| Bowlmor Project Updates: We spoke with a representative for the project at Pico & 3rd St. last week, and here are some key updates: |
| Current target completion date is February 2028, but vast majority of exterior work should be done in Q4 2027. Looking to wrap up trenching work in the alley by the end of the month. Reached the bottom of their excavation (meaning no more dump trucks hauling dirt other than digging out the ramp they built for the excavation) They are doing building footings now, followed by underground building utility installations onsite, followed by pouring slab on the bottom and building up from there.T hey expect to need to intermittently close up to two lanes on Pico and plan to only have occasional closures to the 3rd St turnoff going forward. When closing 2 Pico lanes, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction on Pico. |
| Hayden AI to Deploy on Parking Enforcement Vehicles for the First Time (Not Just Buses): Under the expanded agreement with the City of Santa Monica, seven city parking enforcement vehicles will be equipped with Hayden AI’s vision AI platform. The move is designed to extend automated monitoring and enforcement of parking violations — especially those that obstruct bike lanes — across the city, not just along bus routes. More details here. |
| “Prisoner Housing” Is on the Table for Ocean Ave as Officials Reject Proposed Sale of Affordable Housing Buildings to Developer: “Another chapter in the confusing and convoluted Saga of Ocean Avenue Housing was written this week introducing new characters and additional plot twists to what has already become a Byzantine epic of confusion and contradiction. At Tuesday’s meeting of the City Council, officials heard a closed session item pertaining to the sale of property at 419 and 1616 Ocean Avenue. Affordable housing provider Community Corporation of Santa Monica has control of the properties and was said to be negotiating their sale with developer Leo Pustilnikov. A proposed sale requires city consent because 419 Ocean Avenue was deeded to CCSM by the city in 2016 along with 1616 Ocean Avenue, and the City retains the rights to reacquire the property….” More details here. |
| Nearly 50 Santa Monica Restaurants Join Winter Dine LA 2026: Nearly 50 Santa Monica restaurants are participating in the winter edition of Dine LA Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus from Jan. 23 through Feb. 6 as part of the citywide event featuring more than 375 venues. More details here. |
| The Street Seen: Casa Del Mar (1943 to 1999) 1910 Ocean Front Walk @ Pico Blvd: In 1943, the US Army commandeers Casa Del Mar. Following WWII, along with the other beach clubs, Casa Del Mar struggles to regain its antebellum popularity. Drug rehab organization, Synanon, occupies the facility in 1967, followed by the nutrition and health care center, Pritikin Longevity, in 1978. The renovated building reopens as Hotel Casa Del Mar in 1999. More details here. |
| The California DMV Details New California Laws Taking Effect in 2026: Changes Address DUI Enforcement, Speed Limits, License Plates, Autonomous Vehicles. More details here. |
| Favorite Palisades restaurant rises again in Venice, with the same heart, and stellar pasta: The patio at Cinque Terre West in Venice is petite but cozy, with a handful of tables and counter seating that offer a prime view into the bustling kitchen. Nestled onto a busy stretch of Rose Avenue, it feels smaller and even livelier than the original Cinque Terre West, a local favorite in the Gardens at Palisades strip mall in the center of the town. Vinzoni and his wife, Marlo, who lost multiple businesses in the Palisades fire, and whose home was also damaged, are once again starting to feel like part of a thriving community. More details here. |
Things to Do This Week:
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / Kindergarten Roundup Planned for Thursday Jan. 22: The annual event is an opportunity for Santa Monica and Malibu parents of children entering TK or Kindergarten for the upcoming year to meet the principal and teachers of their neighborhood school, learn about before and after school care and begin the registration process for the upcoming school year. This year’s event is in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year. Visit the SMMUSD new student enrollment webpage for more information and to find your neighborhood school.
OPA and City Meetings
- OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
- Planning Commission Meeting (Wednesday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
Upcoming Calendar of Events and Ways to Get Involved
- Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are February 4 (Project Hail Mary), March 4 (The Vanishing Half), April 1 (The Maid), May 6 (Demon Copperhead). Email alexabarrett@gmail.com for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.).
- Ocean Park Branch Library Re-Opening Celebration: Wednesday, January 21, 12 – 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. All ages are welcome, and no RSVP is required. More details here.
- OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, Feb. 9, 6p.m. @ Ocean Park Library
- Want to Volunteer for Future OPA Sponsored Heal The Bay Adopt-A-Beach Clean-Ups? Contact Dave Tann here. He is the coordinator for the OPA/Heal The Bay events, always meeting at Tower 26.
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