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🌱 Patch AM: How a 12‑story tower could reshape housing near Santa Monica College.

You won't want to miss Live improv comedy show! 🎭😂 on the Santa Monica Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 23rd Patch AM
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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:

  • How a 12‑story tower could reshape housing near Santa Monica College.
  • Why Santa Monica still tops SoCal's one‑bedroom rent rankings
  • What will Santa Monica's new Chamber CEO change for local businesses?

Also on today's calendar: Live improv comedy show! 🎭😂 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Is there anybody completely useless? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 78 and low of 69 degrees.
  • Thursday: Humid, temps: high: 78, low: 68.
  • Friday: Humid with some sun, with a high of 76 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Santa Monica

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Coyote presence in laneway between 15th and 16th just north of Washington.
    My neighbor has shooed away a quite fearless coyote and I found a dead rat in our backyard yesterday morning. She said it's been hanging around quite… (Nextdoor Wilshire Montana)
  • Seeking recommendations for experienced hardwood flooring professionals.
    I need help with hardwood floor refinishing and would love to hear about contractors or individuals you've personally used. Photos and estimates are… (Nextdoor Collegiate Streets)
  • City of Santa Monica, CA posted a job opening for Latent Fingerprint Examiner (As-Needed) in Santa Monica. Apply here.
  • Macy's posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Womens Shoes, Culver City Center - Full Time in Culver City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Monica here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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