Note: this newsletter was lightly edited to take some events out of the calendar that have already happened.
| Highlights & Video Clips from This Week’s OPA Monthly Meeting: SaMo Police Department: Officer Alpert shared vehicular / traffic safety reports, a discussion on noise complaints, & new jaywalking laws (click here to watch the video).City Manager David White: He discussed the priorities City Council adopted at this past week’s two year planning meeting, his priorities for the year, budget constraints, new housing plans, and new laws that make it easier for Sharing an Open Main Street to return this summer (click here to watch the video). City Council-member Jesse Zwick: He discussed his priorities and goals and answered questions from the community (click here to watch the video). March 2023 Board Reports: Discussions included Sharing an Open Main St 2023 and other event planning, Homelessness Task Force, Renters Task Force, & Diversity Task Force (Click here to watch the video). Volunteers NEEDED to join them and drive their agendas!Click here to watch the meeting in its entirety Santa Monica City Council Sets Council Priorities for 2023-2025 Biennial Budget: Saturday’s study session was the first step in budgeting process with top priorities being Addressing Homelessness, Clean & Safe Santa Monica, Cultivate Economic Recovery & Expand Community & Cultural Offerings, Racial Justice, Equity & Social Diversity, & Sustainable & Connected Community. More details here. City Council Creates Department to Focus on Housing and Homelessness: Newly created Housing and Human Services Department will become “the organization point” for homelessness services and programs and is funded from the voter-approved tax hike on hotels, motels and home shares. More details here. Santa Monica Has a New Luxury Hotel…for Pets! The new “Wag Hotels Luxury Pet Resort” features private rooms with customizable daycare options, enrichment activities, luxurious spa treatments & grooming options. More details here including these opening celebrations: St. Patrick’s Day “Catch the Leprechaun” paw-ty on March 17 and March Madness “Mutt Madness” event on March 30. Chez Tex on Main St. Flips into New French Restaurant: This Eater LA article states “It’s out with the old and in with the new…Welcome to Coucou, where Aperol spritzes, negronis, mussels mariniere, and caviar service are the norm. “Take SMMUSD Superintendent Search Survey: The school board is asking for your help in selecting its next superintendent. Click here to take the survey. Today is the deadline. Things To Do This Weekend: SMMUSD Exploring Restorative Justice Program Introduction (Thursday 6:30pm @ SaMoHi): Join for “an opportunity to get a clearer understanding of how Restorative Justice works, led by Robert Howard, District Coordinator for Restorative Justice. More details here. Penmar Hosts St. Patty’s Party (Friday 2pm-11pm): Shenanigans include Live Music, DJs, Beer Garden, Whiskey Tastings & Games @ the golf course at 1233 Rose Avenue. More details here. FREE Community Garden Workshop: Transplanting Your Seedlings (Saturday 9am @ Ishihara Park Learning Garden): Gardeners will cover the basics of moving seedlings into new and improved homes and “will have a plethora of seasonal seeds to get you started.” Hot coffee and garden pancakes provided. More details here. Venice Love Fest 2023 (Saturday 11am-7pm): “Stroll the fest grounds as you enjoy a day filled with musical performances, activities for the entire family, Shop local artists & designers, musical performances, food trucks, beer gardens, Vintage Car Show, and so much more!” More details here. 626 Night Market Mini Returns (Saturday & Sunday 1-10pm): The downtown SaMo snack around pop-up is back starting every other weekend this Spring with three dozen rotating local food pop-ups, curated by the 626 Night Market team, merchandise & craft vendors, and a full bar. The markets 1pm-10pm each night at the corner of Arizona and 5th.. More details and FREE tickets here. Video preview here. LA Marathon (Sunday): While the race now finishes in Century City instead of SaMo, plan accordingly for traffic if you are navigating around town. VCA Animal Hospital Open House (Sunday 11-2pm): The new vet clinic @ 2671 Main St will be offering “hospital tours, pet adoptions, Rover daycare, Hills pet food and informational booths.” More details here. |
OPA needs people like you to join our committees: Events, Education, Renter Issues, Diversity, & More! Email contact@opa-sm.org to learn how to get involved |
