OPA June Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full recording, here are the minutes, and here are some highlights from the meeting:
- SMPD: Click here to see the discussion of recent police activity and thoughts on National Guard deployment.
- Santa Monica School District Update Regarding Ocean Park School: Click here to see the latest on the school, including timing (targeting January), naming (will NOT be SMASH), philosophy (project based learning, community based), admittance policies (“there will be influence from both SMASH & Muir, but we are looking for growth into something new”; ~450 kids TK-8; no preschool; priority to OP residents), new drop-off and pick-up structure, etc.
- Anuj Gupta (City Director of Transportation): Click here to see his update that includes Brighter Blue Plan, mobility capital projects, leveraging technology, more e-bikes, growing our electric BBB fleet, improving parking, & preparing for big international events.
- Jonathan Holub (Rent Control Board Executive Director): Click here to see his update that includes an overview of the Board and what the plans are for this year’s increase that is exptected to be voted on at the June 12 meeting. He also fields questions about if/how higher water rates may get accounted for.
- Gleam Davis (former Mayor): Click here to see her update on all things SaMo, including budget issues, the new council, etc.
- Click here to watch the Board business, including upcoming calendar of events, like the Main St. Summer Soulstice Event Next Saturday, 4th of July parade, and more.
June 21 Main St. Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events: Next Saturday is going to be a big day on Main St.! The street will be closed to vehicular traffic as we again transform the street into a pedestrian paradise. The iconic Summer Soulstice event returns with live music, vendors, beer garden, activities for kids & more. And we are moving Make Music LA to the Ocean Park Library lawn so the events are combined. The events run from 12 – 7pm on Main St. from Pico Blvd. to the Venice border. FREE!
HELP NEEDED for Summer Soulstice & Make Music LA Events: We NEED volunteers to staff our table/tent at the Soulstice event and to help with set-up and take-down from both Soulstice and Make Music LA. PLEASE CLICK HERE OR REPLY TO THIS EMAIL TO VOLUNTEER!
Santa Monica is not actually a ‘sanctuary city’ but it does oppose immigration crackdowns: “Santa Monica stopped short of officially declaring itself a “Sanctuary City” by name when it adopted key protections in 2017. At the time, city leaders pointed out that the term lacks a single legal definition and chose instead to focus on substantive protections for residents. However, in 2017, amid federal threats to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously adopted a resolution “embracing diversity, rejecting hate and discrimination.” The measure formally affirmed that Santa Monica would not use city resources or staff to investigate, detain or register individuals solely for being undocumented.” More details here.
A statement from Mayor Lana Negrete on regional immigration enforcement and protests: This SaMo.gov post makes it clear that “Santa Monica does not and will not assist federal immigration authorities in enforcing immigration laws.”
No Kings Day Rally (Saturday 11am-12:30pm @ Palisades Park (Ocean Ave. @ Montana Ave.):
- More than 1,500 rallies are expected around the country protesting authoritarianism will coincide with Trump’s military/birthday parade in the nation’s capital. More details here.
- Multiple elected officials are scheduled to speak at the SaMo rally. More details here.
- This City issued this message about “Community message for June 14 protests.”
Charlie Chaplin and Sam Francis’ Former SaMo Retreat Hits Market for $12.5M: Located at 345 W. Channel Rd., the home’s entrance is framed by 500-year-old repurposed monastery gates and opens to lush landscaping. More details here.
Happy Hour on Main Street List: This list details many of the happy hours on Main St. because we could all use a drink right now.
Papille Gustative Father’s Day Brunch: They are offering “Meat the Parents”, a special Meat offering featuring a New Zealand lamb chops & New York steak combo available Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, 2823 Main St. https://papillegustativela.com/
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Main St. Community Gardens Nature’s Rainbow Open House (Saturday 9 – 11am @ 2318 Main St.): Celebrate Pride Month at the Main Street Community Garden Open House. All Are Welcome. Wander the gardens, grab a cup of coffee and pastries, chat with gardeners and neighbors as we celebrate Pride Month at this beautiful urban setting. Wander the garden paths amongst nature’s rainbow and join us in welcoming all people – a rainbow of diversity! Pick up some seed packets and gardening tips. More details here.
- 13th Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta (Saturday 9am – 1pm): Two-person teams make waves racing colorful themed cardboard and duct tape yachts across the historic pool. Spectators can attend for free to cheer on the participants. Regatta participants must pre-register, and the fee is $20 per team. @ Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 PCH More details here.
- Rosé on Rose Fest (Saturday): Celebrate National Rosé Day with the eclectic Venice vibe that Rose Ave. is known for with a progressive rosé crawl and street fest taking place from 1:00pm to 6:00pm inside, and on the patios of, Rose Ave. businesses with an official after-party from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Rose Ave. in Venice https://roseonrosefest.com/
- 33rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration (Saturday 2 – 7pm): This year’s theme, “A Family Affair: Unifying, Healing, and Restoring,” pays homage to the enduring legacy of Black resilience and culture through an immersive day of music, spoken word, collective dialogue and joyful liberatory practices. @ Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave. More details here.
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Celebrating Father’s Day with special guest, singer songwriters Dakota Dry at 9am and Fleece Kawasaki from 10am-1pm! Pick up everything you need for a hike or a barbeque with Dad. We have everything you need to make his day special including fun brunch options!! See you there!
