FIRST OPA Monthly Meeting of the Year Next Monday (Jan 12): It's a great time to check out the organization and help set our 2025 priorities. The meeting is at the Ocean Park Library @ 2601 Main St. starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here's the zoom link, here’s the full agenda, and here's the schedule:
6:00 - 6:30: Food, refreshments and mingling
6:30 - 6:45: SaMo Police Department
6:45 - 7:00: SaMo Fire Department
7:00 - 7:15: Ross Fehrman (City Planning Manager) discussing a new State law that allows up to 10 parcels/units to be created on a single-unit zoned parcel
7:15 - 7:30: Graham Fandrei (Broadstage)
7:30 - 8:30: Board business, including exec board election, 2025 priorities, 2025 financial recap, upcoming calendar of events, & more)
New Parking Rates to Go into Effect: “Starting January 12, motorists will need to feed an extra quarter per hour in City meters and parking in Downtown structures will be free for the first 30 minutes, down from 90. Under the new rates -- part of a "simplified 3-tier model" -- most visitors who park in Downtown structures for 3 hours or more will pay less than they do now….” More details here.
The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - December 7-14: www.santamonica.gov/blog/the-blue-notebook-a-weekly-smpd-recap-december-7-14-2025
Santa Monica Community Recreation Kicks Off 2026 With New Classes & Programs: They’re “excited to welcome 2026 with a brand-new lineup of classes designed to get participants moving, learning, and having fun all winter long. Whether you're looking to try a new sport, build skills, or explore creativity, we have something for all ages.” Here is a list of programs.
Brennan’s Closing: The famed home to turtle races has run its last race. More details here.
Blow Me Candle Shop Included in REALLY Funny Insta Video: Watch here.
How to Recycle Your Holiday Tree: Through January 31, trees will be picked up from the curbside or alley to receive a second life as mulch, keeping Santa Monica clean and sustainable. There is no need to contact 311 to request the pickup as this service is provided automatically. Please allow up to 10 business days for the city's crews to pick up trees. Do not place trees in parks or lots. Thank you for your patience, and happy holidays! To take advantage of this free service, please follow these steps:
Remove the tree’s stand.
Remove any decorations, ornaments, and lights.
Place your tree at your normal collection spot (either curbside or alley).
Things to Do This Week
Palisades Fire Remembrance Ceremony (Wednesday 9am – 1pm): A moving, community-led "White Glove Flag Presentation" marking the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire. The event features a color guard procession, a bell tribute, and music by the Palisades Symphony. It’s a powerful moment of local solidarity and reflection. @ American Legion Post 283 & The Village Green, Pacific Palisades
The Dinner Table at Crudo e Nudo (Wednesday 7pm): The Dinner Table is kicking off the new year with a cozy coastal dinner party at Crudo e Nudo , Santa Monica’s local-favorite seafood bar just steps from the beach. This Dinner Table gathering will feature a seasonal, family-style three-course meal and rotating seats to help you meet new people across the table through a dinner party experience. @ 2724 Main St. More details here.
Demystifying A.I. (Thursday 12:30pm @ Main Library): Jacob Catalano of Stella Foster presents an educational program about A.I., or Artificial Intelligence. He will discuss how A.I. works, demonstrate popular A.I. tools, and address safety and privacy concerns.
Candlelight: Film Scores & Hollywood Epics (Thursday 6:30pm): Part of the "Candlelight" series, but held at the newly renovated Regent Beachfront. A string quartet performs iconic music from films like Interstellar and Gladiator in a stunning, flicker-lit room overlooking the Pacific. @ Regent Santa Monica Beach, 1700 Ocean Ave. https://feverup.com/m/496540
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OPA & City Meetings
Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission Meeting (Tuesday 5:30pm): More details & agenda here.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Housing Commission Special Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
Rent Control Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are January 7 (Lessons in Chemistry), February 4 (Project Hail Mary), March 4 (The Vanishing Half), April 1 (The Maid), May 6 (Demon Copperhead). Email [email protected] for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.).
OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, Jan. 12, 6p.m. @ Ocean Park Library
Ocean Park Library Reopening Celebration (1/21)
