Main St. Parade Details: The parade starts FRIDAY at 9:30am near City Hall and runs south down Main St., ending at Barnard Way. See you there!!!
- Note that Main St. will be closed to vehicular traffic Friday from 6am – 1pm from Olympic Ave to Barnard Way that day.
- Multiple Main St. shops will be open in support of the community, including Papille Gustative, Rabano, Dolcenero Gelato, and others…please show them your support in return that day!
Main St. Parade Needs Volunteers: Volunteers make the Parade happen every year, we need help with everything from ushering participants, affixing last minute decorations, to wrangling adorable young ones trying to crash the Parade for a spot a lime light. If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the form online HERE.
Tips for Minimizing Pet Fright on July 4th: This SMDP article includes tips on educating kids about pet fears, keeping pets indoors and comfortable, refraining from using restraints, and more.
Nordstrom Santa Monica Place Closing in August: “The closure is the latest in a string of troublesome news for the once thriving downtown Mall.” “The mall faces severe challenges with a nearly 70% vacancy rate.” More details here.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap June 8 – 14: Here is the weekly summary of police activity.
Council approves $800M budget after divisive vote on $50,000 for neighborhood associations: Council members Dan Hall, Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick cast the dissenting votes on the $793.3 million budget after a heated debate over whether the city should continue providing $49,000 annually to seven neighborhood associations that can legally engage in political activities. “I think it’s incredibly inappropriate to use taxpayer dollars to subsidize organizations that make political contributions and political endorsements,” Hall said during the meeting, explaining his opposition to the funding.” More details here.
New Tacos Por Favor Opens on Lincoln Blvd.: The old Cock & Bull at 2947 Lincoln Blvd. has been transformed into a beautiful space! Mayor Negrete posted this fun video tour on FB. She is also hosting a Margaritas & Mocktails on August 2 to celebrate their opening.
Community Wellbeing Program Applications Now Open: The program awards microgrants of up to $500 to individuals with ideas for community wellbeing projects. Learn More & Apply Here
The Street Seen: First Baptist Church (2701 2nd St. @ Hill St): In 1916, the First Baptist Church of Santa Monica moves from a small chapel on Main St to a new building on the corner of 2nd Street and Hill St. In 1958, the congregation leaves Ocean Park. More details here.
OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like next week’s 4th of July parade), please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE.
Things To Do This Week:
Main St. Parade (FRIDAY 9:30am): OF COURSE!!! See you there!!! More details here: santamonicaparade.com
Palisades Will Rogers 5K Moves to Venice Beach: Proceeds from this year’s race will help fund the rebuilding of the community center, a longstanding gathering place for local residents. Now in its 47th year, it will be held Friday, July 4, beginning at 7 a.m. with the 5K Run/Walk starting and ending at the Venice Beach Recreation Center. The Kids’ Fun Run will follow at 8:30 a.m. A special 5K team competition for high school students, the Dick Lemen Run, will also be held. www.palisades4th.com
“Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach” Competition (Friday 1pm): 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. @ 1800 Ocean Front Walk http://www.musclebeachvenice.com/
Marina del Rey July 4 Fireworks (Friday 9pm): Join in the celebration by witnessing a 20-minute spectacle of fireworks lighting up the night sky above the water. The various official vantage points include Marina del Rey, Venice Beach Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. More details here.
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest (Friday starting at 5:00pm): About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. https://www.abbotkinneyblvd.com/
Queer Community Gathering: Allies invited! Sunday, July 6, 1pm @ Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St. More details here.
OPA & City Meetings:
Planning Commission Meeting (Wednesday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Housing Commission Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
