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The Santa Monica City Council will vote Tuesday on a series of measures aimed at bolstering the city’s economic recovery, improving safety on a key boulevard, and addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis. Among the items on the agenda is a proposal to permanently adopt zoning changes initially implemented as temporary economic relief measures, a $600,000 study of Santa Monica Boulevard safety, and discussions regarding potential homeless housing options outside city limits.

The council will consider the first reading of an ordinance to craft permanent the Economic Recovery Interim Zoning Ordinance 2825. City staff recommend approval, citing its success in attracting new businesses to the downtown area. The ordinance would extend streamlining provisions to non-residential commercial districts citywide, simplifying land use processing and easing alcohol-related operating standards, including expanded exemptions for alcohol permits throughout the downtown area and the Santa Monica Pier. The changes similarly incorporate provisions for schools, child care facilities, and early education centers displaced by the 2023 Palisades fire.

A related public hearing will address an extension of Interim Zoning Ordinance 2844, which governs resource recovery and recycling room standards. Staff are proposing updated applicability thresholds and revised dimensional standards to support a Self-Certification Building Permit Pilot Program, further easing the path for new commercial tenants.

The council will also review the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Study, a nearly $590,000 effort funded through a California Department of Transportation grant and city Transportation Impact Fee revenues. The study, overseen by the Department of Transportation and Mobility Director Anuj Gupta, analyzed a four-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard, examining ten years of crash data and community input. The findings identified a high number of crashes, including eight fatal or severe injury incidents between 2017 and 2022, and propose phased safety and transit recommendations. The city received $522,327 in grant funds in August 2023, supplementing $67,673 from local fees.

In a separate discussion item, Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick and Councilmember Lana Negrete are requesting a city analysis of options to support the conversion of vacant retail spaces into restaurants and hospitality businesses. The proposal seeks to explore waiving, reducing, or deferring fees for qualifying projects, including those related to outdoor dining, wastewater, and sewer connections. The analysis will also consider financial incentives and support for tenant improvements, such as grease interceptors and ADA upgrades, which have been identified as significant barriers to conversion.

Finally, the council will convene in closed session to discuss potential homeless housing options, adding a property in the City of Bell to its negotiation list. City Manager Oliver Chi is currently in talks with the Salvation Army regarding potential uses for their shelter at 5600 Rickenbacker Rd. Details of the potential terms of use remain undisclosed, and any decisions reached in closed session will be reported publicly at a later date. The meeting is scheduled to initiate at 5:30 p.m. At City Hall.

College basketball’s regular season is winding down, and with conference tournament play looming, sportsbooks are seeing increased action. Several intriguing matchups present opportunities for informed wagers, and analysts are pinpointing key games where value can be found. This week’s betting spotlight focuses on a compelling clash between Louisville and North Carolina, alongside other notable contests across the nation.

One game drawing significant attention is Monday’s matchup between Louisville and North Carolina, with the “over” on 161 points presenting a potentially lucrative opportunity, according to Caesars Sportsbook. The Cardinals, bolstered by the return of leading scorer Mikel Brown Jr., have been averaging 89.2 points per game since a January loss to Duke. This scoring prowess, combined with factors impacting the Tar Heels, makes the over a compelling pick.

Louisville’s offensive resurgence is largely attributable to Brown Jr., who is averaging 89.2 points per game over the team’s last seven contests, as reported by Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. North Carolina’s offense, however, has experienced a slight slowdown following an injury to Caleb Wilson. Despite this setback, Henri Veesaar’s strong performance in his return from injury Saturday suggests the Tar Heels will leverage their size advantage, a strategy coach Hubert Davis is expected to emphasize. The Tar Heels have been averaging 82.4 points per game at the Dean Smith Center, and Louisville’s fast pace is anticipated to contribute to a high-scoring affair.

Beyond the Louisville-North Carolina game, several other contests offer potential betting value. Tuesday’s USC at UCLA matchup sees UCLA favored to cover, while Wednesday’s Pittsburgh at Stanford game leans towards a Stanford cover. Thursday’s Elon at Towson contest likewise favors Towson to cover, and Friday’s Michigan at Illinois game is projected to proceed over the total.

Louisville’s Offensive Firepower

Mikel Brown Jr.’s impact on Louisville’s offense has been undeniable. Since returning from a period of absence, the Cardinals have rediscovered their scoring touch, averaging 89.2 points per game. Brown Jr. Recently broke the Atlantic Coast Conference freshman scoring record, previously held by Cooper Flagg, scoring 45 points in a 118-77 win over NC State on February 9, 2026, according to the University of Louisville Athletics website. He also tied a program record with 10 three-pointers in that game. ESPN also highlights Brown Jr.’s performance as a key factor in Louisville’s success on their player profile.

Photo by: Nicole Finch | Louisville Athletics

UCLA’s Resilience and Home-Court Advantage

Despite a turbulent week marked by losses to Michigan and Michigan State, UCLA demonstrated resilience with a 95-94 overtime victory against Illinois. This win, fueled by a 23-point comeback, suggests the Bruins remain committed to coach Mick Cronin’s program. UCLA boasts a strong home record of 15-1, making them a favorable pick to cover against USC. The Trojans, meanwhile, have struggled on the road, losing two of their last three away games. Alijah Arenas’ return from injury hasn’t significantly altered USC’s fortunes.

Stanford’s Travel Woes and Pitt’s Offensive Struggles

Stanford has experienced a decline in form, dropping eight of their last 11 conference games. A significant factor contributing to this slump appears to be the challenges of cross-country travel, with five of those losses occurring on the road and four on the East Coast. Pittsburgh, facing Stanford on Wednesday, has also struggled in conference play, winning only three games thus far. Jeff Capel’s teams at Pitt have historically relied on a standout player to carry the offense, a role currently unfilled.

CAA Competition: Towson’s Defensive Strength

Towson, initially favored to win the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), has faced difficulties in conference play. While their defense ranks seventh nationally at home, allowing just 60.7 points per game, their offense has underperformed, with key players Tyler Tejada and Dylan Williamson failing to reach their expected potential. Elon, has been the conference’s weakest defensive team, conceding an average of 80.7 points per game, making Towson a strong candidate to cover.

High-Scoring Potential: Michigan vs. Illinois

Friday’s contest between Michigan and Illinois is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams averaging over 85 points per game and ranking among the top 20 nationally. Michigan excels in interior scoring, shooting 62.3 percent from two-point range, the second-best mark in the country. Illinois, meanwhile, thrives on three-point shooting, averaging 11.3 successful shots from beyond the arc, ranking sixth nationally.

As the college basketball season progresses, these matchups offer compelling opportunities for those looking to capitalize on informed wagers. The coming weeks will undoubtedly bring further excitement and strategic betting considerations as teams gear up for conference tournament play.

What are your thoughts on these matchups? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below!