New York Post · West Los Angeles, CA
A 96-year-old California man who died at his Halloween-themed birthday party after dancing to “Stayin’ Alive” has been identified as a “local legend” in West Los Angeles. TikTok’s viral “Vito” is actually 96-year-old Vito Justin Martinaitis, who partied with his young friends at his Santa Monica home moments before passing away last month. Caleb Turner, 34, who told The Post that Martinaitis named him one of his “greatest best friends” in the days before he died, said he was well-known in Venice and was the “life of the party” even in his advanced age. “He was not a normal 96-year-old,” Turner said, noting he went out multiple times a week and even jumped his fence a few weeks before his death. Martinaitis lived alone, Turner said, since his wife died a few years ago. Turner believed he was in good physical health before his sudden death. Martinaitis was originally from Chicago and worked as an architect before settling in California, his friend said.
Beverly Hills Courier · Beverly Hills, CA
Nearby: Beverly Hills, CACalifornia voters decided four statewide propositions on Nov. 3 with direct consequences for real estate. They approved more than $36 billion in housing financing but rejected setting a two-thirds threshold for local taxes set by citizen initiatives and rejected streamlining environmental review. Proposition 43 RejectedThis content is for Recurring Membership! Purchase to Read or JOIN NOW to become a Member and to get full access!.
Park LaBrea/Beverly Press · Beverly Hills, CA
Nearby: Beverly Hills, CAThe 38th Israel Film Festival will return to Los Angeles from Nov. 18-24, featuring 15 Israeli feature films...
Galerie Magazine · Beverly Hills, CA
Nearby: Beverly Hills, CAMere steps from Rodeo Drive, surrounded by the high-end boutiques and glamorous restaurants of Beverly Hills, an unexpected new design destination is bringing Southern California’s design and build community together around the pleasures of the contemporary kitchen. The BSH Experience and Design Center, which officially opened in 2025, offers an immersive introduction to the latest innovations from Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau. Yet its ambitions reach well beyond showcasing exceptional appliances. Through chef-led culinary experiences and a lively calendar of cultural programming, the nearly 7,000-square-foot showroom has quickly emerged as a convivial gathering place for architects, interior designers, and homeowners who share an appreciation for well-appointed kitchens. The setting itself reflects the distinctive character of Southern California.
Concord Monitor · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CANew London, NH – Maureen Teresa (Herlihy) Strachan, 84, of New London, New Hampshire, died peacefully on November 5, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 9, 1942, in White Plains, New York, to Jack and Mary (Dennis) Herlihy. Maureen grew up in Irvington, New York, and graduated from Irvington High School. The first in her family to go on to higher education, she trained at the Central Islip School of Nursing on Long Island, then headed west to Santa Monica, California, where she worked as an intensive care nurse. When she returned to New York, she joined White Plains Hospital as an RN and was involved in opening the hospital’s first cardiac care unit, where she then worked. She married Matthew J. Strachan, and after some years in Pleasantville, New York, they settled in Bedford, New York, where they raised their children and spent summers on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. She was proud of raising strong, independent children.
Canyon News · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASANTA MONICA—Ryo Murata, a Japanese cyclist known online as the “Human Revo,” has successfully crossed from New York to California using only a bicycle. Murata said he biked about 2,400 miles from Chicago to reach the end of the historic Route 66, which is marked by the “End of the Trail” sign at the Santa Monica Pier. Hundreds of people gathered at the pier to cheer him on as he completed the ride on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Some cyclists joined him for the final stretch. The finish landed on a meaningful day. Nov. 11 marked Route 66’s 100th anniversary, Veterans Day and Murata’s 27th birthday. Despite eventually succeeding at his goal, Murata ran into many challenges along the way. Two years ago, he brought his bike from Japan and set out to ride from New York to Los Angeles. He made it as far as Chicago before his visa ran out and he had to go home. In September, he returned to Chicago on the same bicycle and picked up where he left off.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASanta Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Zen Franco (17) kicks the ball towards the goal of the Glendale College Vaqueros defenders during the second half of a men’s soccer match on Corsair Field, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. Corsairs win the match versus Vaqueros 8-1. (Jason Purisima | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Zen Franco (17) kicks the ball towards the goal of the Glendale College Vaqueros defenders during the first half of a men’s soccer match on Corsair Field, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. Corsairs win the match versus Vaqueros 8-1. (Jason Purisima | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Anthony Lopez (10) dribbles the ball away from the Glendale College Vaqueros defenders during the first half of a men’s soccer match on Corsair Field, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. Corsairs win the match versus Vaqueros 8-1.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASanta Monica College (SMC) Corsair Jaylen Brown (12) (top) tries a jump shot against San Diego Mesa Olympian Jeremiah McCaleb (0) (bottom) during their game on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Corsair Gym in Santa Monica, Calif. The Corsairs defeated the Olympians 68-62. (Guillermo De La Barreda | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair Vidal Nzoyem Jr. (cq) (15) (center) drives toward the basket during the team's game against the San Diego Mesa Olympians on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Corsair Gym in Santa Monica, Calif. The Corsairs defeated the Olympians 68-62. (Guillermo De La Barreda | The Corsair) The Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Men’s basketball guard, Anthony Dozier (11) goes up for a shot during the game against San Diego Mesa College Mesa in Santa Monica, Calif.on Monday, Nov 9th, 2026. The Corsairs defeated the Mesas 68-62.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASanta Monica College guard Jesus Quıernan (22) taking a two pointer shot against Palo Verde at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on November 7, 2026. (Doruk Sen | The Corsair) Santa Monica College guard Davon Carwise (1) starting a pick and roll against Palo Verde at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif., on November 7, 2026. (Doruk Sen I Corsair) On Nov. 7, the Santa Monica College men’s basketball team prevailed against Palo Verde College, with efficient 3-point shooting and grit on the defensive end. The Corsairs dominated in the first half and took a 16-point lead, but the Pirates outscored SMC by 11 points in the second half. The final score was 84-79. The Corsairs played 10 different players, taking advantage of their depth to consistently apply pressure on the ball. SMC knocked down 12 3-pointers on the night, having seven different players contributing to the total.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CAAs the City of Santa Monica observed United Against Hate Week, community organizers said they look to bring the initiative to Santa Monica College – which has seen a 250% increase in reported hate crimes over the last two years.The Santa Monica City Council issued a proclamation observing United Against Hate Week from Oct. 18-24 during its Oct. 14 meeting. The city joined Los Angeles County and communities across the country in an annual push to lower hate crimes in America.Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis read the proclamation, and Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council interim director Erika Bell provided additional information. Bell also serves as the leadership chair on the Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs.Data from the U.S. Justice Department shows hate crimes in America have doubled since 2015.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CAThe Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble performs under conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont during a concert in the Music Hall at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The concert program listed 29 musicians in the ensemble. (Jiayi Jiang | The Corsair) Members of the Carter family, from left, Tom, Taylor and Marie Carter, watch the Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble during a concert in the Music Hall at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. The Paul Kreibich Sextet also performed during the concert. (Jiayi Jiang | The Corsair) Bassist Gabriel Arriaga performs with the Santa Monica College Jazz Ensemble during a concert in the Music Hall at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Arriaga is one of three bassists in the ensemble.
Canyon News · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASANTA MONICA—For the first time since 1979, Santa Monica will have a float in the Rose Parade, and its theme is “Waves of Welcome,” which reflects the city’s famous places, its welcoming nature, and the citizens residing in Santa Monica. The float debuted at the State of the City event and was designed by Artistic Entertainment Services. The City of Santa Monica is asking members of the public to volunteer and help complete the float. Citizens can do so in several ways. They can make a donation to support the construction of the float, or they can dedicate a rose or a dozen roses, which will also include a special message. They can also volunteer to help complete work on the float. They can also help sponsor the float, which, depending on the level chosen, can also let them ride the float or walk beside it during the parade. The design includes the beach and famous landmarks such as the Solar Ferris Wheel, the Pier sign, and the Santa Monica carousel.
Canyon News · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASANTA MONICA—The City of Santa Monica has announced that starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, the South Volleyball Courts in Ocean Park, located at 2600 Ocean Front Walk near the end of Ocean Park Boulevard, will temporarily close so that workers can perform a beach improvement project that involves the removal of sand. The work is expected to be finished by Saturday, November 21. The courts should reopen for play that day. During this time, the volleyball courts in Ocean Park North located at 2400 Ocean Front Walk, will remain open. More informaiton can be obtained by emailing the city at Further updates and information can be obtaiend by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling the city at 310-458-2201 x5726.
Honolulu Civil Beat · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CANick Nikhilananda has been a member of the Green Party of Hawaiʻi for nearly 35 years. His history is so deep that he played a role in getting the party on Hawaiʻi’s ballot for the first time, way back in 1992. That was accomplished along with people like the late Ira Rohter, a University of Hawaiʻi political science professor who helped found and co-chair the group. The Green Party has fielded dozens of candidates over the years, including Nikhilananda himself. It saw a couple of them elected in the 1990s to the Hawaiʻi County Council, which today is nonpartisan like all county offices. But Greens have not succeeded in getting more members elected since. The state is too dominated by Democrats with Republicans comprising a weak yet vocal minority. On Nov. 3, that all changed, at least for one seat in the 76-member Legislature. Pāʻele Kiakona, a Green, defeated Democrat Sne Patel and Republican Elle Cochran in House District 14 representing the Lahaina area.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASanta Monica College Corsairs Melanie Lui (4), Mia Michele Whitlock (10), Alison Cumming (15), Lucy White (9), Ava Rae Salvo (5) celebrating after scoring a point agains Canyons at SMC November 6, 2026 Calif. (Doruk Sen | The Corsair) Anna Hockett and Nadene Laalaai Taase blocking the ball, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, Calif., on Nov. 6 2026. (Doruk Sen | The Corsair) Santa Monica College’s Anna Hockett (8) reaches for the ball at the net as a Abby Ramirez jumps to block during a women’s volleyball match in Santa Monica, Calif., on November 6 2026. (Doruk Sen | The Corsair) Ava Rae Salvo on the last set of the womens volleyball game between Santa Monica college corsairs and Canyons game, checking her teammates position in Santa Monica, Calif., on November 6 2026. (Doruk Sen | The Corsair) On Nov. 6, the Santa Monica College women’s volleyball team triumphed in four sets against College of the Canyons, with outside hitters Mia Whitlock and Nadene Taase leading the way.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASanta Monica College (SMC) student Lily Gray, a Communications major, poses for a photograph after drawing a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) raffle ticket during Club Row on the SMC Main Campus Quad on Thursday, Oct. 29th, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. This week's Club Row also featured a costume contest ahead of Halloween. Club Row offers student clubs an opportunity to connect with students, share flyers, showcase what makes their club unique, and recruit new members. (Guillermo De La Barreda | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) student Judy King (center) poses for a photograph with other fellow students during Club Row on the SMC Main Campus Quad on Thursday, Oct. 29th, 2026, in Santa Monica, Calif. King is a member of both the Japanese Language and Culture Club Association and the Chinese Culture Club. This week's Club Row also featured a costume contest ahead of Halloween.
The Corsair · Santa Monica, CA
Nearby: Santa Monica, CASanta Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Rani Noff (18) passes the ball from midfield during the first half of a game against Citrus College Owls on Corsair Field in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Oct 24, 2026. Noff (8) scored 2 goals in the Corsairs win over the Owls 3-1. (Jason Purisima | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Melvin Santa Cruz (19) controls the ball with his chest as defenders look on during the first half of a game against Citrus College Owls on Corsair Field in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Oct 24, 2026. Corsairs win over the Owls 3-1. (Jason Purisima | The Corsair) Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Aydin Leyva (22) battles with Citrus College Owls Ethan Sells (30) for the ball as he pushed for the goal during the first half of a game against the Owls on Corsair Field in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, Oct 24, 2026. Corsairs win over the Owls 3-1.