Category community news

Santa Monica Launches One SaMo People’s Academy

The following is a submission from the City of Santa Monica The city of Santa Monica is inviting residents to apply for the new One SaMo People’s Academy, a six-week course offering an inside look at city operations, priorities and civic engagement opportunities.   The program aims…

OPA Update 2/26/26: City Could Move Some Homeless Services Outside the City, Arrests Reach Record-Breaking Pace, Frieze Art and Virginia Greens Festivals, & Other Things To Do This Weekend

Santa Monica Could Move Some Homeless Services Outside the City: The Council’s closed-door negotiations come as City officials have said they are looking at options to relocate homeless services and temporary shelter from Downtown as a key component of a…

Santa Monica College Designated a Black-Serving Institution

Image and story below provided by SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC)—a longstanding Hispanic-Serving Institution—has also become a designated California Black-Serving Institution. The state’s Governing Board for Black-Serving Institutions named SMC among 31 higher education institutions throughout California to receive the designation— including the University of…

OPA Update 2/23/26: Superbloom Collective Joins OPA, Church in Ocean Park Vandalized, IKEA Heads to Culver City, & Things To Do This Week

Superbloom Collective for Joining OPA as a “Gold Business Member”!Superbloom Collective is a Santa Monica based 501c3 community organization reactivating our public parks and beaches with accessible and inclusive wellness, music, and community gatherings. Superbloom’s offerings include weekly yoga at…

OPA Update 2/16/26: Thanks Beach House Cowork for Joining OPA! President’s Day Storms, City Looking for Homeless Shelter Beds Away from Downtown, & Things To Do This Week

Thank You Beach House Cowork for Joining OPA as a “Gold Business Member”! Beach House Cowork offers a bright, laid-back workspace for freelancers, remote workers, and small teams who want productivity without sacrificing coastal vibes. With modern amenities, natural light,…

SMFD Launches City Ambulance Program

The following is via the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Fire Department launched a new, in-house Ambulance Operator Program on Feb. 1, part of the ongoing implementation of the city’s two-year strategic Realignment Plan. The Ambulance Operator Program…