Thank You Alfalfa for Joining OPA as a Gold Member!!! “Alfalfa is a California-inspired eatery, serving high-end salads, nourishing plates, and gluten-free desserts. Our mission is to inspire joy through balance. With bi-coastal locations, we bring an ingredient-driven approach to real food and create elevated, community-centered experiences.” They have been very generous to OPA over the years, including letting us use their patio for meetings last year. When you frequent them, please thank them for their community support! 2309 Main St. eatalfalfa.com/santa-monica
OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like last 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.
OPA September Monthly Meeting Recap: Here is the full recording and here are some highlights from the meeting:
- SMPD: Click here to see the discussion of recent police activity.
- SMFD: Click here to see the discussion with our local engine company.
- Sam Shapiro-Kline (Executive Director of Santa Monica Forward): Here is his talk about how he and Forward are focused on driving progressive change to make Santa Monica more affordable, sustainable, and safe. Sam has led the charge for recent measures to expand the availability of housing for Santa Monicans and community members.
- Gelson’s Project: Here is where we discuss it’s death.
- Gelson’s Project: Here is where we discuss it’s death.
- Becky Warren: Here is her talk about her efforts to oppose LPA mandate on leases and here is a follow up message from her: Join Local Businesses to Keep Santa Monica Local: City Council is considering a LPA mandate on leases, which could include outdoor dining. Local businesses are coming together to oppose – as it will raise costs, create vacances and push out local businesses. Learn more: www.KeepSAMOLocal.com.
- Click here to watch the Board business, including upcoming calendar of events, brainstorming having part of Main St. activated as an Entertainment Zone for 10/18 Day of the Dog Festival, budget planning given that we may get less city money next year, and more.
Mayor Lana Negrete Explains What it Means if the City Declares a Fiscal Emergency: She explains the process in this Instagram post.
- The TLDR is that “I know that sounds serious — but here’s the bottom line: (1) This is not a fiscal emergency. (2) It doesn’t cut services or change any contracts. (3) It’s a tool to help us better communicate our financial reality to the state, Coastal Commission, and federal agencies.”
- “Why now? Because despite all the budget discussions this summer, many agencies didn’t fully grasp how serious our situation is. Putting it in one official document makes our case stronger when we’re seeking grants, flexibility, and relief.”
Commemorating Sept. 11: A Day of Service and Remembrance: As the nation marks the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the Santa Monica Fire Department invites the community to pause in remembrance of the lives lost, the heroism of first responders, and the enduring spirit of resilience that continues to unite us. Each year, SMFD holds a brief and solemn ceremony in honor of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. This tradition provides an opportunity for reflection and a reminder of the strength that emerges when communities come together in times of adversity. The public is warmly encouraged to join firefighters and city officials at one of Santa Monica’s three participating fire stations. Neighbors are invited to gather promptly at 6:45 a.m. at Station 2 at 222 Hollister Ave. for the 20-minute ceremony. More details here.
LA Times Profiles Bob’s Market: This article entitled “How a beloved corner market hangs on in the corporate age” details how Bob’s on Ocean Park Blvd. “has a loyal following because of the big and little things.”
38.5-Acre Dune Restoration Proposed for Santa Monica to Boost Coastal Resilience: The project, led by the City of Santa Monica and The Bay Foundation, aims to create foredune and back dune habitats using native plants like beach evening primrose and red sand verbena The California Coastal Commission will evaluate a proposal to restore 38.5 acres of dune habitat along 3 miles of Santa Monica State Beach, part of a broader effort to bolster coastal resilience and biodiversity while preserving public access. The hearing, set for Thursday at 9 a.m. at Fort Bragg Town Hall, 363 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, will address the City of Santa Monica’s application for Phase 3 of a living shoreline project. More details here. And here is a Q&A the city published about the project.
Things To Do This Weekend:
Heal the Bay’s Bring Back the Beach Gala (Thursday 5:30pm): Since 1985, Heal the Bay has been at the forefront of protecting our local coastlines through bold advocacy, science, and community action. In the wake of the recent wildfires, it’s more important than ever to support Heal the Bay’s coastal cleanup efforts. Tickets include a curated menu, creative cocktails, a bioluminescent ball, silent auctions, networking, and more. Jonathan Club, 850 Palisades Beach Rd. https://healthebay.org/event/bring-back-the-beach-gala-2025/
Sustainable Landscape Expo (Saturday 9am-12pm): Join us for a fun-filled morning of light snacks, giveaways and valuable landscape resources. Check out the new growing space, conveniently located next to the Miles Memorial Playhouse. The garden will be serving as a demonstration garden for implementing low water systems for Pollinator Friendly Plantings as well as Edible Crops. The event is FREE to ALL but you must register HERE. @ Miles Playhouse at Christine Emerson Reed Park 1130 Lincoln Blvd.
Country Night at The Venice West (Saturday 10:30pm): Grab your cowboy boots for a one-night-only honky-tonk dance party featuring a high-energy YEEDM DJ set, line dancing instruction, and classic country beats—no partner required for this western-style soirée by the beach. @ 1717 Lincoln Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/p/DN03d5v0h5E/
Visit TWO Santa Monica Landmarks for Doors Open California: The Shotgun House (est. 1897) and Annenberg Community Beach House (est. 1929) are open for extended hours Sept. 13th and 14th (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for FREE tours. Immerse yourself in stories of community activism, beach living, and Old Hollywood!
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Hello and welcome to the Main Street Farmers Market with special guest, singer songwriter, Alex Chaiet at 9am and the GM Jazz Quartet from 10am-1pm! On the lawn, Westside Waldorf will have wool pumpkin crafts! Back at the market this Sunday is Creative fire and Kiln organic market inspired hotsauces, Buon Gusto Olive Oil and Cuyama organic apples!! See you there!
Flow & 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 AJA. @ 1417 2nd St. More details here.
Annual Americana Festival in the Park (Sunday 1:30 to 6:30pm): This musical afternoon celebrates Americana music from traditional roots, blues, jazz and folk to its modern forms. Pack a picnic, bring blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment. Local food trucks will be on hand, along with kid-friendly activities, and more. @ Gandara Park, 1819 Stewart St. More details here.
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
Ocean Park Book Club (9/17): Click here to email the club with any questions or to RSVP.
OPA Housing Committee Meeting (9/24)
OPA Beach Clean-Up (9/28)
October OPA Meeting (10/14)
Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
