Thank You SMTT for Joining OPA as a "Gold Business Member"!
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Santa Monica, dedicated to promoting the city as a world-class coastal destination while supporting local businesses and the visitor economy. This year, the destination is proudly celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, honoring its historic role as the western terminus of the iconic “Mother Road.” As part of the celebration, SMTT has launched a Route 66 Song Contest, inviting musicians and fans to help soundtrack the centennial through original music inspired by the road’s legacy and sense of adventure. Learn more about Route 66 programming, the song contest, and upcoming experiences at santamonica.com and santamonica.com/route66.
If other businesses are interested in joining, business memberships range from $50-$250 and include a variety of benefits. Individual and family memberships start at only $10! More details here or reply to this newsletter with any questions.
OPA Happy Hour March 4: Our next community gathering will be at Lula’s. Stay tuned for more info.
OPA February Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full recording (some of it is audio only or with video on the wrong people due to technical difficulties). Click here for the complete talk from SMPD & Chief Jacob about all things SaMo law enforcement.
The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - January 25-31: Here's the latest update of police activity. There have been over 100 arrests this past week from proactive enforcement: “SMPD officers and specialized units — including the Crime Impact Team, Downtown Services Unit, and K-9 — ran coordinated operations across the city. A significant share of these arrests came from data-informed, officer-initiated contacts rather than reactive calls. That's the model we've been building: smarter policing, not just more policing. Key incidents included an organized retail theft operation downtown that resulted in six arrests with recovered merchandise, a firearm arrest near 1400 Santa Monica Boulevard following a disturbance and assault involving two victims (including an elderly individual), and a weapons/warrant arrest of a suspect carrying a knife and a barbed-wire-wrapped bat with a $60,000 outstanding warrant.” [From Councilmember Lana Negrete’s newsletter]
SMPD Downtown Bike Patrols Are Back: 🚲 Santa Monica police have redeployed bike patrol units in Downtown and along the Pier and beach areas, restoring a visible law enforcement presence in some of the city’s busiest pedestrian corridors. The move was announced in the city manager’s weekly update, which credited a recent shift realignment for allowing the Santa Monica Police Department to bring bike patrols “fully back into rotation” at key activity hubs, including Downtown Santa Monica, the Third Street Promenade, the Pier, and adjacent beach areas. More details here.
From the Desk of Councilmember Dan Hall: Here is his latest newsletter that includes Achieving Safe Neighborhoods & Clean Streets, the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, Developing Affordable, Livable, & Secure Housing, Creating Organizational Capacity, and more.
Santa Monica Fire Department launches city ambulance program, strengthening emergency medical response: This City press release details how SMFD “launched a new, in-house Ambulance Operator Program on Feb. 1, part of the ongoing implementation of the city’s two-year strategic Realignment Plan. The Ambulance Operator Program establishes a dedicated team focused on safely operating ambulances and supporting paramedic teams during emergency medical responses. Prior to the new program, the city's Fire Department would route all dispatch calls related to emergency medical services to a third party, private firm McCormick. Now, in addition to providing life-saving fire response and prevention, the Fire Department will also provide these emergency medical services, using in-house personnel, vehicles, and equipment.”
Send a Valentine to a Santa Monica Senior citizen: Students from the Upper School Community Service Honors Society at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences are organizing a Valentine’s Day card drive for senior residents living in assisted care homes in Santa Monica. The project will deliver handwritten Valentine’s messages to 40 residents across Santa Monica Home & Care and Brookdale Ocean House, helping ensure that each resident receives a personal note of kindness this holiday. More details here.
Here is SaMoNext’s analysis on State Assemblymember Rick Zbur’s “Legislation Would Increase “Local Control” in Coastal Regions for Cities with High Quality Transit.”
Tired of news that feels like noise?
Every day, 4.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news fix. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture — all in a brief 5-minute email. No spin. No slant. Just clarity.
Things to Do This Weekend
Celebrate the year of the Fire Horse with Hong Kong-style mahjong at Edgemar (Thursday 7pm – 12:30am): Mahjong Underground hosts pop-up events and play Hong Kong style mahjong and have players who can help teach as well as guide sheets. instagram.com/p/DUJ7JcUj1Zg/
AmEx x Fanatics Real Vintage Vault for NBA All-Star Weekend (Friday and Saturday): Shop limited-edition vintage NBA pieces and memorabilia. Amex cardholders get special perks all weekend long like 10% off qualifying purchases. @ 57 Windward Ave., Venice More details here.
AT&T Dunk Bus in Venice Beach: 🏀 It’s NBA All-Star Weekend in LA and you can show off your game and experience exciting activations and surprises at this pop-up. Friday - Sunday, 11a.m. - 6p.m., Venice Basketball Courts instagram.com/reels/DUjNvXZEglw
SaMo Conservancy Main Street Walk (Saturday 10:30am): Join street historian Mark Gorman for a Main St. walking tour to discover the cultural and architectural evolution of this vibrant Ocean Park hub, including Frank Gehry's mark on Edgemar and more well-researched stories. Walk-ins welcome but registrations encouraged. $10. https://smc.givecloud.co/items/msw
Mosaic Magic Valentine’s Workshop (Saturday 1pm): Get creative this with this hands-on mosaic workshop at Artime Barro, where you’ll craft a beautiful piece to take home — ideal for a date or a Galentine’s art adventure. Tickets include materials and guided instruction in a fun, festive setting. @ 302 Pico Blvd. More details here.
Santa Monica Block Fest Vol III (Saturday 5pm - 12am): 3 stages. 3 blocks. 3 collectives. Valentine's Day + Mardi Gras = LOVE Santa Monica Block Fest returns for its biggest edition yet, transforming the Promenade into a music festival across all three blocks. Volume III features a diverse DJ lineup (house, tech house, and vinyl), full production, custom stage designs, pop-up bars throughout the EZSM zone, VIP lounges, and local vendors. Text “block” to 310-882-7842 for tickets! Free. @ 3rd Street Promenade https://posh.vip/e/santa-monica-block-fest-vol-iii
AJA Vineyards Toast to Love: 2 for $60 Wine Flight Special: Enjoy a Valentine’s date night, Galentine’s plans, or treating yourself (because self-love counts too) deal whether you’re stopping by before dinner, lingering over a glass, or picking up bottles to take home. 1417 2nd St. ajavineyards.com/visitus
Valentine’s / Galentine’s at Cobi’s (Saturday 5pm): Enjoy an intimate candlelit Valentine’s celebration with an elevated menu of starters, curries, and decadent desserts that make for a memorable date night or heart-felt dinner with friends. @ 2104 Main St. More details here.
Crudo e Nudo Valentine’s Venus Tasting Menu (Saturday): They are “featuring more species of local fish than you’d find on most omakase menus around town.” Expect Chef/Owner Brian Bornemann’s greatest hits, like plenty of local Caviar and Uni, 4 Seasonal Crudo (including gorgeous Baja Pink Scallops served whole in the shell), a luxurious Lobster Gnocchi and a comforting Cioppino. @2724 Main St. crudoenudo.com
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am - 1:30pm): Come join us for a super fun Valentines weekend celebration with special guests 9Ball at 10am and local favorite, singer songwriter, Alex Chaiet at 11:15am-1pm! Still looking for a special something for that special someone? Create the perfect gift at the Bambola Shoppe Upcycling Workshop on the lawn! Gonzales Siemens Family Farm pop up will feature their organic almonds, heritage grains and other tasty treats for someone sweet. See you there.
Arts and Crafts @ the beach (Tower 26) (Sundays 10am - 5pm): Art Table is a free/donation based community event. Next to Ocean Park Playground. Painting, sculpting, games, cold water bottles, shade, snacks. instagram.com/kids.art.table
Mishkon Temple Guest Speaker - U.S. Immigration Challenges Today (Sunday 11am on Zoom): The U.S. immigration system is rapidly shifting toward enabling the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda. This presentation will shed light on the drastic federal changes hindering most avenues for immigration benefits, from the U.S.-Mexico border to our local DMVs. The presentation includes details on new immigration agency and court protocols, ICE operations, and how the asylum system is being deeply affected by new anti-immigrant policies. Learn more and RSVP here.
Picture of a parade on Main Street in 1920’s
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are March 4 (The Vanishing Half), April 1 (The Housemaid), May 6 (Demon Copperhead), June 3: (Remarkably Bright Creatures). Email [email protected] for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.).
Ocean Park Social Club - Special Event on Feb. 20: You're invited to experience The Jar for an evening of art, conversation, and community. Here's a Washington Post feature on The Jar. The Jar brings people together through cultural gatherings that spark connection across difference, especially with those who don’t look, pray, or love like them. I'm inviting you (and your partner) to join us and ask that you bring along one other neighbor with you. Someone you enjoy, someone you’re curious about, or someone you’d love to experience this with. There'll be art, there'll be dinner, there'll be dessert! Would you like to be part of this evening? Friday, February 20 7pm, 235 Hill St. RSVP: HERE (It is free, donation optional)
OPA Happy Hour Martch 4: Our next community gathering will be at Lula’s. Stay tuned for more info.
OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, March 9, 6p.m. @ Ocean Park Library
Want to Volunteer for Future OPA-Sponsored Heal The Bay Adopt-A-Beach Clean-Ups? Contact Dave Tann at [email protected]. He is the coordinator for the OPA/Heal The Bay events, always meeting at Tower 26.
Santa Monica 311. Submit non-emergency requests to the City.
Santa Monica Alerts. Sign up for emergency text and email alerts.
SaMoNews. Subscribe to the official newsletter of the City of Santa Monica.
Board and Commission Openings. Volunteer to serve the community!
City of Santa Monica Career Opportunities. Get paid to serve the community!
Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Support our municipal Animal Shelter!
