This week’s newsletter is lightly edited to remove event that happened last night.
OPA to Match Donations to Samohi Grad Nite 2024 up to $500: Over 30 years ago, after a tragic accident in a neighboring community, parents from Samohi came together to create a safe and fun way to help their graduates celebrate in an alcohol and drug-free environment. The idea of an all-night, all-inclusive party held on campus, supervised and contained, was born. Grad Nite has over 85% participation of the graduating class. Based on conversations with our Santa Monica Police department, the entire community is safer with our graduates in one place, all night, and supervised. Grad Nite keeps graduates safe on one of the deadliest nights of the year and is volunteer based, costing over $100,000. The Grad Nite committee fundraises to cover expenses so that they can afford to provide free entrance to students who need financial assistance. The mission is to keep graduates safe on the night of graduation. This evening is statistically the most dangerous night of a young person’s life. Grad Nite saves lives and demonstrates how much our community values our youth. Click here to donate and mention OPA in the notes.
Vote for “Most Loved Business in SaMo” Now Through Mar. 31: Click here to cast your vote today and help your favorite Santa Monica businesses shine.
Animal Rights Activists Are Protesting the Brennan’s Turtle Races: This EaterLA article details the bar’s history and why activists are protesting.
Addressing Homelessness: City Moves Forward with Plan to Build Affordable Housing on 3 Sites: This SaMo.gov blog post details the proposed projects aimed at building a total of about 130 units combined at 1217 Euclid Street, 1211-1217 14th Street and 1146 16th Street, and which would serve individuals and families making anywhere from 30 to 80 percent of the Area Median Income, as well as people experiencing homelessness.
Missed the Annual State of the City Event? Watch it here to see City Manager David White and Mayor Phil Brock provide an update on the city’s 2023 accomplishments and future goals in 2024 and beyond. If you prefer to read the speeches, here is the transcript from Mayor Phil Brock and here is City Manager David White.
Santa Monica Conservancy Looking for Nominations for 2024 Preservation Awards: “Each year they honor exemplary projects and contributors to the preservation of Santa Monica’s architectural and cultural heritage. The 2024 Preservation Awards will be announced during a special presentation at our Annual Meeting this May. The deadline for nominations is March 27. You can download the form here. Questions and nominations should be sent to info@smconservancy.org.”
SMMUSD Spring Break Dates: March 25 – April 5.
Things To Do This Week:
- Spring Break Reading Party (Daily This Week 2-3pm @ Various Libraries): “Bring your book or discover a new one while we read together in the same room, with a different theme for each day. Refreshments provided. For grades K-5.” More detail here.
- Stop Senior Scams Acting Program (Tuesday 2 – 3pm): Find out how to recognize and prevent fraud against older adults at this new presentation by the Stop Senior Scams Acting Program. Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd. More details here.
- Santa Monica Public Library Tax Return Help Center (Wednesday): Get free help preparing your tax returns through the VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. By appointment only, call (310) 458-8868.
- SaMo Public Library Hosts Office Hours with LA Law Library Legal Resource Specialist (Thursday, 2 – 6 p.m.): More details here on the monthly offering.
OPA & City Meetings:
- City Council Meeting (Tuesday 5:30 pm – public portion starts no earlier than 7:00 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.
