Starting Another School Year at SAMOHI: SAMOHI Choir sincerely thanks our steadfast supporters for their support of the 2024-2025 program. Your generosity and enthusiasm enable us to offer enriching musical experiences, support students’ growth, and increase our outreach within the community.
Santa Monica encourages commuters to plan ahead as high schools return to downtown area: Pali High students returned to the school’s temporary Santa Monica campus at the site of the former Sears building on Colorado Avenue last week. Samohi students are set to return to their campus on Thursday, Aug. 21. More details here.
OPA Emergency Preparedness Committee Message on What to do in an Emergency like a Tsunami or Earthquake:
- This is link for NOAA website about tsunamis: U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers
- This is link for Tsunami Zones and more local info: Los Angeles County Tsunami Hazard Areas
- City of Santa Monica has guidelines about evacuation routes. See below and this map.There are no easy answers in disaster response and we have two processes for tsunami evacuation routes:
- Scenario 1: Earthquake/seismic events occurs where significant shaking is felt in Santa Monica: Evacuation Directions: Drop, cover and hold on during shaking. Immediately evacuate on foot or by bicycle heading inland using the closest available street/sidewalk. Do NOT use a vehicle as you have only minutes until waves arrive.
- Scenario 2: Tsunami occurs and starts outside of Los Angeles region, public notified of tsunami warning via alert message: Evacuation Directions: We may have some hours to evacuate coastal areas where we can allow individuals to exit with vehicles. In this situation, we will primarily utilize the following routes to direct evacuation traffic. The public should follow alert and public safety official directions for final evacuation route information.
New Housing Ordinance that Could Exponentially Densify Single Lots Approved Despite Opposition: Council voted 5-2 at their last meeting to approve an emergency zoning ordinance that dramatically expands housing development possibilities in single-family neighborhoods, allowing up to 20 units on vacant residential lots and permitting three-story buildings in areas previously restricted to single-family homes. More details here.
Free Metered Parking for EVs Ends on September 30: On October 1, 2025, the state’s sticker program for special lane access ends. And while many cars will still have stickers, Santa Monica is ending its program as well. Beginning on October 1, EVs will no longer be allowed to park for free at meters in the city. More details here.
Santa Monica EV Station Opens with 20 Hyper-Fast Chargers, Among Nation’s Most Powerful: The site, located at 1802 Santa Monica Boulevard near the I-10 freeway, includes 20 chargers capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts—among the highest power levels currently available to the public. For compatible vehicles, that speed can translate to about 20 miles of range per minute, depending on battery capacity and state of charge. More details here.
City Council Approves Parking Rate Changes: On Tuesday, the Santa Monica City Council approved parking rate changes at most city-owned parking facilities. Parking rates have stayed mostly the same since 2018, even though it’s become more expensive to operate and maintain these facilities. The rate changes are expected to increase parking-related revenue by approximately 17%. The free parking period in Downtown Structures 1 through 8 will change from 90 minutes to 30 minutes. Coastal Commission must still approve the changes before they can take effect. More details here.
The Street Seen: Maryland Apartments (143 Hollister Ave.): The 3-story Italian Renaissance Revival style apartment building at 143 Hollister Ave is built in 1912. Originally the Davis Apartments, it is renamed the Maryland Apartments in 1917. More details here.
Shannen Doherty’s Malibu Sanctuary Hits the Market for $9.45M: Doherty, known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” purchased the secluded property in 2004 for $2.56 million, describing it as her sanctuary away from Hollywood. Set on roughly an acre between Malibu Pier and Point Dume, the five-bedroom, 5,400-square-foot residence offers sweeping ocean views, a lap pool, and mature gardens. More details here.
OPA Gold Member The Pump Station Has Availability for Some Interesting Classes:
- Music Together Fall Session: Each week in Music Together® Mixed-Age Classes, babies over 6 months, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grownups who love them®, gather for 45 minutes of fun-filled family music time. Learn More, Enroll Now.
- Intro to Solids Group Class: Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but it can feel overwhelming, too! In this 75-90-minute class, you’ll learn everthing you need to know. Learn More, Enroll Now.
- Puppy Love: Introducing your dog to your new baby: Your whole world is about to change as you prepare for your new baby — and so is your dog’s. Learn how to prepare them for a smooth transition and a happy family. Learn More, Enroll Now.
Things To Do This Week:
Pacific Park is offering $10 off Unlimited Rides at the Santa Monica Pier now through August 31. Click here for the discounted rate.
Venice Art Crawl (Thursday 6–10pm): Enjoy a fun filled evening with local art, live music, pop-up experiences, and community vibes. Meet visionary artists, uncover hidden gems, and experience creativity at every turn. VeniceArtCrawl.com
OPA & City Meetings:
Arts Commission Meeting (Monday 6:30pm): In-person only in the SMi Training Room (northwest corner of the 2nd floor of the Civic Center Parking Structure – 330 Olympic Drive). More details here.
Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment (Monday 7pm): More details here.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
- Beach Clean-Up (8/24)
- OPA Summer Mixer @ Lula (8/27)
- September OPA Meeting (9/8)
- Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
