Good morning Santa Monica! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Big Blue Bus Tops 10 Million Rides For 2nd Straight Year (patch.com) — Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus has rebounded to more than 10 million annual rides for the second year in a row, nearing pre-pandemic levels and expanding its zero-emission fleet. Recent upgrades include more frequent service, better bus stops, and new safety enforcement with onboard cameras. Residents can celebrate and get free rides or treats at a Sept. 30 SoCal Transit Month booth at the Downtown Farmers Market.
2. City of Santa Monica launches $100,000 Small Business Relief Microgrant Program (santamonica.gov) — Santa Monica has launched a $100,000 Small Business Relief Microgrant Program offering $5,000 one-time grants to eligible brick‑and‑mortar businesses, with the first application round open through Oct. 1. City leaders say the effort, part of the Realignment Plan, aims to stabilize locally owned shops, strengthen commercial corridors, and keep storefronts active, with a help session at the Main Library for interested owners.
3. Flock Cameras Are Still Recording Parts of the Westside – And Many Don't Even Know It (westsidecurrent.com) — Santa Monica police are continuing to use 79 Flock license-plate reader cameras across the city, even as Los Angeles police have ended their contract over privacy concerns. Local officials say the system helps solve crimes and that data is tightly controlled, while civil liberties advocates warn about tracking residents' movements. The current contract runs through 2027, with any changes requiring public City Council action.
4. Santa Monica Groups Win Prestigious Olmsted Network Award (smdp.com) — Santa Monica's Airport2Park Foundation and Great Park Coalition are being nationally honored for their work to turn the Santa Monica Airport site into a major new public park when it closes in 2028. The Olmsted Network's 2026 President's Award recognizes local advocacy for more green space in park‑deficient Santa Monica and could help connect the effort with new tools, partners, and funding.
5. Concern as Hurricane Marie forces cancellation of Santa Monica Ocean Way Concert (environewsnigeria.com) — A major Ocean Way concert planned for Santa Monica was canceled after Hurricane Marie severely eroded the beachfront festival site, underscoring how extreme weather can abruptly upend local events. Organizers had booked big-name acts, but safety concerns forced the shutdown. Climate advocates say the disruption should push coastal communities like Santa Monica to prioritize resilience and ocean protection.
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Ok Santa Monica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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