NO OPA UPDATE MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY
MAINopoly This Weekend (Sunday 1-5pm): Experience the best restaurants, bars & eateries by joining us for the 10th Annual “MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street” in Santa Monica. This all-ages community event is a fun take on the classic board game, giving players access to tastings at over 20 participating businesses. Stop at every location for a chance to win a “Taste of Main Street” Prize Package. There is also beer garden featuring craft cocktails, food, games, DJ & more tastings. Monopoly-themed attire is encouraged! $30 for advanced tickets. More details here and here’s NBC Channel 4 covereage on the event, which is one of my personal favorite days on Main St. every year.
Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen Friday: The reopening comes significantly ahead of schedule, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that the route would be accessible by the end of May. More details here.
There’s a New Chance to Comment on the Airport Conversion and the Three “Draft Scenarios”: This past weekend, the Santa Monica Airport Conversion team (SMAC) held an event at the current airport property itself to unveil and seek comment on three “draft scenarios” created based on the feedback it received from all those surveys over the past year. Now the city has launched a website where anyone can view the maps (in English or Spanish) and, yes, a chance to give feedback on the maps. In place of the usual survey, there’s a “drag and drop” with a prompt to tell the outreach team whether or not you think each of the portions of the scenario help the project meet its goals. The CoMap will remain open for contributions through Sunday, June 22. More details here.
The California E-Bike Incentive Program Second Round Application Rescheduled for May 29: Anyone waiting for a chance to apply for a $2,000 voucher towards the purchase of a new e-bike should have their chance on May 29. Last week, the California Air Resources Board announced that it has upgraded its infrastructure to handle the massive volume of requests for e-vouchers after it was forced to delay the second round of its voucher program that had been planned for April 29. More details here.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap May 4 – 10: Here is last week’s recap of police activity.
Correction Re: New Apartment at 711 Colorado Ave.: Monday’s newsletter erroneously reported that Community Corp. was opening this building. The building was actually developed by Tishman Speyer and is being property managed by Community Corp.
Edgemar on Main St. Makes LA Times’ “Best weekend brunch spots” List: “Brunch spans dim sum like shrimp toast, chile-soaked wontons and imperial rolls stuffed with lump crab and shrimp, as well as larger plates such as butter chicken with ruby curry and fish and chips. Ask about the daily specials: A hefty shawarma wrap with tender lamb was offered at my last visit. Mimosas can be ordered by the glass or bottle with orange, grapefruit or seasonal fruit juice, but the cold brew carajillo and Doe Eyed Doll #3, with cognac, aperol, apple and lime, prove equally tempting.” More details here.
Santa Monica City Council to Discuss FY 2025-27 Biennial Budget, Financial Challenges May 27: At its regular meeting on May 27, the Santa Monica City Council will hold a study session to discuss the fiscal year 2025-27 biennial budget. Balancing the budget poses an additional challenge this cycle, with the city anticipating an operational deficit, requiring the use of $60.5 million, over the five-year forecast period, of the city’s already depleted reserves. More details here.
Things To Do This Weekend & Next Week:
- Street League Skateboarding at the Pier (Friday 1:30 – 6:30pm): They are transforming the iconic Santa Monica Pier in the league’s first-ever ‘Spot-Takeover’ event. A custom-built course will rebuild the Santa Monica Triple Set — one of skateboarding’s most iconic spots — right on the Santa Monica Pier for a FREE festival that pays homage to the place that shaped skateboarding into what it is today. https://www.streetleague.com/santamonica
- Memorial Day Weekend Swim at Annenberg Community Beach House Pool (Saturday, Sunday, Monday): Take a dip in the pool all Memorial Day Weekend long! The historic pool is open from 10am – 6pm each day. Passes go on sale at 9am, all members of your party must be present. $4/youth (1-17), $10/adult (18-59), $5/sr. adult (60 and up) Babies under one are free! @ 415 Pacific Coast Highway More details here.
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Happy Memorial Day weekend! Join us at the Main Street Farmers Market this Sunday with special guests School of Rock LA at 10am and the Jasamine Ruvalcaba Duo from 11am-1pm!! Grab everything you need for a picnic on the way to the beach or stop by on your way to Mainopoly!!
- Truly Pizza x Patio del Mar Collab (Sunday & Monday): Hailed as one of the “50 Best Pizzerias in the USA,” this celebrated team from Dana Point brings their signature artisanal pies and inventive desserts to Hotel Casa del Mar this weekend. Reserve here.
- Celebrate Ocean Park History at the Shotgun House (Sunday 1 – 5pm @ 2520 2nd St.): “We’re open for the 10th Annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street. Learn about Ocean Park’s history with a *special* virtual exhibition that features Main Street’s evolution, current tenants, and legacy businesses. Please note: Visiting the Shotgun House is FREE and open to the public.”
- Memorial Day Muscle Beach International Classic (Monday 1pm @ 1800 Ocean Front Walk): For decades competitors have traveled from all over the world to compete at the historic Muscle Beach Competitions. These events are highlighted by a warm friendly local atmosphere while providing quality competition. Free for spectators. https://www.musclebeachvenice.com/
- City Council Meeting (Tuesday 5:30 pm): Meetings are hybrid and can be viewed on this YouTube channel. Click here for agenda.
- SaMo Democratic Club Special Membership Meeting re: Airport Proposals (Wednesday 7pm): “Special Meeting on the Airport One week after our monthly Membership Meeting, we will also hold a Special Membership Meeting on May 28 to continue our discussion regarding the future of the SM Airport land. Park developer Sasaki will soon announce their three proposed scenarios, which will give us a wealth of new information about our options and opportunities for the park land. All members of the Club are welcome to attend this special session.” @ Zoom More details here.
