INSIDE
Palisades Couple Files Lawsuit Against California FAIR Plan, Other Major Insurers smmirror.com
May 16 - May 22, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
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ICE Apprehends Santa Monica College Student Off-Campus This apprehension comes amid heightened ICE activity in Southern California, where federal agents have targeted major cities including Los Angeles
Santa Monica College confirmed that one of its students was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement off-campus in West Los Angeles near the student’s residence. The college, through its Federal Action Impact Analysis Team and senior administration, clarified that no federal
immigration enforcement activity has occurred on any SMC campus. The student was subsequently deported but is reported to be physically safe and intends to seek legal counsel. The incident, highlighted by social media posts, has raised concerns among the college community, particularly for undocumented students and those from mixed-status families. SMC reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can pursue their educational goals regardless of immigration status. The college directed individuals to its Federal Immigration Response Enforcement webpage, a one-page flyer detailing actions to take if immigration officials appear on campus, the Dream Resource Center, and additional immigration resources for support. This apprehension comes amid heightened ICE activity in Southern California, where federal agents have targeted major cities including Los Angeles as part of a broader crackdown on illegal
immigration during President Donald Trump’s second term. Protests supporting immigrant communities have been held across
the region, reflecting ongoing tensions following the lifting of restrictions on ICE operations at sensitive locations like schools.
Santa Monica City Council Approves Outdoor Drinking Zone on Third Street Promenade New “Entertainment Zone” Will Allow Alcohol Consumption in Public Spaces
If you have ever wished to have a cocktail or a beer while you are at Santa Monica’s iconic Third Street Promenade, while enjoying the plaza, soon you will be able to do so, provided that you follow the area’s guidelines. On Tuesday night, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a motion that would designate the 1200-1400 blocks of the Third Street Promenade, between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway, as an “Entertainment Zone” where guests to the area would be able to consume alcoholic beverages on public streets, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way so long as certain rules are followed. Senate Bill 969, which was signed into law on September 28, 2024, allows municipalities to establish such areas under
their jurisdiction and require that five rules be followed. You must be 21+ and wear an official wristband to enjoy alcoholic drinks to-go. Only alcoholic drinks purchased from participating businesses are allowed. Alcohol taken to-go must be in a nonglass, non-metal container. Finish your drink before exploring another bar, restaurant, or shop. Enjoy your alcoholic beverages within the Entertainment Zone boundaries. During the program’s rollout period, starting in June, drinking in the Entertainment Zone will launch officially from Friday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at the Pride on the Promenade event scheduled for June 21. The Santa Monica Police Department and Downtown Santa Monica’s private security will patrol and monitor the area to ensure things go smoothly. Signs will be posted informing visitors of the rules and regulations that must be followed, and the same signs are required to be posted at each participating business. The details of the signage, wristbands, and cups are still being discussed before the launch of the program.
“The new Entertainment Zone will provide a unique way for visitors to experience the iconic Third Street Promenade that caters to the new trends in shopping and dining,” Mayor Lana Negrete said. “It is an example of the many ways Santa Monica is thinking creatively about our economic growth, and I’m excited to see more residents and visitors
supporting our downtown businesses while responsibly enjoying the Entertainment Zone.” John Alle, co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, who opposes the initiative, said, “There aren’t enough security or enough staff members to protect our buildings. My building is boarded up, part of it because storefronts are smashed and are empty. It’s unsafe.”