The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap – Oct. 26 – Nov. 1: Here is the weekly recap of police activity.
The Street Seen: Ocean Park Arena (Pico Between Main & 3rd St): “The circular tent-like Ocean Park Arena opens in 1938 on Pico between Main St and 3rd St. It is a premier venue for boxing and wrestling, and matches are broadcast locally in Southern California. It is demolished in 1958, and replaced by a bowling alley.” More details here.
Street Art = Pride + Foot Traffic: USA Today readers ranked Santa Monica a top street-art city, and partners like Beautify Earth helped deliver 170+ murals that turn blank walls into places people want to hang out, take pics, and enjoy a sunny day in Santa Monica. If you’re hosting visitors, send them mural-hunting (and grab a coffee nearby). Here is Santa Monica’s mural guide.
Two SaMo Spots on The Infatuation’s “The Best Bakeries In LA” List: It give buttery love to Jyan Isaac Bread (1620 Ocean Park Blvd.) and Petitgrain Boulangerie (1209 Wilshire Blvd.), stating the latter “bakes French pastries like Jimi Hendrix rips guitar solos: flawlessly.” More details here.
Will Rogers State Park Reopens, Seeks Input on Rebuild: Ten Months After Losing Historic Landmarks, Equestrian Stables and Forestry, The State Park Has Reopened for Recreation. Watch the SaMoMirror video report here.
Santa Monica Launches $10K Song Contest to Kick Off Route 66 Centennial: Songwriters and musicians 18 and older from 10 countries to submit original songs celebrating the iconic highway’s ties to the city for a $10,000 prize. More details here.
SaMo Dem Club Giving Thanks(giving) with SMC: Join other SMDC members Tuesday, Nov. 25, 5:00pm-8:00pm as we distribute Thanksgiving groceries to Santa Monica College students. If you can’t join that evening, there are other opportunities to help from Sunday, Nov 23 – Tuesday, Nov 25. More details and sign up here.
Volunteer: St. Monica’s Thanksgiving Dinner (day before Thanksgiving): This beautiful annual effort serves ~1,000 neighbors with meals, services, clothing, haircuts, and more. I’ll be there — join me. Let’s show gratitude for all we’ve got by giving to others. More details here.
Ocean Park Photo Exhibition Open to Public on 12/11: OPA member Martin Makaryan is pleased to invite you to his photo exhibition honoring the history of Ocean Peak through portraits and street photography on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Bruce Lurie Gallery in downtown Santa Monica (608 Santa Monica Blvd). More details and RSVP here.
Things To Do This Week
Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion: “MAKE A CIRCLE” (Monday 5:30 – 8pm @ Main Library): Sharing real stories from teachers who care for young children, MAKE A CIRCLE is a love letter to early educators and a rallying cry for a childcare system in crisis. Panel discussion follows with local Early Childhood Educators, Providers, and City and Santa Monica College representatives. More details here.
Live Talks: An Evening with Padma Lakshmi: discussing her cookbook, Padma’s All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond: A Cookbook Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8p.m., New Roads School 3131 Olympic Blvd.https://livetalksla.org/events/padma-lakshmi/
Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony: Santa is lighting the tree and taking FREE photos with everyone! Enjoy special performances, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more. Thursday, Nov 20, 6p.m., 1351 Third St. More details here.
La Soirée Los Angeles: The French American Chamber of Commerce California is bringing its legendary Year-End Gala, La Soirée, to Los Angeles for the very first time. Enjoy a night of French elegance, culinary delights, networking & music, ahead of the holiday season. Tickets include unlimited buffet, fine wines & entertainment. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 – 11p.m., Expert Dojo, 395 Santa Monica Place https://luma.com/zw8phh9y
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OPA and City Meetings
- Architectural Review Board Meeting (Monday 7pm): More details here.
- Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment (Monday 7pm): More details here.
- 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.
- Planning Commission Meeting (Wednesday 6pm): More details & agenda here
Upcoming Calendar of Events
- Pie Baking 101 (11/15 10:30 AM-12pm): Join Lissa and Tess for Pie Baking 101! We are planning to make pie pastry using this ridiculously easy recipe from the 1978 Betty Crocker cookbook (flaky! cheaper! takes 10 minutes start to finish! less packaging waste! vegan! delicious!) and wanted to invite anyone who wants to get a jump on their holiday baking to come on over for Pie Baking 101. You don’t even need a rolling pin, and you can refrigerate or freeze the pastry no problem. We’ll also have a homemade pumpkin pie to eat afterward because, you know, pie! We’ll be making crust together, so even if you’ve never set foot in a kitchen before, we will guide you through it. Experienced bakers are also welcome! RSVP to samosocialclub@gmail.com
- OPA Holiday Party (Dec. 7) @ Edgemar Restaurant, 3-6pm
- Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1. email alexabarrett@gmail.com for more info.
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