OPA released its newsletter after our publication deadline yesterday. The newsletter text has been lightly updated to reflect this. Image: Scene from Main St. Farmers Market this weekend ON the street.
| OPA Summer Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like this weekend’s Main St. Farmers Market event), please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE. |
| This weekend is the final OPA Heal the Bay Beach Cleanup of the summer: Contact Dave Tann at dogtowndave@yahoo.com. He is the coordinator for the OPA/Heal The Bay events, always meeting at Tower 26. |
| SB 79 Community Information Meeting Set for Tonight, August 25. Council Action to Follow on 9/8: From City Manager Oliver Chi’s newsletter: “There will be a virtual attendance option available also through the City’s SB 79 website. As a refresher, SB 79 is a new State law that took effect July 1 and establishes minimum guaranteed development standards for qualified housing projects within a half mile of specified transit stops. Those new guaranteed development standards apply locally around our Expo Line stations here in Santa Monica, along with three bus stop locations located Downtown.” More details here. |
| Officer Involved Shooting – Update: The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Satuday, August 22, in the 1400 block of Palisades Park. At approximately 12:49 p.m., SMPD officers responded to the area regarding a reported domestic violence incident. While officers were speaking with witnesses, a man who was not involved in the original call charged toward the officers while armed with a knife. The man ignored repeated commands to drop the knife and continued advancing toward the officers. One officer discharged their firearm, striking the man. More details here. |
| Santa Monica affordable housing production remains on pace, city report finds: Affordable housing built in Santa Monica over the past fiscal year outpaced the city’s minimum requirements by a wide margin, according to a new report presented to the City Council, even as the number of affordable units awaiting construction approval showed a smaller share of low-income units. More details here. |
| Californians Criticize Federal Efforts to Control the State’s Coast: This NY Times article details how “California’s shoreline is one of its most valuable resources, drawing millions of tourists and locals and contributing tens of billions of dollars to the economy annually. Voters created the commission in the 1970s to maximize public access to the coastline. But the deep blue state’s laws and agencies that limit coastal development have been a persistent target of conservatives, including President Trump.” |
| One month left to enter Santa Monica’s Route 66 centennial song contest: Songwriters and musicians have until Sept. 13 to enter Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s Route 66 Song Contest, a competition marking the 100th anniversary of the highway that ends in the beachside city. The contest invites entrants over the age of 18 to submit an original song capturing the spirit of Santa Monica and its connection to the historic road. The winner will receive $10,000 and will be announced in November. More details here. |
| Councilmember Dan Hall Newsletter: Here is his weekly newsletter, with his thoughts on news in and around the city over the past week, upcoming calendar of events, and much more. https://mailchi.mp/santamonica/20260718danhallnewsletter |
Things to Do This Week
- Coffee with a Cop at the Santa Monica Pier (Tuesday 11am-1pm): This is a collaboration with Pacific Park and SMPD will be in the space next to Coffee Bean. Hope to see you there!
- Weekly Western Wednesdays Line Dancing at Santa Monica Place: No prior dance experience is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and comfortable shoes. FREE. Every Wednesday through Aug. 26, 6 – 8 p.m., 395 Santa Monica Place, Center Plaza.
- Origins Culinary Series: An Evening in the Napa Garden with Caymus: Indulge in an exclusive multi-course wine dinner celebrating the iconic pours of Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards. The evening pairs seasonal garden dishes with select Caymus vintages, highlighting the vineyard’s rich winemaking heritage in an intimate outdoor setting. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m., 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey More details here.
- Virginia Ave. Park Open House & Resource Fair (Friday 5 – 7pm): This free annual event is a chance for residents of all ages to connect with local service providers, discover free programs offered at Virginia Avenue Park, and learn about valuable resources available throughout the city: American Red Cross, Calif. Lawyers for the Arts, Chrysalis, Edison Language Academy, Haven Neighborhood Services, L.A. County Dept. of Children and Family Services, L.A. County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk Election Worker Services, NAMI Westside LA, Santa Monica Community Gardens, Santa Monica Fire Department, Santa Monica Pico Farmers Market, Santa Monica Police Department, Santa Monica Public Library, and Santa Monica Swim Center. More details here.
- Shabbat on the Beach ☀️ (Friday 5:30 – 7 pm): Warm your toes in the sand and join your Mishkon community for a magical Shabbat on the Beach, filled with singing, spirit, and the joy of celebrating Shabbat together. Feel free to bring your own instrument and join Rabbi Joshua Katzan in making music. Don’t forget your beach chairs, blankets, and jackets. If you’d like to stay after the service, bring your own picnic dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening on the beach with friends and family. Learn more and RSVP here.
OPA and City Meetings
- Community Meeting Regarding Senate Bill 79 Updates and Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance: (Tuesday 6:30pm) The City invites people to attend an Join us for an informational community meeting on implementation of Senate Bill 79 and proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance to increase development standards for 89 R1-zoned parcels north of the I-10 Freeway and east of Dorchester Avenue. @ City Council Chamber, Second Floor, Santa Monica City Hall 1685 Main St.
- OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
- Restorative Justice Commission Meeting (Wedneday 7pm): More details here.
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