Feb 10 is Next OPA Monthly Meeting: Mark your calendars for dinner and socializing from 6:00 – 6:30pm and the meeting from 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Main St. library. The agenda includes new Council-Member Ellis Raskin, Jenna Grigsby (Chief Deputy City Attorney) discussing SaMo Bridge, a new diversion pilot program planned on the Civic Center grounds, and setting the 2025 OPA priorities list.
February is Black History Month: This year’s theme is ‘African Americans and labor.’ More details here on Santa Monica events throughout the month.
Big Blue Bus celebrates Transit Equity Day and honors Rosa Park’s Birthday by offering free rides on Tuesday, February 4. More details here.
The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Rescheduled to Feb. 20: This count is critical for determining how much money gets allotted to communities for homeless services. The count was postponed due to the L.A. fires and the new date for Santa Monica is 20. Learn more and register to volunteer here or reply to this email to join the OPA team.
SaMo Airport Conversion Project Moves Forward: “SaMo City Council Tuesday approved guiding principles for the Airport Conversion Project and authorized staff to move into the third phase of a two-year community engagement process to determine the future of the airport site.” More details here.
Local Rents Jump to a Fast Start in 2025: The 2% increase in the city’s median rent was the highest since September 2023, when rents rose by 2.1%. More details here.
Santa Monica Launches Survey, Hosts Community Meetings for Biennial Budget: The city of Santa Monica is seeking public participation in the planning and development of the Fiscal Year 2025-27 Operating Budget. Community members can share input via an online survey, available in English and Spanish, through Feb. 17. More details here on in person meetings and the overall process.
The Street Seen: 2211 Ocean Ave Apartments (Between Pacific & Strand): “In 1925, on Ocean Avenue between Pacific and Strand, a 2-story apartment building is constructed by T.G. Lewis.” Read more here.
Free Tax Assistance at the Library: Appointments are available for free VITA income tax prep assistance through Haven Neighborhood Services on February 7 & 8 and March 15 at varioues SaMo Libraries (including Main St.). Services are offered in English and Spanish. More details here on who qualifies, locations, booking appointments, etc.
Urban Coyotes: Why We Should Value Rather Than Freak Out Over Them: “Alpha coyotes, the 20 percent of the species who reproduce, are more visible now that it’s mating season. But don’t fret if you see them.” More details here.
Things To Do This Week:
Live Talks – An Evening with Naomi Watts (Monday 8pm): The Academy Award nominated actor and producer will be discussing her book, “Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause.”@ New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. https://livetalksla.org/events/naomi-watts/
Fall Prevention Workshop for Seniors (Tuesday 1:30pm @ Main Library): Senior care advocates from Wise & Healthy Aging discuss risks and how to prevent falls. Attendees will receive a free nightlight upon completion. More details here.
Support the Samohi Band Tour Fund at “Bands on the Road” Event (Wednesday): Light bites will be available for purchase along with a silent auction, wine pull, and quilt raffle. @ First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th St, 6pm. Learn more and order tickets here.
SaMo Conservancy Main Street Walk (Saturday): Far more than a history lesson, this place-base experience focuses on the vibrant hub of the Ocean Park neighborhood, upon which its histories have been written. Mark Gorman is leading this walk on Saturday, Feb. 8 @ 10:30 a.m. You can also tour the historic Shotgun House on Feb. 8 & 9 from 12 – 2pm.
OPA & City Meetings:
Disabilities Commission Meeting (Monday 6:30pm): More details & agenda here.
Architectural Review Board Meeting (Monday 7pm): More details here.
Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission Meeting (Tuesday 5:30pm): More details & agenda here.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link (note that there is a new link for 2025).
SMMUSD Board of Education Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
Housing Commission Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
