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OPA Nov. Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full meeting recording that included a talk with SMPD Chief (here), a discussion of the potential to develop the Main St. parking lots into housing and other development matters (here), and general board business (here).
Judge Dismisses Landmark Voting Rights Lawsuit Against Santa Monica: Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has granted the city of Santa Monica’s motion to dismiss a decade-long voting rights lawsuit, dealing a major blow to civil rights advocates who sought to dismantle the city’s at-large election system in favor of neighborhood-based City Council districts. More details here.
The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - October 18-24: Here is a recap of the week’s police activity.
The City of Santa Monica asks residents to help decorate its first Rose Parade float in more than four decades: Santa Monica’s float, themed “Waves of Welcome,” leans into the uniqueness of the city’s beach, landmarks, solar Ferris wheel, Pier sign, carousel, and coast, with a focus on sustainability. The float reflects Santa Monica’s welcoming spirit and invites the world to experience the people and places that make Santa Monica one of a kind. With a little less than two months to go until the New Year’s Day parade, the city is encouraging the community to get involved by dedicating a rose or volunteering to help decorate the float. More details here.
Lindsey Horvath declares entry into 2028 race for County executive: Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath on Monday became the first candidate to enter the race for county executive, a new office voters created in 2024 that will take over much of the Board of Supervisors' executive power. Horvath, whose 3rd District includes Santa Monica and Malibu, announced her candidacy in a written statement. "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a government that finally meets the scale of our challenges and the ambition of our people," Horvath said. More details here.
USPS Operation Santa seeks more volunteers to adopt holiday letters: For 114 years, USPS Operation Santa has turned letters to Santa into real holiday moments for children and families. More letters arrive each season, but there still aren’t enough volunteers to adopt every one. The U.S. Postal Service is calling for more “Santa’s Helpers” to meet the need. More details here.
Heavy-Handed Makes The Infatuation's Best Smashburgers List: The Main Street walk-up window is the only Santa Monica spot on the list, serving short-rib burgers on buttery potato rolls alongside beef tallow fries and dipped soft-serve cones. The patties may be more seared than smashed, but after a beach day, who's complaining? 2912 Main St. More details here.
Main St.’s New Bar Fortuna Adds Late-Night Hours: Ocean Park native Brian Bornemann’s new Italian-inspired cocktail and wine bar is giving neighborhood night owls another reason to linger on Main Street. Bar Fortuna is now staying open until midnight, making room for another Negroni, a glass of wine or a late-night bite. smdp.com/ocean-park-natives-main-street-bar-adds-late-night-hours
Councilmember Lana Negrete Newsletter: Here is her weekly newsletter with updates on Public Safety, Economic Development, Education, Around Town & Community Highlights, Election & Voting, and more.
Why Your Moisturizer Stops Working
If your moisturizer isn’t working quite like it used to, you’re not alone. As we age, our skin shifts below the surface—losing the collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and barrier integrity it needs to stay hydrated and firm. This leads to thinner, weaker skin that struggles to retain moisture, no matter how many “hydrating” creams you apply.
But OneSkin’s new OS-01 FACE RICH CREAM is built differently. While most moisturizers sit on the skin’s surface and wash off at the end of the day, OS-01 FACE RICH CREAM works at the cellular level to actually rebuild the density that allows skin to hold onto moisture. It’s powered by a Dual-Phase Hydration System, combining potent bioactive humectants with OneSkin’s age-reversing OS-01 Peptide™ to promote healthier collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, and fortify the skin barrier. The results: deep, lasting hydration and progressive visible firmness—for resilient skin that keeps up with you.
Things to Do This Weekend
Route 66 Exhibit: Road, Legend, Community: Santa Monica’s role as the western terminus of Route 66 gets the spotlight in this new exhibition exploring the iconic highway’s history and cultural impact. Historic photographs, artifacts, roadside signage and a first edition of The Grapes of Wrath trace the highway's origins, Dust Bowl migration, roadside Americana and its enduring influence on film, music and literature. Visitors can also add their own journeys to an interactive map—though we suspect most locals will just trace the 10 Freeway traffic back to Main St. Thursday, Nov. 12, 5–7 p.m. (opening reception); exhibition runs through June 2027, 1350 7th St. More details here.
Friday Night Jazz Benefit Concert: More than 40 years of Friday night jazz deserves a pretty good party. Santa Monica College’s Friday Night Jazz Series celebrates its long history with Some of My Best Musicians are Friends, an all-star benefit concert featuring Eric Scott Reed, Ralph Moore, Ira Nepus, Edwin Livingston, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Gilbert Castellanos, Clay Jenkins and surprise guests. Expect small ensembles, big-band material and, eventually, a celebratory jam session. Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m., SMC Music Hall, 1310 11th St. smc.edu/tickets
Santa Monica College Giving Thanks(GIVING) Coat Drive (Saturday 9am – 1pm): Join in supporting SMC students by helping us reach our goal of collecting 1,500 new & gently used coats & hoodies. Together we can remove the barriers many students experience during their academic journey, allowing students to keep their focus on their education & future. Please help! Your generosity translates into degrees, careers and dreams achieved! Drop-Off @ Compass Realty, 2115 Main St. More details here.
Santa Monica Block Fest on the Third Street Promenade: Block Fest now runs on the second Saturday of every month through December, and recent editions drew more than 20,000 people. Guests 21 and older can drink outdoors in the Entertainment Zone. Saturday, Nov. 14, 5p.m. - late, instagram.com/santamonicablockfest
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am - 1:30pm): Hello Sunshine! This Sunday at the Main Street Farmers Market, the Sunnyside Chalkers are back at 9am followed by local favorite, Megan Ukoh taking the stage from 10am - 1pm and special guests the Laura Jean Music Academy at 11am! Also joining us, City Council Member, Natalya Zernitskaya with crafts for the kids and the My Gym Kid Obstacle Course. See you there!
Mishkon Community Playdate (Sunday, November 15, 1 - 3 pm): You’re invited to our FREE community playdate! Come laugh and play with our families, enjoy arts and crafts, snack on tasty treats, and get your kids’ wiggles out with special guest Goofy Gil! Learn more and RSVP here. @ The Preschool at Mishkon (206 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291)
Get Merry & Mixed: Get into the holiday spirit at this hands-on mixology class at the Viceroy Santa Monica. Learn to shake and stir seasonal cocktails, from spiced winter sips to refreshing holiday classics, with festive garnishes and flavors designed to carry you through the holidays and into the New Year. Sunday, Nov. 15, 1819 Ocean Ave. More details here.
Westside Repair Cafe (Sunday 10am - 4pm @ Santa Monica Elks Lodge 1040 Pico Blvd.): Free Community Event. Together we reduce waste. Bring household items, small appliances, clothing and more to be repaired. More details here.
Vanity Fair’s New Show, Where No Subject is Off Limits
Join Mark Guiducci for a series of in-depth and far-reaching conversations with the most interesting characters from the worlds of Hollywood, Politics, Style, Silicon Valley, and beyond. It's all Fair Game.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
OPA Book Club: Next planned dates are 12/2 (The Year of Living Danishly). Email [email protected] for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.).
OPA Holiday Party: Sunday Dec. 6, 3pm. Details TBD.
OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, Jan. 11, 6pm @ Ocean Park Library
Resources
Police non-emergency Phone #: Call 310-458-8491 or click here for more info.
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.
Santa Monica Resource Guide: This guide published by Community Corp is intended to help people find a variety of resourses, including food and housing support, medical care, and legal help.
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!
Locals Discount Program is Back! OPA has partnered with the SaMo Public Library to launch a Community Discount Program. Local Ocean Park participating businesses include Junior Cookies, Crudo e Nudo, Kafe K, and Bike Attack. Check out the full list here and expect more to come!
Have News to Share? Email [email protected] anytime you have news you think we should share
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