OPA Summer Mixer @ Lula Wednesday (8/27): We hope to see you at @ Lula’s back patio (2720 Main St.) from 4:00-6-30pm. Come enjoy FREE appetizers and GREAT company. See you there!
Ocean Park Book Club: “Our first community book club was a hit! Join us for the September book club at the Ocean Park Library on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6:00-7:30 PM. We will be reading “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow”, a novel by Gabrielle Zevin. Our book club will typically meet on the first Wednesday of each month, but we are adjusting the September date given conflicting schedules over the Labor Day weekend. Looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up on books!” Click here to email the club with any questions or to RSVP.
Police Chief Announces Resignation: Click here to read his letter to the City.
Santa Monica Council Unanimously Approves Downtown Zoning Changes: The amendments passed last week streamline alcohol permits beyond bars/restaurants, reduce restrictions on entertainment within restaurants and eliminate prohibitions on fast food and fast casual restaurants on the Promande. More details here.
Automated Bus Lane Enforcement in Santa Monica Begins 9/1: Starting September 1, 2025, the City of Santa Monica will commence widespread enforcement of illegal parking in bus lanes and bus stops, as part of its Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) program. Forward-facing cameras mounted behind bus windshields will be used to automatically detect parking violations in designated bus zones; registered owners will receive a $293 citation for vehicles parked unlawfully. ABLE aims to help move thousands of daily transit riders safely and efficiently, by minimizing the illegal use of bus lanes and bus stops. Additional details about this program are available at bigbluebus.com/able.
The Street Seen: 241 Marine (Baker) (@ 3rd St): In 1903, a 3-story 14-room single-family residence is built on the northwest corner of Marine and 3rd. This early Ocean Park house is converted to multi-family apartments in 1912. More details here.
Multiple SaMo Eateries on “The Best Burgers In LA” List: This Infatuation list gives love to Fathers Office, Birdie G’s and Pasjoli. They describe the Birdie G’s burger as “Halfway between a steakhouse and a diner burger, the patty is crusted in peppery steak seasoning, grilled over wood until its edge-to-edge rosy pink, then cradled in a milk bread bun from the dough wizards at Petitgrain Boulangerie” along with onion jam, melted havarti, pickles and tangy steak sauce.
The Infatuation lists Main Squeeze as one of “The Best Smoothie Spots In LA”: The most fun part of a smoothie at Main Squeeze is slurping up the extra dollop that peaks out of the top of the lid, which we can’t help but refer to as a “nipple.” Are the overfilled cups a bit of a gimmick? Maybe, but it might also be why you see people straight from pilates slurping them up and down Main Street. The shop’s interior is lined with jars of maca powder, spirulina, and boosters with names like E3 Live and gotu kola, and they have all the usual fruity smoothies, but the best ones are their thick dessert-like creations, like Late Night Date and Vanilla Birthday. More details here.
Things To Do This Week:
Pickle n Tequila x Sushi Roku Off the Court Happy Hour (Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6 – 8 pm): Celebrate the launch of three new frozen cocktails, mingle with the community, and dive into the exclusive extended happy hour menu. $8 ticket includes: (1) complimentary cocktail OR beer/wine Sushi Roku’s extended happy hour menu. @ 1401 Ocean Ave. More details here.
Last Thursdays Summer Concert Series on the Venice Boardwalk (Thursday 6:30p.m – Sunset): Come out and celebrate summer and experience the best of Venice Beach and support our local venues. FREE. @ 300 Ocean Front Walk More details here.
Tipsy Scholar Chardonnay Master Class (Thursday): Taste and learn about Chardonnay from resident sommeliers. Flights are $40 and include an AJA Rosé trucker hat. Reservations are $10 per person. @ AJA Vineyards, 1417 2nd St. More details here.
Wally’s Summer Soirée – Last Party of Summer (Thursday): Enjoy a grand finale soirée at Wally’s Santa Monica with a complimentary glass of Prosecco, dance to the sounds of DJ Nelson, and celebrate the season’s end in style. @ 214 Wilshire Blvd. More details here.
OPA & City Meetings:
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
OPA Summer Mixer @ Lula (8/27)
September OPA Meeting (9/8)
Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
