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MAIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES SUNDAY AM for the 50th Annual The Festival of Chariots Celebrates Ancient Indian Tradition (Sunday 10 am): Dancers in colorful clothing, music, a multicourse feast, 40-foot tall hand-drawn floats — The Festival of Chariots will be an explosion of culture and celebration. Parade begins at 1855 Main St. and the festival takes place at 1530 Ocean Front Walk. larathayatra.com/parade
Coastal Commission Staff Fumes at “Unpermitted” Turf Replacement at Ocean Park School House: In January, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District re-turfed the fields at the Ocean Park School House (known by many names locally, but most famously as the Santa Monica Alternative School House or SMASH) as part of its plan to repair and modernize the campus. At the July meeting of the South Coast District for the California Coastal Commission, Diane Wilke of the non-profit Safe Public Playing Fields charged that the re-turfing of the field at SMASH and another at a school in Malibu were illegal as the schools are within the zone where the Coastal Commission has permitting authority and there are no permits for the re-turfing on record. A few minutes later, responding to a question from Commission Vice Chair Caryl Hart, staff unequivocally called the SMMUSD projects “unpermitted,” said they were speaking with SMMUSD staff about next steps and that they could require the district to un-turf the areas. More details here.
Court grants City's request for preliminary injunction pausing overnight operations at Waymo's Broadway charging facilities: This City post details how the "order restores overnight quiet for residents living adjacent to the charging lots while the case proceeds to trial, as City reaffirms its commitment to innovative mobility that operates compatibly with neighborhoods."
Santa Monica ranks in top 3 highest value cities in the county: Santa Monica's assessed property value climbed to nearly $55 billion this year, making it the third-highest valued city in Los Angeles County behind only Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to the 2026 Assessment Roll released by the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office. Santa Monica's growth came in below the countywide average (3.8% growth v 4.42%). More details here.
SMMUSD adopts 2026-27 budget, braces for deficit spending: The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education has adopted a 2026-2027 budget in which spending is projected to outpace revenue, approving a plan district leaders say protects classroom programs while preserving long-term financial stability. The board approved the budget on a 6-0 vote, with one member absent, during its June 23 regular meeting. The spending plan calls for about $226.2 million in total revenues and $237.9 million in total expenditures across the district's unrestricted and restricted funds. More details here.
Main Street hosts a hopeful State of the City: This SMDP article details how "Mayor Caroline Torosis delivered a hopeful State of the City address last week during a community-focused event that brought city services straight to residents as part of a street festival on Main Street. "This is more than the setting for tonight's speech," Torosis told the crowd. 'It is a glimpse of what is possible when we bring people together and make government feel closer to the community.'"
The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap - July 5 - 11: Here is the Police Dept's weekly activity recap.
You Can Help Build the City’s Rose Parade Float: During last week’s State of the City address, city officials announced that community members will be invited to help decorate Santa Monica’s 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade float, with volunteer opportunities on weekends between November 14 and December 30. You can reserve a volunteer spot at the city’s official website here.
Soho House Announces Venice Beach Opening for Summer 2027: The members-only club's Venice Beach location arrives near Abbot Kinney and is expected to debut summer 2027 with the members-only club's first-ever Health Club Cafe, which will serve "a nutrient-rich menu, smoothies, matcha, soups," functional drinks and more offerings developed with local wellness experts and "organized around morning, noon, and night" for sit-down or take-away enjoyment. It takes over the 23,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by NeueHouse, which abruptly closed all of its locations after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. More details here.
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.
Message from OPA’s Platinum Sponsor Raphael Barragan: Master the Market - Why Turnkey Homes Are Winning Right Now: “While LA County's housing market features higher inventory, it presents fantastic opportunities for motivated buyers and prepared sellers alike! Well-priced, turnkey homes are moving fast—with over a third selling within two weeks—proving that strategic pricing and presentation are the keys to success in today's active market.” More details here.
Things to Do This Weekend
Santa Monica's Existing Building Reach Code Policy (Thursday 4pm): This is a new policy that would take a flexible approach in requiring energy upgrades at the time of renovation for existing Single-Family buildings in the City. City Staff will walk through how the proposal works, who it affects, the public input timeline, and take live questions from attendees. All are welcome, although this is specifically geared towards owners of Single-Family homes. More details here.
Annenberg Beach House Community Picnic (Thursday 5 - 8 pm): Enjoy games, crafts, a “pie” walk, and epic tug-of-war for “some good old-fashioned summertime fun.” All are invited to pack a dinner and grab some pals or join a solo-friendly communal table to enjoy this free event, with s’mores. @ 415 PCH More details here.
Last Thursday Venice Summer Concert Series (Thursday starting at 4:45pm): Grab your friends, family, dogs, blankets, chairs and whatever else you like, and pull up to the boardwalk and Dudley for an evening of live music and friends outside on the beach. instagram.com/lastthursdayvenice
Florentine Steak Dinner Series at All'Antico Vinaio (Friday): The popular Italian sandwich spot has teamed up with Florence Underground for a dinner series at their Santa Monica location centered around bistecca alla Fiorentina. For $130 per pair, the meal opens with cured meats, cheeses, and house-made schiacciata bread before the main event: a thick T-bone seasoned only with salt and olive oil, served slightly before medium-rare with classic family-style sides. Olive oil cake and crema close it out. I went last month and it felt like a deal at that price. They have a variety of very reasonably priced wines available as well. Available just two more dates: July 31 and Aug. 28. 316 Santa Monica Blvd. More details here.
Le Dîner en Blanc Returns to LA (Saturday): The iconic, secret all-white pop-up picnic returns with thousands of guests dressed in head-to-toe white gathering at a secret location—revealed only moments before the event begins—bringing their own tables, white linens, and gourmet spreads for an evening under the stars. losangeles.dinerenblanc.com/city
Country Night at Perry's Beach (Saturday): Perry’s Beach on PCH turns into an open-air venue, hosting a live afternoon Country Night set right on the sand. Grab a spot on the deck or patio starting at 3p.m. @ 930 Pacific Coast Hwy. More details here.
Jewish Comedy Night (Sunday 6:30pm): Join an evening of stand-up comedy at Mishkon Temple, featuring some of the best Jewish comedians in Los Angeles. Whether you're a longtime Mishkon member or joining for the first time, this promises to be a fun-filled night of laughter, community, and connection. Come early to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and meet new friends before the show begins. Bring your neighbors, friends, and anyone who could use a good laugh! @ 206 Main St. https://www.mishkon.org/comedy-night.html
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am - 1:30pm): Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with us this Sunday with special guests Mosaic Coyote from 9:30-11:30am and Sierra Levesque 11:30am-1pm! My Gym obstacle course on the lawn. Enjoy a cherry tomato tasting, write a postcard to your favorite farmer and get health and nutrition information from St. John's. Plus, the annual Parade of Chariots festival rolls by around 10am. You won't want to miss it!
National Night Out (Tuesday 5-8pm): The annual community-building event promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year's event has a “Lights. Camera. Community.” theme. Expect FREE music, food, and activities for all ages. SMPD will showcase their various police vehicles and equipment and invite the community to meet police personnel (human and 4-legged alike). The parking structure at Olympic & 4th St. is free that night and Big Blue Bus will be providing free bus rides all night when you mention National Night Out. @ City Hall, 1685 Main St. More details here.
The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
OPA Book Club: Next planned date is 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, Aug. 10, 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: Aug 6, Aug 20, and Sep 3. Email Tess with any questions.
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. Next date this summer is 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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