April 14 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 Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.). The agenda includes guest speakers Elaine Polachek (Interim City Manager), Tony Lopez () Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2025) & Carla Rosin (Main St. Farmers Market).
Santa Monica Rents Continued Rising in March: Santa Monica rents rose for the third straight month in March and have now increased by 3.2 percent over the past 12 months, according to Apartment List’s monthly report released Thursday. More details here.
LA County’s Measure A (For Homeless Services) Raises Sales Tax On April 1: The countywide sales tax will increase by 0.25% plus local increases, raising the rate in Santa Monica from 10.25% to 10.75%. The change stems from the passage of Measure A in the November 2024 election. More details here.
Heal the Bay Sounds Alarm on Coastal Pollution and Delayed Debris Removal: A new report by Heal the Bay highlights the urgent need to remove fire-related debris along the Pacific Coast Highway after recent wildfires left behind elevated levels of toxic metals and nutrients in Santa Monica Bay, posing a significant threat to marine life and raising concerns about long-term public health risks. More details here.
Google’s Iconic Binoculars Building in Venice is Up For Sale: The Binoculars Building, a Frank Gehry-designed landmark occupied by Google in Venice Beach. W.P. Carey purchased the property in 1995 for $18.3 million. A price was not disclosed, but this Real Deal post cites comparable listings in the neighborhood at $1,583 per square foot, or an estimated $120 million. The trust purchased the building for $18.3 million in 1994, or $3 million more than its construction cost three years earlier. More details here.
Augie’s On Main Listed Among Best LA Restaurants for Takeout and Delivery: “For a taste of Josiah Citrin’s cooking without paying Michelin-starred-Citrin prices, head over to his casual chicken and burger spot, Augie’s on Main. Located on a busy strip of Santa Monica, Augie’s offers approachable dishes done well, like Citrin’s classic “dirty” chicken, a two-hands-required cheeseburger, hot dogs, and a chopped salad. More details here.
The Street Seen: John W. and Anna George House (2424 4th St. between Hollister and Ocean Park Blvd.): This was “built in 1911 for a Minneapolis businessman who retires to Ocean Park, and is elected to the City Council in 1913. The deteriorated building is landmarked in 1981 and restored.” More details here.
LA County Supervisors Approve $637 Million for Homelessness Services: The total consisted of over $535 million from fiscal year 2025-26 Measure A Comprehensive Homelessness Services funds, $59 million from one-time Measure H carryover, and $42 million from the State Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program. More details here.
Santa Monica Brew Works Launching ‘We Love LA’ Beer Line with Proceeds Going to Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Efforts: Santa Monica Brew Works is leading the effort highlighted in this KTLA video report and already has 200+ partner breweries signed up. https://ktla.com/news/california/200-breweries-launching-we-love-la-beer-line-with-proceeds-going-to-los-angeles-wildfire-relief-efforts/
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest (Friday starting at 5pm): About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/
- Wellness & Waves Kickoff (Saturday AM): Immerse yourself in wellness every Saturday, April 5 to October 11, from 8-10a.m. at the Santa Monica Pier. Start your Saturday morning under the iconic Santa Monica Yacht Harbor sign with an easy-breezy group run from 8-9 AM. There is also Yoga and Yoga-Pilates Fusion classes at the west end from 9-10 AM. FREE. More details here.
- 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.
- Superbloom Beach Club (at the Park) (Saturday 12 – 5 pm): Join Superbloom for a full day of mindfulness, movement, music, and meaningful connection. Superbloom Collective is a community based in authentic connection, self-expression, and service. @ Hotchkiss Park (2302 4th St.) More details here.
- Documentary Premiere of “We Have Just Begun” (Saturday 2pm): Survivors of the bloodiest massacre in U.S. history (Elaine, AK 1919) will join us online in solidarity with local organizing to win justice for the family of Silas White victims of land theft in the city of Santa Monica. @ the Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St. More details here.
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): We are kicking off Earth Month at the Main Street Farmers Market with a very special show starting at 9:30am with the Dance with Miss Alice farmers market parade followed by the GM Quartet 10am-1pm, Cabeza de Vaca Cultural Center Folklorico at 11:15am and a Soundbath on the lawn at 1pm! Also joining us is My Gym with kid obstacle course, The Planet Challenge sustainable bingo and the native wildflower seedball project. Special pop ups include Kavahana and Fat Uncle Farms heritage grain flour, home baked wholegrain bread and organic almonds. Here is the April calendar.
- Hop Into Easter Fun on 3rd Street Promenade with Free Photos, Live Entertainment and More (Sunday 12 – 4 pm): The Easter spirit comes to Third Street Promenade with a festive, family-friendly celebration featuring free photos with the Easter Bunny, live entertainment and interactive activities for all ages. FREE. @ 1200 block of Third Street Promenade More details here.
- Arts Month Reception (Sunday 2 – 4 pm): Join the local launch of April’s Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month with a celebration in partnership with Arts for LA. The event will include a variety of artsy activities. FREE. @ Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway More details here.
- Blue Plate Oysterette Community Dinner Series (Monday 4 – 6pm): Join us for a gourmet dinner at sunset for $25. Enjoy a chef-curated meal, mingle with your Santa Monica neighbors, and soak in the sunset from our communal table. This dinner will feature shrimp radiatore pasta with seasonal salad. @ 1355 Ocean Ave. More details here.
