| Santa Monica Ranked #5 in Niche.con 2025 Best Places to Live in America Rankings: Now in its 11th year, the ranking from the data-driven platform Niche helps everyone from young people just starting their careers or families to retirees decide where they want to live. Regarding SaMo, it says “A neighborhood well-known in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica’s City Center offers residents an urban feel, with most residents renting their homes. The neighborhood boasts bars, restaurants, coffee shops and parks as well as high-rated public schools.” More details here. Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica Donates $200,000 for LA Wildfire Relief: They presented a $100,000 check to the American Red Cross, Western Los Angeles, during its monthly meeting to support LA wildfire relief efforts. That donation followed an earlier $100,000 contribution made to the Salvation Army Santa Monica. Since 1922, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica has been a dedicated member of the local community, contributing monies annually to support Santa Monica’s children through scholarships, grants, and educational programs. https://kiwanisclubsm.org Search for City Manager goes public with recent job posting: The City of Santa Monica’s search for a City Manager hit the internet this week with the official job posting for the position landing on job boards. The high-profile position seeks a “bold, innovative and transformational” leader to guide the coastal city’s future and implement the City Council’s vision for economic opportunity, housing stability, and neighborhood safety. The posting offers an annual salary of $410,604 plus benefits. More details here. Hundreds March in Santa Monica to Advocate for Immigrant Rights: Several hundred demonstrators marched through the streets of Santa Monica last Saturday for the March for Humanity, an immigration rights rally calling for dignity, safety, and respect for immigrant families. More details here. Companion on Lincoln Gets Glowing Review from The Infatuation: Once upon a time, Lincoln Blvd. was two straight miles of body shops. Now there’s fiery Thai food, famous fried chicken, and single-origin cafes. During the day, Companion is more of a coffee shop, with bring-your-laptop-and-pretend-to-work energy we appreciate. At night, the cheery, wood-raftered dining room fills with millennial friend dates drinking orange wine, eating decent thin-crust pizza, and saying things like, “We should really do this more often!” 1700 Lincoln Blvd., Venice https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/companion The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap March 9 – 15: Click here to read last week’s recap of police activity. Santa Monica Blvd. History: This LA Street Names Facebook post explains “Although Santa Monica Boulevard is obviously called that because it leads to Santa Monica, it had some identity crises along the way. Indeed, in Santa Monica itself, it was known as Oregon Avenue until 1912.” Click here for the rest of the story. Things To Do This Weekend: Dodgers Opening Day Parties (Thursday): The Dodgers technically opened their season with a two-game set last week in Japan, but they’re kicking the 2025 season off stateside with a home matchup against the Tigers today. A variety of pubs and brew houses will be hosting festivities for opening day, including Jameson’s on Main St. First pitch is 4:10 p.m. A FUNgi Mushroom Growing Workshop (Thursday 6:30pm): Ready to grow your own mushrooms? This hands-on workshop covers everything from cultivation methods to contamination prevention. Walk away with your own inoculated grow kit and the knowledge to nurture your fungi at home. @ MUD\WTR, 2515 Main St. https://widget.hellowalla.com/enrollments/42196 Otis Creative Economy Report Kickoff (Thursday 9am @ Snap Inc. SaMo Headquarters): This is an essential resource that examines the influence and impact of creative industries on California’s overall economy. Initiated in 2007 as an annual publication, the report has expanded into a comprehensive research program. Presentation of key research findings focused on the Los Angeles region and a panel discussion with industry thought leaders from Mattel, Disney, and others. More info & RSVP here. Community Dialogue: Tools for Difficult Conversations in Community (Thursday 5-7pm): Having a hard time talking to people you disagree with? Seeking tools for navigating challenging community issues? Join us for an enlightening session. Facilitators will guide attendees through practices in self-reflection and de-escalation around important community topics. Barrett Art Gallery at the SMC Performing Arts Center Campus, 1310 11th St. RSVP Here. Sunset Sessions at the Penmar Kick Off (Friday 6 – 9pm): Enjoy live music, beer, wine, cocktails, food, and great company every Friday. Bring your favorite blanket and join the community on the green while watching the sunset and listening to local artists. @ 1233 Rose Ave. https://thepenmar.com Be Fruitful: Bare Root Fruit Tree Workshop & Women’s History Month Celebration (Saturday 9 – 11am @ Main Street Community Garden): Join us at this very special workshop about how to grow Bare Root Fruit Trees successfully as we also take the opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month. @ 2318 Main St. Celebrate Women’s History Month at with a screening of Fly Like a Girl (2019), followed by a panel discussion (Saturday 11am): Santa Monica has a rich aviation history with the Museum of Flying and Santa Monica Municipal Airport staples in our destination. This film screening and panel discussion for the 2019 film “Fly Like a Girl” is in honor of Women’s History Month and highlights trailblazing female pilots and astronauts and inspires aspiring young pilots to follow their flight dreams. Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd. More details here. Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility (Saturday 1 – 3pm): Show solidarity with our local Trans community at the Church in Ocean Park for a screening of “Will & Harper” featuring comedian Will Farrell on a road trip with his transgender friend, Saturday Night Live head writer, Harper Steele. @ 235 Hill St. with snacks and beverages provided. FREE. For more information, email queercollectivesm@gmail.com Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): This Sunday join us as we welcome special guest Fleece Kawasaki 10am-1pm! Tik Tok at the farmers market..say what?! Yes, it’s true. Check out the outrageously popular DoDo Dubai Chocolates popup!! Also joining us is YARI animal rescue and the Santa Monica Fire Department with valuable lifesaving information. There is also a “Market Match” donation challenge going on right now (more details here). |
OPA Update 3/27/25: Santa Monica Ranked #5 Nationwide, a FUNgi Mushroom Growing Workshop @ MUD/WTR, & Other Things To Do This Weekend
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