Two days after a gunman shot through the window of a Waymo and injured two children, Santa Monica police happened to come across the suspect while on patrol downtown. He shot a police officer and was found and apprehended three hours later.

Chemistry students are piloting SMC’s new textbook system during summer intersession. In the system, a collaboration with the education company Slingshot, students can purchase all their course materials at once, for $32 per enrolled credit. Students can opt out, but the campus bookstore is to carry less physical stock and instead serve as a communal spot for students.

 On Tuesday, SMC waved goodbye to 7,248 graduates, designated by President Dr. Kathryn Jeffery as the college’s second-largest commencement ever. The school bestowed bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, certificates of achievement, certificates of competency, and completion certificates upon those students.

Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew to curtail protesters—while attending a vigil for immigrant solidarity. On the first night of curfew, many resisted by continuing to protest downtown; 17 were arrested on curfew violations.

On Monday, June 9, 2025 protests across Los Angeles County continued after a recent wave of ICE deportations, marking day 4 of the protests. 

In Paramount and neighboring city Compton on June 7, a chaotic scene unfolded with cops and protesters squaring up in a commercial area. For hours in the evening, protesters scattered throughout Alondra Boulevard, yelling, playing music, dancing, and sometimes clutching their faces and running when the Sheriff’s Department line by the 710 Freeway deployed tear gas.

Since Friday, steadfast protests in L.A. county countering ICE raids have expanded and intensified, leading to tensions between police and demonstrators. Trump summoning 2,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to protect government personnel is estimated to cost $134 million. As finals season starts, SMC is urging faculty to be flexible with students affected by the “unprecedented events” going on in the city.

Following a series of immigration enforcement actions in L.A. on Friday, activist groups threw an impromptu rally at the Federal Building. Protesters threw rocks and bottles, and shot some fireworks, while DHS officers fired tear gas and pepper balls. Los Angeles police enforced a dispersal order with rubber bullets.

An overview of the Associated Students expenditures from this year.

On May 27, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a provisional pause on interviews at U.S. embassies and consular sections across the world for prospective international students seeking student visas. In the interim, according to leaked documents, the department is considering an official social media screening policy for visa holders.

 The Santa Monica Police Department is expecting a hefty budget increase. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, they are planning to operate with $132,509,870 for salaries, wages and supplies.

In an effort to catch “video game-styled” drivers, the California Highway Patrol is deploying 100 solid-colored Dodge Durangos throughout the state by June. But, some argue, California’s Code of Regulations prohibits the traffic department from operating all-black vehicles.

Tony Lopez was two classes away from completing his associates in nursing when he was apprehended and detained by ICE on his way to school. He was subsequently deported to Mexico.

 A raucous Town Hall by Rep. Brad Sherman sparked lively argument and debate, particularly on transgender rights, pro-Palestine efforts and anti-Trump combat.

Jihu Kang, an international art student, lost everything in the Palisades Fire. The college community is her strongest stalwart for rebuilding, filling in where the administration faltered.

There was no shortage of scuffling at the conservative #WalkAway march and rally in Beverly Hills on Sunday. The march’s founder was one of 1,500 recently pardoned by Trump for storming the Capitol.

Santa Monica College police is searching for the suspect of an on-campus sexual battery incident on April 30.

Four Associated Students director positions for the 2025-26 academic year are vacant, as well as two vacant seats on the Judicial Board. Students at SMC have until April 29 at 5 p.m. to apply to run for these positions, potentially remedying reports of Board-wide ennui.

Judith Eckstein hasn’t worked as the Math Lab coordinator since March 5, though her return as a tutor is forecast. Several students took to the Board of Trustees to argue her cruciality.

It’s a “sobering and scary time” for community colleges. The state of California prospered in February, but SMC is still floundering. SMC’s fund balance to expenditures ratio is 12%, the second lowest in the state. Legislative advisors are recommending California cut back on special programs and focus on core costs at community colleges.