Unfortunately, OPA sent out their newsletter after Next completed its schedule yesterday. The newsletter below is edited to not include event listings for events that have already occurred.
The Blue Notebook – A Weekly SMPD Recap – Oct. 11-17: Here is the police dept. recap for the week. Also, here is the SMDP summary of the summary. 😉
The Street Seen: Main Street (November 2026): This series on contemporary Main Street continues with a look at the evolution over the last 12 months, a 50th anniversary, and brown paper. Like the 4th of July Parade in the good old days, we travel south down the street from Pico to Marine. It includes some pictures of the work being done on the old Enterprise Fish Company space.
City Council Moves Affordability Agenda Forward: These initiatives include incorporating Measure GS funds into the Housing Trust Fund Guidelines, expanding the Preserving Our Diversity program, adding additional Human Services Grants Program funding for food assistance and childcare subsidies, and strengthening the city’s Tenant Harassment Ordinance to more explicitly protect tenant organizing. More details in this City release.
Venice Beach Aiming for a Fall 2027 Music Festival: The vision for “1905 Fest” is an ambitious event that goes from sand to street, taking over Windward Plaza as the first ticketed music festival at that location. Preliminary plans place stages in the sand with activations across the Plaza and a closed street for a free “fan zone” that will also promote local businesses. Music genres will include psychedelic rock and indie dance. More details here.
Reminder: Decline-in-Value Review Deadline is Nov. 30: You have until Nov. 30 to file an application for a Decline-in-Value Review (DIV) if you believe the market value of your property has fallen below the assessed value as of Jan. 1, 2026. Also, property owners who wish to challenge their 2026 property tax assessment have until midnight (PST), November 30, 2026, to file a Regular Assessment Appeal with the Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board. More details here.
Main St.’s New Bar Fortuna Adds Late-Night Hours: This SMDP article highlights how “the Italian cocktail and wine bar that Ocean Park native Brian Bornemann opened on Main Street two weeks ago, begins staying open until midnight, a block from the water in the neighborhood where he grew up.”
SMPD Explorer Program: The Santa Monica Police Department is currently recruiting youth 14-21 years old for the Explorer program. The program offers an opportunity for leadership and career development while learning about the inner workings of the police department. More details here and interested parties can reach out to Explorer advisors by emailing them at: Alyssa.Franco@santamonica.gov or Myamie.Thompson@santamonica.gov
SaMo Dominating the Infatuation’s “Best Bakeries in LA” List: Matilda’s (3200 Airport Ave.), Jyan Isaac Bread (1620 Ocean Park Blvd.), and Petitgrain Boulangerie (1209 Wilshire Blvd) all earn spots on this roundup of L.A.’s best bakeries. Not a bad showing for a city that takes its croissants, sourdough and pastries seriously. More details here.
Councilmember Dan Hall Newsletter: Here is his weekly newsletter, with his thoughts on news in and around the city over the past week, upcoming calendar of events, and much more. This week includes detaisl on monthly live performances on the Promenade, psychiatric services contract and water bonds.
MESSAGE FROM OPA BUSINESS MEMBER: Mishkon Community Playdate (Sunday, November 15, 1 – 3 pm): You’re invited to our FREE community playdate! Come laugh and play with our families, enjoy arts and crafts, snack on tasty treats, and get your kids’ wiggles out with special guest Goofy Gil! Learn more and RSVP here. @ The Preschool at Mishkon (206 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291)
Things to Do This Week
Santa Monica College Giving Thanks(GIVING) Coat Drive (Saturday 9am – 1pm): Join in supporting SMC students by helping us reach our goal of collecting 1,500 new & gently used coats & hoodies. Together we can remove the barriers many students experience during their academic journey, allowing students to keep their focus on their education & future. Please help! Your generosity translates into degrees, careers and dreams achieved! Drop-Off @ Compass Realty, 2115 Main St. More details here.
OPA and City Meetings
- 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.
- Rent Control Board Meeting (Thursday 6pm): More details & agenda here.
Upcoming Calendar of Events
- OPA Book Club: Next planned dates are 12/2 (The Year of Living Danishly). Email alexabarrett@gmail.com for more info. All meets are at 6pm at the Ocean Park Library (2601 Main St.).
- OPA Monthly Meeting: Monday, Nov. 9, 6pm @ Ocean Park Library
- OPA Holiday Party: Sunday Dec. 6, 3pm. Details TBD.
