Apartment:

• 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms – You’ll have your own private bedroom and bathroom. DM me for a link to see pictures.
• Spacious & Modern – plenty of natural light.
• Fully Furnished (or Unfurnished, if preferred) – Common areas are well-equipped, and your room can be furnished or unfurnished based on your needs.
• Great Location – very peaceful neighborhood close to Montana businesses and restaurants.
• Reliable Internet – Perfect for remote work.

About Me:

I'm 35(M) who work remotely and travels the world. I enjoy a mix of productivity, outdoor adventures, and social activities. I like to keep the space clean and appreciate a chill, respectful, and friendly home environment. Usually away for 5-8 months in a year traveling so you will have the space to yourself.

About You:

Looking for a responsible, respectful roommate who values a peaceful yet social vibe. Preferably someone clean, communicative, and easygoing. No smoking inside; pets can be discussed.

Rent & Details:

• Rent: $1780 per month + utilities
• Move-in Date: Flexible in February to April
• Lease Term: Month to Month with 60 day notice

If you’re interested, send me a message with a bit about yourself, and let’s set up a time to chat! 🚀

I need to get from Malibu to Santa Monica today, and I was planning on driving down the one instead of going all the way around. Does anybody know if they’ve reopened the pch one freeway during the day yet? I’ve seen that by Lincoln They’ve now opened some more lanes so that people can go. Any insight would be helpful.

Looking at this data Santa Monica is closing in on being the least safe small town in America

https://www.vivint.com/resources/article/safest-small-towns?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3W6VySW9IFSvYEOifOy77pAWzTTW7jEHpb8z3gBp3KhrWTw9U92V2vCoo_aem_Z2kIS4U6P6ELDZZD11CUYw

I wanted to get ideas on good hiking spots now that the Temescal Canyon and Will Roger’s areas have been destroyed by the fires. Those were my favorite spots to connect with nature. Any ideas of places near the west side would be appreciated thank you!

Welcome to Nightingale—a secluded town shrouded in dense forest and perpetual mist from a nearby lake. Where the days or bustling with life and laughter, the night conceals a veil of uncertainty. In this early 20th/late 19th-century world, magic is outlawed, and fantasy creatures are tightly regulated, forced to suppress their true natures through government issued pills and implants. Yet, despite the government’s watchful eye, none can explain the strange occurrences plaguing the town— people mysteriously vanishing, unexplained occurrences, and whispers of unseen forces lurking in the shadows.

In this campaign you play as a paranormal investigator, called to action by choice or circumstance, with the strict goal of confronting and unraveling the mysteries that threaten to consume the town. Whether skeptic or believer, human or creature, sent by a distant organization or a Nightingale native unwilling to abandon your home, it falls on you to put an end to the uncanny. With milestone-based progression, homebrew elements, and rewarding side quests, your journey will lead you through psychological thrills, tantalizing mysteries, and perilous discoveries. Will you answer its call and put these mysteries to rest, or will you be yet another victim to that which cannot be explained? The fog is rising…and Nightingale awaits.

[Character Creation]

Starting Level: 1. Your journey begins with humble roots, but your progression within the story will feel seamless, natural, and rewarding through story-based milestone leveling.

Setting: Your character must fit within the constraints of Nightingale’s society. Fantasy creatures must adhere to the suppressant laws, and magic is a dangerous, nearly forbidden art that only a select few may wield openly. If you plan on playing a magic based and/or mythical character, perhaps think of what they might’ve done to get there, how they feel being among society, whether they do pills or implants, and how they feel about their kind. Note, many government officials (including detectives/investigators!) are allowed to use magic albeit often lower leveled spells or cantrips (thus why you’d start at level 1!)

Motivations: Consider why your character has taken up the mantle of paranormal investigator. Are they a skeptic drawn in by logic? A true believer seeking answers? A creature desperate to protect their kind? Or an outsider brought here by forces beyond their control? A compelling story makes for great tie-ins and chilling reveals!

Homebrew and Side Content: Be prepared for unique challenges, homebrew rules, and rewarding side quests. Nightingale is rich with opportunities for growth, both in power and in story, ensuring your journey never feels stagnant or sluggish. Additionally, the campaign follows a day-night cycle where the day is often more silly and outlandish while the night is often more serious and eerie. This cycle of time can typically be controlled by players offering a unique mix of of two genres in one, for when you want to be at the edge of your seat in suspense or falling off it in laughter.

Notes: This is for in person, and while I’m not directly in the Santa Monica area, I’m near enough to it that it serves as a good standpoint of where you might need to head out to to play. If you’re able to and interested please feel free to dm me your character concepts and availability or ask for more info (I have tons of lore and am happy to share it if you need more information about the world!!!!). You can also dm me on discord @Cycratik if that’s easier! I look forward to working with you and having a wonderful time together.

I rented my place right before the fires, and temporarily staying with a friend. I work in SM and was and still am planning to move there.

Considering the area that burned (wealthy families mainly) has the 1 bedroom apartment/condo availability changed much? It wouldn’t surprise me either side of the spectrum or hardly changing, or next to impossible to find something without being gouged

I looked online and it all still seems normal but was curious if anyone knows first hand

I went to Flair Cleaners and was quoted $100/jacket and was told it would take 4-6 weeks. Ouch. Has anyone had a good experience getting leather cleaned somewhere else?

I bike every now and then (30-50 miles). My current road bike is not in good condition anymore but I don’t bike often enough to justify buying a new one. Is there any place I can rent one for a few hours? Not looking for a tourist beach bike.

Yes, lots of yelling, lying and anger have returned thanks to our NIMBY's and previously important people like Zina Josephs , Frank Gruber and Ann Bowman.

They seek to deny younger residents a chance to live in Santa Monica by demanding "no housing" be built on the land that the airport sits on. They used strong arm tactics to get the city to come up with alternatives that preclude housing and are now asking the council to vote on one.

My favorite piece is this pack of lies presented as facts by a well known angry MAGA NIMBY: https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1428&MediaPosition=&ID=6630&CssClass=

Here is a link that shows the Brock/Negrete council, by a 4-3 majority, rejected a lottery system in favor of one their supporters controlled: https://santamonicanext.org/2023/10/council-votes-for-traditional-outreach-model-for-future-uses-on-airport-park/

Most importantly, the council voted to preclude the study groups from looking at a 100% park solution. Here is a link that makes light of the vote but still manages to highlight what was voted on: https://smdp.com/news/council-votes-to-move-forward-in-airport-to-park-assessment/

The city attorney needs to weigh with his opinion on whether or not the item is unequivocally legal.

This is the link to the agenda item: https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1428&MediaPosition=&ID=6630&CssClass=

My iPhone’s charging port is broken after a friend tried cleaning out lint too aggressively. From what I’ve heard, the Apple Store won’t fix this and just pushes for buying a new phone, which I’d rather not do. I’ve looked up repair shops in the Santa Monica area, but many seem sketchy and have a suspiciously high numbers of reviews. If anyone knows a legit place for this kind of repair or has recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!

Hi, I grew up in Rustic Canyon in the 1960s. I wonder how things are there after the fire in the Palisades. I don't have anyone to reach out to. I know everyone is busy so I don't expect anything. I'm just hoping to hear how things are at Brooktree and Latimer. Thanks.

Sadly, after 43 years, Earth, Wind, and Flour will be closing its doors (Mid February -- so patronize while you can!).

It has NOTHING to do with city council or the overall economy. 3 noon AA meetings during the week had even become a shot in the arm over the last year.

The property was sold, and the new owners cruelly didn't want to renew their lease.

My daughter has aged out of little kid camps- can anyone recommend what camps do / did your kids like at age 13? We have a daughter that doesn’t like camp much anymore unless friends join her which isn’t always possible.
Thanks!

if you can, please include price/unit

thank you!

I have read up online about hazardous material recycling, computer electronics and so on. No one takes toaster ovens. Any ideas?

Dear fellow Angelenos,

As we recover from the devastating wildfires that have swept through our home, I would like to ask you to give our natural landscapes the time and space they need to heal. While exploring these affected areas may be tempting, we must collectively avoid entering burned areas to allow them to recover. Below are some ways you can help:

1. Avoid Hiking in Affected Areas: While we all miss our favorite hiking trails, please hike in spots that have not been damaged by the fire to allow recovery in affected areas. Burned landscapes are fragile and undergoing a complex natural process of regeneration. Foot traffic can disrupt this recovery by damaging new growth, compacting soil, and interfering with wildlife trying to return to their habitats. Invasive seeds can also hitch a ride unnoticed on our shoes, socks, or dogs. Tracking invasive grasses into recently burned areas prevents recovery and runs the risk of our beloved hiking spots ending up as a sea of flammable, dried-up invasive grasses rather than the diverse ecosystems we love to hike in. If you do find yourself in a burned area, please be sure to stay on-trail to protect recovering plants.

2. Prevent Soil Erosion: Post-fire landscapes are highly susceptible to erosion. Walking, biking, or off-road driving in these areas can worsen soil instability and increase sedimentation in nearby waterways, impacting water quality and downstream ecosystems.

3. Give Wildlife Space: Many animals are already under stress from habitat loss due to the fires. Human activity can cause further disturbance, forcing wildlife to flee, which delays their resettlement in the area. These animals are also critical to burn areas recovering naturally. We’ve all been through a lot, so let’s give our animal neighbors a chance to settle in and recover as best they can.

4. Protect Fire-Adapted/Evolved Plant Species: Many plants, such as Calochortus Lilies, Whispering Bells, and Coulter’s Snapdragon are specifically adapted to fire and germinate more readily after a burn. These plants play a critical role in restoring biodiversity and providing habitat for other species. Human interference can trample seedlings or disrupt the soil conditions these plants need to thrive. Staying out of recently burned areas gives these beautiful (and in some cases declining) species space to thrive, so we can all enjoy their colorful display when it’s time to hike our favorite trails again.

5. Skip the Seeds: While you may want to help by spreading seeds in burned areas, this will do more harm than good. Seed mixes, even those labeled as for California, often contain invasive and aggressive plants that damage the ecosystem and choke out native plants. Our ecosystems are fire adapted and will bounce back; they just need time to recover. Native plants have evolved over millions of years to regrow, resprout, and reseed after fires, so your beautiful views when hiking will be back with a little time and rainfall. Many rare and beautiful bulbs and seeds have been waiting for the right conditions to grow, so letting them do so uninterrupted by any added seeds is best. If you want to scatter native wildflower seeds* to support local pollinators, do so in urban/developed areas or in your own backyard!

5. Support Scientific Study: Burn areas often serve as critical research sites for scientists studying fire ecology and recovery processes. Minimizing disturbances ensures accurate data collection and a better understanding of how ecosystems recover from wildfires.

7. Plant Native Plants at Home: Displaced wildlife are struggling with the loss of plants that provide them food. Help your local birds, butterflies, bees and other animal neighbors by planting native plants local to your area. Our local fauna has lived alongside native plants for thousands of years, so they find them most familiar, comforting, and useful. Try to choose local species that provide fruit or flowers! Local nurseries like Theodore Payne can help you figure out what to plant.

More native plant nurseries: Artemisia Nursery (Monterey Park), Santa Clarita Native Plant Nursery (Valencia), Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery (Altadena, survived the fires so support them if you can! Longer list: https://calscape.org/california-nurseries)

7. Understand and Respect the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI): The WUI is the zone where natural areas meet human developments. This interface is particularly vulnerable to wildfires and requires careful management to balance the needs of people and nature. Burned areas in the WUI often play a critical role in buffering communities from future fire risks while simultaneously serving as key recovery zones for wildlife and vegetation. Especially if you live close to a natural burn area, understand that animals will likely take shelter in your yard and the surrounding areas, please respect them and know that they are just trying to survive. If you see hurt animals, please get in touch with your local Animal Control district and/or a local wildlife hospital (California Wildlife Center, Pasadena Humane Society, Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center).

8. Your own safety: If all these reasons don’t convince you, you should at least care about your own safety. The ground after devastating wildfires is incredibly prone to erosion and walking on it can cause massive slides. Coupled with the recent rains, trails are incredibly dangerous, and going on them can tax essential resources that are needed elsewhere. Just today someone was rescued from a hiking trail in Altadena after they were trapped by a mudslide (story here: https://tinyurl.com/AltadenaMountainRescue)

Every year 25-50 people are killed by debris flow and mudslides in the US alone. Don’t add to those statistics (source: https://tinyurl.com/CDCdebris)

*A word of caution with wildflower seed mixes: Many mixes are sold as “California” wildflower mixes, but contain harmful invasive and non-native species, like cornflowers, sweet alyssum, Siberian wallflower, etc. These mixes do more harm than good by crowding out native flowers, which support our pollinators and ecosystems most effectively. Stick to local California native species, which you can find using Calscape (calscape.org). Walquaqsh California Native Seeds, Theodore Payne Nursery, and Tree of Life Nursery are great places to buy California native seeds.

Our local ecosystems are resilient, but they need time and undisturbed space to recover. By staying out of burn areas, you are playing a vital role in helping our environment and wildlife recover naturally.

Sincerely,

A concerned Angeleno

How You Can Help:

• Respect all posted signage and closures in burn areas.

• Educate friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of staying out of these regions.

• Support restoration efforts through volunteer work with local conservation organizations once it is safe to do so.

• If you are able, donate to organizations doing restoration work, like the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the Resource Conservation District of Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM).

• Donate (if able) and/or Volunteer for wildlife care facilities

·      (California Wildlife Center (Malibu/Calabasas) https://cawildlife.org/

·      Pasadena Humane Society https://pasadenahumane.org/

·      Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center (Orange County), https://www.wwccoc.org/  

• Consider participating in educational programs to learn about fire ecology and the importance of natural regeneration.

• Share this post!

TL;DR: How You Can Help Wildfire Recovery

Dear Angelenos,
Our natural landscapes need time to recover from recent wildfires. Here are key ways you can help:

1. Stay Out of Burn Areas: Avoid hiking or exploring these fragile zones to allow plants and wildlife to recover naturally. Foot traffic can spread invasive species and damage new growth.
2. Prevent Soil Erosion: Avoid walking, biking, or driving in burned areas to protect soil stability and water quality.
3. Give Wildlife Space: Animals displaced by the fires need time to return and adapt to their habitats. Keep your distance.
4. Protect Fire-Adapted Plants: Fire-dependent plants like Calochortus lilies rely on burns to thrive. Avoid trampling these species or introducing invasive plants through seed scattering.
5. Avoid Scattering Seeds: Native plants are adapted to regenerate naturally. Seed mixes often contain invasive species that harm ecosystems.
6. Plant Native Species at Home: Help wildlife by planting native plants in your yard, supporting birds, bees, and butterflies.
7. Understand the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI): Respect this crucial area where nature meets human development. Protect it for wildlife recovery and fire prevention.
8. Safety First: Burn areas are dangerous due to erosion and mudslides. Protect yourself and avoid taxing emergency resources.

For further action: Respect closures, volunteer with restoration efforts, and donate to wildlife care facilities. Our ecosystems will recover with time and your help!

Sources -

•            National Park Service: Fire Ecology and Recovery (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fire/fire-ecology.htm)

•            U.S. Forest Service: The Science of Fire Recovery (https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire)

•            California Native Plant Society: Fire Followers and Adapted Plants (https://www.cnps.org/)

•            Scientific American: The Role of Wildfires in Ecosystem Health (https://www.scientificamerican.com/)

•            Fire Ecology Journal: Research Articles on Post-Fire Recovery (https://fireecology.springeropen.com/)

•            National Wildlife Federation: Wildfires and Wildlife (https://www.nwf.org/)

•            Audubon Society: How Are Birds in Burn Areas Impacted (https://ca.audubon.org/news/how-do-californias-megafires-impact-birds)

•            Audubon Society: How Birds Help Burn Areas Recover (https://ca.audubon.org/news/fire-and-birds-0)

•            U.S. Geological Survey: Wildfires and Ecosystem Recovery (https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/wildland-fire-science/tools)

•            Xerces Society: Pollinators and Post-Fire Recovery (https://www.xerces.org/blog/forests-fires-and-insects)

•            Type Conversion (invasive colonization of burn areas) (https://californiachaparral.org/__static/d98729d2f1dc648487ef69b8c9ac1991/type-conversion-definition-v2.pdf?dl=1#:~:text=Type%20conversion%20as%20related%20to,due%20to%20single%20or%20multiple)

•            Further reading on Type Conversion: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.2626

•            Also see: https://californiachaparral.org/threats/too-much-fire/

•            https://calscape.org/Calochortus-splendens-(Splendid-Mariposa-Lily)

•            https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/what-is-the-wui.html

LA Times, Impacted Hiking Trails:

⁃            https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2025-01-22/palisades-fire-hiking-trails-burned-santa-monica-mountains

⁃            https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-01-21/hiking-trails-burned-eaton-fire-angeles-national-forest

⁃            https://www.latimes.com/travel/newsletter/2025-01-23/the-wild-hiking-trails-burned-palisades-eaton-fires-the-wild