Major Update for the Victorian & Maybe Main St. Farmers Market:
At this Tuesday’s City Council meeting is an agenda item stating that “The Victorian to be converted into a family-based recreation, events, and wellness facility for members” in connection with a lease extension.
The Victorian team already run something similar in the Malibu hills called Calamigos Ranch (calamigos.com) and this seems to be a beach version.
The new lease includes language about continuing to support the Farmers Market, but there are whispers that this may result in relocation of the Sunday Main St. Farmers Market and the City is working with the Market team about how to make that a good thing IF that happens…possibly even moving it onto the street.
This Staff Report includes remodel mockups that include adding a pool and wellness amenities, discusses the Farmers Market, and other key lease terms.
Future of Enterprise Fish Co. Space on Kinney: The permits filed list the name as “Woof the Momentary.” Apparently it is being opened by a self-dunded Santa Monica resident who loves performance art and wants to open a creative space dedicated to cabaret and other performance art. It likely won’t be open until 2027.
Eater LA's Best Santa Monica Restaurants List Includes Multiple Main St. Spots: This updated list includes Michelin-rated Main St. spots like Seline, Pasjoli and Cobi’s, along with other great nearby spots like Fitoor and Capo, and much more.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - New Sun Auto: Jaime runs this shop @ 2700 Lincoln (@ Hill St). I have personally trusted them with our vehicle for years and found them to be honest, reasonably priced, and does great work. Here is the New Sun Auto Yelp page. Reply to this email if you want to share a favorite local business.
SaMo Dept. of Transportation (DOT) Annual Report: This report “highlights a year of meaningful progress in delivering a transportation system that supports how people live, work, and move throughout our city. From providing more than 10 million rides on Big Blue Bus to advancing safety improvements across our streets and securing a historic $53 million state grant to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet, DOT continues to strengthen access, reliability, and sustainability citywide. The report also reflects the team’s responsiveness during critical moments, including the January 2025 Palisades Fire, and underscores the dedication of staff and partners in serving the community.”
Councilmember Dan Hall Newsletter: Here is his weekly newsletter, with his thoughts on our new City Attorney, last week’s pier shooting, highlighting new businesses (including a new owner for the downtown Gap building), and much more.
The Street Seen: 143 Fraser Ave (Hammel): In 1901, a summer cottage is built at 143 Fraser Ave for Los Angeles Sheriff W.A. Hammel. From 1907 to 1942, the house is occupied by the Ferree family. The Kaufman family are here from 1944 to 1962. More details here.
Community Input Shapes Santa Monica Library's Strategic Future: The Santa Monica Public Library released its Community Mapping Findings and Insights Report earlier this month, providing a foundation for the library's next strategic plan. The report's findings will help shape programs and services, plan future partnerships and guide strategic decisions reflecting community needs and vision. The full report is available online at santamonica.gov/programs/community-mapping.
SMMUSD Financial Oversight Committee Seeks Volunteers & Student Representatives: The committee reviews significant financial matters impacting the district, assists in communicating school finance issues to the community, provides oversight for various district financing measures and agreements, and reviews SMMUSD's annual budget, financial projections and audited financial statements. Application forms are available here and may be scanned and emailed with a resume to [email protected]. The deadline for applications is Thursday, April 2.
Baywatch Reboot Revives Venice Lifeguard Tower Once Marked for Demolition: The Venice Lifeguard Tower was unveiled as the new Baywatch production headquarters during an event Wednesday on the sand in Venice. More details here.
Will Your Retirement Income Last?
A clear retirement income plan starts with knowing your costs and building a portfolio that can meet them. Fisher Investments' Definitive Guide to Retirement Income helps investors with $1,000,000 or more structure a strategy built to last.
Things to Do This Week
Bergamot Comedy Festival: The Fest brings together up-and-coming and underrepresented comedians for shows, panels, and community programming that spotlight voices not always seen on traditional stages. Over the course of the week, attendees can expect multiple comedy showcases, free educational panels, networking opportunities and discussions with industry professionals — all designed to give performers greater exposure and local audiences a chance to discover new talent. March 24–28, The Crow, 2525 Michigan Ave. bergamotcomedyfest.org
Seed Swap (Tuesday & Thursday 3 - 4:30pm): Stop by this informal drop-in event to pick up free seeds from the SMPL Seed Library, connect with fellow gardeners, ask questions, share tips, and get inspiration for your garden. @ Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave. More details here.
SMPD Wag Watch (Wednesday 6:30pm): Bring your furry friend for a walk at Douglas Park. More details here.
Pasjoli's PJ & Friends Dinner Series (Now – April 23): Chef Dave Beran's beloved bistro dinner series returns to Pasjoli for a third year with an all-new lineup of guest chefs. Each edition invites a chef friend into the Pasjoli kitchen to cook their own take on a bistro menu. Upcoming lineup: Sathia Sun of Donna's (March 26), Dan Rabilwongse of Budonoki (April 9), Kevin De Los Santos and Katya Shastova of Vin Folk (April 16), and Mei Lin (April 23). opentable.com/r/pasjoli-santa-monica
No Kings 3 Santa Monica (Saturday, March 28 11am-1pm): As with the others, this is planned at and around Palisades Park near Ocean Ave @ Montana Ave. Expect “Signs - Fun - Music DJ - Speakers - Protest - Community” mobilize.us/nokings/event/900817
Making Herstory at City Hall: A Candid Conversation with Santa Monica's Women Mayors (Saturday 2pm): Celebrate Women’s History Month with a panel of Santa Monica’s women mayors, featuring current Mayor Caroline Torosis and former mayors Gleam Davis, Judy Abdo, Lana Negrete, and Pam O’Connor. They’ll share their personal stories, offer advice for women looking to succeed in local politics, and answer audience questions. @ Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd. More details here.
The Science-Backed Solution for Eyebags, Dark Spots & Wrinkles
Reduce eyebags, dark spots and wrinkles with the #1 selling anti-aging solution for men. Based on advanced clinical research, Particle Face Cream ensures you look and feel your best every day. Get 20% off now with the code BH20!
OPA & City Meetings
Arts Commission Meeting (Monday 6:30pm): In-person only in the SMi Training Room (northwest corner of the 2nd floor of the Civic Center Parking Structure - 330 Olympic Drive). More details here.
Airport Commission Meeting (Monday 7pm): More details & agenda here.
City Council Meeting (Tuesday 5:30 pm): Meetings are hybrid and can be viewed on this YouTube channel. Click here for agenda.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are 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.).
OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, April 13, 6pm @ 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. Dates this summer are 6/28, 7/26, & 8/30.
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!
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 Fitoor and Junior Cookies. Check out the full list here and expect more to come!
