This newsletter came out yesterday and this copy has been lightly edited to remove events from last night.
National Night Out (Tuesday 5:30 – 8:30pm): The annual community-building event promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Expect FREE music, food, and activities for all ages. SMPD will showcase their various police vehicles and equipment and invite the community to meet police personnel (human and 4-legged alike).The parking structure at Olympic & 4th St. is free that night and Big Blue Bus will be providing free bus rides all night when you mention National Night Out. @ City Hall, 1685 Main St. More details here. |
OPA August 11 Monthly Meeting Next Monday: This month’s meeting will be at the Ocean Park Library (@ 2601 Main St.) starting with food and mingling at 6:00pm. We will also be hybrid on Zoom. Here’s the zoom link and here’s schedule:
- 6:00 – 6:30pm: Food, refreshments and mingling
- 6:30 – 6:45pm: SMPD
- 6:45 – 7:00: SMFD
- 7:00 – 7:20: Oliver Chi, City Manager
- 7:20 – 8:30: Board business, including upcoming calendar of events
SMPD to Increase Enforcement Against Illegal Off-Highway Vehicles: Officials stated that the increased enforcement comes in response to growing safety concerns and complaints from the community. More details here and here is a report about them impounding 12 illegal e-Bikes.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap July 13 – 19: Here is the weekly police update of activity.
Santa Monica Ranks Second Most Expensive for Rentals as Real Estate Market Shows Mixed Signals: Santa Monica has emerged as the second most expensive rental market in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, with one-bedroom apartments commanding a median rent of $2,900, according to the latest Zumper Los Angeles Metro Area Report. The rental market’s strength contrasts sharply with a cooling residential sales market. While apartment rents have climbed approximately 3% year-over-year and vacancy rates have plummeted to just 4.4% — translating to 95-96% occupancy — home sales tell a different story. The median home sale price in Santa Monica dropped 4% year-over-year to around $1.6 million as of mid-2025. In June, approximately 52 homes sold compared to 60 sales in June 2024, representing a 13% decline in transaction volume. More details here.
Santa Monica’s Civic Center Could See Retail, Dining, New Services with Updated RAND Agreement: “The RAND Corporation’s Santa Monica headquarters at 1776 Main St. could soon see new retail, restaurants and office uses, following approval of an amended development agreement by the Santa Monica City Council Tuesday. As part of the updated agreement, RAND will also pay $5.5 million to the city’s General Fund to fund programs and services that benefit Santa Monica residents, businesses and visitors. The funds will be paid in two installments, with $3.5 million upon agreement execution and the remaining $2 million no more than three years later.” More details here.
My Gym Drop off Camp is August 5th – 8th: When school is out, My Gym is in! Let us keep the kids busy with 3 hours of games, activities and most especially FUN! 1-4pm. www.mygym.com/santamonica/camp
Santa Monica to Renew Homelessness Emergency: “Local California governments are required by law to renew a local emergency every 60 days until it is terminated, according to the staff report to the Council. ‘Specifically, the extension enables the City to, among other things, receive additional county, state, and federal resources to address the homelessness crisis (and) prevent rental price gouging.'” More details here.
Santa Monica to Feel Impact of Trump’s Homeless Order: This SaMo Lookout report states “President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that will have financial and practical impacts on Santa Monica’s ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness. The order, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets,” makes it easier for States and cities to remove homeless individuals from public spaces, especially those who need treatment for drug addiction and mental illness. Of the 2,802 total arrests made by police last year, 1,694, or 60 percent, were of homeless individuals…”
***CONSTRUCTION NOTICE*** Roadway Improvements for Lincoln Boulevard Neighborhood Corridor (LiNC) Streetscape Project (August 4-8): The City sent this notice: “The City of Santa Monica’s Engineering and Street Services Division is leading the construction of the Lincoln Boulevard Neighborhood Corridor (LiNC) Streetscape Project. As part of this effort, cross gutter reconstruction and street paving will take place on Michigan Avenue (east of Lincoln Boulevard) beginning Monday, August 4, and continuing through Friday, August 8. The planned work includes reconstruction of the cross gutter and street pavement improvements. During construction drivers will not be able to enter or exit Michigan Avenue east of Lincoln Boulevard and parking along Lincoln Boulevard will be restricted, and traffic delays should be expected. More details here.
Things To Do This Week:
Dine LA Restaurant Week(s) Continues ThroughAug 8: 47 SaMo eateries are participating, including: Edgemar, Papille Gustative, Chnois on Maim, Fitoor, Orla, and Blue Plate Taco. More details here.
Ocean Park Summer Picnic Series (Thursday 5:30 – 7:30pm (drop by anytime)): While this is not an OPA event, it is organized by Tess, who is a super engaged OPA member who is spearheading creating community events.
- Where: Hotchkiss Park – closer to 4th Street (to the left of the bathrooms if you’re coming from 4th).
- What you bring: Your own food/drink and something to sit on (chair or blanket)
- What we’ll bring: As always, we’ll have name tags!
- Why are we doing this: We are looking to build an increased sense of community and connection in Ocean Park.
- Optional Icebreaker: Meeting a new neighbor? Ask if they had any traditions growing up that made them feel connected to their community.
- Future Dates: Aug 21
Santa Monica Public Library at the Beach: Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library is on Friday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy.) featuring a no-library-card-required book sign out from the beach reads collection, a relaxing Surfside Lounge, games and a Seaside Storytime. All ages are welcome. More details here.
Chez Jay’s 66 Year Anniversary Party: Festivities begin at 3p.m. and includes a vibrant mix of live music, classic cars, delicious food, specialty cocktails, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy the party outdoors or reserve a table inside Chez Jay’s dining room. Saturday, Aug. 9, starting at 3p.m., 1657 Ocean Ave.https://chezjays.com/66anniversary
OPA & City Meetings:
OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
Housing Commission Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
