In March 1998 the local newspaper, the Outlook, ceased publication. To fill the need for local news the Los Angeles Times began a new section devoted to the Santa Monica bay area—Our Times. The Library indexed articles in Our Times until it ceased publication in September 2000. Library staff begin indexing the Santa Monica Mirror with its September 6-12, 2000, issue to continue the Santa Monica Index. The Library provides current copies and some backfiles of both the Mirror and of other local newspapers, such as the Santa Monica Sun and the Santa Monica Daily Press. 

For current events in Santa Monica, try these local newspapers online:                                      

Santa Monica Mirror

Santa Monica Daily Press

Surf Santa Monica/The Lookout

Interior of Evening Outlook circa 1900                                

City of Santa Monica Website

The City of Santa Monica's Web page is an excellent source of current information on the City as are the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. The City Calendar of Events is a day-by-day, month-by-month guide to activities in the City.

Keeping Current, Looking Back

If you're interested in outdoors activities try Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, or California Native Plant Society. Entertainment may be found on many sites.  The City's Website provides information on parks, bike paths, beaches, maps of the City and more.  KCRW, the local FM radio station KCRW has an excellent Calendar of Events. Or try the Third Street Promenade for information on one of Santa Monica's best known attractions.

In addition to information on recreation and leisure, information for children and schools can be located in the City Website Residents Center. 

Main Street and Montana Avenue are currently popular attractions with residents and tourists alike, but they are also part of the rich history of Santa Monica. In 1926 Main Street was a quiet thoroughfare and fields, not chic shops, surrounded Franklin School at the corner of Montana and 24th Street. 

                                Franklin School 1926

            Main Street 1926

World famous Santa Monica Pier may have changed since Pier Day in 1909 but it continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.

Pier Day 1909

   Santa Monica Pier 2000