Recap of OPA Future of SaMo Civic Auditorium Roundtable & Monthly Meeting & Video Highlights:
- Carey Upton from SMMUSD sharing the details and background of their bid in this video (it starts as audio only but video starts after 4 minutes).
- Save the Civic: Bea Nemlala and Lori Nafshun share their vision for restoring the Civic in this video.
- Community Corp: In this video Jesus Hernandez explains their vision to both restore the Civic and convert part of the land to affordable housing.
- David White from the City confirms accuracy of everyone’s positions and clarifies that there is some “up in the air” components of whether the school district would need to adhere to the landmark status or not, but that he believes the district agreed to honor the landmark status.
- Here is the Q&A with all the speakers. Some highlights:
- “Save the Civic” Funding: Multiple people asked about how they plan to fund their efforts. They said they cannot share those details at that time.
- Cost Estimates: Save the Civic said they do not know cost estimates. Carey Upton said their estimates are in the range of $175-$225 million.
- Next Steps in the Process from the City’s Perspective: Nina Fresco and David Martin discussed what’s next in the legal process. David expects it will take months for the California Department of Housing and Community Development to give the City permission to go out more broadly to solicit bids.
- How Much in the Land Worth? Community Corp confirms their proposal included a $20M payment to the city and potential revenue to the city from their continued operation of the Civic. David Martin confirmed that their offer was turned down because they think there could be more lucrative offers forthcoming.
- “Save the Civic” Funding: Multiple people asked about how they plan to fund their efforts. They said they cannot share those details at that time.
- Future of John Muir / SMASH: In this video Carey Upton confirms that they are targeting reopening the school in August 2025.
- 2024 OPA Board: This video details that we are accepting self-nominations now. The deadline is Nov 5.
- Board Business: This video includes discussion of Oct 21/22 Main St Festival, Dec 9 holiday party, our new LGBTQ task force called “The Network”, the future of the Main St library, and more.
OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading, please help our efforts by becoming a member. Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN
Thank you Beach House Cowork for Hosting OPA! Check them out here if you are looking for a place to get work done or hold occassional meetings. Here’s more about them:
- At Beach House CoWork, our custom workspace options can be adapted to all your professional needs. This is a great option for freelancers and startups with flexible schedules that are looking for an affordable space to work in. Not to mention our Coworking Desks come with high-speed internet, printing services and more.
- Our Conference Rooms can be reserved by members, or the general public. Our Sunset Suite comes equipped with a 55 inch TV with Apple TV or Chromecast capabilities. With room up to 20 guests, it is the perfect location for your next meeting.
There was an Egg Processing & Distribution Business on Main St.? Read this week’s Street Seen to learn more about Edgemar Eggs at 2435 Main Street @ Hollister.
Rabano Bringing “Fresh And Healthy” To Former Novel Cafe @ 2507 Main St.: A sign recently went up over the door announcing the arrival of Rabano Handcrafted Food & Drinks. This report explains that Rabano has a location in Hermosa Beach and has a “fresh and healthy” menu of salads, bowls, and sandwiches that utilizes local ingredients and focuses on the environment.
Used Oil Filter Exchange Event (Saturday, 9am – 3pm): Santa Monica residents ONLY – bring in your used oil filter to exchange for a new one for FREE @ O’Reilly’s, 2018 Lincoln Blvd. More details here.
Video Report of Toolbox Mens Nail Salon @ 2665 Main St: This SaMo Mirror TikTok report showcases the new salon located in the historic New Orleans Building.
Sweet Rose Creamery @ 2726 Main St. has a variety of Halloween-themed flavors and frozen treats available now until October 31. Enjoy scoops of Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream showcasing Tutti Frutti Farms’ organic pumpkins or Halloween Ripple which celebrates all the fudgy, caramely and peanut butter goodness found in a trick-or-treat bag.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- FREE “Freaky Friday” Movie Night on the Promenade (Friday, Seating starts @ 6:30pm): “Grab your picnic baskets and bring the whole family – including pups – and get ready for a night at the movies.” More details here for the event on 3rd St. Promenade between Wilshire & Arizona.
- Fire Department Fire Prevention Week Event – Open House at Fire Station 1 (Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Participants can get a close-up view to a working fire station. Fire department personnel will provide cooking safety tips and information on preventing household fires. All ages welcome. 1337 7th St. More details here.
- BakeCamp L.A. “Cookies for a Cause” (Saturday): This event includes a friendly competition to crown “L.A.’s Favorite Cookie Baker.” Admission includes 15 cookies to taste and raises funds for the Paw Works animal rescue. Cost is $15-$28, but OPA readers get $10 off adult tickets with the code “puppies.” They have a 10a.m. & 1:30p.m. @ Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Ave. Sam and I going to the 1:30…LMK if you will be there.
- Main St. Sunday Farmers Market: It’s Kids’ Day at the Main Street Farmers Market this Sunday with Miss Me and the Music Castle 10am-1pm and the Laura Jean Music Academy at 11am & noon!! Baby pumpkin adoption @ 10am. Here is the full October calendar as the market celebrates Farmers and National Food Day all month long.
