Wildfire Relief Funds Now Available for Small Businesses and Workers: The Relief Funds have two grant options available:
- Small Business Relief Fund: Provides direct cash assistance grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for businesses and nonprofits that experienced structural damage, equipment/inventory loss, or revenue loss. APPLY HERE
- Worker Relief Fund: Provides $2,000 in direct cash assistance grants to workers who lost employment or income due to the wildfires. APPLY HERE
Tell the City What’s Important to You for the 2025-27 Budget: What do you think are the areas of greatest need in your neighborhood? Want to see the Main St. Library re-open for full service? Here’s your opportunity to advocate for funding for the library. The city is seeking public participation in the planning and development of the FY 2025-27 Operating Budget. You share input via an online survey, available in English and Spanish, through Feb. 17.
Civic Auditorium Update: On January 28, the City Council in Closed Session discussed (ENA) negotiations with the Revitalization Partners Group (RPG). This city news release followed to update the community on status stating that “The city of Santa Monica continues to pursue an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, or ENA, with a development team to renovate, operate and program the shuttered Civic Auditorium. Updates on the ENA process and project timeline will be posted at santamonica.gov/civic-auditorium.”
Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside: This SamoMirror report details the shortage and why it’s important. 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 Feb. 20 at 9pm. Learn more and register to volunteer here or reply to this email to join the OPA team.
City Waives Outdoor Dining Fees for February: “The City will waive outdoor dining fees during February to help local businesses weather the fallout of the recent Palisades Fire. Under a supplement to its Emergency Order, outdoor dining areas, sidewalk dining, parklets, and pier deck extended dining can operate for the month without paying the usual fee. The order covers the 101 local businesses enrolled in outdoor dining programs that were implemented as pilot programs during the coronavirus shutdown. Their success prompted the City Council to make the programs permanent in October 2022….” Read more here.
The Street Seen: Ashland Apartments (Between 6th & Highland): In 1924, a 2-story apartment building (that still exists) is constructed on the south side of Ashland Avenue between 6th & Highland. More details here.
Community Wellbeing Program Applications Now Open: The program awards microgrants of up to $500 to individuals with ideas for community wellbeing projects. Learn More & Apply Here
The Infatuation Declares Pasjoli “is hands down the city’s best French restaurant.” This glowing review states “Sure, Pasjoli is pricey and only offers prix fixe menus,” but that it “backs up the traditional French schtick with technique and care. A night here offers some of the best indulgence money can buy on the Westside.”
Things To Do This Week:
- In Memoriam of an Ashanti Warrior Unveiling (Tuesday 4pm): Join artist Gary Tyler at City Hall for the unveiling of this textile work acquired for the municipal Art Bank with the support of Frieze Los Angeles.
- Library Lovers’ Month Trivia Night: Test your literary knowledge, compete for prizes, and show your love for libraries. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6:00p.m., Solidarity Restaurant, 1414 Lincoln Blvd. More details here.
- Boba with Badges (Wednesday 4 – 6pm): “Bring a friend to the Dr. T House and enjoy some bubble tea with the Police. 1709 Pico Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/p/DFqG4CyvhMc/?hl=en
- Simple Strategies to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse (Wednesday 1pm via Zoom): Conversations around body safety should happen in every family and can be done with ease and without fear or discomfort. Discover how you can start this conversation with your child today. Register here.
- In-Person, Community Gathering to Organize Against Racism & Intimidation (Wednesday 5:30pm): Come to John Adams Middle School Auditorium, 2425 16th St. for a gathering hosted by Erika Bell with the SM/Malibu PTA. Click here to reach out to Joe Delaplaine of the SaMo Public Library with any questions or for more information.
- Wicks & Wine at AJA Vineyards: A Galentines Affair. Grab your gal pals–let’s make some candles, sip wine and chat the night away! Get the opportunity to learn from the amazing team at Glassed Over and make your own wine base candles and enjoy a couple glasses of wine too! Wine club members please email for special pricing. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6:00p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wicks-wine-at-aja-vineyards-tickets-1218666055979
- Mental Health & Wellness Fair (Saturday): Hosted by the Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association. Celebrate Black History Month and honor resilience, healing, and self-care. RSVP here.
OPA & City Meetings:
- City Council Meeting (Tuesday 5:30 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 (note that there is a new link for 2025).
- Clean Beaches Committee Meeting (Wednesday 6:30pm): More details here.
- Library Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
- Rent Control Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
