OPA April 14 Monthly Meeting THIS Monday: This month’s meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here’s the schedule:
- 6:00 – 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling
- 6:30 – 6:45pm: SMPD
- 6:45 – 7:00: Elaine Polachek (Interim City Manager)
- 7:00 – 7:15: Tony Lopez (Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2025)
- 7:15 – 7:30: Carla Rosin (Main St. Farmers Market)
- 7:30 – 8:30: Board business, including Main St. housing/development matters and upcoming calendar of events
OPA Housing Committee Meeting Monday 4/21 5:00 – 6:30pm: Come to Ashland Hill (2807 Main St) to discuss housing priorities for 2025, including the potential development of the parking lots behind Main St. Click here to email Robbie Leer with any questions.
Spring Break Adventures at REALM: At their Spring Break Camp, kids explore, create, and play their way through imaginative, hands-on adventures. Limited spots availablefor the April 14-18 session. More details at www.realmlearning.com/camps.
Santa Monica Will NOT Host 2028 Olympic Volleyball:
- The City issued this press release stating “Despite good-faith efforts to reach a deal that would benefit both the Santa Monica community and work for LA28, ultimately the two parties were not able to agree to terms around community benefits, operational details and financial guarantees.”
- SMDP published this article explaining that “A financial analysis commissioned by Santa Monica officials found that hosting Olympic beach volleyball would bring in $14.09 million but cost the city $15.54 million, resulting in a $1.45 million shortfall. The same report projected that even without hosting the event, the city could still see $11.3 million in tourism revenue with just $650,000 in related expenses, yielding a net gain of $10.65 million.”
- Councilmember Dan Hall issued a statement that said, “It is tough to close this door with LA28 … I’d rather spend that money avoiding a bond or tax, paying down our unfunded pension liabilities, rebuilding our reserves and housing trust fund, repairing infrastructure, expanding services at our branch libraries, hiring police and code officers, or directly investing in tenant protections and affordable housing.”
Hands Off the Phone: SMPD Launches Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign: One text could cost you as SMPD Goes Into Heightened Alert in April The Santa Monica Police Department is stepping up enforcement efforts throughout April to crack down on distracted driving. As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the department urges motorists to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. More details here.
New Program Gives Homeless Offenders Alternative to Jail: Starting this month, homeless individuals who have committed low-level crimes in Santa Monica can choose between going to jail or entering the SaMo Bridge program. To qualify for the program, an individual must have been arrested by Santa Monica Police and be “experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and/or mental health challenges,” officials said. More details here.
Meet The Santa Monica Fire Department’s Newest Member — A Black Lab Named Roger: An English Labrador will help firefighters, city employees and community members in need of emotional support. More details here.
First Look at Proposed Project at 1441 Lincoln Blvd.: Plans call for a mid-block site between Santa Monica Blvd. and Broadway, with construction of an eight-story building featuring 90 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with subterranean parking for 95 vehicles. More details here.
Spring Staycation: Santa Monica Invites Locals with Exclusive Hotel Deals: Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is inviting Los Angeles County residents to enjoy a beachside getaway close to home with the launch of its “Spring Staycation in Santa Monica” campaign, offering special hotel discounts and perks throughout the spring break season. The promotion runs until April 17. More details here.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- FREE Disco Happy Hour with Superbloom (Friday 5 – 7pm): No sign-ups, no cost. Just music, movement, and a room full of good people. Superbloom is on deck, bringing the beats. Show up and stay as long as you like. @ MUD/WTR: Gather, 2515 Main St. https://www.instagram.com/mudwtrgather/
- 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.
- Easter Egg Hunt at Venice Beach Rec. Center (Saturday 10am – 12pm): There will be eggs, candy, crafts, and the Easter Bunny. A message from Rec. & Parks: Hop into Spring at Venice Beach! We’re hosting our Spring EGGstravaganza FREE. @ 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. More details here.
- VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (Saturday 10am – 3pm): The VITA Grant program is an IRS initiative that supports free tax preparation services for the underserved. This service helps low- to moderate-income individuals, people with disabilities, seniors, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year. @ Pico Branch Library, 2201 Pico Blvd. More details here.
- Learn about Native Plant Landscaping and fire restoration efforts with the California Native Plant Society (Saturday).
- Marina del Rey Marks 60 Years with Harbor Tours, Nostalgic Parties, and Deals Around Town (Saturday and Sunday): This year’s diamond anniversary celebration culminates in a community event at Fisherman’s Village, featuring historic harbor tours aboard the WaterBus, a live DJ spinning 1960s hits, a Marina del Rey Historical Society exhibit, and free cupcakes. https://exploremarinadelrey.com/mdr60/
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): We continue to celebrate Earth Month with special musical guests starting at 9am with Meagan Ukoh and Cadre Scott from 11am-1pm! The Bambola Shoppe is hosting a free upcycling workshop and clothing swap on the lawn starting at 10am. Santa Monica City Council Member Natalaya Zernitskaya and the City Zero Waste Program will share information on city sustainability programs and don’t miss Habits of Waste’s sustainable bingo. Look for special pop ups Buon Gusto olive oil and Drake Cheese!!
