OPA Sept Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full meeting recording that included a talk with SMPD (here), Genevieve from the Westside Food Bank (here), Jacob Wasserman from the Planning Commission (here), Ashley Oelson discussing landmarking the Whale Mural on Ocean Park Blvd. (here), Hunter Walk regarding all things Main St. (here) and general board business (here).
Upcoming Ocean Park Social Club Events:
PRANA IN THE PARK: Join Jaini Shah for a free, all-levels yoga flow in Hotchkiss Park - no experience required, just bring a mat, water, and layers. Optional donations welcome to support Nepal flood relief. Sunday, Sept 20th & Sunday, Sept 27th, 10 - 11AM
@ Hotchkiss Park (top left corner facing the ocean) RSVP for Sept 20th HERE / RSVP for Sept 27th HERECOOKBOOK CLUB: Cookbook club returns this fall! If you are not familiar, a Cookbook Club is when a group of people choose 1 cookbook or 1 author and each make a different recipe, and then enjoy the meal together, potluck style. This quarter we will be cooking from any of Yotam Ottolenghi's cookbooks! Check out his broad base of books HERE. I personally have Plenty More, but have never made anything from it so Cookbook Club seems like a great way to break it open and give it a try! TBD in October If you would like to participate or have questions, email me at [email protected].
CA State Supreme Court Rules Residential Vacancy Tax is Illegal: The CA Supreme Court basically ruled that owners cannot be compelled to rent out their vacant units. More details here.
Move sustainably around Santa Monica this Fall: The City published this post urging residents to try a mode of transportation at least once this Fall. "Walking, biking, taking Big Blue Bus and sharing a ride can make everyday travel more affordable and active. These choices also help improve local air quality, reduce traffic and parking demand, and create safer, more welcoming streets for everyone. You don't have to give up driving altogether to participate. Start with one trip that fits your life."
Santa Monica joins regional housing trust, extends autonomous-vehicle zoning rules: The City Council voted to join a four-city regional affordable housing trust and to extend emergency zoning rules governing autonomous-vehicle fleet operations for two more years. More details here.
Santa Monica Police Using Flock Cameras: "Police surveillance has not stopped in Santa Monica the way it has next door in Venice and Pacific Palisades. Following privacy concerns from citizens, cities across the United States began to cancel their contracts with the controversial surveillance company Flock. While this included the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)’s own discontinuation in July – the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) currently remains under contract after concluding that other cities’ privacy issues do not warrant suspending their system.” More details here.
Petitgrain's New Little Sister: Clémence de Lutz, the baker behind Petitgrain Boulangerie, has opened a tiny sibling bakery and chocolatier eight blocks away on Pico Boulevard. Petitpain … et Chocolat serves whole-grain breads and pastries, house-made chocolates, coffee and some intriguing new creations, including an almond-honey croissant, cinnamon bun and fruit bostock. 1013 Pico Blvd.; open Wednesday–Sunday, 6:45 a.m.–2 p.m. This LA Times story glowed about the new spot.
City of Santa Monica launches $100,000 Small Business Relief Microgrant Program: The program "provides one-time, $5,000 grants to eligible existing brick-and-mortar businesses. The first round of applications is open and will close Oct. 1. Funding is intended to help retain locally owned small businesses, encourage investment in commercial corridors, strengthen long-term business sustainability, and promote active and vibrant storefronts." More details here.
Things to Do This Weekend
Locals' Night at the Santa Monica Pier - Punk Night Takes Over (Thursday 3:30–10pm): Locals’ Night returns to the Santa Monica Pier with a decidedly punk-rock kickoff to the new season. The free evening features live sets from Implicit Bias, Horny Toad and Riptide Band, plus salsa dancing, a classic car meet, DJ Cee Rock, local vendors, an art exhibition and more. @ Santa Monica Pier. santamonicapier.org/localsnight-sept
Coastal Cleanup Day at Santa Monica Beach (Saturday 9am - 12pm): Trade your beach towel for a trash bag and help clean Santa Monica Beach as part of Heal the Bay's annual Coastal Cleanup Day. The worldwide event brings volunteers to more than 60 sites across L.A. County. healthebay.org/coastalcleanupday
Thai Fest Takes Over the Pier (Saturday & Sunday 11am–8pm): The Santa Monica Pier transforms into a two-day Thai street market featuring regional food vendors, Muay Thai demonstrations, traditional dance, live music, Thai makers and a performance troupe traveling from Bangkok. @Santa Monica Pier. thaifestbythebeach.com
Teen-led group aims for Guinness World Record in sports ball recycling drive (Saturday): Another Bounce, a youth initiative of the international nonprofit Habits of Waste, will host the event from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at Reed Park in Santa Monica. A live Guinness World Record adjudicator will be on hand to verify the collection as the group attempts to claim the record. More details here.
A Pierfect Benefit - All Aboard the S.S. Rex (Saturday 3:30pm): The Santa Monica Pier's annual fundraiser transforms the historic Merry Go-Round building into a 1930s-era gambling ship complete with live jazz, casino tables, craft cocktails, a silent auction and indulgent bites. Dress for the Art Deco-inspired occasion and prepare to gamble for a good cause. santamonicapier.org/apierfectbenefit And here is a link to their online auction for a variety of food, wellness, and travel prizes that you can bid on even if you are not attending the event.
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am - 1:30pm): Join us this Sunday at the Main Street Farmers Market for a special book signing event and talk with Ocean Racer/Author Cole Brauer! On stage, singer/songwriter Ella Gibson starts at 9am with Special Guests at 11am! On the lawn Sol LA will share their instrument petting zoo and don't miss the Adventures of Doc JC! Special pop ups include GSFF organic almonds and heritage grains and Something Good pet treats! There's something for everyone!
Cars & Coffee on Main Street (Saturday 9am - 12pm): Papille Gustative hosts it's first Cars and Coffee event where you can expect Hypercars, Rare Vintage cars plus free coffee, pastries and live music. 2823 Main St. papillegustativela.com
Upcoming Calendar of Events
PRANA IN THE PARK: Join Jaini Shah for a free, all-levels yoga flow in Hotchkiss Park - no experience required, just bring a mat, water, and layers. Optional donations welcome to support Nepal flood relief. Sunday, Sept 20th & Sunday, Sept 27th, 10 - 11AM
Where: Hotchkiss Park, Ocean Park (top left corner facing the ocean) RSVP for Sept 20th HERE / RSVP for Sept 27th HERECOOKBOOK CLUB: Cookbook club returns this fall! If you are not familiar, a Cookbook Club is when a group of people choose 1 cookbook or 1 author and each make a different recipe, and then enjoy the meal together, potluck style. This quarter we will be cooking from any of Yotam Ottolenghi's cookbooks! Check out his broad base of books HERE. I personally have Plenty More, but have never made anything from it so Cookbook Club seems like a great way to break it open and give it a try! TBD in October If you would like to participate or have questions, email me at [email protected].
OPA Book Club: Next planned dates are 10/7 (The Big Sleep), 11/4 (James), and 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 Monthly Meeting: Monday, Oct. 12, 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.
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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