Last Chance to Vote in OPA 2025 Board Election: Dues-paying OPA members should have received their ballots on-line Monday night for the 2025 Board Election. Voting closes Friday 5pm. Click here to join or renew your membership today.
Four New Councilmembers Installed, Lana Negrete is Mayor, & Caroline Torosis is Mayor Pro Tem: “At an installation ceremony Tuesday, newly-elected Councilmembers Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell and Natalya Zernitskaya were sworn in by City Clerk Nikima Newsome to begin four-year terms.The newly installed City Council selected Lana Negrete to serve as mayor for a one-year term, with Caroline Torosis serving as mayor pro tem for 2025 and Jesse Zwick for 2026. In addition to installing its new members, the City Council certified the results for the races for Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board, the Santa Monica Rent Control Board and local ballot measures.” More details here.
City Manager David White Announces Resignation: After three-plus years serving as Santa Monica’s City Manager, David White will be stepping down from the role in February, the city announced Tuesday. More details in this city post and this SMDP article.
Barnard Way Road Closure This Saturday: Barnard Way from Ocean Park Blvd to Neilson Way will be closed Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 – 10am for the Santa Monica – Venice Christmas Run.
Last Chance to Dine @ Rose Cafe: It closes it’s doors for good after brunch on Sunday Dec. 15 after 45 years of service. More details on its history and closing in this EaterLA article.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: Here is last week’s summary of police activity.
City opens Survey 2b Regarding the Airport Conversion: Click here to take a survey and provide additional feedback on concepts. It is expected to take 10-15 minutes.
Holey Grail Donuts Collab w/ Guelaguetza Chef Bricia Lopez: The Mole Grail donut is available through Dec. 31 in collaboration with chef, entrepreneur, and acclaimed author Bricia Lopez of the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Guelaguetza. 2441 Main St. www.instagram.com/holeygraildonuts/
Fitoor Contemporary Indian Grill & Lounge Opening: The idea is to “bring fire-based Indian cooking to new heights, blending the bold, timeless flavors of tradition with surprising and modern twists” … while drawing inspiration from its beachside setting to infuse the menu with vibrant seafood creations. 1755 Ocean Ave. https://eatdrinkfitoor.com/santa-monica/
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Holiday Cheer on the Pier (Thursday, Dec. 12 & 19, 4 – 8pm): The SaMo Pier is bringing the holiday cheer this year with holiday music and performances, puppetry, singalongs, and holiday cheer. https://www.santamonicapier.org/cheeronthepier/
- Stop and Smell The Roses (Saturday 9 – 11am): Stephen Reid, UC Master Gardener and assistant curator of the Rose Garden at The Huntington will discuss practical rose care techniques, including deadheading, pruning, fertilizing, and day-to-day care. @ Main Street Community Garden, 2318 Main St. Full details at www.santamonica.gov/events
- Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Saturday Night): This year’s theme is “A Margaritaville Holiday” and approx 25,000 people are expected for this 62nd Annual Boat Parade, with festivities at various viewing spots like Fisherman’s Village and Burton Chace Park. https://mdrboatparade.org
- 16th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl (Saturday Night): Crawl for a Cause at the Largest Holiday Crawl on the West Coast! Join Thousands of Crawlers and Help Those in Need for the Holidays! https://santamonicapubcrawl.com/
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): We are excited to announce another holiday kids’ day at the Main Street Farmers Market with special guests Miss Me and the Music Castle and Kiki and the Sunnyside Chalkers!! So, escape for a few minutes or a couple of hours and remember, the best gift you can give is delicious healthy food from our local farmers!
- Mishkon Temple Pop-Up Boutique and Sale (Sunday 10am – 3pm): Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local vendors, including one-of-a-kind art, Judaica, jewelry, and more! Sip festive drinks, support small businesses, and take part in our hourly raffle! More details here.
- Meet Me Under The Fig Tree (Sunday 1 – 4pm): Expect photos with Santa under the Fig Tree, Cookie decorating, arts & crafts, bounce house & snow machine, live tunes & special performances by the SaMo High Orchestra + master pianist Jason Pelsey, eats from FIG, Emporium Thai, BOA Steak, Sushi Roku, Chef Luigi Fineo, Michael’s & Shake Shack, meet the SMDP horses and check out the fire truck showcase. FREE. @ Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd. More details here.
