OPA published their newsletter yesterday after we published Santa Monica Next for the day. The newsletter has been edited to remove events that have already happened.
OPA Housing Committee Meeting Next Wedneday (9/24) 6 – 7:30pm @ Ocean Park Library: Feel free to show up or get more information by clicking here to email Robbie.
Main St. Day of the Dog Festival Moved to Sunday Oct. 19: Prepare for a tail-wagging good time where you can “pawsitively” enjoy a day dedicated to our four-legged friends. It’s the “ultimutt” event for a day of fun, featuring a variety of dog-friendly activities and vendors.
Heidi von Tongeln Appointed Interim City Attorney: Von Tongeln has nearly 20 years of municipal law experience. She joined the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office in 2012 and has served as chief deputy city attorney since 2022. More details here.
Santa Monica Dune Restoration Project Wins Unanimous Approval Despite Fire Concerns: The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved a controversial plan Thursday, Sept. 11, to restore 38.5 acres of native dune habitat along Santa Monica State Beach, despite fierce opposition from beachfront residents who warn the project could increase fire risks and attract homeless encampments. The Phase 3 expansion will nearly double the existing dune restoration area to cover approximately 19% of Santa Monica’s sandy beach, making it one of the largest coastal habitat restoration projects in Southern California. More details here.
Santa Monica Nonprofit Opens Urban Farm to Combat Family Homelessness: The Upward Bound House Urban Farm, located at 1417 Yale Street, represents a novel approach to addressing homelessness by integrating food security and wellness programs with traditional housing services. The 2,100-square-foot facility includes growing fields, hydroponic towers, a greenhouse and a teaching kitchen. More details here.
From SMPD: Stay Engaged Every Day:
- File requests through 311 for encampment clean up, bulky item pick up, graffiti removal and more. Download the app!
- Contact SMPD non-emergency at 310-458-8491.
- Emergencies: always dial 911
The Street Seen: An Old House (2911 4th Street @ Ashland Ave.): In 1904, a retired Chicago businessman builds an ostentatious house on a large property on the 4th Street hill near Ashland Ave. After the original owner dies in 1920, there is a series of short-term owners, before the building becomes a rooming house in the 1950s. The building is demolished in 1977 to make way for an apartment building. More details here.
SaMo Pier Corp Creates 3-Year Vision Plan and 10-Year North Star: The intention is to make a visit to the Pier the best possible experience for the foreseeable future. You can check it out here: santamonicapier.org/aboutus
All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Opens At SaMo Pier Celebrating Eerie Historic Past: The legendary “Toonerville Funhouse” appeared in two eras of Santa Monica amusement history – first at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and later at Pacific Ocean Park in 1958 – thrilling and unnerving guests for decades. Hidden away for years, its spirit has been resurrected inside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Over time, storms and renovations buried its memory, until the entrance to the abandoned funhouse was mysteriously uncovered inside Pacific Park. With a little polishing, it has reopened for guests as a nod to local Santa Monica history and nostalgic fun. More details here.
Compost Giveaway (Saturday 9am – 2pm @ City Yards, 2500 Michigan Ave.): Join the Resource Recovery and Recycling team for their quarterly compost giveaway! This is a self-service event so please bring gloves and containers and be prepared to load your own compost. More details here.
Off Market House: 9165 Cordell Dr | $12,995,000: Newly built Italian-inspired villa in the exclusive Bird Streets, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. Features chef’s kitchen, saltwater pool, spa, gym, and breathtaking city views in a private hillside retreat. Contact Raphael Barragan with questions about this property or if you have questions about your property.
Things To Do This Weekend:
Thai Fest by the Beach (Saturday & Sunday): Dive into authentic Thai flavors, enjoy the most vibrant of vibes, and experience cultural performances—all in one place all weekend. FREE. @ Santa Monica Pier instagram.com/thaifestbythebeach
Douglas Day 2025 (Saturday 10am – 3pm): This community celebration honors the legacy of innovation at Santa Monica Airport and the heroic first responders of the 2025 LA wildfires, presented by the Spirit of Santa Monica. From thrilling aircraft and STEAM-powered discovery zones to live music, tasty bites, and hands-on fun for all ages, this event is your ticket to a day of inspiration, imagination, and aviation magic. @ Santa Monica Airport https://www.spiritofsantamonica.org
Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 (Saturday 9am – 12pm): Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action to protect our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from debris and plastic pollution. This year, there are more than 70 cleanup sites throughout the county for you to choose from. More details here.
During the Cleanup: Reflecting on Black History at Bay Street Beach: Stop by Santa Monica’s Bay Street Beach (Tower 20) during Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup for the Conservancy’s outdoor exhibition, in partnership with historian Dr. Alison R. Jefferson, reflecting on the Black experience at the site.
Dosas, Waffles & A Workday (Saturday 9–11am): Head to Ishihara Learning Garden to enjoy a community breakfast with homemade dosas and waffles. Volunteers are welcome to help work on preparing an area that will be an expansion of the Community Orchard. More details here.
The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project (Saturday 1 – 3pm): The library presents this special event that explores the cultural history and contributions of Mexican American families in the city. Attendees can learn about the project’s community members and how they can contribute to documenting this rich cultural history. More details here.
Mega Mahjong at the Park (Saturday 4 – 7pm): Join East Never Loses, the Feminist Center for Creative Work (FCCW), and the City of Santa Monica Parks for an exciting event where you can play with giant lifesize mahjong tiles—a viral sensation sweeping across Asia. @ Christine Emerson Reed Park, 1133 7th St. More details here.
Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): Happy Fall Equinox! Come celebrate with special guests the Triple B Band 10am-1pm! With the Adventures of DocJC, Big and Tiny crafts and Soccer Stars activites on the lawn. Look for the Fat Uncle Farms pop up with organic dry farmed almonds, heritage grains, sourdough bread and new pancake mix!
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
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)
