SB 79 Passes: “Senate Bill 79, authored by San Francisco Democrat Sen. Scott Wiener, would “upzone” neighborhoods immediately surrounding train, light rail and subway stations in many of the state’s most populous metro areas. That means apartment developers will be able to construct residential buildings — some as tall as 75 feet — regardless of what local zoning maps, elected officials or density-averse neighbors say.” More details here.
City Expands Cannabis Retail Opportunities in Non-Residential Districts: The program builds on an interim zoning ordinance approved in 2023 that allowed the city’s two existing medicinal cannabis retailers to sell and deliver adult-use cannabis. Tuesday’s action further expands the program by allowing new retailers in the adult-use cannabis space, as well as updating the process, permits and compliance requirements for cannabis retail and delivery businesses. Newly approved areas include Downtown Districts, Mixed-Use and Commercial Districts, Bergamot Districts, Employment Districts, & Oceanfront District. More details here.
Case Dismissed Against Man Accused Of Killing Jameson’s Bar Manager: Police contend that a fight broke out outside where Korpie punched the manager, knocking him unconscious. But Korpie’s attorney said his client shoved Clark after the bar manager punched him in the head — he denied returning any punches. More details here.
The Iconic Reel Inn Malibu To Say Goodbye After 36 Years: Plans to resurrect after the Palisades Fire have been shelved following a decision by the California Department of Parks and Recreation not to renew the restaurant’s lease. The move effectively closes a 36-year chapter for the 144-seat seafood shack on Pacific Coast Highway, long recognizable for surfboards on the walls, clever signage, chalkboard menus, and the relaxed Malibu customers. More details here.
Jing Yeo appointed director of Community Development: Yeo has served the city since 2006, and as planning manager since 2016. She served as interim director following longtime Director David Martin’s retirement in December 2024. More details here.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Update – August 24 -30: Here is the police department’s weekly update of activity.
Santa Monica Public Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Nationally, Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and is a time to celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Latino/Latinx and Hispanic communities. More details here on the history and the various events planned over the next month.
23-Story, 124-Units Proposed in Downtown Santa Monica: The proposal calls for a 23-story mixed-income building with 104 for-sale units and 20 deed-restricted affordable units to replace the existing apartments in the 1500 block of 7th Street. A second, smaller project is planned nearby at 1238 7th Street, where a proposed 4-story, 23-unit apartment building to serve entirely as affordable housing. More details here.
Santa Monica City Council approves first Aging and Disability Action Plan: Santa Monica is experiencing a demographic shift with nearly one in five residents over the age of 65 and many living with disabilities or serving as caregivers. Thanks to a California Department of Aging Local Aging and Disability Action Planning (LADAP) grant and with support from the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, the City is creating its own age-and disability-friendly action plan to address the current, emerging and future needs of Santa Monica’s older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. The direction of Santa Monica’s plan will be guided by the Action Plan Advisory Committee. More details here.
Free VITA Tax Assistance Preparation Services At SaMo Public Library: Haven Services is offering free VITA Tax Assistance preparation on two dates at the Santa Monica Public Library. These services are in response to the Federal and California State tax filing deadlines being postponed to October 15 for LA County residents due to the January wildfires. VITA services are available by appointment only:
- Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave. smplmontanabranch.youcanbook.me
- Friday, October 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Pico Branch Library, 2201 Pico Blvd. smplpicobranch.youcanbook.me
OPA Gold Member The Pump Station Has Availability for Some Interesting Classes:
- Music Together 10 Week Fall Session Starting 9/12/25 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, Space is Limited so Sign Up Now!
- Mommy & Me or Parent & Me Groups – New Sessions Starting Monthly! Having a baby is a time of celebration, but it is also a time of big transitions as you try to navigate your way through the uncharted terrain of parenting. Join now Learn to use mindfulness, communication, connection and respect to raise secure, independent and empathetic human beings. Gain confidence in your new role as a parent Sign Up Now!
- Newborn Sleep Foundations Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival or already navigating the early weeks, sleep can feel like one of the most overwhelming parts of new parenthood. Enroll in this class and you’ll get clear, evidence-based guidance on what infant sleep really looks like in the first few months, and how to support it in a way that’s gentle, flexible, and aligned with your baby’s development. Learn More Now!
Things To Do This Week:
- Ocean Park Book Club (Wednesday 6pm): “Our first community book club was a hit! Join us for the September book club at the Ocean Park Library. 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.
- 3rd Annual Countering Truth Decay – A Community Conversations (FREE Thursday 5:30-8pm): This community conversation about combating misinformation will be held at the 18th Street Arts Center. Refreshments and Spanish interpretation services will be provided. A hybrid option is also available via Zoom. More details here.
- Local’s Night at the Pier Returns with Reggae Rhythms and Community Vibes (Thursday 3:30 – 10:30p.m.): Gather your friends and family and head down to the Santa Monica Pier for youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more. santamonicapier.org/localsnight
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.
- Architectural Review Board Meeting (Monday 7pm): More details here.
- OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
- Planning Commission Meeting (Wednesday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
- Recreation & Parks Commission Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
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)
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