OPA News
OPA Halloween Mixer @ Ashland Hill (10/29): We hope to see you at @ Ashland Hill’s back patio (2801 Main St.) from 4:00-6-30pm. Costumes optional, but encouraged. Come enjoy FREE appetizers and GREAT company. See you there!
OPA wants to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to Susan Leary for making a generous $250 donation to help us support our events, outreach, and advocacy efforts like this newsletter and this weekend’s Main St. event. CLICK HERE TO DONATE OR JOIN and help support the organization.
OPA is Looking for 2026 Board Nominations: Early November is the deadline for 2026 OPA Board Nominations: Reply to this email asap if you’re interested in joining the board and want to learn more about it and/or want to nominate someone else.
Civic Auditorium Update
The Santa Monica City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday night to end exclusive negotiations with Revitalization Partners Group over a proposed $360 million restoration of the long-shuttered Civic Auditorium, citing frustration with the lack of financial documentation after nearly two years of discussions. City staff indicated that a new competitive process to identify potential developers and uses for the site could begin within several months, pending completion of the highest-and-best-use analysis. More details here.
This city released this statement about the decision with the headline stating “City broadens pathway for exploring options to restore the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium” and stating that “Moving ahead, city staff will be working to prepare a detailed analysis of market opportunities, land use constraints, and funding strategies to guide the next phase of work, in an effort to reestablish the Civic as a vibrant community space.”
The City also released this “Civic Auditorium Exclusive Negotiating Agreement FAQ.”
News
Santa Monica Approves New Category to Support Community Events: This press release details the current list of events (including the Main St. July 4th Parade) and what the requirements are. The Recreation & Parks Dept. will review the list annually.
ICE Conducts Operations at SaMo Car Wash: The operation occurred around 10 a.m. at the Santa Monica Car Wash on Pico Boulevard, according to city communications. SMPD issued a statement clarifying its role following the reported ICE activity. “The Santa Monica Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement,” police said in a community message. “Our role is to protect the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, or visits Santa Monica — regardless of immigration status.” More details here and the City issued this statement on ICE operation.
United Against Hate Week: October 19-25 is United Against Hate Week, an annual call for communities to stand against hate and work together to create a safe, equitable environment. For more information including events and activities such as CPR training and bystander intervention, click here.
We Need Your Help to Save Lives at the Red Cross! Ony 3% donate in the US. Sad but true. This month has been so slow & we have lots of NEED. You can help the Santa Monica Chapter @ 1450 11th St (@ Broadway) every Monday 1-7 pm, some Thursdays 1-7pm and Saturdays 8am-2pm. Check schedule at RedCrossBlood.org or click here to schedule a time.
Santa MoniCares Sock Drive: Socks are the most commonly requested item in homeless shelters and rehabilitation facilities across the country. This month, the Santa Monica community is invited to donate new, unworn socks to the annual SOCKtober drive in all sizes, including children and infants. Presented by Santa MoniCARES, tourism supporting the community, SOCKtober aims to collect 1,500 pairs of socks for donation by Friday, October 31. Participants are invited to make a difference this season by donating their clean socks to our Visitor Information Center at 2427 Main Street daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Curbside pick-up is available. Please call or text 424-443-8830. https://santamonicares.org
The Blue Notebook – September 21 – 27: Here is the Weekly Update from the Santa Monica Police Department.
The Street Seen: 2527 3rd St (@ Ocean Park Blvd): A Late Victorian style house is built in 1904, high on the east side of 3rd Street near Ocean Park Blvd. After the misfortunes of the first residents, C.H. Mellen lives here for 40 years. In 2006, a 2-story structure is attached to the rear of the multi-family residential property. More details here.
Things to Do This Week
Venice Beach Wine Club at AJA Vineyards (Wednesday): ✨Join us as we sip some wine, and have a laugh with our Santa Monica neighbors. Ticket includes entry and discounted glasses of wine specifically for VBWC. More details here.
Spooky Splash @ SaMo Swim Center (Friday 5 – 8pm): Join us for an evening of recreational swimming, floating pumpkin patch, spooky flicks, arts & crafts, and tricks and treats. Explore the Sharks Haunted House, conquer the floating obstacle course, and grab dinner from local food trucks. Costumes encouraged! Click here to get your Tickets in advance and skip the line. @ 2225 16th St.
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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.
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