INSIDE
20+ Santa Monica Hotels Offer ‘I Wish I Had an Extra Bedroom’ Savings smmirror.com
January 2 - January 8, 2026 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 6
California Laws Taking Effect in 2026 Target Costs, AI, Schools, and Public Safety
Another first-in-the-nation law, AB strengthens protections for families facing Measures Expand 1264, will prohibit the most concerning emergencies by safeguarding privacy and ultra-processed foods from being served in limiting the collection of immigrationWorker Rights, public schools, a move aimed at improving related information at child care facilities. nutrition and long-term health. Starting in 2026, AB 628 will require Regulate Technology, student To support literacy, AB 1454 expands landlords to provide working refrigerators access to training and instructional tools for in rental units. Another housing-related law, Strengthen teachers and school leaders. Meanwhile, SB 79, mandates that cities and counties Protections for SB 640 establishes a direct admissions adopt long-term planning strategies that process within the California State include housing development as a required Students and University system, notifying eligible high element. school students of automatic admission California will implement a statewide SB 53 requires large AI developers Renters. and improving transfer pathways from ban on non-therapeutic cat declawing to maintain documented risk-mitigation A sweeping package of new California laws set to take effect in 2026 will expand consumer protections, lower health care costs, regulate artificial intelligence, and strengthen public safety and accountability, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday. The measures, approved during the most recent legislative session, span education, health care, housing, immigration, labor rights, technology, and environmental policy. Newsom’s office said the laws reflect the state’s continued focus on affordability, transparency,and protections for vulnerable communities. Several laws focus on student wellbeing and access to resources. Under AB 727, public middle schools, high schools, and public colleges will be required to include the Trevor Project’s 24-hour crisis hotline on student identification cards, expanding access to suicide prevention and mental health support for LGBTQ youth. The measure also directs education agencies to maintain resources addressing discrimination and harassment.
community colleges. New health laws target affordability and access. Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 40 will require large state-regulated health plans to cap insulin copays at $35 for a 20day supply. AB 55 eases licensing requirements for alternative birth centers, improving access to midwifery services, while AB 836 directs funding toward statewide midwifery workforce training. SB 646 expands access to prenatal multivitamins, and SB 669 establishes a 10-year pilot program to provide standby perinatal services at selected rural hospitals. Families facing emergencies will also see expanded support under AB 798, which broadens the state’s emergency food bank reserve program to include diapers and wipes. Schools will be required to post information about students’ rights related to immigration enforcement under AB 419, reinforcing that all children are entitled to a free public education. The Family Preparedness Act, AB 495,
under AB 867, allowing the procedure only when medically necessary and performed by a licensed veterinarian. Lawmakers also targeted so-called puppy mill practices. AB 506 increases disclosure requirements for pet sellers, while AB 519 prohibits third-party pet brokers from selling animals bred by others for profit. SB 312 strengthens oversight of dog imports by requiring electronic health certificates. Workplace-related laws include AB 250, which temporarily lifts the statute of limitations for adult survivors of workplace sexual assault cover-ups, allowing civil claims to be filed between January 2026 and December 2027. Equal pay enforcement is expanded under SB 642, which broadens definitions of unlawful pay practices and extends the statute of limitations. Several measures regulate artificial intelligence. AB 489 bars AI chatbots from posing as licensed professionals, while AB 621 strengthens protections against AIgenerated sexual exploitation.
strategies, and SB 243 mandates safeguards for minors using AI chatbots, including disclosures that chatbots are not real people. SB 524 requires law enforcement agencies to disclose when AI tools are used to draft police reports. Food delivery platforms will face new consumer and worker protection requirements under AB 578, including clearer pay disclosures, limits on tip use, guaranteed refunds for failed orders and access to human customer service representatives. Environmental updates include SB 1053, which tightens California’s plastic bag regulations by closing loopholes that allowed thicker plastic film bags to be marketed as reusable. The law requires retailers to transition to durable reusable bags or recycled-content paper bags. State officials said the laws are designed to strengthen protections while addressing rising costs and emerging technologies, with implementation rolling out throughout 2026.
Los Angeles Security Guard Jenia Resha Belt Faces Murder Count in Fatal Crash That Killed Braun Levi Prosecutors File Murder, Manslaughter Charges in Killing of Braun Levi
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged a 33-year-old security guard with murder in the traffic death of 18-year-old Loyola High School student and tennis standout Braun Levi, who was struck in Manhattan Beach earlier this year.
Jenia Resha Belt of Los Angeles is charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of driving while her privilege was suspended or revoked for a specified blood-alcohol level, authorities said. She is being held on $2 million bail. Braun Levi’s mother, Jennifer, said, "I'm here sharing the statement today because the life of our beautiful 18-year-old son, Braun Levi, brutally and senselessly ended in a preventable tragedy." My plea is to Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers. This is not a political issue;
this is a human issue." Levi is advocating for new state laws to restructure California DUI sentencing and punishment Investigators allege Belt was speeding and driving under the influence when she hit Levi about 12:45 a.m. May 4 as he crossed Sepulveda Boulevard at Ronda Drive. Levi was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said. Belt’s arraignment has been continued to Jan. 13 in Department C of the Torrance Courthouse. If convicted as charged, Belt faces up to 15 years to life in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Brittany Vannoy of the DUI Training and
Prosecution Section is prosecuting the case, which remains under investigation by the Manhattan Beach Police Department, according to prosecutors.
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40 Years Later: Delphi Remains Westside’s Landmark for Authentic Hellenic Cuisine Delphi Greek Restaurant Celebrates 40th Year Anniversary By Susan Payne Delphi welcomes all. For the last 40 years, Delphi Greek Restaurant and Bar has been more than a place to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. It serves as a temple of culture, community and tradition. Inspired by the ancient Temple of Delphi, where Greeks once gathered to seek wisdom and celebrate life, Delphi Greek is Los Angeles’ own sacred house of hospitality. Five years after the emergence of the COVID-19, during which Delphi served 94,500 meals to seniors home locked due to restrictions, Delphi is celebrating its 40th anniversary — 40 years of authentic
Hellenic cuisine and hospitality. Under the passionate ownership of Roozbeh Farahanipour, Delphi Greek has flourished as a living bridge between ancient traditions and modern Los Angeles as the hub for Hellenic life in Southern California. “We have customers that have been with us since day one still dining and enjoying the experience that we offer,” Farahanipour said. “We are delighted to remain a landmark for authentic Hellenic cuisine for years to come.” Over the last few years, Delphi Greek has added additional experiences that add a touch of new to the restaurant while still cherishing the values the restaurant was founded on 40 years ago. Located in Westwood Village, diners experience more drink and beverage options through its full bar, in addition to affordable daily happy hour specials from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Delphi Greek has earned recognition from the Senate, the city of Los Angeles, several well-known review sites and
magazines for doing what they do best — serving the best authentic Greek food around. With over 17 Zagat ratings, countless awards, and media features, Delphi Greek is proud to be recognized not just for its food — but for its unwavering spirit. The restaurant’s 40 years of excellence is a milestone that reflects its dedication to preserving and sharing the beauty of Greek culinary heritage. Friends of Delphi — both new and longtime — experience true Mediterranean flavors and a hospitable staff that speaks the Greek language, an ode to the culture and Farahanipour’s commitment to upholding authentic tradition. While dining, the white-washed stucco walls and lively blue accents channel the national colors of Greece. Made to feel as if you are in Greece, Delphi’s shark tank was installed to remind diners of the Mediterranean Sea. The menu, all Greek, has remained unchanged in the last four decades, only improved to reflect the delicacies of Greek cuisine — more
authentic dessert and more authentic Greek ingredients. “From the menu to the people, Delphi Greek is an experience,” Farahanipour said. For those wanting to share this experience outside of the restaurant, Delphi Greek offers catering for corporate events, weddings, and more. “We can share our food outside of these walls and that’s something we love to do — sharing our culture with others. It’s delightful to have the opportunity to serve one person, couples, families, groups and even larger groups,” Farahanipour said. Delphi Greek is open daily from 11:30 a.m .to 10:30 p.m. Visit DelphiGreek.com to learn more.
YOUR 1-MINUTE GREEN BIN TIP Consejo de un minuto para el bote verde
What goes in the green bin? ¿Qué va en el bote verde?
Wooden cutlery along with food scraps are allowed in your green bin. Los cubiertos de madera, junto con los restos de comida, están permitidos en el contenedor verde.
SCAN HERE
Escanea Aquí Questions? Email zerowaste@santamonica.gov ¿Preguntas? Manda un correo a zerowaste@santamonica.gov
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Dry January in LA Without Missing the Nightlife: Kavahana Offers a New Way to Go Out
Kavahana partnered with Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Impact Fund, serving their craft “Paradise Nectar” zero proof kava nectar cocktail, along with strawberry matcha and traditional style Kava Nectar. Dry January does not have to mean staying in. In Los Angeles, it simply means knowing where to go, and Kavahana has quietly become one of the city’s favorite places to hang out without alcohol, offering the kind of social energy many people miss when they skip the bar. Located on Pico Boulevard just blocks from the beach in Santa Monica, Kavahana is a late-night hangout that blends café comfort with the energy of a neighborhood gathering space. It is not a “traditional” bar, nor is it a coffee shop. It is a place where mornings turn into afternoons, afternoons turn into evenings, and people stay a little longer than they planned. At the heart of the experience is a neat drink called kava nectar. What is Kava Nectar? Kava Nectar is a natural, zero-proof drink made from the root of the kava plant, a member of the peppercorn family traditionally enjoyed across the South Pacific Islands and Hawaii in social and ceremonial settings. Kavahana’s kava nectar is coldpressed kava root nectar gently dried into a fine powder. The result is a drink that offers a subtle tingle on the tongue followed by a calm, uplifted, and social feeling. It supports presence and ease without intoxication, hangovers, or next day fog. If you’re curious about the coconut shell cups, that’s part of the point. In many Pacific Island cultures, kava is served exactly this way. Kavahana keeps that format, pouring traditional style kava nectar into coconut shells as part of the experience. For many guests, kava nectar becomes a natural alternative during Dry January because it still feels like going out. Their menu features thoughtfully crafted zero proof kava nectar cocktails made with real ingredients like mango, coconut milk, ginger, pineapple, and spirulina. Drinks like their “Beach Nectar” and “Paradise Nectar” are designed to mask the naturally earthy taste of kava while still offering the same tingly benefits. Beyond kava nectar, Kavahana serves
Kona coffee sourced from Hawaii’s Big Island, along with ceremonial matcha, roasted hojicha, and other delicious drinks. The team is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to guide first time guests through the menu. Open Late - a rarity on the Westside! What makes Kavahana especially unique in LA is its late night energy. While many cafés and restaurants close early, Kavahana stays open into the evening and often until 1 AM on weekends. It is a place where you can meet friends after work, go on a date, or enjoy a night out without alcohol, while still feeling connected to the city’s social rhythm. Many brands and spaces claim to be community driven, but Kavahana backs it up with action. Tuesdays feature the Santa Monica Open Mic Night with local musicians, poets, and storytellers. Wednesdays bring Comedy Night, drawing a relaxed, welcoming crowd. Both events are free and open to everyone, whether you
Kava Nectar “Starter Kit,” featuring Kavahana’s Relax Edition Pouch of Kava Nectar Powder are performing or just listening. And if you’re reading this and not local to LA, you can still be part of the Kavahana experience. Kavahana ships its kava nectar powder nationwide, making it easy to enjoy at home as a relaxing alternative or to create your own zero proof cocktails. Orders ship to all 50 states and Canada, so Dry January does not have to end at city limits! Visit Kavahana 306 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90405 Open daily (morning to late night) Tuesdays: Open Mic Night Wednesdays: Comedy Night Website: Kavahana.com Instagram: @kavahanabar
January 2 - January 8, 2026
Welcome to Urban Jungle Immerse yourself in a sanctuary where nature’s tranquility meets the vibrancy of city life. Urban Jungle is more than a plant store it’s a communitycentered oasis bringing a lush slice of paradise to your urban lifestyle. Here, we passionately believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and elevate well-being.
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January 2 - January 8, 2026
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20+ Santa Monica Hotels Offer ‘I Wish I Had an Extra Bedroom’ Savings Do you wish you had an extra bedroom for guests during the holidays? Are you craving a quiet escape from everyday routine?
Now through February 9, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism invites local residents to unlock special savings to welcome friends and family or enjoy home away from home — relishing the charm and beauty Santa Monica tourism beholds. As part of the Santa Monica Extra Bedroom Program, a number of special rates are extended to Santa Monica residents and their guests. From beloved historic hotels and family-friendly stays to award-winning luxury properties and beachfront retreats, Santa Monica is home to an exceptional lineup of hotel properties for guests of all budgets and preferences. Whether booking a stay for loved ones who are traveling to Santa Monica, or enjoying a staycation getaway after the holiday hustle and bustle, the “I Wish I
Had an Extra Bedroom” offers special hotel deals at more than 20 properties in Santa Monica. “‘I Wish I Had an Extra Bedroom’ continues to be a well-loved opportunity for Santa Monica residents to welcome visiting friends and family or experience our beautiful city as a guest,” said Misti Kerns, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism President/CEO. “We are proud to work with local hotel partners to make the season brighter for residents and travelers alike.” As many residents prepare to welcome friends and family during the holidays or crave a relaxing stay near home, “I Wish I Had an Extra Bedroom” is the perfect opportunity to host loved ones or treat yourself to a getaway at an exclusive discount. These hotels place you steps from the sand, world-class dining, coastal sunsets and the walkable neighborhoods you already love. Treat yourself to ocean views, poolside lounging, spa services and chefdriven restaurants, and experience Santa Monica like a visitor, even if home is just around the corner. Participating hotel properties include: ● Bayside Hotel ● The Eden Hotel ● Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
● The Gateway Hotel Santa Monica ● The Georgian Hotel ● Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites ● Hotel Carmel ● Hotel Casa del Mar ● Huntley Santa Monica ● Ocean Park Inn ● Ocean View Hotel ● The Pierside Hotel ● Regent Santa Monica Beach ● Rest Haven Motel ● Sandbourne Santa Monica ● Santa Monica Hotel ● Sea Shore Motel ● Shore Hotel ● The Sovereign Hotel ● Shutters on the Beach ● SureStay Hotel by Best Western – Santa Monica ● Viceroy Santa Monica Simply show proof of Santa Monica residency at check-in to unlock this festive offer now through February 9, 2026. For more information on special booking instructions and offer details for each hotel, visit santamonica.com/extra-bedroom.
SANTA MONICA LOCALS DO YOU NEED AN EXTRA BEDROOM THIS SEASON? Stay local and save with Santa Monica Resident Rates this holiday season
BOOK YOUR EXTRA BEDROOM santamonica.com/extrabedroom
January 2 - January 8, 2026
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OPINION
GOODBYE 2025 SMa.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
This year S.M.a.r,t, wrote about the Civic Auditorium, the Airport, City governance, Preservation, overdevelopment, and its impact, among many other topics listed below. We hope you enjoyed reading our 52 weekly articles, and if you want to relive the controversies and discussions, just click on this link: https://smmirror. com/?s=Mario+Fonda-Bonardi We want to thank the Mirror for publishing our content without censorship (it's a rare gift) and finally, looking ahead, we wish you all, our devoted readers, a fantastic 2026: January 2: Adaptive Liveability Adaptive reuse isn’t about aesthetics— it’s about sustainability and affordability. January 19: A New Path Ahead The Palisades Fire exposed LA’s failing water and power systems. January 26: Peril, Prevention, and the Path Forward The Palisades and Altadena fires showed LA is unprepared. February 2: California’s Fire Safety Evolution: Meeting Modern Wildfire Challenges The January 2025 fires proved LA is running on outdated rules and fractured authority. February 9: The Water Crisis Behind LA’s Fire Disaster: A Legacy of Outdated Infrastructure The LA fires proved it: outdated hydrants and broken water systems left firefighters helpless. February 16: Bring Back the Music Santa Monica’s Civic Auditorium is a national landmark. February 23: The Palisades: A Story of Irreplaceable Loss: The Palisades Fire erased a way of life. March 2: The Perils of Passing the Buck: How Self-Certification Threatens Public Safety in Building Design and Construction. Santa Monica’s plan for selfcertification by architects is reckless. March 9: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium: The Cultural Icon Santa Monica Needs Demolishing the Civic Auditorium would erase Santa Monica’s cultural soul. March 16: Fire Safety in Los Angeles: Reimagining an Age of Megafires LA isn’t losing to fire—it’s losing to itself. March 23: Bring Back The Music 2.0 The Civic Auditorium is a national landmark with a fully funded revival ready to go. March 30: Smart Home Systems and IoT Sensors: The New Frontline Against Wildfires Wildfire tech has leapt ahead, but most homeowners and cities are still blind to the danger. April 6: Innovative Materials for FireResistant Rebuilding After the LA Fires
LA homeowners can’t rebuild the same. April 13: Rebuilding Resilient Communities: Policy and Planning After the Fires LA’s wildfire recovery is a mess. April 20: A City for Everyone Santa Monica may look idyllic, but unsafe streets betray its neglect. April 27: The World’s Happiest Cities Santa Monica shines with natural beauty and community spirit, but safety and infrastructure gaps hold it back. May 2: Owner Occupancy Protects Against Corporate Over-Development Council plans to gut SB9, letting developers profit while families lose. May 11: Open Container, Closed Minds: Why Santa Monica’s Outdoor Drinking Plan Will Likely Drown Our open-drink plan promises nightlife buzz but risks chaos. May 17: SMO (So Many Options) Part 3: “Pie in the Sky” Our airport “closure by 2028” is widely misunderstood. May 22: Why Santa Monica Might Need a Desalination Plant, and Maybe Even Nuclear Power Our upcoming housing boom will outstrip water supply, forcing tough choices on desalination and possibly nuclear power. May 29: Oops!! What Happened? And What Are You Going to Do About It? Planned overdevelopment prioritizes developer profits over residents. June 5: A City Dying by a Thousand Cuts Santa Monica is bleeding out— mismanagement, executive greed, and wasted homelessness funds. June 15: California’s Transit Death Spiral: How Housing Mandates Are Backfiring California’s housing mandates displace transit riders and boost car dependence. June 19: Santa Monica Needs to See the Light Our light pollution is harming health, safety, and sleep. June 26: Cities That Never Shut Up – The Roaring Cost of Urban Noise Our constant noise is wrecking health and sleep July 2: Happy Fourth of July July 13: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica? Santa Monica risks losing RAND. July 20: SMO (So Many Options) Part 4 “IT’S THE ECONOMY, S…..” Keeping the airport is the only practical way to preserve economic value and open land. July 2: Reed Park Rebirth Reed Park’s revival transforms it into a safe, active community hub. August 1: SIX ACRES AND A MULE headed process Santa Monica wastes six acres of airport land. August 7: Wheeling Electrically 2.0 Climate action fails on two wheels. August 14: The Rhetoric of Municipal Control Our City Council majority is labeling
dissent offensive.. August 22: The Algorithm Will See You Now: Santa Monica’s Upcoming AI Reckoning City leaders don’t embrace transparency. August 28: The Big One: A Homeowner’s Guide to HOA Earthquake Insurance Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Percentage-Based Deductibles HOA earthquake insurance leaves homeowners exposed. August 29: Santa Monica Historic District Tour Showcases Early 20th Century Bungalows Santa Monica’s Historic District tour highlights early-20th-century bungalows. September 4: Why The Past? We are gutting our history for generic development. September 12: The Faded Halo Santa Monica’s Police Activities League scandal exposed decades of abuse, negligence, and corruption. September 26: Santa Monica’s Governance Problem: Elected Council, “Strong” Mayor or? Part One of Two Our fractured power structure cripples accountability and leadership. October 3: Santa Monica’s Governance Problem: Elected Council, “Strong” Mayor or? Part Two of Two Our governance is stuck in a loop of indecision and weak accountability. October 9: CIVIC AUDITORIUM REBORN The design for the restoration of the Civic Auditorium preserves its historic character. October 17: Council Cans the Civic Santa Monica’s council majority killed a fully funded $400M Civic Auditorium revival. October 23: The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium: A Living Monument to Global Cultural Innovation Our Civic Auditorium is a rare, globally significant venue for arts and culture. October 30: The Darkness of Disengagement: How Santa Monica Turned Down Its Citizens and Its Civic Our City Council majority crushed grassroots voices and muzzled public input.
November 6: PRESERVATION AWARDS Santa Monica’s 2025 Preservation Awards celebrate projects and people protecting the city’s historic architecture and cultural heritage. November 13: At the Crossroads: Preserving Santa Monica’s Soul Protecting local character and public spaces in Santa Monica is now critical. November 20: The Case Against Overdevelopment: The Problem with Problem Solving Our surge in height and density isn’t based on real need or data, it’s creating problems instead of solving them. November 27: Gratitude from S.M.a.r.t. SMa.r.t. expresses gratitude for the community support it has received over the years. December 4: The Erasure: How Santa Monica Lost School Children and Its Memory: Part One of Three: We are hemorrhaging families and schoolchildren. December 9: Remembering Frank Gehry Santa Monica lost legendary architect Frank Gehry at age 96. December 11: The Machine: How Santa Monica’s Memory Gets Deleted Our development machine erases the city’s history and identity. December 18: The Reckoning: A City That Cannot Remember Itself Part Three of Three We are systematically losing our community and history as development and bureaucratic neglect erase local memory. December 24: Holiday Card from SM.a.rt. S.M.a.r.t Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, former Planning Commissioner, Robert H. Taylor, AIA, Architect. Dan Jansenson, former Building and Life Safety Commissioner. Samuel Tolkin, Architect, former Planning Commissioner, Michael Jolly, AIRCRE. Jack Hillbrand AIA, Landmarks Commission Architect, Phil Brock, former SM Mayor (Ret.), Matt Hoefler, architect, Heather Thomason. Community Organizer.
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S A N TA M O N I C A C O L L E G E
Boost Your Career at SMC! Classes start February 17 On-campus and online APPLY TODAY
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SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Sion Roy, Chair; Dr. Tom Peters, Vice Chair; Dr. Luis Barrera Castañón; Anastasia Foster; Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Sophia Manavi, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 smc.edu