| Spotlight: Dylan Sohngen (owner of OPA member Aqua Surf) shared some love for Haque’s Bodega on 4th St.: “What would we do without Haque’s!? They always have treats for the neighborhood dogs, are so nice and it’s great seeing friends on their morning or afternoon stops. They get fun international and healthy snacks and I’d be lost without them.” Reply to this email if you want to share a favorite local business. |
| Dave Beran of Seline & Pasjoli Restaurants on Main St. Among James Beard Awards Semifinalists: More details here along with the complete list for the most esteemed restaurant awards in the country. |
| City Establishes “Major Events Team”: Housed in the City Manager’s Office, the purpose is to coordinate FIFA World Cup 2026, a major Goldenvoice music festival in 2026, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. The team transitions in early February with dedicated staff for events, partnerships, and coordination. |
| Santa Monica Retail Cannabis Applications Now Open: The city’s comprehensive retail cannabis program includes a social equity component designed to lower barriers to entry for qualifying applicants that was studied and developed over the last year. Cannabis retail applications will be accepted and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. More details here. |
| Mayor Torosis, Councilmembers Hall and Raskin Unveil Bold Cost-of-Living Agenda to Ensure Everyone Can Thrive in Santa Monica: The Council action directs City staff to evaluate and advance practical, legally viable strategies that reduce costs where residents feel them most: food, early-childhood expenses, wages, consumer pricing, and housing stability. Together, the proposals reflect a simple principle. Santa Monica’s renaissance cannot succeed unless people can afford to remain, raise families, and build their lives here. “A thriving city is one where people can stay, raise families, and build a future without constant financial strain,” said Mayor Caroline Torosis. “This agenda is about focusing government on what actually matters. Food on the table, fair pay for work, stable housing, and basic transparency. That’s how we make sure progress is real and shared.” More details here. |
| The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap January 11 -17: Here is the weekly recap of police activity. |
| CNN names Santa Monica one of the best places to visit in 2026: The feature highlights Santa Monica as the western terminus of historic Route 66 during the highway’s 100th anniversary, with imagery anchored by the Pier and Pacific Park. More details here. |
| Santa Monica Exploring Entry into 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade: Santa Monica city officials are considering whether to pursue a civic float in the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade, a move supporters say could serve as a high-profile symbol of the city’s recovery and renewed civic energy. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting (Agenda, Item 16F), members discussed a proposal directing staff to explore entering a Santa Monica–themed float in the internationally televised New Year’s Day parade, which reaches more than 28 million viewers in the U.S. and millions more worldwide. The 2027 parade theme, “Welcome,” is being framed by city leaders as a good fit for Santa Monica’s efforts to signal that it is open for residents, businesses, and visitors. Mayor Caroline Torosis said the proposal is about telling a new story about the city’s direction. She pointed to recent efforts to restore services, revitalize commercial areas, and reactivate public spaces, arguing that a Rose Parade entry could showcase Santa Monica’s creativity and economic momentum on a global stage. More details here. |
| Message from OPA Gold Member The Pump Station: Mommy & Me or Parent & Me Groups – New Sessions Starting Monthly! Having a baby is a time of celebration, but it is also a time of big transitions as you try to navigate your way through the uncharted terrain of parenting. Join now, learn to use mindfulness, communication, connection and respect to raise secure, independent and empathetic human beings. Gain confidence in your new role as a parent. Click here to learn more or to sign up now! |
