Scott Snowden

East London, Los Angeles

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Local News Reporter at Santa Monica Daily Press

Writer, editor, caffeine-based lifeform. Formally @PA, these days I can be found on @Forbes, @Spacedotcom and @Wired.

Articles

Exciting Activities Await at Santa Monica Animal Shelter Fundraiser

2 days ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

The Santa Monica Animal Shelter will host its fourth annual Open House Fundraiser this Saturday, inviting the community to enjoy a lively afternoon of food, music, raffles and animal adoptions in support of local pets in need. The event runs from 12 to 3pm at the shelter, located at 1640 9th Street and will feature reduced adoption fees, silent auction items, raffle prizes, face painting, balloon animals and refreshments.
Living Wage for All launches in Santa Monica with push for $30 countywide minimum

3 days ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

Labor organizers, elected officials and economic justice advocates gathered Monday at Wally’s restaurant in downtown Santa Monica to launch the Living Wage for All campaign, a coordinated effort to raise Los Angeles County’s minimum wage to $30 per hour and to build a national movement aimed at redefining compensation standards across the country.
Big Blue Bus strikes pedestrian, shuts down eastbound traffic on Pic Blvd

1 week ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

At approximately 8:30am Friday, an eastbound Big Blue Bus carrying an unknown number of passengers, struck a pedestrian on Pico Blvd, near the 27th Street intersection, opposite the legendary Rae's Diner. A significant amount of law enforcement-related vehicles could be seen surrounding the taped off area, including SMPD detectives and a forensics unit along with members of Santa Monica City staff.
A Hub of Fun and Activity

1 week ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

After more than a year of planning, Santa Monica’s long-anticipated Entertainment Zone will officially launch on June 13, bringing a new suite of programming and regulatory flexibility to the Third Street Promenade. City Council formally approved the ordinance earlier this month, greenlighting a three-block district where outdoor performances, alcohol service and branded activations will be permitted under expanded guidelines.
DTSM Allocates Funds for Parking Maintenance and Event Zones

1 week ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board members voted Tuesday to amend their fiscal year 2025–26 budget, reallocating funds to support parking structure maintenance and large-scale entertainment zone events while cutting costs for lighting and winter decorations.
Memorial Day Tribute at Santa Monica College

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

A small group gathered on the Santa Monica College campus Thursday morning for a heartfelt Memorial Day tribute under clear skies and warm sunshine. Held on the lawn at the heart of campus, the ceremony brought together students and veterans from every branch of the U.S. military for a moment of shared reflection. The event began with a formal presentation of colors by the University of California Air Force ROTC.
Santa Monica Pier again ranks among state’s most polluted beaches, report finds

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

The beach adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier has again been named one of California’s most polluted, landing in second place on Heal the Bay’s annual “Beach Bummer” list, part of the environmental nonprofit’s 35th Beach Report Card released on Thursday. The report, which assigns weekly water quality grades to more than 700 beaches along the Pacific Coast, found that the pier continues to suffer from persistently high levels of fecal-indicator bacteria, particularly during the dry summer season.
Where Culinary Innovation Meets Coastal Elegance

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

The Shore Hotel marked the grand opening of its striking new bar and restaurant this week, unveiling Shoreside, a California-coastal dining concept designed to bring together local flavor, architectural flair and sustainable innovation. The glamorous launch party drew a who’s who of Santa Monica’s business and civic life, offering guests a first look at the fully reimagined space, which now serves as the centerpiece of the hotel’s ambitious year-long renovation effort.
Recognizing Achievements of Foster Youth & Grads

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

Ready to Succeed Celebrates 27 Foster Youth and First-Generation College Graduates at Annual CeremonyTwenty-seven college students from across California were honored last Thursday at Ready to Succeed’s annual graduation ceremony in Los Angeles, marking the culmination of a multi-year program that supports foster youth and first-generation college students as they complete their degrees and prepare for professional careers.
Man shot during altercation outside Fairmont Miramar Hotel

2 weeks ago | smdp.com | Scott Snowden

A man was hospitalized early Sunday after he was shot during a confrontation in the driveway of a hotel near the Santa Monica coastline, prompting a police investigation and search for the suspected gunman. Officers with the Santa Monica Police Department responded to reports of a shooting shortly before 2am in the 100 block of Wilshire Boulevard. The incident took place in the courtyard area of a hotel just steps from the beach and the city’s busy downtown district.