Main St. 4th of July Parade Announces “Celebrating the Arts” Theme and Calls for Community Participation: This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Arts,” encourages participants to showcase Santa Monica’s creative soul. Organizers are looking for dazzling floats, marching bands, and creative performances that embody the city’s artistic energy. Applications are now open for community groups, businesses, and individuals to participate in the parade. Whether you choose to march, drive, or create a stunning float, the Santa Monica 4th of July Parade is the perfect platform to celebrate Independence Day with your community. Here is the registration link (6/21 application deadline).
OPA June 10 Monthly Meeting: Our last meeting before the July 4 parade is Monday, June 10. That meeting features Santa Monica Fire Department, Rev Janet and Kera Blades-Snell, and more! Hope to see you at the Main St. library for the 6:30pm meeting. Light dinner will be served.
Color Me Mine on Main St. Busted for Illegal Dumping: This CBS report includes video of store employees dumping materials into the storm drain. The store manager and company are accepting responsibility and apologizing. The story was also covered by KTLA5 here and SMDP here.
Gleam Davis Not Seeking Reelection: This SMDP report states that the OP resident “has said she will not seek reelection this year opening up the always competitive City Council race to at least one new face. Four council seats are up for election this year. They are currently held by Davis, Mayor Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra.
Two Bills to Help Meet State Housing Goals Clear Senate: This SaMoLookout article details the “bills that remove barriers to housing construction in the coastal zone and impose stiffer penalties on cities that fail to comply with State housing laws.”
SaMo Pride returns with Pride on the Promenade and Sounds of Santa Monica Pride Edition: “The month-long SaMo Pride celebration returns this June with interactive activities and experiences that honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity and acceptance in Santa Monica. SaMo Pride is a citywide partnership between Santa Monica Place, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) and Santa Monica Pier, in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.” More details here.
EaterLA Updated its List of “Superb Santa Monica Restaurants”: This list includes multiple OP favorites like Pasjoli and Heavy Handed.
The Infatuation Lists Venice’s Dudley Market Burger as “Favorite Fancy Restaurant Burger in LA”: This list of best burgers describes it as “a beefy, perfectly cooked patty, cheddar cheese, dill aioli, fresh arugula, and a caramelized onion-bacon jam on a brioche bun” and “if you skip the burger, you’re living a lesser existence.” 9 Dudley Ave, Venice.
There Was a Safeway Market on Main St.? This week’s Street Seen details the history of 2654 Main St. (at least the first 50 years) long before Chase Bank was there.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Venice Pride Block Party (Friday 5 – 11 pm): Kick off Pride month with music by DJ Victor Rodriguez, a queer market place, food trucks, community booths and vendors. FREE @ area around 99 Winward Ave., Venice. https://venicepride.org
- Airport Conversion Project Pop Up Event (Saturday 8am – 1pm): Learn more at the Virginia Avenue Park Saturday Farmer’s Market. 2200 Virginia Ave. More details here.
- Nick Gabaldon Day (Saturday 9am – 4pm): Join the Black Surfers Collective, Heal the Bay, Surf Bus Foundation, Swim Up Hill, and Santa Monica Conservancy as we unite to celebrate Nick Gabaldón Day! Nick fearlessly pursued his passion for surfing, paving the way for countless others. This event serves as a celebration of diversity in surfing and an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories, and ride the waves in his honor. Let’s celebrate his legacy of resilience, determination, and love for the waves. @ Tower 30 (end of Bay St.) https://healthebay.org/event/nick-gabaldon-day/
- SaMo Animal Shelter Open House Fundraiser (Saturday 12 – 3 pm): The annual event raises money to help cover the cost of veterinary care, medical attention and of course food for all of those hungry little mouths. https://www.smasf.org/events
- Take Action for Mental Health Event (Saturday 3 – 7pm): Join influencers, professionals, and local resources for a transformative day of mental wellness. Engage in interactive workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities to empower your mental well-being journey. Discover tools, support, and strategies to make a difference in your community. Let’s come together to advocate, educate, and support one another in creating a brighter, healthier future for mental health. @ Santa Monica Pier. More details here.
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am-1:30pm): It’s Kids’ Day at the Main Street Farmers Market with Dance with Miss Alice at 9am and the Laura Jean Music Academy doing a 3 hour performance starting at 10am! The Santa Monica PoPersianoartment will be joining us! And Yes! Holy Guacamole and Persiano Cafe with coffee!! Here’s the full June calendar of events.
- Superbloom Beach Club (Sunday 1 – 7 pm): This pop-up social club offers a full day of wellness activations, live DJs, beach games, and amazing connections. @ Ocean Park Beach Lifeguard Tower 28. More details here.
