OPA Sept 8 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: SaMo Police Department
- 6:45 – 7:00: SaMo Fire Department
- 7:00 – 7:15: Sam Shapiro-Kline (Executive Director of Santa Monica Forward): 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.
- 7:15 – 7:30: Becky Warren (Labor Peace Agreements & The Pier & City Council)
- 7:20 – 8:30: Board business, including upcoming calendar of events
Gelson’s Project is Officially Dead: OPA has learned that Cypress Equity officially terminated their plans to redevelop the property at Lincoln and Ocean Park Blvd. Nothing is known about any possible next steps for the property.
Bowlmor Development Underway: The Cypress Equity project “includes 186 residential units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, alongside approximately 11,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The project will also feature a three-level, partially underground parking structure with 346 parking spaces.” More details here.
Letter from City Manager to Neighborhood Groups Re Police Chief Resignation: This letter was sent in response to a request by five Santa Monica neighborhood groups that the City Council and City Manager reject the resignation of Police Chief Ramon Batista.
City to Declare Fiscal Emergency: City Council will be asked to approve a declaration of fiscal emergency at this Tuesday’s council meeting. If approved, item 4s on the agenda would direct City Manager Oliver Chi to “take all necessary steps to address, alleviate, and mitigate this emergency.” More details here.
The Street Seen: 2328 3rd St (Belvedere) @ Hollister Ave): 10,000 Canadians descended on Ocean Park for the 1920 Canadian Tourists Association’s Winter Picnic and Reunion and led to the 4-story Belvedere Apartments on the northwest corner of 3rd St and Hollister Ave being built in 1921. More details here.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD August 17 -23: Here is the weekly summary of police activity.
The Back To School Edition of the SMMUSD Wave: Click here to read the August 2025 edition that unfortunately has no updates on the Ocean Park school progress other than a photo.
Things To Do This Week:
Red Cross Blood Drive (Wednesday 10am – 4pm): Come by the Main Library for our “In honor drive for 9/11” and get a limited edition Peanuts X Red Cross Tee. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: SantaMonicaLibrary to schedule an appointment or contact library.admin@santamonica.gov. More details here.
Connect with History Enthusiasts & Volunteers in Ocean Park Wednesday 3 – 5pm): Stop by the Conservancy’s volunteer meet-up, . Connect with local history enthusiasts and learn how you can support programs celebrating the City’s 150th Anniversary!
SaMo Dem Club Hosts State Senate Candidate Forum: With State Senator Ben Allen term-limited out of office, there’s been a cluster of candidates announcing their intention to run for the vacant seat in 2026. Eight candidates for State Senate will join the Dems. Club at the Church at Ocean Park for the first candidate’s forum of the SD 24 Senate race. Interested parties can also join on zoom. Register here.
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.
OPA & City Meetings:
City Council Meeting (Tuesday 5:30 pm): Meetings are hybrid and can be viewed on this YouTube channel. Click here for agenda.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Urban Forest Task Force Meeting (Wednesday 6:30pm): More details here.
Disabilities Commission Meeting (Wednesday 6:30pm): More details & agenda here.
Library Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
Rent Control Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
Upcoming Calendar of Events:
September OPA Meeting (9/8)
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)
Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (10/18)
