OPA August 11 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month’s meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here’s the zoom link and here’s schedule:
- 6:00 – 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling
- 6:30 – 6:45pm: SMPD
- 6:45 – 7:00: SMFD
- 7:00 – 7:20: Oliver Chi, City Manager
- 7:20 – 8:30: Board business, including upcoming calendar of events
OPA Summer Mixer Wednesday August 27 @ Lula: Get to know your neighbors while enjoying a summer afternoon on the patio at Lula @ 2720 Main St. Light snacks provided by OPA and Lula. 4:00-6:30pm. See you there!!
15′ Great White Shark Spotted Near Santa Monica Pier: A large great white shark estimated at 14-15 feet long was spotted just 50 yards from shore in Santa Monica Bay on Thursday, swimming near an unaware paddleboarder before heading south toward the Santa Monica Pier. Picture and video here.
Santa Monica Rents Drop for Third Straight Month: Despite the recent declines, Santa Monica’s rental market has picked up over the past year, with annual growth currently standing at 3.3 percent, up from a negative -5.9 percent last July. Culver City easily topped Santa Monica’s median rent, with a one-bedroom unit going for $2,692 and $3,189 for a two-bedroom, Apartment List’s monthly report “aims to identify transacted rent prices, as opposed to the listed rent prices.” For the latest report click here.
Main Street Starbucks to close as company looks to turn around flagging sales: “Starbucks is also trying to encourage customers to linger in its stores. It’s closing or modifying some of its approximately 90 mobile order-only storefronts and it is developing a store prototype with 32 seats and a drive-thru window that costs 30% less than the company’s current store design. The Starbucks on Santa Monica’s Main Street is among those listed for closure.” More details here.
Hasi Bread Now at Sunday Main St. Farmers Market: The bakery focuses on turmeric & butterfly pea flower sourdough made with organic house-milled grains. Offerings include a vanilla bean kouign amann, chai rolls, the Frecker Farms strawberry danish, the bagels, and a sparkling Arnold Palmer. 2640 Main St., Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. https://www.instagram.com/hasibread
Heavy Handed on Main St. Makes The Infatuation’s “Best Soft Serve in LA” List: Further proof that smashburgers and soft serve go hand-in-hand: Head to Heavy Handed in Santa Monica and Studio City for creamy chocolate or vanilla soft serve made with organic Straus Creamery milk. They also offer optional chocolate, butterscotch, or rainbow sprinkle dips that harden into a crackly shell, though if you’re sticking with the classic vanilla, we prefer to add a side of their beef tallow fries for a sweet-salty combo. 2912 Main St. https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-soft-serve-in-la
Side-by-Side Beachfront Homes in Santa Monica Hit Market for $23M…EACH: More details here on the two modern beachfront homes, located side by side at 940 Palisades Beach Rd.
Santa Monica Animal Shelter Waives Adoption Fees to Ease Shelter Surge: “Amid an unprecedented surge in intakes, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has exceeded its housing capacity and is now offering free adoptions in a bid to connect dozens of animals with new homes. Officials say the shelter is seeing record numbers of dogs, cats, and kittens. In response, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation has stepped in to fully sponsor adoption fees, meaning residents can take home a pet at no cost.” More details here.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Ocean Park Summer Picnic Series (Thursday 5:30 – 7:30pm (drop by anytime)): While this is not an OPA event, it is organized by Tess, who is a super engaged OPA member who is spearheading creating community events.
- Where: Hotchkiss Park – closer to 4th Street (to the left of the bathrooms if you’re coming from 4th).
- What you bring: Your own food/drink and something to sit on (chair or blanket)
- What we’ll bring: As always, we’ll have name tags!
- Why are we doing this: We are looking to build an increased sense of community and connection in Ocean Park.
- Optional Icebreaker: Meeting a new neighbor? Ask if they had any traditions growing up that made them feel connected to their community.
- Future Dates: Aug 21
- Air-Fried Chicken & Champagne Day (Thursday): Papille Gustative is offering a chicken and champagne combo for $35 and 50% off all bottles of bubbles. 2823 Main St. https://www.instagram.com/papillegustativela
- Santa Monica Public Library at the Beach (Friday 10am – 3pm @ Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 PCH): Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library features a no-library-card-required book sign out from the beach reads collection, a relaxing Surfside Lounge, games and a Seaside Storytime. All ages welcome. More details here.
- Chez Jay’s 66 Year Anniversary Party: This SMDP story details the restaurant’s history. Festivities begin at 3p.m. and includes a vibrant mix of live music, classic cars, delicious food, specialty cocktails, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy the party outdoors or reserve a table inside Chez Jay’s dining room. Saturday, Aug. 9, starting at 3p.m., 1657 Ocean Ave.https://chezjays.com/66anniversary
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Get ready for some New Orleans style jazz to chase your summer time blues starting at 9am with This Much Brass from Seattle followed by the GM Jazz Quartet 10am-1pm. It’s the new evolution of YARI West LA, youth animal rescue with face painting for the kids and Adventures with Doc. JC kids activity on the lawn. Also special pop up Fat Uncle Farms heritage grains and whole grain sourdough bread and organic dryfarmed almonds! So much to look forward to! Here is a flyer with details for this weekend’s performers.
- Release & Take Flight – A Movement Class & Wine Tasting Experience (Sunday 1 – 4pm): Join AJA Vineyards & Inspired Method for a fitness & wine event! Start with a movement & breath work class followed by wine tasting at OPA Gold Member AJA (1417 2nd St.). More details here.
