Downtown Train Station Cracks Down on Illegal Riders: A new TAP-to-Exit program to crack down on fare dodgers and reduce crime aboard Metro trains was launched at Santa Monica’s Downtown station this month. According to a KTLA report in July, most of the violent crimes on the Metro system are committed by individuals who do not pay a fare. According to a KTLA report, most of the violent crimes on the Metro system are committed by individuals who do not pay a fare. In its initial trial at the North Hollywood Metro station, the program reduced crime and other issues by 40 percent. More details here.
Addressing Homelessness: Questions and Answers on SaMo’s Anti-Camping Ordinance: City Manager David White wrote this post about the new ordinance explaining what the City defines as camping, the history of the city’s anti-camping ordinance, what changes come with the new ordinance, and much more.
School District, Malibu Agree on Separation Package: School District and Malibu City officials announced Friday they have reached a “milestone” agreement on a proposed package to separate the district. Once the agreements are finalized and approved by both parties, which is expected in October, the LA County Committee on School District Organization will schedule a public hearing as early as November, District officials said. More details here.
SMPD Holding DUI Checkpoint Sept. 20: More details here on the operation planned from 6pm and 2am.
The Street Seen: Looking For Cora: “Cora’s Coffee Shoppe, a tiny restaurant on the corner of Ocean Ave and Pacific Terrace at 1802 Ocean Ave, has been in continuous operation since about 1943. But who is Cora?” Click here to find out.
Edgemar Restaurant Now Open for Weekend Brunch: “Offerings will encompass a wide range of dishes (and cocktails!) highlighting both local and global influences, including specific “egg” and “dim sum” sections.” www.edgemar.la
SMDP Profiles Triple Beam Pizza: This write-up states “The latest entry into the bustling Main Street restaurant scene looks to bake a delicate balance between elevated food and accessibility, all for the love of the dough” and details their journey to open.
How to Play Your Part During United Against Hate Week Sept. 21-27: United Against Hate Week, an annual reminder that we all share the responsibility of standing against the hate and bias that threaten the wellbeing and safety of our community. More details here.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Pier Locals Night (Thursday 3:30 – 10pm): Local’s Night is back with a Reggae-themed evening offering live entertainment including a classic car show, youth activities, art exhibits, DJs, and several reggae performances. santamonicapier.org/locals-night
- Third Thursday at 3rd St. Promenade (Thursday 5 – 8pm): The free block party features live music from DJ Asha, No False Ego, and Good Cop Bad Cop, plus free face painting and caricatures, and local vendors. Bring your pups, friends, and family for an evening of fun, dancing, and outdoor dining for the perfect sunset experience. 1200 Block, 3rd St. Promenade https://www.eventbrite.com/e/third-thursdays-third-street-919-tickets-950994198247
- Saturday is International Coastal Cleanup Day (Saturday, Sept. 21, 9am – 12pm): Multiple organizations are organizing cleanup efforts, including Santa Monica College (SMC), which is helping to clean up the “Inkwell.” SMC’s adopted section of beach is the historic site where SMC student Nick Gabaldón and other African Americans challenged Jim Crow racism and helped open public beaches for all. Gloves, buckets, and safety training will be provided. @ Santa Monica Beach Tower 20 (at the end of Bay St.) https://healthebay.org/coastalcleanupday/
- LA Opera Live Broadcast of Madame Butterfly on Santa Monica Pier (Saturday 6pm): Grab a few blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and enjoy the outdoor screening under the stars. FREE for all ages. More info here.
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Come celebrate the Fall Equinox with Matty Gottesman at 9am with DJ and the Main Street Jam 10am-1pm. Joining us on the lawn is the Bach 2 Rock Instrument Petting Zoo. Special guests Climate Action Santa Monica are back to share the latest from their summer projects. See you there.
- Volunteer Collective Volunteer Fair (Sunday 11am-2pm): Discover exciting volunteer opportunities in your community to connect with amazing nonprofits and find ways to help. Get hands-on: Create hygiene kits, plant seeds of change, and more! Fun for the whole family – all ages welcome! 3rd St. Promenade (Between Wilshire Boulevard and Arizona) More details here.
- Americana in the Park (Sunday 4 – 7pm): Head over to Gandara Park for this annual music concert series featuring two bands each week every Sunday in September. Bring your picnic, blankets, and beach chairs to soak up the sounds of Americana music, from its roots to modern forms. Enjoy craft activities for all ages, tasty treats from local food trucks, and a vibrant community experience in Gandara Park, 1819 Stewart St. This week features Molly Miller Trio opens with instrumental Americana jazz songs tinged with folk and Surf Rock vibes along with powerful original compositions of The Azar Lawrence Experience headlining. More details here.
- SaMo Conservancy Hosts MOSAIC: City Expressed Highlighting the City’s Artist Communities Past and Present (Sunday 5pm): This is an episode of the ongoing Santa Monica Mosaic livestream series that will explore the vibrant arts communities that have shaped Santa Monica’s creative spirit and social conscience. Live version is at Shotgun House, 2520 2nd St. More details here on the live and virtual options.
