OPA Holiday Party Details
Mark your calendar to join us the Edgemar Restaurant THIS Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Click here to add the holiday party to your calendar.
Apps and soda and one drink are free for OPA members and $10 for guests.
Edgemar Restaurant will be extending their 25% off employee pricing to their Sunday menu for anyone who wants to stick around for dinner. They do a GREAT Sunday Supper series that is $45 for adults and $25 for kids for a pre-fixe meal and the discount will apply to that plus drinks, etc. Click here to make a reservation (strongly encouraged).
We will be having a raffle for prizes from these generous neighborhood businesses (please thank them!) and more:
- AJA Vineyards: Two classic tastings (value of $70)
- Alfalfa: $50 gift card
- Ashland Hill: $50 gift card
- Beach House Coworking: Two 3 month memberships
- Divine Vintage: Tasting for two people
- Dolcenero: $50 gift card
- Edgemar Restaurant: $50 gift card
- Jameson’s: Five $25 gift cards
- Library Ale House: $50 gift card
- Little Bean Cold Brew Coffee: Three $20 gift cards
- Love for Pilates: Two 5-class packages (retail value of $120 each)
- Lula’s: $100 gift card
- Museum of Illusions: Four admission tickets + Gift Bag
- Mystic Journey: $50 gift card
- Papille Gustative: Two $50 gift cards
- Pasjoli: $100 gift card
- Pilatesmith: Three group workouts ($125 value)
- The Pump Station: TBD
- Rabano: $50 gift card
- Shore Hotel: One-night complimentary stay (including parking)
- Ten Women Gallery: $25 gift card, enamel dish by Carole, and a small framed bird by Meilisa
- Triple Beam Pizza: Two $50 gift cards
Buy OPA Raffle Tickets Online: Want to participate in the raffle but can’t make the party? Buy them by replying to this email. They cost $10 for 10 tickets (or $40 for 50 tickets) and you can pick which prizes you want to enter them for.
OPA Holiday Party Sponsor Match: Jeff Jarow, Patty & Dave Tann have generously offered to collectively match any donations towards the holiday party up to $250. Click here and/or reply to this email to help us achieve the match! THANK YOU SPONSORS!!!
Miracle on Main St. Tree Lighting Celebration (Sunday starting 3:30pm): Experience the holidays in Santa Monica as the iconic 20-foot Shopping Cart Tree returns to Main Street! Enjoy kids’ activities, holiday music, Santa’s grand entrance at 4:00 PM, plus a pop-up bar by The Victorian and pizza from Triple Beam. More details here.
2025 draws to a close with new hope for resolution to long-awaited school district split: “The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and the City of Malibu will hold separate votes in December on three foundational agreements that would pave the way for the district’s division into two independent entities, marking a critical milestone in a decade-long separation effort…Together, they outline how financial resources, operations, and services would be divided or shared between a newly formed Malibu Unified School District and Santa Monica Unified School District….” More details here.
New City Law Requires Owners to Register Vacant Properties: “Santa Monica’s more than 150 vacant buildings will be required to be registered with the city, making it easier to enforce everything from a missing fence to a broken security light. The new vacant properties registration ordinance will kick in 30 days after the City Council is expected to give its final approval on Tuesday and carries fees and penalties that have not yet been set…A number of properties in the City have been abandoned or allowed to remain vacant without proper monitoring or security, leading to vandalism, squatting, arson, and destruction….’” More details here.
Pier Bridge Reconstruction Update: In preparation for construction on the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project, the contractor is begin initial mobilization activities shortly. Additional construction notices and updates will follow in December and will be available on the project website. Construction schedules are subject to change. Please visit the project website at www.santamonica.gov/pierbridge for the most up-to-date work schedules.
JSX To Launch New Public Charter Flights From Santa Monica Airport (SMO) Starting Friday, December 19: “The carrier will use ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft that are reconfigured with 30 seats, bringing limited scheduled-style service back to an airport that many expected to fade quietly into history. Flights will initially operate once daily, seven days per week, within the airport’s normal operating hours.” More details here.
The Street Seen: Main St. Update (Pico to Dewey): Here is a rather comprehensive update on comings and goings on Main St. over the past six months and what’s in the works.
SMPD Holiday Deployment: A Realignment Plan Priority in Action: “As Santa Monica enters the holiday season, SMPD has activated an enhanced deployment focused on visibility, safety, and proactive engagement. This seasonal strategy is built to support our busiest commercial and residential areas and reflects Chief Jacob’s four guiding priorities for public safety.” More details here.
Holiday Safety Tips: Keeping the Season Merry, Bright, and Safe: The city published this blog post stating “The holidays have officially arrived in Santa Monica—lights are twinkling, storefronts are buzzing, and our streets are filled with shoppers, visitors, and neighbors enjoying the season. With all that excitement (and all those shopping bags), it’s a great time to slow down for a moment and think about staying safe. A few simple precautions can help keep your holidays joyful, stress-free, and focused on the things that truly matter to you.”
How to Give Back This Holiday Season: Volunteering and Donation Opportunities in West LA: This SaMoMirror Listacle details opportunities to give back this holiday season, including Westside Food Bank needs, SMPD Activities League Toy Drives, and more.
I Wish I Had an Extra Bedroom Program (Now through Feb. 9): Do you wish you had an extra bedroom for guests during the holidays? You’re in luck because Santa Monica hotels are extending special rates to Santa Monica residents and their guests as part of the Santa Monica Extra Bedroom program, taking place now through February 9. Simply show proof of Santa Monica residency and you can receive the special hotel deals listed here.
Help make a new card game about Santa Monica: SaMo Cultural Affairs has partnered with Indiecade, the independent games festival, to embark on a quick Santa Monica 150th Anniversary game jam that’s taking place Nov. 15 through Dec. 13. More details here.
November 2025 Edition SMMUSD Wave Newsletter: https://bit.ly/SMMUSDWave-V36-Nov25
Notice for the 12/17/25 Planning Commission Item regarding Proposed Amendments to the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance Related to Projects Consisting of Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential: The City shared this notice that includes how to comment on it.
Things to Do This Week
SMC Jazz Ensemble: Led by conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont, the accomplished musical group will explore “The Masters,” a program featuring music that highlights the genius of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and Herbie Hancock. Monday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St. smc.edu/calendar/music.php
Celebrating New Deal History at Samohi (Wednesday 4 – 6 pm): Enjoy a public open house featuring 1930s New Deal artwork and architecture at Samohi. The program starts at Barnum Hall and includes visits to the restored Senior Bench and Viking Warrior Statue. RSVP at smc.givecloud.co/samohi
AJA’s Annual Ugly Sweater Party & Competition (Thursday 6:30pm): Wear your BEST holiday ugly sweater. Grab a glass & enter their contest for the ugliest sweater! They’ll have a catwalk & competition, specialty pricing and more! Winners receive prizes of wine related gifts! Must be 21+ to enter competition. @ 1417 2nd St. More details here.
Annual King Tides Celebration: “King tides” occur when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun combine to produce the greatest tidal effects of the year. Climate Action Santa Monica is organizing a morning meetup at Heal The Bay Aquarium this Friday to mark the annual occurrence, discuss the relevancy of rising tides in consideration of climate change, and collect images for scientific documentation of the tides for the Coastal Commission.” FREE. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4 and 5 and Jan. 2 and 3. @ Heal the Bay Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk
Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony (Thursday 6-8pm): 🎄Santa is lighting the tree and taking FREE photos with everyone! Enjoy special performances, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more. @ 1351 Third St. More details here.
OPA and City Meetings
- Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee (Monday 6-8:30pm): More details & agenda here.
- Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission Meeting (Tuesday 5:30pm): More details & agenda here.
- OPA Connects Meeting (Wednesday 12pm): Here is the Zoom link.
- Housing Commission Meeting (Thursday 6pm): Click Here for agenda.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
- Ocean Park Holiday Caroling Event (Friday, Dec. 12, 8-9pm)📖Join neighbors Erik and Karen as they gather singers to do a four-part harmony, walk around the neighborhood, and carol to four houses! If you would like carolers outside of your house or apartment building, contact erik.maroneyam@gmail.com or 530-574-2125. Or, if you would like to join them in caroling, email/text Erik to find out how to join!
- Ocean Park Social Club Holiday Potluck and Cookie Exchange (Sunday, Dec. 14, 3:30-5pm): Location is TBD, but the idea is that attendees mix and mingle while assembling a box of assorted cookies made by your neighbors! Attendees should bake and bring at least 1 dozen cookies, a tupperware, and an ingredient list for your cookies. RSVP to samosocialclub@gmail.com.
- Holiday Potluck and Festivities (Sunday, Dec. 14 5:30-7:30pm @ The Church in Ocean Park): Stay tuned for details, how to RSVP, and potluck sign up sheet!
- Upcoming OPA Book Club Meetings: Planned dates are December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1. Email alexabarrett@gmail.com for more info.
- New Year’s Brunch Potluck and Square Dancing (Jan. 4):🕺 Details to follow
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