City Council Could Permit the Sale of Adult-Use Cannabis: More details here on the City exploring relaxing the current rules that limit sales to medicinal dispensaries.
City will remain in a “Stage 2 Water Shortage Level” despite recent wet winter: City Council voted unanimously to continue the 20% reduction in water use despite an abnormally wet winter that pulled much of the state out of drought. More details here.
How to Go Solar in Santa Monica: The City published this guide with links to help property owners learn more on going solar.
How To Avoid Catalytic Converter Theft: SM Mirror published this article with tips to protect your catalytic converter. Tonight (Thursday 7-9pm) is also the FREE SMPD Etch & Catch @ Firestone at 1817 Lincoln. Spots may still be available for sign-up at this link.
“New Version of the Main Street Market Takes Root on Sundays”: This SMDP profile details how the Farmers Market is leaning into entertainment and events among other new features.
New Santa Monica AR Walking Tour: This KTLA report (both video and written) details the tour that was created in partnership with the Quinn Research Center, which exists to study black family history and culture in the Santa Monica Bay area. Note that the OPA Arts Task Force is working on an Ocean Park walking tour as well. Click Nick or Chris to email them to learn more or get involved.
Longtime Ocean Park Activist Julie Lopez Dad Dies at 81: This SaMo Mirror story details her work and her efforts to preserve coastal skyline.
What to Eat & Drink?
- WhistlePig Summer BBQ (Thursday 7pm): Kick off summer at SALT Restaurant in Marina del Rey with a rye whiskey tasting flight, special BBQ, and tiki glass giveaway. Tickets start at $75 per person. More details here.
- Iced Vanilla Twink Latte @ Little Lunch Coffee: For Pride month, the Venice coffee shop has added this to their menu. Inspired by queer-led and local cannabis company Stone Road’s limited edition Pride strain by the same name, the latte is made with housemade vanilla bean syrup, espresso, oat milk, vanilla whip cream, topped with glitter sprinkles. A percentage of all profits go to My Friend’s Place, a drop in shelter for homeless youth. More details here.
- 626 Night Market Mini (Saturday & Sunday 1-10pm): The downtown SaMo snack around pop-up is back every other weekend this Spring at the corner of Arizona and 5th with three dozen rotating local food pop-ups, curated by the 626 Night Market team, merchandise & craft vendors, and a full bar. More details and FREE tickets here.
- The Anchor Venice Launches The Little Anchor Lobster Truck: This Eater LA report calls it “One of LA’s Best Lobster Rolls” and says “The Anchor’s Kristin Ciccolella has launched a sunny new food truck selling seafood delights just in time for summer.”
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Night Market at The Bungalow Santa Monica (Thursday, June 22, 5-11p.m.): “Night Market will offer a perfect blend of delectable food, refreshing drinks, live music, and community, all in one place.” This event runs every Thursday night through summer.
- Drunk Theatre Improv (Friday, June 24, 9p.m.): A comedian takes 5 shots of whiskey in a row and tries to perform an improvised play with 5 sober comedians at the Santa Monica Playhouse. What could go wrong?! More details here.
- Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival (Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25): “Celebrate the best of beach life with an awesome, FREE, all ages festival.” Events include Ocean Sport Races, Legends Beach Volleyball Tournament, Sandcastle Competition, Beer and Spirits Garden, a skate ramp, all day music and more. More details & register here.
- Venice Summer Fest (Saturday, June 24, 12-8p.m.): Head to Venice for a day of fun for all ages, featuring local bands, yoga, games, and classic cars on display. There’s also a beer garden and food trucks. Free to attend. More info here.
- Sandcastle Competition at Pier 360 Beach Festival (Sunday 9:00a.m.–2:30 p.m.): Click here for more information and to register your team.
- Art at the Airport Summer Open Studios (Sunday, June 25, 11a.m.-3p.m.): This event lets people visit over 20 working artist studios housed in a historic airplane hangar as they open their doors for a peek into their art practices. Refreshments, Music, Free parking.
- Grand Opening of John Reed Fitness @ 1202 3rd St Promenade (Friday-Sunday, June 23-25): “During the Grand Opening Weekend, the public will have the exclusive opportunity to experience the space with free club access.” In addition to free classes all weekend, on Saturday, June 24, guests can expect special free programming, including exhilarating classes, live DJ performances, and activities such as cupping therapy and a piercing station. More details here.
- Sunday Main St Farmers Market: Join us this Sunday for a Solstice Celebration at the Main Street Farmers Market with Bach2Rock kid jam at 9am on the lawn; Cadre Scott (Jazz-Folk) at 10am; & Kiki and the Sunnyside Chalkers 8:30-10:30am. There will also be CASM – induction stove demo and SM Community Gardens – Ocean Waste survey.
- Final Weekend of Pride Events:
- Party with a Purpose Mixer & Fundraiser (Thursday, June 22, 5-7p.m.): This event at the Victorian supports the Trans Equity Scholarships, a partnership with the Church in Ocean Park.
- Sunset Swim (Friday, June 23, 6-9p.m.): Meet at the Annenberg Community Beach House (age 18+). More details here.
- “Coming Out West – LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories” Exhibit Opening Reception (Saturday, June 24, 11am-5pm.): “Experience the history and empowering journey of eight revered LGBTQ+ elders with ties to Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Bay area. This SaMo History Museum opening reception will be an all-day celebration of history, with music, food, the Rainbow Book Bus and community. Bring the whole family.”
- LGBTQ+ Santa Monica: Community Conversation at Pico Branch Library, Saturday, June 24, 12:00–2:30p.m.): Intergenerational local LGBTQ+ voices share and discuss their current lives, history, and hopes for the future.
- Sapphic Icons – Poetry Masterclass & Workshop (Saturday, June 24, 2-5p.m.): Joshua Jennifer Espinoza and Eileen Elizabeth Espinoza lead this event at the Annenberg Community Beach House.
- Lifeguard Towers at Will Rogers Beach Painted with Pride Colors: They were unveiled June 17. More details here.
