OPA Event Tonight: “Ballot Measures Made Simple” With Free Wine & a Good Time (10/17 @ 6pm): 80s, 90s, and 2000s babies are encouraged to join us at The Victorian for a fun and informative breakdown of measures we’ll be voting on. Wine and light apps will be served up to keep political tensions down. We absolutely will not tell you how to vote! More details here
Vote on Movie for Annual Howl-O-Ween Event: Main Street’s Howl-O-Ween event is back on Saturday, November 2nd! Join us for a spooktacular afternoon of fun! Dress up your furry friend and enter our pet costume contest. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with face painting, a photo booth, live music, performances by Sophie Dance West and Lincoln Middle School Choir and pet-friendly vendor booths. And click here to vote on what movie we’ll be showing (this year will be in the parking lot adjacent to Ashland Hill @ 2807 Main St). CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR THE MOVIE
OPA Monthly Meeting Recap: This month’s OPA meeting only recorded the audio (no video), so you can listen to it podcast style.
- SMPD & Chief Batista Discussion: Click here to listen to a recap or recent police activity and hear the Chief discuss priorities and future efforts.
- PRO/CON Discussion of the $495 million SMMUSD facilities bond measure on the November ballot: Click here to listen to Steve Massetti (bond consultant) speak on behalf of the bond (and click here to view his presentation) and Nikki Kolhoff (Friends of Sunset Park Board Member) speak against it (and click here to view her presentation).
- Board Business: Click here to hear the discussion of upcoming calendar of events (11/2 Howl-o-Ween, 12/8 Holiday Party), OPA Election, & more.
Election / Voting News:
- SaMo City Council Candidate Forum Video: Here is a link to the video of the two-hour Forum that all 10 candidates participated in on Sept. 8.
- Check on Your Voter Registration Status: If you are unsure of your voter registration status go to https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ to find your current status.
- Register to Vote: If you are not yet registered, Monday, Oct. 21 is the deadline to register online at https://registertovote.ca.gov/
- Voter Registration Assistance @ SaMo Public Library: People will be on hand to help register people on Saturday 10/19 at the Pico Branch (2201 Pico Blvd.) from 10am to 12pm.
- In Person Voting: In person voting starts Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am – 7pm at Civic Center parking Structure 2nd floor (330 Olympic Dr.). In person in Ocean Park is Nov. 2 -5 at at Joslyn Park (633 Kensington) from 7am – 8pm.
- Ballot Box Voting: Ballots can be dropped off 24 hours per day at any participating vote by mail ballot box location in the county. The Ocean Park ballot box is at Ocean View Park (2701 Barnard Way).
- Ballot Tracking: You can track the progress of your mailed in ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/
- There are many other details that may be necessary to vote (replacement ballots, not receiving ballot in the mail, mobility access issues etc.etc.). See https://www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections/current-elections/find-my-election-information for additional help voting.
Airport Conversion Survey Deadline This Sunday: Phase 2 of planning for the airport closure/conversion is in progress and the city has created a survey for residents to share your thoughts on its future. Don’t miss this opportunity to voice what uses you want on the Santa Monica Airport property. CLICK HERE to take the survey.
Michael Mina Egyptian-Mediterranean Restaurant Opening: “Orla is a personal celebration of the Egyptian cuisine that Chef Mina grew up eating, cooked by his mother and his aunts, and that he has continued to discover through numerous trips back to Egypt. The menu showcases the breadth of flavor and textures of Egyptian and Greek food, which overlap historically and culturally in numerous ways, resulting in a vast array of shared dishes.” Regent Santa Monica Beach, 1700 Ocean Ave. More details here.
Lady & Larder Charcuterie Board Featured on Netflix Hit Nobody Wants This: The board was a significant plot line in the RomCom show where Kristin Bell’s character brings it to her Jewish boyfriend’s parents’ home and exclaims “I thought prosciutto was fancy Italian beef.” Santa Monicans can also enjoy their offerings at their 828 Pico Blvd. location. https://www.ladyandlarder.com
Directed Action Response Team (DART) – Special Operation: This SaMo.gov blog post details how “On Friday, October 11, the Santa Monica Police Department Directed Action Response Team (DART) coordinated a special crime suppression operation” to make 14 arrests.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap October 5 – 12: Here is this week’s update on police activity.
Things To Do This Weekend:
- Pier Locals Night (Thursday 3:30 – 10pm): Expect youth activities, a car show, performances from SAMOHI’s jazz band, pep squad, and more. FREE. https://www.santamonicapier.org/localsnight
- Final Third Thursday of the Year at 3rd St. Promenade (Thursday 5 – 8pm): The free block party features live music from DJ Asha, No False Ego, and Good Cop Bad Cop, plus free face painting and caricatures, and local vendors. Bring your pups, friends, and family for an evening of fun, dancing, and outdoor dining for the perfect sunset experience. 1200 Block, 3rd St. Promenade More details here.
- The Venice Art Crawl Turns 14 (Thursday 6 – 10pm): Immerse yourself in a captivating evening of artistic whimsy and entertainment as they showcase the talents of local artists. They are encouraging all guests to be in their most eclectic attire. There will be surprise performances throughout the evening, live music, delicious refreshments, and most of an interesting mix of fellow art lovers. @ Lantern House, 52 Windward Ave, Venice. More details here.
- Rainbow Rewind Queer Prom for Grown Ups (Friday 6 – 9pm): For those who didn’t feel safe or invited to their high school prom… this is Queer Prom for grown ups! Enjoy an evening filled with food, dancing, music, and a photographer to capture your special evening. @ SaMo Pier Carousel. More details here.
- Laugh Til You’re Blue Comedy Night at the Westside Democratic HQ (Friday 7pm): This evening of comedy and fun benefits the Westside Democratic HQ in Santa Monica. @ 1241 Third Street Promenade. More details here.
- Main St. Farmers Market (Sunday 8:30am – 1:30pm): This week will include a free Pumpkin Adoptions event from 10am – 1pm or until all pumpkins have been adopted. Kids 12 and under can pick a free baby pumpkin to adopt and take home at no cost. Local produce, coffee, prepared food, live music, local artisans and free kids’ activities will round out the fun-filled day.
