OPA Sept. 9 Monthly Meeting TONIGHT: This month’s meeting will be at the 2601 Main St. Library starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here is the Zoom link to join the meeting starting at 6:30pm. Here’s the draft agenda and here’s schedule:
- 6:00 – 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling
- 6:30 – 6:45pm: SMPD update
- 6:45 – 7:15pm: City Manager David White
- 7:15 – 8:30: Board business, including upcoming calendar of events (11/2 Howl-o-Ween, 12/8 Holiday Party, OPA Election, & more)
SaMo City Council Candidate Forum: The Forum took place this past Sunday and was put on by all the neighborhood groups except OPA. OPA originally planned to participate in the Forum, but was unfortunately excluded from the planning committee during the process. For more details, SMDP published this article about the issue and SaMo Next published this article about it and the issue will be discussed at tonight’s OPA meeting. Hope to see you there!
Message from Police Chief to the Community – A Commitment to Safety and Vigilance: Police Chief Batista posted this letter in the SMDP “to address the concerns many of you have voiced following recent incidents that have shaken residents and business owners and contributed to a feeling of unease in the community.”
Safety Tips from the Office of the Chief of Police: Chief Batista also posted this article with tips about how to Stay Aware of Your Surroundings, Trust Your Instincts, Know Your Local Public Safety Resources, and Report Suspicious Activity.
Main Street Let the Dogs Out for Day of the Dog Block Party: It was a “howling success” despite the heat and SMDP published this article leading into it and we will share more pics soon.
Santa Monica Sees County’s Steepest Yearly Rent Drop: Despite the drop, Santa Monica’s median monthly rent currently stands at $2,451, or 11 percent higher than the metro-wide median rent of $2,207…. 52 of the nation’s 100 largest cities have seen rents drop over the past 12 months, with most of the rent decreases taking place in Florida, Texas, Arizona and along the West Coast. More details here and you can read the full report here.
Santa Monica considers homeless ban to prohibit pillows and blankets outdoors: This LA Times article details that “Homeless people in Santa Monica may soon be prohibited from sleeping outdoors as the city considers changing its anti-camping ordinance after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the contentious topic. The existing ordinance prohibits tents and makeshift shelters on public property. The revised ordinance would also prohibit the city’s unsheltered residents from using blankets, pillows and bedrolls while sleeping outside, removing exemptions that were added in 2022 to comply with a court of appeals ruling.”
Isla on Main St. Announces Closure: “After 18 Months of Service Restaurant Will Close Its Doors on Sept. 21. It was opened by the team behind Crudo y Nudo, Chef Brian Bornemann, and interdisciplinary artist Leena Culhane.” More details here.
SMMUSD Superintendent’s Message – Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year: Click here to read the message from Dr. Antonio Shelton discussing goals, safety, new spaces, air quality, etc.
Color Me Mine is For Sale: This SMDP article details 2525 Main St. location franchise location’s recent controversal history and why it’s for sale. It also notes that “According to the website , the asking price for the franchise is $475,000 and the potential gross revenue is $562,755.”
New Speed Limits Across the City Aim to Reduce Accidents, Improve Safety: “Speed limits on more than 30 miles of Santa Monica streets will be lowered, following unanimous approval by the Santa Monica City Council. These reductions are the results of a speed survey conducted earlier this year to ensure the speed limits remain valid. The survey, conducted from Jan. 27 through Jul. 29, includes measurement of vehicular speeds along roadway segments to determine the speed of a majority of drivers, which is the most effective attribute in establishing speed limits.” More details here.
SMPD Accepting Applications for their Community Academy: Click here to learn more about the academy starting Oct. 9. The academy meets every Wednesday from 6-9pm at the police department for about 10 weeks. More details here.
Things To Do This Week:
- Simple Strategies to Prevent Child Sex Abuse (Tuesday 6pm): Conversations around body safety should happen in every family and can be done with ease and without fear or discomfort. Learn how you can start this conversation with your child today. Presented by Stuart House/UCLA Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center. @ Santa Monica Main Library Register here.
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony (Wednesday 6:45 – 7:15am): In recognition of those who perished September 11, the Santa Monica Fire Department annually conducts a brief and solemn ceremony consistent with the International Association of Fire Chief recommended protocols. Fire stations 1, 2, and 3 will participate. The public, especially neighbors of Santa Monica’s fire stations, are encouraged to attend.Station 2 is at 222 Hollister Ave. More details here.
- SaMo Climate Resiliency Sunset Chat – Designing Strategies For the Next 30+ Years (Wednesday 6pm): Join a sunset chat with local industry experts to discuss the sustainability strategies Santa Monica has taken the lead on and look ahead and design a sustainable and resilient community for the future. @ Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. More details here.
- Countering Truth Decay – A Community Conversations (FREE Wednesday 5:30-8pm): A community-led conversation about the impacts of misinformation on local issues and what it can be done about it. @ Santa Monica College Orientation Hall, 1900 Pico Blvd. More details here.
OPA & City Meetings:
- Disabilities Commission Meeting (Monday 6:30pm): More details & agenda here.
- 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.
- SMMUSD Board of Education Special Meeting (Wednesday 5:30pm): In-person at the District Office, 1717 Fourth Street, and via Zoom. Agenda here.
- Rent Control Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
