OPA Membership Drive: If you enjoy this newsletter and all the events and community work OPA is leading (like this past weekend’s SOULstice event), please help our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation. WE NEED COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO KEEP DOING EVERYTHING WE DO! Most memberships are $20/year but there is also a $10/year option. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OR DONATE. If you are not a member, you can join for a year + get a t-shirt for $30.
Main St. Summer Soulstice Review & Pics: Here is the Main St. Instagram with some great pics and videos from the day. More to come later this week.
Council Approves Increase in Water and Wastewater Rates Over 75% Over Next 5 Years: The city released this post detailing how “customers will see an average 12 percent increase in water and sewer charges each year for the next five years.”
Santa Monica Could Cash In on 2028 Olympics: Santa Monica may not be hosting beach volleyball during the 2028 Summer Olympics, but it could cash in and get plenty of global attention as a satellite hub for the games. Under a proposal from the Austrian agency Hochsitz the City Council will consider on Tuesday, portions of Crescent Bay Park and Beach Parking Lot 4 South in Ocean Park will be the site for a satellite broadcast center and two hospitality houses. The three structures would “attract international media, government dignitaries, sponsors, and Olympic stakeholders to Santa Monica, generating global exposure for our beachfront and iconic Pier,” staff wrote in a report to the Council. [Thanks to OPA tipster Jorge for making sure we saw this] More details here.
The Street Seen: Ocean Park Methodist Church (231 – 237 Hill St @ 2nd St): The Ocean Park Methodist Church, established in 1898, meets in temporary quarters until 1901, when it occupies an old wood frame church building. In 1923, the current 2-story concrete and brick church is built on the corner of Hill and 2nd St. More details here.
Santa Monica Launches AI-Powered Bus Lane Enforcement as City Expands Surveillance Technology: The City will begin using artificial intelligence-powered cameras to automatically ticket drivers who illegally park in bus lanes starting July 1, marking the latest expansion of AI surveillance technology across the coastal city. More details here.
Muir/SMASH School Naming Petition: Multiple neighborhood parents have come together to start this petition because “When two SMASH students sat in and spoke during on of the SMMUSD board meetings on June 5, they found out that the board had no intention of using elements of John Muir or SMASH, losing ties to our schools history and culture. This petition is asking to keep historical elements of the school and naming.”
Make an Appointment for a Free SMPD Home Security Checkup
- Residents can take proactive steps to enhance their home security
- SMPD offers free home security assessments to all residents to “help identify potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations to better secure your home.”
- To schedule an assessment, call 310-458-8474.
The Infatuation Declares the SaMo “New Din Tai Fung Is The Best One Yet”: Some restaurants have loyal customers. Din Tai Fung has believers: people who will wait an hour-plus for dumplings without batting an eye, know each of their XLB has exactly 18 pleats, and refer to it exclusively as “DTF”. You could argue that there are better dumplings in the SGV, and you’d probably be right. But that’s not the point. You’re here to eat delicious soup dumplings with an ocean view and fill up on other Taiwanese staples you can depend on. 395 Santa Monica Place More details here.
Things To Do This Week:
Memories & Movement Senior Club (Tuesday 10:30am): Each week will be something new: Exercise, Talking with Friends, Learning, Guest Presenters, Health & Wellness. @ Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave. More details here.
The LA Law Library resource specialist holds their monthly Office Hours (6/26 2-6pm).
Strongman to Pull 34,680-Pound Bus at Santa Monica Pier: Strongman Martins Licis, the 2019 “World’s Strongest Man” winner, will attempt to pull a 34,680-pound battery electric Big Blue Bus 30 feet at the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday morning to kick off the “Pier 360” Beach Festival. More details here.
Sunset Picnic @ Annenberg Community Beach House (Thursday 5pm): Looking for the perfect way to unwind this summer? Grab your picnic basket, your favorite people (or come solo!), and enjoy a sunset evening at the Beach House! Bring your own fun—cards, board games, puzzles, or just good vibes! A sweet surprise? Let’s just say… s’mores may be involved! No RSVP needed—just come as you are and enjoy a beautiful beachside evening! 415 PCH More details here.
OPA & City Meetings:
Arts Commission Meeting (Monday 5:25pm): In-person only in the SMi Training Room (northwest corner of the 2nd floor of the Civic Center Parking Structure – 330 Olympic Drive). More details here.
Airport Commission Meeting (Monday 7pm): More details & agenda here.
City Council Meeting (Tuesday 5:30 pm): Meetings are hybrid and can be viewed on this YouTube channel. Click here for agenda.
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
