Matthew Hall, Santa Monica Daily Press Journalist Profile

Articles

LA Landlord threatens to kill tenants during argument over water damaged unit

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

A Los Angeles landlord was recorded on video threatening to kill his tenants during a heated confrontation in January after months of alleged harassment following the tenants’ complaints about extensive water damage to the property, according to the family's attorney. Raymon Isaac, 55, allegedly shoved open the door of the Winnetka residence on January 17, causing tenant Jessica Ramirez to drop her phone, and threatened to kill her and her 3-year-old daughter if they didn't vacate the property.
Olympic Beach Volleyball moves to Long Beach after Santa Monica loses chance to host

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

Long Beach's Alamitos Beach will host the Olympic beach volleyball tournament during the 2028 Los Angeles Games, organizers announced Tuesday as part of a comprehensive venue plan that spans the Southern California region. LA28, the organizing committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, revealed that beach volleyball will take place at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, bringing the popular event to a coastal setting that will also host coastal rowing and open water swimming competitions.
Search continues for suspect after dog killed on Main Street

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

A vicious dog attack on Main Street that left one animal dead has devastated a pair of Santa Monicans and angered the surrounding community. On April 11 around 5:30 p.m., Alyssa Kluge and Christopher Dietrick were walking their toy poodle Dublin on Strand between Main Street and 2nd when tragedy struck. As they passed Samosa House, they encountered a dark-haired man with a pit bull talking to someone in a parked car.
Santa Monica man arrested for threatening Coachella festival

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

A Santa Monica man was arrested early Sunday after threatening to bomb the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, according to Cathedral City Police Department officials. Davis Darvish, 40, was taken into custody shortly after midnight in Palm Springs following a search that utilized automated license plate recognition technology to track his movements throughout the Coachella Valley.
Suspect wanted after a Pit Bull mauls a poodle to death on Main Street

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

A local search is underway for the owner of a violent dog that attacked and killed another dog Friday night in the Ocean Park neighborhood. On Friday, April 11 at about 5:30 p.m. Alyssa Kluge and Christoper Dietrick were walking their toy poodle, Dublin, eastbound on Strand in between Main Street and 2nd.
Suspect wanted after a Pit Bull mauls a poodle to death on Main Street

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

A local search is underway for the owner of a violent dog that attacked and killed another dog Friday night in the Ocean Park neighborhood. On Friday, April 11 at about 5:30 p.m. Alyssa Kluge and Christoper Dietrick were walking their toy poodle, Dublin, eastbound on Strand in between Main Street and 2nd.
Explained in Detail

1 week ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

The Santa Monica City Council introduced an ordinance Tuesday that would strengthen the city's public nuisance laws and give code enforcement officials additional tools to address problem properties. The ordinance amends two sections of the municipal code, expanding the definition of public nuisances and creating new incentives for violators to correct violations.
Palisades Charter High School Resumes In-Person Classes at Pali South

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

Palisades Charter High School students will soon return to in-person classes at their temporary “Pali South” campus in downtown Santa Monica’s historic Sears building, ending weeks of virtual learning following the devastating Palisades fire. Students will resume face-to-face instruction on April 22 after spring break, marking a significant milestone in the school’s recovery efforts.
Rally to support Fairview Library

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

Residents gathered outside the Santa Monica City Council meeting on Tuesday to advocate for the Fairview Branch library. As the city faces a budget deficit, the Council had floated an idea to close and sell the property. While that was just an idea and no formal proposals are in place to close the facility, residents still took to the microphone to advocate for more funding for the branch in specific and for the system as a whole. Photos by Fran Lyness
Safety concerns prompt calls for beach curfew

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Matthew Hall

The Santa Monica City Council has asked staff to explore a nighttime curfew along the shoreline after a recent spate of violence has rekindled debate about the safety of the sand during overnight hours.