OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like this past weekend's SOULstice street festival), please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE.
OPA BEACH CLEAN-UP THIS SUNDAY: The event is 10AM until noon, we meet at Tower 26, Ocean Park Blvd at the beach, supplies are provided and there will be a Heal The Bay speaker to coordinate the cleanup. Parents, students, families and neighbors are all welcome. Email Dave Tann with questions.
Lula Cocina Mexicana Marks 35 Years on Main St: The “Main Street fixture known for regional Mexican cooking and its margaritas, will celebrate 35 years in business with a community fiesta on July 1. The anniversary caps three and a half decades for a restaurant that opened in 1991 and has remained a cornerstone of Main Street. The celebration, billed as a thank-you to longtime patrons, will feature mariachis from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a photo booth, food and drink specials and prizes at 2720 Main St. Reservations are highly recommended.” More details here.
Weekly Post by City Manager Oliver Chi: "This past week may be remembered as one of the strongest demonstrations of Citywide momentum that Santa Monica has seen in years! As the FIFA World Cup 2026 came to Southern California, our City teams launched what will be a six-week celebration intended to turn Santa Monica – from the Pier to Downtown to Tongva Park – into a stage for the world!" More details here.
Council Passes Operating and Capital Improvements Budgets: "The city council passed a balanced budget last night that appears forward-looking and optimistic about better times ahead for Santa Monica." More details here.
City of Santa Monica further expands library branch access: Starting Monday, July 6, Ocean Park Branch will add full-service hours on Tuesdays from noon to 8 p.m. new weekly hours will be Tuesday-Thursday, Noon-8 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More details here.
Councilmember Lana Negrete Newsletter: Here is her weekly newsletter with her thoughts on news in and around the city over the past week, upcoming calendar of events, and much more.
Things to Do This Weekend
Annenberg Beach House World Cup Fun & Watch Party (Thursday 6-9 p.m.): Enjoy a mix of soccer-inspired activities and World Cup-themed arts, crafts, and games for all ages, plus livestreaming of the Türkiye vs. USA and Paraguay vs. Australia matches. More details here.
Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club "Last Call" (Thursday 6-9 pm): The massive, immersive FIFA World Cup™ fan hub on the Pier deck is officially wrapping up its local run this Thursday. This Thursday is the final chance to try the "bouncer-goalkeeper" entry mechanic, test skills against the virtual Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. challenge, or check out the Solomon-designed Player of the Match Trophy. michelobultra.com/pitchsideclub
World Play Zone at the Metro Station (Now through June 28): The E Line Downtown Station Lot is transforming into a family-friendly World Cup activation featuring soccer challenges, skill stations, and interactive play. santamonicacup.com/events/junior-junction
PRIDE Sunset Swim at Annenberg Community Beach House (Friday 6-9pm): Enjoy a night swim in the historic and heated pool with music, pool floaties, complimentary s’mores while supplies last and hands-on crafts like zine making and bead bracelet making with Lavender Art Club. @ 415 PCH More details here.
Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival (Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm): Celebrates the ultimate SoCal beach lifestyle with a free, all-ages day of fun at the iconic pier. From ocean sports competitions and live music to food, drinks, games, and brand activations, the festival brings together thousands for nonstop beachside energy. There will be some epic competition through a variety of disciplines on sand and sea, including paddleboard races, ocean swims, beach volleyball, skateboarding, and strongman competitions. @ Santa Monica Pier santamonicapier.org/pier360
Outdoor Exhibit: Historic Muscle Beach by Santa Monica Conservancy (Saturday & Sunday): Did you know Santa Monica was the birthplace of the physical fitness boom? Discover the history of Muscle Beach at the Pier 360 Museum of Beach Life. More details here.
Community Wellbeing Program Presents Plant Bingo (Saturday 3pm): Join an afternoon of bingo with a twist... all the prizes are plants! 19th Street Community Farm, 2018 19th St. Register Here.
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am - 1:30pm): Ready for some toe tapping foot stomping fun? Join us this Sunday at the Main Street Farmers Market with local favorites DJ and the Main Street Jam. On the lawn, Westside Waldorf will be offering natural crafting for the kids! New this week, Dancing Crow will be hosting mini wine tastings, and the GSFF organic almond and heritage grain project pop up is back featuring their famous bread and granola. What's not to love?
Summer Garden Tour + Sage-Bundling Workshop (Sunday 2pm): Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Shotgun House Native Plant Garden for an exploration of California native plants and a Sage-bundling workshop. More details and RSVP here.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are July 8 (Trust), Aug 5 (The Night Watchman). Email [email protected] for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.).
OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, July 13, 6pm @ Ocean Park Library
Ocean Park Social Club Summer Picnic Series: Mark your calendars for our bi-weekly summer evening picnics at Hotchkiss Park on the following Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm: July 9, July 23, Aug 6, Aug 20, and Sep 3.
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 7/26 & 8/30.
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.
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!
Have News to Share? Email [email protected] anytime you have news you think we should share
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